An Unpredictable Journey
Jared Pechacek’s ‘The West Passage’ is consistently wondrous; in this experimental fantasy, the reader turns each page knowing they will encounter something wholly new. This medieval(ish) fantasy novel is awash in dualities, offering an experience that is richly detailed yet often lonely and stark. The narrative shifts seamlessly from whimsical and almost silly to grotesque and haunting, creating a dynamic reading experience.
The Mythical Five Towers
Five towers rise from a massive palace, each one home to an ancient lady. These giant beings, full of mysterious power, rule over the inhabitants like beekeepers tending a hive. However, Grey Tower is an exception where the last lady has long since passed. Only the women of Grey Tower remain, tending to a decaying fortress and following their rituals as their numbers dwindle.
The Heroes’ Quest
When the guardian of Grey Tower dies, two young apprentices embark on significant journeys. Pell, the women’s apprentice, seeks to understand why winter engulfs Grey Tower even in spring. Meanwhile, Kew, the guardian’s apprentice, must deliver his mistress’s final, ominous message to Black Tower, warning about the stirring beast in the west passage. Their quests hold the potential to save their world from imminent catastrophe.
A World of Oddities
The setting of ‘The West Passage’ is as much a character as Pell and Kew. Jared Pechacek, following in the footsteps of Lewis Carroll, has created a universe unique in modern fantasy. The blend of solemnity and absurdity is ever-present, with birds receiving bodies instead of burial and an eccentric schoolteacher attempting to educate apes. Such strange, lovely, and horrific elements intertwine to form a fable-like narrative of deceptive simplicity.
Dive into the Magic
‘The West Passage’ is an intriguing read that invites you to get lost in its unpredictable world. It promises to surprise and unsettle you repeatedly, deserving a chance to enchant you. Embrace the magic and dive headfirst into the rabbit hole that Jared Pechacek has masterfully crafted.
