Book Review: Fiefdom: A Kingdom Novel by Dan Abnett & Nik Vincent
Now the downside of revisiting titles and transferring them over to the new is twofold. Firstly you have to edit and correct the writing. As a dyslexic writer, I am noticing errors made, but it is a positive as I am noticing them now. Meaning an improvement has happened. Then the second issue is wanting to re-read some of the titles again as they spark my imagination. This title has done just that, and I feel a re-read is needed soon!
Title: Fiefdom: A Kingdom Novel
Author: Dan Abnett & Nik Vincent
Publisher: Abaddon Books
Commercial Fluff: In a not-too-distant future, amongst ruins in the ancient city of Berlin, the Aux live in clans, fighting amongst themselves. Their ancient enemy, Them - giant marauding insects, is a folk memory. Young Evelyn War, however, will be the first to realize that this quiet is not what it seems, that the Auxs themselves, having been bred for hand-to-hand combat in a war long thought to be over, and now idling violently in peace in the subways and collapsing buildings Europe, must set aside their petty hostilities if they are to face the battle to come. Evelyn is the only one to see the oncoming storm, but the clan leaders and her elders do not believe her warnings, and time is running short.
Review
First up, this book is set in the 2000AD universe of Kingdom, though it is set centuries later, and the actions from the comic have become nothing more than folklore. Here is a basic quick rundown of the comic- Earth has been invaded by 'THEM', an insect, possibly an alien race (I like to imagine Them looking like house centipedes). The Humans (now known as the Masters) couldn't combat the threat, so they responded by breeding the Aux, a dog/human hybrid. The most famous of the Aux in the comics was Gene the Hackman, who is now the main focus of the Folktales. Jumping forward to the book setting, the Masters are in hibernation in the poles, and it would seem like an ice age has hit. This has two effects: One- They have fled underground seeking warmth and have disappeared for generations of Aux, and Two- the Aux have forgotten their purpose, having lost the ability to communicate with the Masters. But with the ice melting, this will all change!
The story itself had high points and low points, which we will go over shortly. It read like an opening tale to a series of books, but as far as I know, there has been no more. It is about the reawakening of an enemy and the forging of new heroes. It has a lot of depth and space to grow, so hopefully, they return to them and write more books.
Highlights
The Aux. Living in packs based on Wild Dogs or Hyenas, with the groups being led by an Alpha Male.
Their mythology and folklore are not written but instead passed down by the 'Tale Tellers', usually an older, wiser dog—a position of much respect and sometimes more potent than that of an Alpha.
Their names. This is something I have noticed with other Abnett comics/books: he enjoys making pun names. Most of the main characters had words linked to Poets and writers. Not sure about the reasoning for this, but it was fun.
The setting. Everything happens in Berlin's metro lines and the areas surrounding them. This was fun for me as I visited many of the locations mentioned. It is also funny to see how legend and lore have progressed. For example, one Aux pack believes the masters still speak to them when, in fact, it is the train station’s automated speaker system telling train times on repeat.
Dislikes
The Aux's way of speech. It was written in a broken English format that was hard to pick up initially and could be annoying.
The overusing of some of the language, there are only so many times you can hear the words "Get Whet," "Get Wet," or "Strength in Numbers".
The fact that there is only one book, what happens next?
Overall, it is a good read. It was hard to get going, but once I was used to it, I enjoyed every aspect, especially the dark tunnel fighting. I wish there were more Them in it. I feel it was a great start and hope there is a follow-up soon.
