Skrimsli

It is a night of tension. The old tigress, Narastikeri, once the star of Kobret’s circus, is giving birth to what will be her last litter. One by one the cubs die – but not the last, the one that is different. So Skrimsli is born. Owl, the freak, human and owl, befriends him and together with Kal and the horse Luja, they set out on a quest to find who they really are; they seek the Green Forest that haunts their memories and dreams, the Forest where ‘The tiger and the sturgeon and the owl are the keepers of the forest. Each must speak to each to keep the forest whole’.  For this is a world under threat. Where the once easy communication between animals and humans is being stamped out, where the forests are being cut down, the land vandalised for minerals and oil. Their journey is fraught – and brings surprises, not least for Skrimsli, a tiger who will become a sea captain.

Nicola Davis has written a wholly immersive story, grabbing the reader’s attention from the first paragraph. And this is vital – her narrative is expansive, making demands on its audience – but these demands are well worth the time and engagement. Though we are in the world of Yuderan, Northsky and Romyc, the problems and issues will be recognisable to all. Indeed, they are real problems – though Davis introduces the concept of the Listeners – those who can link into the thoughts of animals and others who can themselves talk to animals – we are not in a fantasy world where magic is the answer.  We are being asked to view how we treat the natural resources offered by the world, the question of power and its effect, the importance of relationships and above all friendship despite differences. The plot is sprawling but never hesitates moving from one exciting incident to another without stop. Linking them are the characters – Skrimsli, Owl, Kal – and the Palatine. They each step off the page demanding to be our friend and companion. This is a prequel to Davis novel The Song that Sings Us but it can stand alone, either filling in a background or directing the reader to future events. Davis style is contemporary and brisk. Descriptions are relevant and precise while there is plenty of dialogue to ensure immediacy. The cover image and the beautiful chapter headings by Jackie Morris add to the whole – a complete package. This is a novel that will appeal to the confident, thinking reader – a challenge, perhaps but with great rewards. Skrimsli and Owl are not characters the reader will forget.