Zafiil Volume 2: Firedancer's Hand

Every so often, I run across a book that speaks to me, on levels deeper than the surface storyline. Stories that hold examples of humanity’s hope and hubris, of innocence and pride, of sin and redemption. I’m not a fan of being preached at by my reading material, unless I specifically seek out something for this or that purpose, or for general edification. Usually, I read fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, as sheer escapism and to enjoy a lovely story.But every so often, I stumble across something that is More. Something that tells a good story, provides escapism and a good time, yet still sneaks in references to Reality, that tear down, lift up, humble, and edify the reader. Something that makes me aware of my own self, reflects my beliefs back at me, allows me to examine What Is, What Was, and What Should Be in my own life.We all know the old adage of “the curtains are blue!”, and in this regard, one does not need to “get that something extra” out of Zafiil. It’s a really good story on it’s own, and stands on it’s own merits that way without any reading-in assistance of viewer-dependent allegories. Yet, when considering the possibility of allegories, I found something, several somethings, incredibly powerful layered into this book.For a little background, Zafiil takes place in her wider “Peltedverse” setting, which is a futuristic science-fiction / science-fantasy universe. Filling this universe are Mark One Humans, the “Pelted” – anthropomorphic animal people tracing lineage to humanity, and a couple of truly alien races. Politics, spaceflight, and a rich and well developed history for this universe provide a backdrop for various stories, snippets, vignettes, and a couple epic sagas. Zafiil herself is a member of one of those alien races, but I won’t go into detail here, so as to avoid true spoilers.If you’re looking for a David Weber esque deep dive into technology and the mechanics of spaceflight, this isn’t the universe for you. But if you like character-driven stories, written by someone with a deep understanding of Who People Are and How People Work, then it’s right up your alley. From alien civilizations making first contact and all the problems that can accompany, to fireside cozy tales of characters dealing with daily life and the small dramas and worries we all have, there’s something for everyone who appreciates believable characters in the Peltedverse.Against that setting, Zafiil tells the tale of one such alien civilization, and their own first contact with the greater universe. The titular character, in fact, happens to be an ambassador, sent out in hopes of discovering alien life. Fortunately – unfortunately – she finds it, and is nearly killed in the process.The story goes on from there, following Zafiil as she travels across half a galactic arm, lands on multiple planets, listens to echoes of long gone interstellar wars and some more recent, sparks diplomatic tribulations, and inspires religious quandraries.among her own people and those she meets. In the process, Zafiil discovers what she really is, but more importantly, who she is. Meanwhile, the reader learns more about her people, the Faulfenza, about their faith, their history, and their innocence.Far from being preachy or message fiction oriented, any analogies or allegories made in the story run deep, and can be overlooked. It can be read and enjoyed simply for what it is and appears to be on the surface. But maybe, just maybe, the reader may see some reflections of themselves and the world we live in as well.A tale of innocence lost, of naivete shattered, of childhood departed. A tale of loyalty proven, of faith regained, and hope for the future. Zafiil is a masterpiece well worth the time – and tears – and laughter - involved in the reading.I highly recommend this series, as a standalone and as an entry into the greater Peltedverse world.

Many Christlike elements, but this messiah was born to a pacifist people, a species full of enlightened innocents, who talked their problems out and a leader walks among the people without fear.On Earth, religion set itself in opposition to science, and both struggle for attention like immature children demanding every scrap of affection: this series shows a path where a person can believe and trust in a higher power (one that reveals itself to its messiah and by its messiah), and glory in the physical world as a creation of the divine. It’s possible that the divine is an advanced species, it’s also possible that god is what it says on the box: an omniscient being of unconditional love willing to step in and guide people to greater glory.Series lacks queer diversity. I applaud that romance isn’t the focus, that friendship is more rich than trying to squeeze a romance into a story, but what about Entwined same sex pairs? Is everyone nonbinary until they meet their partner?

Love, or the idea of love, can make one do the strangest things. A concept I didn't think much of comes back in a twisted way, and this race of innocents (even given that they've survived their original home planet being destroyed by their own doing) is once again having the veils of ignorance torn off in profound ways. This is what was needed for them to join the galactic stage, but the reading was painful.Best read in context of the other Pelted novels

To be part of a society that cannot conceive of doing harm to another & then being shown that they are not the only race in the universe. Also, that those races have members that have no qualms with violence against others. Zafiil is tapped by her God to show her people what needs to be done before the Others come looking for them. The story line is engrossing, the characters so vivid & relatable (I'm still teary-eyed as I write this). Fabulous Author.

An amazing read. A whole world at such an important time - I haven’t the words to say how much I loved these two book. Made me cry at the end.

I’ve been crying for most of the last chapter.This is one of Ms. Hogarth’s best, I think.And the final Coda, tying it in to the rest of the current Pelted universe.

The “time jump” order of the book and so much pushed in background, made this a hard read for me. Maybe didn’t help that I’d read book 1 a month ago - I think these two books need to be combined, re-ordered to less time-jumpy.

"Firedancer's Hand " finishes Zafiil story beautifully while giving us a vista that I hope we will explore in another book.

Pre-supposes familiarity with this particular universe...a bit too involved for casual readers...