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Spotlight Reviews
Daniel Jolley - 11/25/2005
So many science fiction novels merely retread the paths we have trod before, introducing us to alien species we have already met, albeit in different guises, so the introduction of an original, wholly enchanting new race is something to be celebrated. The Mishka are such a race. Carrol Fix has given us a novel that truly transports its readers to a new world, and the imaginative journey proves to be as emotionally engaging as it is fascinating. In the process, Fix shows us the best and worst of humankind, as man alone – or at least a cruel, blindly ambitious subset of man – could dare to exploit such a precious alien race for his own selfish purposes, and only the caring and sensitive better half of man can stand up for the innocent against such unadulterated evil.
Mishka is an ice world whose mysterious inhabitants live beneath the ground. The Mishka themselves are somewhat small creatures covered in white fur – I tend to see them in my mind's eye as close cousins to that little Snuggles bear. All the Galactic Union knows about the alien world comes from the information supplied by a surly agent named McKinley, but now Ambassador Allyah Ahern has come to hopefully establish diplomatic relations with the Mishka. This being her first real diplomatic assignment, Ahern is both excited and nervous when she arrives – but the Mishka put her at ease once they realize that she is not "this McKinley." In fact, she seems to share some kind of special connection with the Mishka, a kind of nonverbal communication that allows them to exchange feelings and emotions. Three of the little guys befriend her and see to her needs until such time as she is able to meet with the local leader – who, seeing her potential, invites her to actually become Mishka. She is unable to communicate these events with her home base, but Allyah jumps at this chance to know the Mishka better.
Meanwhile, the First Premier of the Galactic Union is plotting to oust the Director and assume power for himself – and Mishka, specifically the great secret that McKinley discovered during his stay there – assumes a primary place in his plans. The Mishka have a power that McKinley could not learn but plans to steal by force. All of these political machinations are interesting and well-told, but I was always anxious to get through them so that I could return to Mishka – that is where the magic of this novel truly lies: the race's customs and rituals, their profound means of communicating, their mastery of mysterious forces, and – most of all – their remarkably benign, peaceful, spiritual way of life. When the plans hatched by the First Premier and McKinley put these special creatures in danger, you feel as if you are somehow one with the Mishka in spirit, having learned the basics of their ways through the eyes and feelings of Allyah.
Fix has really done an incredible job of introducing us to the Mishka. Rather than just describing them (which would not have begun to convey the essence of their existence), she allows us to get a sense of their nature and their unique gifts by way of experience; in a sense, we – like Allyah – come to see them as they are by learning to become Mishka ourselves to some degree. We share their emotions, especially when they are frightened, we share their joy on happy occasions, and we share their wonderful communion with one another; it would be hard indeed to simply break off our connection with them after finishing this one novel – thank goodness this is only the first book of a series featuring these marvelous creatures. I for one cannot wait to be reunited with the Mishka and to learn more about the Quadrate Mind.
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