Karine Rennberg

Magical realism or fantastic stories take up only a small amount of space in my collection. Stories about werewolves are very few in number; the last one I read was 'Skin Trade' (in its French translation, see here) by George R. R. Martin. A bit more than 2 years later, a new lycanthropic novel sees the day at Éditions ActuSF: 'Meute' ('Pack' in English) by Karine Rennberg, at a whopping 568 pages.

In this book we enter a world where werewolves live (among humans, though the focus lies on the lycanthropic populations), divided over at least two cities or zones: the Docks and la Marina. If I understood correctly, the Docks represent the lower class, la Marine is where the upper class lives. Not much is known about the setting, I must add. Only the author can tell if the story takes place in our world, a different version of it, or a world totally unrelated to ours. As is custom with packs, like with humans, you have several names distinguishing one from the other: Lames (Blades), Dragons, and Solitaires (Solitaries). They will also regularly engage in cage fights, competitions where a lot of money can be earned. The more fights you win, the higher the pay. Here too, little to nothing is about the gang's history. Where do they come from? How were these various gangs formed? How are the cities/zones governed? Ingredients for a sequel or two, set up like Hugh Howey's 'Silo' trilogy (Wool, Shift, Dust), for example?

The story is written from a second-person perspective; in other words, we follow each of our protagonists through their eyes and feeling, while a narrator tells what protagonist x, y, or z does/sees/feels/...: Nath(anaël), Val, and Calame (Loupiot), each with their traits and characteristics. It changes form the typical third-person perspective, demands a sift of attention, but I like it.

Nath is a solitary werewolf, very protective of himself and his beloved ones. While he doesn't have a pack, he is allowed to be a member of another pack, even if some proper members aren't keen on accepting Nath. They won't refrain from bullying him from time to time. Val, a human being and long-time friend of Nath (as both grew up in the Docks), is not only a fighter, but also a coach/trainer at the local arena. However, he can't speak, uses sign language to express himself Luckily, Nath and Maja (one of their friends) can translate/interpret for others. Last but not least, there's Calame (or Loupiot, as he's first called). Loupiot/Calame was rescued by Marc's pack. Why? There's no proper explanation, alas. Calame doesn't speak either, but has the ability to do so. Experiences prior to his rescue have made him very shy and distrustful of anyone, safe for Marc and his Omega, Luka. Luka forms a close duo with his brother Vik, though they are two different characters. Luka will, like Nath, be part of the inner circle of Calame. Calame sees/thinks in colours, occupies himself with drawing and painting, as his name indicates: Wikipedia told me that 'calame' is French for a sort of pencil, but also the name of a French-Swiss painter. When someone has the colours blue or violet, all is well. Anything more red or even black is bad: anger, aggression, sickness, ...

One day, Nath is asked to babysit on Loupiot, because various packs have set up a mission to investigate the many disappearances and eradication of werewolves. Val would take part in that mission. Marc's pack resides in the house Nath inherited from his aunt and uncle. Loupiot, the boy, stays in the workroom, where he expresses himself through drawing and painting. Marc and Nath had an agreement that the workroom would not be used, as it belonged to Nath's dearly beloved niece, Lucie. Still, the room would prove crucial for Loupiot's (or Calame, as Nath would later name him, the name related either to a sort of pencil or a French-Swiss painter, according to Wikipedia) healing/development. Nath has never babysit and is thus thrown to the lions with having to care for the boy. It will prove to be a difficult time, but little by little, a connection would be established. Nath's approach to gain the boy's trust would be the complete opposite of Marc's. And so, a little mental flame would be their proper lighthouse.

The general focus lies on the three main characters - Nath, Val, and Calame - and how they will come to form their own, original and eccentric pack. Secondary characters (Enzo, Josh, Reine, Vik, Gaël, Elyssania, Luka, ...) also play a role, of course, though it's hard to get to know or (dis)like them if all you have are their names and job functions. Nath will learn, slowly and with the ups and downs that come with such a heavy duty, to take care of and bond with a young one. The boy will learn how to trust people, fellow werewolves, the world outside especially. Taking babysteps, each time progressing, adding a new layer, opening up and thinking for himself. The friendship between Nath and Val will prove to be extremely vital, as both will depend on each other, not in the least when the going gets tough. Pack leaders remain leader only for a limited time, as internal competition can be fierce. Marc will find out the hard way. Nath may never have been a proper member of Marc's pack, both parties will continue to maintain contact. The initiative will come from Marc or his Omega, Luka, for the most part. After all, Nath is a solitary, is used to living on his own and keeping certain details private, even if he's in a relationship with Enzo, his employer. In the end, the roles will be reversed: Nath will have his own little pack, Marc will have lost most of his; the table will tilt, also when Luka changes sides after the fight that broke out in Marc's pack. Luka had always been respectful of Nath and Calame, needed a new home with Marc not being able any longer to protect his members.

'Meute' offers a different view on the theme of lycanthropy, indeed. Much attention was spent on familial context and relationships of different kinds. It's a story about growth, finding your place in the world. Concepts like friendship, trust, loyalty, compassion, respect... are key ingredients. Last but not least, as our protagonists spent more time with each other and grew closer, it made them all the more likeable. Despite a few, not insurmountable imperfections (see below) and taking into account the basis for the story, 'Meute' is indeed a "pépite" (here: "treasure"), as the French call it, therefore a recommended read.

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With that being said/written, the novel has a few imperfections (subjective input):
* the absence of world-building: this was not the focal point for this story, but as aforementioned, a little more filling on the characters' pasts, the environment, ... would have been welcome. Maybe in a sequel, stand-alone or otherwise?
* text mainly written in colloquial speech: Of course, if one seeks a literary novel, there are plenty of those out there. However, if French is not your first language and you're used to the grammar rules you learned in school, chances are you'll want to correct a few phrases here and there.
* abbreviations without explanation: Q.G. and H.S.. Googling these will give you: Quartier Général (Headquarters), Hors Service (out of order or more colloquially: tired, exhausted, feeling sick).

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.… (mehr)