The Meq

At the risk of gushing, the word "awesome" really doesn't do this book justice. The Meq is Cash's first novel, but the richness of the text and the strong characters seem like the work of veteran writer. So, you may ask, what is the Meq about? The quick version is that it's a story akin to the Highlander movies. But that doesn't really explain much. The Meq are a mysterious race of immortals that have been around since, well, the beginning. They stop aging when they turn twelve, they cannot get sick or die, and they do not continue aging until meeting their ameq (soulmate). The catch is they have no idea why they are immortal; no knowledge of their origins. Cash's book begins when Zianno Zezen turns twelve (for the first time) in 1881 and learns that he and his parents are Meq. This book, the first in a series, spans from 1881 to 1918. Cash's writing style lends itself to the breezy way that the Meq can deal with time (what's a few years when you can live forever?). And, while it may seem strange to read about centuries-old people living in the bodies of children, Cash makes that work too. While the story has adventure and romance, the main conceit of this novel (and I presume later ones in the series) is Z's search, along with his fellow Meq, for the truth behind their origins. The book is generally categorized as YA, but I really think it's a must-read for anyone who has any interest in fantasy novels.

I liked this book not only for the fascinating story of Z and the other Meq 'children' but also for the writing. Unlike one reviewer who thought the prose was stilted I thought it reminded me of Ray Bradbury's work where the plot at times was only incidental to the lyricism of the story-telling. Mr. Cash's prose at times seemed musical. As for criticisms of convenient meetings with other Meq, so what? Almost any novel will have enough plot holes to resemble the Big Dig. Time moves at various paces through this book, at one time a week may take a chapter, at others a dozen years can pass in just a few paragraphs, which is consistent to the timeview of the Meq. If you want space opera or swords and sorcery or wizards and magic, look elsewhere; but if you want a good story that will keep you spellbound, then ready 'The Meq.' As in any Bradbery story, take time to smell the roses and enjoy the prose. (Though I must admit there were times I wanted to skim just to find out what would happen to different characters.) I have already pre-ordered 'Time Dancers' and hope that Mr. Cash will continue the saga.

I read a lot of Sci-Fi and am always troubled by the boring landscapes that many authors ply in this genre. That is why I was so fascinated with this novel, in that it brought a different theme to the mix; one that although familiar was still refreshing enough. The book is about a kid who never grows old; unless he chooses to after he finds his soulmate. The book is very sad at times and certainly starts off that way, when the kid (the protaganist of the story) is involved in a train wreck only to survive while his parents die - they chose to grow old. His quest in life revolves finding others of his ilk - a race of people who seem to have some affinity to the ancient Basques and perhaps to a race of aliens. Set in the late 1800s and early 1900s you get a fresh new perspective of that period in history from the eyes of this aging boy and his friends as they travel the world in search of ..... well I do not want to tell the whole story. Cleary there is a sequel here (to come out in May 2006), and one that I will surely buy.

Different is good! With all the Lord of the Ring & /or Star Wars knock offs out there, The Meq is refreshing simply because it is unlike any book I've ever read in this genre. The author's tone is simple but weighty and the characters are unusual as well. Highly recommended for those tired of the status quo.

Yes this is a slow story but for the main characters, the meq, time is irrelevent. I found the play between twelve and ageless to be the most engaging facet of this book, the meq are at once ancient and childlike. This is evident even in the oldest characters. This book ends just as events seem to be picking up, there is a time line on the horizen even if it is eighty years and one of the meq characters seems to crack under stress. I am already anticipating the release of the continuing book.