Czerneda, Julie E. Search Image. Web Shifter’s Library No. 1. Daw, 2018.
Although Search Image proclaims itself to be the first volume of a new series, it is really a close sequel to the original Web Shifter series. Once again, the potentially immortal shape-shifting alien Esen and her ephemeral human pal Paul sort through problems with their families, endeavor to keep Esen’s nature from being revealed as they try to build and protect a multispecies library. Once again, we are introduced to some creatively imagined creatures. But the plot never engages, and the character relationships don’t really develop. Unlike the first series, this book was a slog for me. ( )

I tried

I just couldn’t get into the book.

Maybe it’s the 15yr old story that is being revisited. Maybe my tastes have changed (I loved the original trilogy).

I don’t know the characters anymore. Add in the multiplicity of aliens - and their names - and the whole thing is a nightmare goulash of wondering what is going on.

For a first book in a new series, this is damn near opaque. ( )

I tried

I just couldn’t get into the book.

Maybe it’s the 15yr old story that is being revisited. Maybe my tastes have changed (I loved the original trilogy).

I don’t know the characters anymore. Add in the multiplicity of aliens - and their names - and the whole thing is a nightmare goulash of wondering what is going on.

For a first book in a new series, this is damn near opaque. ( )

This is the first Web Shifter book in fifteen years, and as such it has to bring the reader up to speed. The slow, languid pace of the beginning chapters is the main reason I didn't rate it higher. Once the story gets going, it's engaging, but it takes a loooonnnnnnngggg time to get there.

If you're a Czerneda fan, that doesn't matter. Esen-alit-Quar is one of the author's most beloved characters, and for good reason. She's one of the most alien protagonists I've ever read, but her personality flows off the page: loyal, naive, curious, stubborn, determined, whimsical, and bubbling with alien humor. In many ways this is a book written for Esen fans and not necessarily an attempt to expand the readership. Which is fine, but just be aware that if you haven't read the three preceding books, this story won't mean nearly as much. (Also, don't skip over the Main Character/Ephemeral Species appendices at the back! They're delightful.)

Having said that, the final chapters serve both as a fine ending to this book's storyline and setting up further books in the series. From the hints we're getting, I suspect the next book will be a lot darker. There's a mystery to solve, and more to learn about this universe and characters. Bring it on, please. ( )

Search Image
En bok av: Julie Czerneda
Utgitt av: DAW (2018-10-02)
ISBN: 978-0-7564-0875-6
(english review at the end)

Et lite eventyr med gamle kjente
"Julie Czerneda" skriver den mest fantasifulle typen science fiction. Masse forskjellige vesener prøver å samarbeide. I kaoset lever og ånder Esen-alit-Quar for å skape broer over kommunikasjonsproblemer og verdensbilder som ikke passer sammen.
Denne gangen har Julie Czerneda hentet helter, og historier ,fra Esens tidligere prøvelser og samlet dem for to sidestilte historier. En om Veya Ragem, og en om Marepavlovax, en art som setter selv Esens vesen og gode forsetter på prøve.

Czerneda spiller på mange gamle helter og antihelter fra tidligere hstorier om Esen. For oss som ikke kjenner alle skulle jeg heller ønske hun skapte nye.
Historien om Pearlesen blir kort og tynn. Skulle ønske jeg lærte mer om hennes verdensbilde.
"Search Image" er en bok full av håp, og med Czerneda's vittige humor en lettlest og engasjerende bok.

4 av 5 stjerner * * * *
................................

Search Image
A novel by: Julie Czerneda
Published by: DAW (2018-10-02)
ISBN: 978-0-7564-0875-6

A short adventure with old friends
"Julie Czerneda" writes the most fancyful sort of science fiction. Lots of different creatures haggling out a life among eachothers. In this kaos Esen-alit-Quar lives and breathes to build bridges over bad communication and incompatible worldviews.
This time "Julie Czerneda" have gathered heroes, and storylines, from Esen's older trials for two new missions. One for Veya Ragem's faith. And one of the Marepavlovax, a spacies that will strain Esen's inner self and her good intensions.

"Czerneda" wields many heroes and antagonists of Esens's past. Fore those of us that do not know them all, I'd rather wish she introduced new characthers.
Pearlesens story are shallow and short, I wish we had learned much more of her worldview.
"Search Image" are a book full of hope, and with Czerneda's witty humor, an engaging and fast paced book.

4 out of 5 stars * * * * ( )