It's not common that an author is able to write a race of creatures that just genuinely feels alien or unknowable - anthropomorphism always leaks through in the wrong places and you just start seeing them as weird humans. Alex Thomson is one of those rare authors that created a race that, even as his protagonist sticks characteristics on their oppressors, is very clear that these are unknowable/unfathomable others. That gives so much more power to Spidertouch, and really sets the book apart from the standard "conquered people" type of novels - there isn't an option to put yourself into the shoes or try to understand their motivations, as they are the other. The premise of translating between two vastly different methods of communication is fascinating, and the story shows great character development. All in, this was a better blending of some more common story starters than I was expecting, and I look forward to seeing what else Thomson has in store.

The touch language in this fantasy world was so compelling. Not simply a form of sign language, this form of communication felt so incredibly unique. The language is woven into the dialogue is a way that is challenging, yet rewarding. This was easily my favourite of the novel. 

As for the story itself, the plot was simple, yet compelling. Told through the first perspective, we get an intimate view into our main character who is a sympathetic protagonist. Admittedly, I found the world building and language to be more compelling than the actual story.

As a piece of fantasy, this one was very easy to understand with the world clearly laid out for the reader. Unlike most epic fantasy, this one is a standalone, rather than the start of a long running series. For these reasons, I think this would be an excellent book for readers newer to fantasy. That being said, this book would also be great for seasoned fantasy readers looking for something fresh and unique. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Spidertouch is the first book in a while that had me excited upon reading the synopsis. The promise of a new world to explore with a unique twist to its fantasy setting, the investigation in the intriguing plotline, and, most delicious of all, the desire to learn a new language. Spidertouch is the debut novel of author Alex Thomson and is laden with wonderful world-building, action, and revolutionary narratives that draw the reader in completely.

Spidertouch follows the story of Razvan, an interpreter for the oppressive rulers, the Keda, of the city of Val Kedić – they are a mute race that relies on the complex language of fingerspeak – that only a handful of citizens of the city are able to master. The Keda is a cruel race that, in order to keep the adult population in line, has sequestered the youth away to work in terrible conditions in the mines until their coming of age. Presented in a first-person manner, the lead character Razvan works as an interpreter and as such is awarded a higher-living standard for his achievements, but due to the control they have over him via his son – the resentment towards the Keda are sewn deep and he joins the mysterious Camonite Revolution.

While I enjoyed the, relatively simple, plot of Spidertouch where it absolutely shined for me was in the world-building and creature-crafting. I applaud Alex Thomson for his ability to imagine such a strange and unknown race as the Keda – their mannerisms, interactions, and appearance were so unknown but left such a detailed image. These are a race that’s so completely alien that it would be difficult to truly understand them and their motivations; and, generally, this goes unexplained. They simply are and Razvan has to work for them – there’s nothing deeper than this, but it helps to keep the race as alien as possible, and the use of Xe/Xer pronouns adds another level to the vast unknown about them. How they communicate is at the very heart of this novel, their clipped speech patterns being presented through touch, and how they are written, as is wonderfully imaginative. It is the absolute high-point of this novel.

I’ve touched upon the novel’s plot is somewhat basic – tropes include, overthrowing oppressors, living during a siege, the enemy of my enemy, and betrayal – but they are well put together in a manner that allows for the characters to grow, developing in ways that adhere to the advancing narrative. I also feel like this simplicity allows for the novel to come across easily without it feeling difficult to read; the complexity comes from the language barriers between the protagonist and his keepers, to add anything more would over-complicate the novel and make it feel bogged down.

As a protagonist, Razvan is clear-cut in his motives. He wants the best for his enslaved son, he wants a way out from Keda rule and will do all in his meager power to get it. He is driven, but divided; the people of Val Kedić see him as a puppet for the Keda and the Keda don’t see him in any value other than to reiterate their words to the general citizenry. There is a conflict of interests among the population and Razvan has to navigate a clear path through to reach his goal; the plot offers enough surprises to keep his overall goals interesting to read about. Razvan isn’t your standard hero-type and struggles as events throughout the book shape around him; I found him a breath of fresh air compared to the usual hero-types and having a linguist as a protagonist offered a unique perspective to the genre. As events unfold around him, his character shifts and adapts along with his plights; he ends up doing things that would seem quite out of character for the Razvan at the start of the novel, but considering all he has been through, they’re quite understandable and add a wondrous element of character development.

Likewise, there are supporting characters that have their own merit and differences in the story. Characters that interact with Razvan – friends and Keda alike – have personalities of their own. They add a different voice to the narrative, and keep the story progressing in different ways; backstory is filled, inter-politics in the city are managed and dominated and even additional antagonists are established, each with their own personal flavor.

Interposed between the main story is the sub-plot featuring one of the Guards of the Riona Mines, where the children are sent to work. These serve as a break in the main narrative and allow for time breaks, as much as an illustration of how hard life is under Keda rule. The characters here have their own personalities and they help to bridge the gap between the Keda and the general citizenry of Val Kedić. It also serves as an epilogue setting for a further novel in the series, which I am hopeful for!

While I enjoyed the whole book I took particular delight in the language side of the story; coming up with a new language must be exceptionally difficult but Alex Thomson has made the feat seem effortless. And I can foresee this novel being used as an example of how language can put, and break, barriers between different fictional races.