The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V. S. RedickThe Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V. S. Redick

The story starts with a tarboy named Pazel Pathkendle getting lured off his ship–where his captain saw potential in him and took care of him–and drafted into serviced aboard the IMS Chathrand, where things aren’t quite so rosy. Making things worse is the fact that Pazel has a strange ability to comprehend any language he hears–but must pay for this gift with periodic fits. This novel is also about a tribe of wee folk called the ixchel, who stow away the Chathrand in order to make a perilous journey across the sea. Their de facto leader is a woman named Diadrelu. And finally, this novel is about a young girl named Thasha Isiq, who is to marry a distant enemy prince.

Mr. Redick does a great job establishing these characters as likable and determined. However, he spends a surprising amount of time in backstory. I’m not one to dislike backstory, but I know for some readers, it’s a turnoff.

via Fantasy Debut: Review: The Red Wolf Conspiracy.