Came up for feedback. This was published a couple years ago. I had sold several copies, as this books premise is one of my favorite micro genres— fantasy and sci-if that hinges on linguistics. This was definitely an original plot with an interesting look at communication and language.

I ended up DNFing this one, and it's a shame because the concept of conquering aliens that only communicate with touch-language was so fascinating!

Ultimately, what caused me to stop reading this book was the fact that I just did not feel engaged with the plot or characters. All of the characters were sort of one-note and their stories didn't grab me. I was also really confused about the worldbuilding. I understand that there was a melding of different worlds and cultures due to the colonization of the world, but I couldn't quite visualize what I was reading at all.

The premise is good even great but sadly for me the execution was at best average, I am no critic but I know what I enjoy and what I merely endure and unfortunately I endured this book

The touch language in this fantasy world was so compelling. Not simply a form of sign language, this form of communication felt so incredibly unique. The language is woven into the dialogue is a way that is challenging, yet rewarding. This was easily my favourite of the novel. 

As for the story itself, the plot was simple, yet compelling. Told through the first perspective, we get an intimate view into our main character who is a sympathetic protagonist. Admittedly, I found the world building and language to be more compelling than the actual story.

As a piece of fantasy, this one was very easy to understand with the world clearly laid out for the reader. Unlike most epic fantasy, this one is a standalone, rather than the start of a long running series. For these reasons, I think this would be an excellent book for readers newer to fantasy. That being said, this book would also be great for seasoned fantasy readers looking for something fresh and unique. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Spidertouch is the first book in a while that had me excited upon reading the synopsis. The promise of a new world to explore with a unique twist to its fantasy setting, the investigation in the intriguing plotline, and, most delicious of all, the desire to learn a new language. Spidertouch is the debut novel of author Alex Thomson and is laden with wonderful world-building, action, and revolutionary narratives that draw the reader in completely.

Spidertouch follows the story of Razvan, an interpreter for the oppressive rulers, the Keda, of the city of Val Kedić – they are a mute race that relies on the complex language of fingerspeak – that only a handful of citizens of the city are able to master. The Keda is a cruel race that, in order to keep the adult population in line, has sequestered the youth away to work in terrible conditions in the mines until their coming of age. Presented in a first-person manner, the lead character Razvan works as an interpreter and as such is awarded a higher-living standard for his achievements, but due to the control they have over him via his son – the resentment towards the Keda are sewn deep and he joins the mysterious Camonite Revolution.

While I enjoyed the, relatively simple, plot of Spidertouch where it absolutely shined for me was in the world-building and creature-crafting. I applaud Alex Thomson for his ability to imagine such a strange and unknown race as the Keda – their mannerisms, interactions, and appearance were so unknown but left such a detailed image. These are a race that’s so completely alien that it would be difficult to truly understand them and their motivations; and, generally, this goes unexplained. They simply are and Razvan has to work for them – there’s nothing deeper than this, but it helps to keep the race as alien as possible, and the use of Xe/Xer pronouns adds another level to the vast unknown about them. How they communicate is at the very heart of this novel, their clipped speech patterns being presented through touch, and how they are written, as is wonderfully imaginative. It is the absolute high-point of this novel.

I’ve touched upon the novel’s plot is somewhat basic – tropes include, overthrowing oppressors, living during a siege, the enemy of my enemy, and betrayal – but they are well put together in a manner that allows for the characters to grow, developing in ways that adhere to the advancing narrative. I also feel like this simplicity allows for the novel to come across easily without it feeling difficult to read; the complexity comes from the language barriers between the protagonist and his keepers, to add anything more would over-complicate the novel and make it feel bogged down.

As a protagonist, Razvan is clear-cut in his motives. He wants the best for his enslaved son, he wants a way out from Keda rule and will do all in his meager power to get it. He is driven, but divided; the people of Val Kedić see him as a puppet for the Keda and the Keda don’t see him in any value other than to reiterate their words to the general citizenry. There is a conflict of interests among the population and Razvan has to navigate a clear path through to reach his goal; the plot offers enough surprises to keep his overall goals interesting to read about. Razvan isn’t your standard hero-type and struggles as events throughout the book shape around him; I found him a breath of fresh air compared to the usual hero-types and having a linguist as a protagonist offered a unique perspective to the genre. As events unfold around him, his character shifts and adapts along with his plights; he ends up doing things that would seem quite out of character for the Razvan at the start of the novel, but considering all he has been through, they’re quite understandable and add a wondrous element of character development.

Likewise, there are supporting characters that have their own merit and differences in the story. Characters that interact with Razvan – friends and Keda alike – have personalities of their own. They add a different voice to the narrative, and keep the story progressing in different ways; backstory is filled, inter-politics in the city are managed and dominated and even additional antagonists are established, each with their own personal flavor.

