Review: Far Flung by Utunu

Title: Far Flung

Author: Utunu

Length: 306 Pages

Category: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

At a Glance: Far Flung is composed of warmth and affection. The love between Bori and Tuther and Samna grows to something all-encompassing, sweet and sincere, and, ultimately, life altering. I got exactly what I hoped for, and then some.

Reviewed By: Lisa

Blurb: On the harsh, barren planet of Sands, in the small settlement of Oasis, live three young companions: the inseparable fennecs Bori and Tuther, and their best friend, the hyena Samna.

Bori is psionic—and on the distant planet of Verdant, psionics are fervently sought. When the two planets are in conjunction, a shuttle journeys between them, bringing needed resources to Sands and hoping to take gifted psionics back to lush Verdant in return.

The shuttle’s imminent arrival signifies opportunities for Oasis, but for the trio it instead evokes dread. For if Bori is chosen, he’d be taken from his dearest friends and the only home he’s ever known.

Bori would be broken without Tuther.

Tuther would be broken without Bori.

And Samna? All he can do is help make their remaining days together a little brighter.

Review: The ancient Greeks had more than a few words to describe love. Bori, Tuther, and Samna exemplify some of them in Far Flung—eros, philia, agape: romantic love, affectionate love, and unconditional, sacrificial love—and they do so in a story full of adventure, playfulness, danger, and joy.

The world Utunu has created in this story is one Bori, Tuther, and Samna navigate together. They are inseparable. Where one goes, the others follow. In this case it’s Bori’s aptitude and skill that leave him sought after when a delegation from Verdant returns to Sands in search of psionics to take back with them. Bori’s skill will also become his bargaining chip. Little does the Assayer—the one who can sense and measure talent—know that Bori is stronger than he appears. Or that Tuther is something altogether remarkable. Or that Samna will achieve something more than a hyena ought to be able.

Far Flung is composed of warmth and affection. The love between Bori and Tuther and Samna morphs and grows to something all-encompassing, sweet and sincere, and, ultimately, life altering. Their journey is filled with discovery and vulnerability. What the fennecs and hyenas see as the ultimate honor—being chosen to serve on Verdant—manifests exposure and risk for Bori, Tuther, and Samna. Utunu lulls readers into a sense of calm and then throws his characters headlong into distress. After reading his utterly exquisite Rafts, I was prepared for any- and every eventuality. I got exactly what I hoped for, and then some. And the promise of a sequel.