JY Yang's first story in their 'Tensorate' universe sets a very high standard. The novella introduces the twins Akeha and Mokoya, born to the 'Protector' of a vast realm known as the 'Protectorate' to satisfy a bargain made with the Abbott of the Grand Monastery. One child was promised to the monastery, but since it would not be proper to separate the siblings, and the monastery singularly lacks the facilities to raise infants, the bargain is modified. The twins will come to the monastery aged six.
And so they do, and prove to be exceptional children. Mokoya dreams prophesy, and Akeha (the spare child) senses the actions of adults. Both become skilled in the use of the Slack, the magic wielded in this world by users known as Tensors. But Mokoya's unusual skill is just too much of a lure to their mother, and she goes back on her bargain and demands her child's return to her palace. Akeha is included almost as an afterthought.
The lives of the twins diverge and are told in episodic form as Mokoya's prophecies prove unchangeable, and whilst Akeha wanders the world, searching for a purpose. He becomes entangled in a rebellion which brews in the provinces, as the Machinists seek ways for those without ability in the Slack to prosper by use of machines. And so inevitably, the prodigal must return, and face his fears and destiny.
It packs plenty into a slim package, with speculations on gender and sexuality, interrogation of the age old rivalry of siblings, and the importance of free will being just some of the knots to be untied. The conflict between science and magic is a fascinating one, and it well wrought in the narrative. I do have a quibble that there does seem to be no 'price' paid by the Tensor in using the Slack.
The novella is a finalist for the 2018 Awards, and is one of the better contenders.
And so they do, and prove to be exceptional children. Mokoya dreams prophesy, and Akeha (the spare child) senses the actions of adults. Both become skilled in the use of the Slack, the magic wielded in this world by users known as Tensors. But Mokoya's unusual skill is just too much of a lure to their mother, and she goes back on her bargain and demands her child's return to her palace. Akeha is included almost as an afterthought.
The lives of the twins diverge and are told in episodic form as Mokoya's prophecies prove unchangeable, and whilst Akeha wanders the world, searching for a purpose. He becomes entangled in a rebellion which brews in the provinces, as the Machinists seek ways for those without ability in the Slack to prosper by use of machines. And so inevitably, the prodigal must return, and face his fears and destiny.
It packs plenty into a slim package, with speculations on gender and sexuality, interrogation of the age old rivalry of siblings, and the importance of free will being just some of the knots to be untied. The conflict between science and magic is a fascinating one, and it well wrought in the narrative. I do have a quibble that there does seem to be no 'price' paid by the Tensor in using the Slack.
The novella is a finalist for the 2018 Awards, and is one of the better contenders.