Interposed between the main story is the sub-plot featuring one of the Guards of the Riona Mines, where the children are sent to work. These serve as a break in the main narrative and allow for time breaks, as much as an illustration of how hard life is under Keda rule. The characters here have their own personalities and they help to bridge the gap between the Keda and the general citizenry of Val Kedić. It also serves as an epilogue setting for a further novel in the series, which I am hopeful for!

While I enjoyed the whole book I took particular delight in the language side of the story; coming up with a new language must be exceptionally difficult but Alex Thomson has made the feat seem effortless. And I can foresee this novel being used as an example of how language can put, and break, barriers between different fictional races.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"I had the arrogance of youth, the belief that I was destined for better things."

This was a hard book for me to rate because some aspects were great, but I didn't actually enjoy it.

Let me explain.

Spider touch tells the story of an interpreter for an alien race who ends up joining the revolution. Not exactly a cutting edge sci-fi plot wise, but the worldbuilding here was SO COOL. Thomson has created a truly unique group of aliens, and thought up an entire physical language. I was genuinely impressed by his craftsmanship.

That said, I didn't care for the writing style. The prose was easy enough to get through, which is good, but there were way too many info dumps and "talking head" conversations for a first person POV. I also didn't connect with any of the characters, so I didn't really care what was going on.

While I didn't love this, I do plan to keep an eye out for Thompson's next work.

The voiceless Keda rule Val Kedić. They keep humans obedient by sending their children to work in local mines. Communicating with alien oppressors requires years of dedicated study. Keda use complicated touch-based language (known as Spidertouch or Fingerspeak). Both sides need and appreciate good translators and linguists who almost pass for local celebrities.

One of them, Razvan, keeps a low profile and works diligently. He has no goals except for keeping his son held hostage in the Keda’s mines safe. Things change when the city goes under siege. He makes a mad decision to join the rebellion. Mayhem ensues.

I applaud Thomson’s creativity and ingenuity in creating alien race and nuanced touch-based language. Fingerspeak is functional and logical but lacks emotions only speech can convey. Here’s an example (just remember, it is a translation of hand gestures into words):

Justice / Lead / (Future) / Day / Instruction / which means The Justices will be in charge. They will give their commands tomorrow.

I found learning about such a unique language exciting, but I always enjoyed linguistics. The author’s meticulous approach to world-building will thrill readers who love to discover new worlds.

But there is also the other side of the coin. Strong focus on linguistics and worldbuilding and world history bogs down the narrative in exposition. Nothing exciting happens in the first 30% of the story and even though all of this is interesting, it initially remains unclear why should you care. Razvan narrates things in the first-person present tense that should give the feel of immediacy. Here, though, his explanations and digressions devoid the story of suspense (subjective).

I liked Razvan as the protagonist. It’s rare in fantasy to have meek linguists or translators as protagonists. Razvan loves his son, has fond memories of his late wife, and has lots of suppressed anger toward Val Kedić’s oppressors. His transformation takes time and feels real. It was quite shocking observing this gentle individual cut Keda’s hands to make xer (Keda are addressed by pronouns xe /xer) fingermute. Such cruelty and coldness in the face of danger and revolution! Shocking but, in this situation, believable.

Interesting themes, difficult politics, and gripping action sequences are impressive, but the excessive focus on worldbuilding details will tire some readers. Should you read it? It depends. If you love languages, genuinely alien races, and details, you’ll probably love it. If you prefer action and character-driven stories, you may find more fun elsewhere.

It is very clear from the start that Alex Thomson is an author who is the impassable ability to create alien races that feel genuinely out of touch and unknown and that sets this apart from other "alien" stories. What set this apart was the conquering story and was motivated and translating into communicative greed and that was fascinating. The character development did not blow me away but it was a great start to more common tropes than expected. I'll definitely be looking into what Thomson has to offer in the future.

It's not common that an author is able to write a race of creatures that just genuinely feels alien or unknowable - anthropomorphism always leaks through in the wrong places and you just start seeing them as weird humans. Alex Thomson is one of those rare authors that created a race that, even as his protagonist sticks characteristics on their oppressors, is very clear that these are unknowable/unfathomable others. That gives so much more power to Spidertouch, and really sets the book apart from the standard "conquered people" type of novels - there isn't an option to put yourself into the shoes or try to understand their motivations, as they are the other. The premise of translating between two vastly different methods of communication is fascinating, and the story shows great character development. All in, this was a better blending of some more common story starters than I was expecting, and I look forward to seeing what else Thomson has in store.