THE OUTCAST

Fenix’s SF debut follows an orphan as he fights to survive among a warrior race of people who hate him.

Hok’ee was discovered as an abandoned infant on planet Korritorjim. He has the same snakelike eyes, luminescent veins, and fangs as the Das nervin who inhabit the desert world, but his colors are different, indicating that he hails from the Xai tribe, abhorred by the Das. Still, they’d rather avoid further war with other tribes, so the possibility that Hok’ee is an “aresh” (a pawn used to justify igniting conflict) ensures his safety, at least until he’s an adult. That doesn’t stop him from suffering merciless bullying or his adoptive family’s endless cruelty. Life takes a turn for the better when Hok’ee meets Öökyo Varkinis. The two boys are roughly the same age and quickly become close friends—and, in due time, something more (“His heart beat a little faster, aching for him”). But circumstances split them apart, and Hok’ee has no choice but to start his Trial, a tradition in which a nervin “pup” is forced to fend for himself outside of civilization. Fenix introduces a cast of unforgettable characters: The nervin are immortal, have incredible healing abilities, and even hibernate. Hok’ee’s exceptionally vicious adoptive father calls him a “mutt” (there’s a chance Hok’ee has mortal blood) and constantly reminds him that his being an aresh is the only reason the boy is alive. This tautly-written novel’s first half focuses on the bigotry Hok’ee endures and on his deftly understated relationship with Öökyo. The latter half, in which Hok’ee teams up with a bounty hunter, slowly exposes readers to the narrative’s larger world(s). As this is a series opener, a few mysteries remain unresolved and the story ends on a solid cliffhanger.

A fascinating nonhuman cast and their faraway world make for an enthralling read.