Zadayi Red

Zadayi Red is Caleb Fox's debut book. The book was inspired by Fox's Cherokee heritage. Though the book and the Galayi people are fictional, you may recognize familiar stories and customs. The book is about a people called Galayi, which is divided into five tribes. It is like a state divided into counties. Each has their own rulers and customs, but they also have collective customs and rulers. The tale focuses on one boy, Dahzi that is raise by a medicine woman. He is the prophesied savior of the people. This is a large responsibility with which to grow up. Also, Dahzi's own grandfather wants him killed at birth and declares war on the tribe that protects him. The tale is about Dahzi learning about love, rebelling against his destiny, and coming full circle to embrace the prophesy. The book had a lot of strengths in the creation of a believable tribe and culture, but it also has some weaknesses. It attempts to tackle two very large themes: coming of age and the circle of life. It is too much for one book. I think the story would have more depth if it focused on just one of these themes. There are also some very awkward exclamations; things that do not sound right. For example, "damn" and "Hell" was used, but the Galayi people believe in the Darkening Land not Heaven and Hell. These types of statement were enough to temporarily break the moment of disbelief. Fortunately, Fox does have an excellent story and has an incredible talent for telling it. Putting these weaknesses aside, the book is worth reading and I think that future books by Fox will only get better.

As a life-long fantasy reader, I was excited to find a novel, and emerging author in fantasy. Zadayi Red has all of the elements of good fantasy while remaining unique and true to an idiosyncratic style and story. Characters were easy to engage and feel attached to. For a first run at fantasy, Caleb Fox has made a very good impression. I will definitely read Fox's books in the future.

There are a few fantasy writers I love--Ursula LeGuin tops the list. Caleb Fox is now on the same list. Zadayi Red was astonishing, thoughtful, suspenseful, wildly imaginative, and the writing style is pure magic. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be transported to a different world. Now... Here I must comment on the review which gave the book one star and called it racist and boring. Any book that shows the power inherent in a belief system that respects the natural world, inside and out, does not portray racist feelings about those people. Quite the opposite. (Particularly considering the author is writing about those who came before his own Cherokee ancestors.) I found that reviewer's racism statement offensive. Very. I checked that reviewers other reviews, wondering what she might like. Every book she read was given one star, so considering the source is apt. (Harriet Klausner's review was right on, as they usually are.) This book will work for young adults, urbanites who feel a tug of wonder as they enter a cave and imagine ages past, and many of us who are in the middle of that spectrum. I am already looking forward to the next in this series by the new writer, Caleb Fox. (And I thank him for giving me a great and mind-opening read!)

Ever since Sunoya was born under an omen of duality either she will be a great enlightener or an even greater darkness bringer. To influence the path, she has been mentored by the medicine man of the Galayi tribe to one day replace him. His mission is to see she goes down the path to help their people. The young shaman sees a horrific vision of the tribe's greatest artifact the magical Cape of Eagle Feathers that helps keep the tribe safe and thriving as the Seer of the People wears it so he (or she) can see the future. Sunoya sees it bloodied and dirty. Her foretelling means hard times for her people. However, Sunoya also foresees a hero will restore the cape to its previous glory and restore the tribe back to a better lifestyle. She believes the hero is her second cousin, infant Dahzi. The tribe anoints the baby as their savior and over the years he faces much danger including an envious evil loathing grandfather who along with several others who wants him dead. Sunoya keeps Dahzi safe as both will sacrifice plenty for their people. This is a fabulous fresh Native American fantasy that fans of the sub-genre will fully enjoy. The keys to the story line are the two heroes as Sunoya and Dahzi struggle with what they must personally give up to save their people. Mindful of Aimee Thurlo's fine tales, ZADAYI RED is a super thriller. Harriet Klausner