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Souls of the North Wind
by Chrissy K. McVay
From the ancient past death stalks the tundra.
When Iksik returned from a trading trip to a Kabluna village in the midst of a late snowstorm he was hounded by a witch’s curse, a curse that brought with it danger and death from an ancient predator. All except the lead sled dog, Kuiniq, died in the night and Iksik was left partially paralyzed and wandering the land of death before the Ihalmiut’s shaman sang him back into life. Kiviok, Iksik’s cousin, could hear Kuiniq’s voice and words in his mind and Kuiniq told Kiviok something evil tracked them through the blizzard and killed the dogs.
The Ihalmiut people lost several more men during a hunt and blamed Iksik for their bad luck. The shaman who was to lead Iksik and Kiviok to the land by the sea fell ill and the cousins left their village alone before their people decided they must be killed to remove the curse Iksik brought back with him. Taking Kuiniq, Iksik’s lead sled dog, and Atnaliki, Kiviok’s pup, the two young Inuit men journeyed alone through unknown lands and people to ask the witch who cursed Iksik to remove her curse and stop the yellow-eyed demon that stalks them and all who help them. When they reach the sea they will have to face the demon and death before they can return home.
Although "Souls of the North Wind" is juvenile fiction, the story it tells is something everyone can enjoy. Chrissy K. McVay’s adventure tale spans the difference between Inuit and the rest of the world, showing their way of life and their beliefs in a realistic and sympathetic light. The Inuit world of Iksik and Kiviok at first seems backward and simplistic, but through the main characters’ eyes the reader sees an open honesty and lack of guile that is delightfully enchanting.
The language of the Inuit is strange and daunting to read but McVay presents these ancient traditions and beliefs in a way that makes them seem less foreign and almost familiar. Kiviok and Iksik’s adaptability and simple acceptance of hardship are shown in simple, straightforward language that rings with truth. Although the story is simple one of adventure, change and growth McVay layers in deeper meanings with a deft hand. "Souls of the North Wind" is the kind of story that grows richer with each reading.
Title: Souls of the North Wind
Author: Chrissy K. McVay
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 059535527751395
Review written by: J. M. Cornwell
Reviewer's Rating:9.5
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 1
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