Ravenous Mother - Two Gatherers

 Ravenous Mother - Two Gatherers depicts a sci-fi universe that has a post-apocalyptic vibe. The story is gripping and fast-paced. The basic premise of the plot is a heist of sorts. Bulelani, the main character and former head gatherer, plots to steal from a worm (I think these are like the Dune-style worms you can ride) and, in return, get a mountain of food.

In this dystopian world, people are placed into castes. The protagonists are gatherers, the lowest class. Here, it is a struggle to survive; there is not enough food to go around. It seems one of the principal ways of getting food/gathering is by exploring the hostile land and gathering what they can. 

I will admit, I was overwhelmed at the start of the book. The gatherers work in crews of four with a squad leader. As this group of four interacted with other groups and characters,  it resulted in maybe eight characters being introduced in chapter one, which I think is a lot. I’m glad I kept reading, though, as the complex social dynamics as well as the interesting motivations of the characters made it an interesting read.

Going into the book cold and not realizing there was a glossary at the end had me a little confused as I read. The characters reside in living things, like organic structures with membranes. They have “graybarkers” who take a drug called graybark, which gives them an adrenaline rush of sorts. They help protect their squad mates. Anyways, the setting is very well thought out and makes sense with a little context. In the end, the world itself becomes a strong source of profluence.

Both of these issues are mostly cleared up by chapters 2 and 3. I was able to piece together the terms just fine with a little context and patience. And likewise, as the story develops, the characters become more recognizable. 

The world is sophisticated and well-made. Even at the lowest caste, the gatherers do have rights; at the mention of theft of food, a riot threatens to develop. Additionally, the characters have their earlobes removed if they have committed a crime. This results in many of the gatherers having no earlobes and the higher castes having painted or pierced earlobes. This physical representation of status is an interesting one. 

In addition to the world itself, there are some really well-written characters, particularly Qaqamba. He is a sidekick of sorts to Bulelani. Qaqamba is both a genius and a dullard, in a way that is very clever. He happily assumes the role of village idiot when it serves him and is calculated while appearing lackadaisical. Honestly, I think he is the star of the book. 

To share something of a minor spoiler/complaint: The story's end arguably leaves a bit to be desired. It’s a bit gory and sudden. I think it probably works within the Ravenous Mother universe, but as a standalone book, it isn’t my favorite. That said, there is an easy solution: just read the other books in the series.

I recommend this book to fans of dystopian fiction and to people who want to be immersed in a world unlike our own.

Length: 187

Perspective: 3rd person, limited

Tense: past

Kindle Unlimited: Yes

Where to buy:   https://www.amazon.com/Ravenous-Mother-Gatherers-Fantasy-Novella-ebook/dp/B0GHC6CBS7