TITLE: Rainbird
AUTHOR: Rabia Gale
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction
PUBLISHED: 10/10/2012
RATING: ★★★★☆
PURCHASE LINKS: Amazon / Smashwords
MOBILISM LINK: Mobilism
Review: It may help if I start out by explaining what Rainbird is not. It's not a novel, it's a novella. While it's not entirely fantasy, it's also not entirely sci-fi. It's a blend of both. While it is a blend of both, it's not steampunk. Got it? Good.
Rainbird is the story of an halfbreed girl with a dying father. Rainbird is set in a highly unusual world where humans live under a space dragon skeleton the size of a small continent. The sun is artificial, and it rides along a track attached to the underside of the skeleton's spine. Rainbird and her father's job is to maintain this "sunway" that the "sun" rides upon. There is another race called the Eiree that live above the spine and look down with disdain upon humans. They dislike halfbreeds like Rainbird even more. Part of the crux of the novella has to do with the fact that Rainbird is not accepted by either society.
We are thrown into this unusual world so abruptly that it's almost disconcerting. As the novella progresses it becomes much easier to accept and focus on the story. This may, in part, flow from one of the author's strengths. She allows the reader to adapt to the story's world, rather than adapting the story to the reader (with prologues, tedious foreshadowing, or long explanations.) She doesn't ever over-explain her world or it's characters. In this case, this is a good thing that ends up pulling the reader more strongly into her world.
I feel the author's biggest strength is her ability to paint with words. I'm reminded of the acclaimed author Alice Hoffman. While she may not yet possess the skill Alice Hoffman has, she does paint with the words of her story in perhaps an even more vibrant and colorful tone. She also handles fast action well, some rapid moving spots in the novella hit with the impact of watching a sequence in an action movie.
Criticisms? It could be longer. Not to tell the story, as it is all there, but to allow us to explore this world and it's characters more fully. The ending, while suitable, feels slightly rushed.
This novella is suitable for both adult and YA audiences. While they are not detailed in a gratuitous manner, there are elements of abuse, cruelty, violence, and greed in Rainbird's world. I began to question if there was any hope for Rainbird, as her situation became more and more dire, but was rewarded with a satifying enough ending. Suffice it to say that Rainbird's pluck, luck, and determination help determine her fate.
Rainbird is a story rich with imagination. It asks for a sequel, but it doesn't beg. Rainbird is different enough (from your average "plucky" heroine) that dropping in on her and her world again should be well worthwhile.
I enjoyed Rainbird and would recommend it to all. The only exceptions I can think of might be those who have a strong dislike of fantasy and sci-fi. The author and her husband have expressed a desire to work with the members of our community and I feel it would be only fair to express our appreciation by supporting the author's work. So, if you enjoy Rainbird like I did, make sure you purchase a copy and/or post an online review to spread the word.
