Kunet, a young human pearl diver from a small coastal fishing village, seeks to prove himself. Yet when the gods of sea and sky clash, it wreaks havoc on those caught between. In the wake of catastrophe, he finds himself adrift with an unexpected companion. Torn from their homes and everything they once knew, two strangers must now work together to survive, even as an unlikely relationship blossoms between them.
Rating: 5 out of 5!
Oh my gosh, this book is absolutely wonderful. The “unexpected companion” mentioned in the blurb is Shima, a gnoll (think anthropomorphic hyena). Kunet has always been taught that gnolls are the enemies of humans, and now finds himself the unlikely companion of this large and fearsome creature and neither can even speak the other’s language.
The story is told from Kunet’s point of view, and we follow the two as they find themselves on a remote island with only themselves to rely on. Kunet is a young adult, uncertain and full of doubt about himself and his place in the world. As his relationship with Shima develops, we see him mature and thrive. I absolutely adore Shima. He is a prankster, a thoughtful lover, and a fierce protector of Kunet. I love how Utunu gives us a window into Shima’s culture through its language, how gnolls relate to one another and the world around them.
Kunet and Shima are such a great couple, and I was swept up in their story. It’s sweet, spicy at times, and moved me to tears. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
