Book Review: Animist

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Animist     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Eve Forward
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Tor, Jun 2000, $23.95, 336 pp.

Teenager Alex worries about his future now that he graduates from the College of Animists. He knows he must embark on a journey to find his Anim if he is to survive in a world filled with magicians desiring the annihilation of the Animists. However, the thought of the trek frightens him especially since his friends still have a few years before they begin their quest for the animal that they will share an empathic link with for life.

Alex meets his empathic other, Mote a tiny rat, but his search also places the two of them in the middle of a war between two small nations. Along with several traveling companions he met on his pilgrimage, Alex stands in the way of a malevolent being that wants mass destruction. Only Mote manages to keep Alex from blundering to his death as the small troupe struggles to save the lives of humans and animals.

Although the twin themes of a coming of age quest and a psychic link between humans and animals have been done many times in novels and movies, the charming characters keep the tale fresh. The story line is entertaining and exciting as the bungling Alex and his cohorts attempt the impossible. Though the humans are fully developed and interesting, Mote steals the show as the most intriguing rat since Ben. Eve Forward succeeds in turning Alex’s journey into a genial fantasy that deserves sequels.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner