Customer Reviews

The Meq

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read a lot of Sci-Fi and am always troubled by the boring landscapes that many authors ply in this genre. That is why I was so fascinated with this novel, in that it brought a different theme to the mix; one that although familiar was still refreshing enough. The book is about a kid who never grows old; unless he chooses to after he finds his soulmate. The book is very sad at times and certainly starts off that way, when the kid (the protaganist of the story) is involved in a train wreck only to survive while his parents die - they chose to grow old. His quest in life revolves finding others of his ilk - a race of people who seem to have some affinity to the ancient Basques and perhaps to a race of aliens.

Set in the late 1800s and early 1900s you get a fresh new perspective of that period in history from the eyes of this aging boy and his friends as they travel the world in search of ..... well I do not want to tell the whole story.

Cleary there is a sequel here (to come out in May 2006), and one that I will surely buy.

At the risk of gushing, the word "awesome" really doesn't do this book justice. The Meq is Cash's first novel, but the richness of the text and the strong characters seem like the work of veteran writer. So, you may ask, what is the Meq about? The quick version is that it's a story akin to the Highlander movies. But that doesn't really explain much.

The Meq are a mysterious race of immortals that have been around since, well, the beginning. They stop aging when they turn twelve, they cannot get sick or die, and they do not continue aging until meeting their ameq (soulmate). The catch is they have no idea why they are immortal; no knowledge of their origins.

Cash's book begins when Zianno Zezen turns twelve (for the first time) in 1881 and learns that he and his parents are Meq. This book, the first in a series, spans from 1881 to 1918. Cash's writing style lends itself to the breezy way that the Meq can deal with time (what's a few years when you can live forever?). And, while it may seem strange to read about centuries-old people living in the bodies of children, Cash makes that work too. While the story has adventure and romance, the main conceit of this novel (and I presume later ones in the series) is Z's search, along with his fellow Meq, for the truth behind their origins.

The book is generally categorized as YA, but I really think it's a must-read for anyone who has any interest in fantasy novels.

In his debut novel, author Steve Cash creates an interesting proposition. What if another race of beings lived among us that only very few knew about?

Not brain-sucking aliens or evil masterminds, this race, called the Meq, are indistinguishable in appearance, but have certain abilities that Giza--as the Meq call us--do not. Their life cycle sets them apart; semi-immortal, the Meq mature to the age of twelve, and then remain in that state until they meet their Ameq or soulmate. They may then decide to become mortal and be able to reproduce. The few Giza aware of the Meq are either protectors or know only of the legendary Magic Children of the Mountains.

As the book begins it is May 4, 1881 and Zianno Zezen--Z for short-- and parents are on a train journey. It is Z's first twelfth birthday, and his mother has just begun to tell him their family is Basque, but also something else, something older. A horrific train wreck strews injured passengers, cargo and twisted metal all over the embankment. Both Z's parents are mortally wounded and are only able to leave him a few cryptic instructions: "Find Umla-Meq...find Sailor...we are the dreams."

The elusive Sailor resists being found despite Z's best attempts. But in a time of crisis, it is Sailor who finds Z and allows Z's real journey of discovery to begin.

Essentially this is a quest novel, with Z's search for his origins becoming intertwined with the Meq's search for their forgotten history and unknown destiny. This book is the first in a trilogy, and as such it labors under the strain of introducing characters, traditions and cultures which will be the basis for the following books. The action moves at a snail's pace, illustrating the long lives and unchanging nature of the Meq.

Z hardly seems to mature, even though by the end of the story he is approaching the half-century mark.

Despite the pacing there is enough here to entice the reader into picking up the next book.

The author uses many unfamiliar words and phrases, mostly taken from the Basque language. Although they are defined on first usage, a glossary would have been helpful.

Armchair Interviews says: A first of a trilogy, The Meq introduces us and entices us with characters.

Yes this is a slow story but for the main characters, the meq, time is irrelevent.

I found the play between twelve and ageless to be the most engaging facet of this book, the meq are at once ancient and childlike. This is evident even in the oldest characters.

This book ends just as events seem to be picking up, there is a time line on the horizen even if it is eighty years and one of the meq characters seems to crack under stress. I am already anticipating the release of the continuing book.

Here's an example of a novel with a very intriguing premise that ruins its potential with stereotypical and unsatisfying writing methods. Steve Cash has created a race of mysterious immortals called the Meq, and has built upon what I assume is authentic mythology from the Basque ethnic group to create a fully realized supernatural background for these very interesting extra-human characters. The novel almost constantly shows the potential to be a moving masterpiece of speculative historical fiction, but the reader is continually frustrated with writing that waters down and derails the fascination of the main story. For starters, Cash has a real weakness for syrupy melodrama, not to mention overwritten aw-shucks prose, with forced and contrived big statements like "I fell through a thousand lifetimes" or "every atom in my being had been charged with light and grace." Cash is also very awkward with foreshadowing and the passage of time.

Cash built a tremendous foundation for a story, but faltered in constructing the plot and characters, and this is tragically disappointing. In just a few examples, the Meq protagonists are able to go on a quest around the world and through many decades thanks to conveniently placed rich benefactors, whose loyalty (and funds) are unwavering over vast time periods and implausible character developments. Meanwhile, people miraculously appear to each other out of nowhere, around the world and after many years of separation, whenever there's an opening in the plot for melodrama. The Meq characters, even more separated from each other in space and time, miraculously and nonchalantly appear with answers to vast questions merely because they could suddenly sense each other's presence. But on the other hand, Steve Cash's rather annoying method of building suspense is for characters to refuse to answer each other's (and the reader's) questions until later, with no dispute from the questioner. And finally, a melodramatic feelgood anti-climax drones on and on for at least 30 pages before Cash suddenly throws in new drama around the plot lines that aren't wrapped up yet, and there are several big ones. The reader then finds that after 400+ pages the story doesn't even end conclusively, and we're drawn unsatisfied into a forthcoming sequel. [~doomsdayer520~]

I've been reading the second book in this series slowly, and did the same thing with this first volume. I'll be honest and agree that the writing has some holes, and flaws. If you're stuck on technique, versus just a cool story, you might not like this. I totally dig the story that lines up with historical developments (granted mostly related to American history) starting at the tail end of the 19th century. Mostly I feel like I'd like to defend the author's work because I so enjoy the overall concept/premise. I'm really hoping that Steve Cash delivers his best novel with the third volume (yet to be published). Also, if you don't know city of St. Louis, Steve Cash will endear you to the city and many of the historical stars that were from that fair city. I'd love to get a St. Louis city tour from Steve any day.

This is a brilliant, unusual story. Addictively drawing you in - a seductive syrup but with a feather light touch. After reading this spiritual myth it is not surprising to read the praise from the likes of the Guardian. This is a story that could only derive from the real bedtime stories that are spun by a father to his daughter every night over the years. Dreamlike and nonlinear with innocence and a sense of time that must be interupted but continues and does not age. But with a dark edge that was a part of old nursery rhymes where body parts were routinely cut off. None of the turgid self-satisafaction of Tolkein, Rowling, or Jordan. I have not read a better, more original myth since reading the Chrysalids as a teenager. The Chrysalids is allegorical - the Meq is more spiritual - but that is the closest comparison that I can make. There is a sequel - but I think it will be a year before I can bring myself to read it - too much expectation. Perhaps only in a first novel can such an unpretentious writing style be delivered with honesty - daughters after all grow up.

I read this book in a short time and I enjoyed every page. The story line of a race of child-people was unique and fresh, and the characters are interesting and memorable. "The Meq" is part one of a trilogy and I can't wait for book #2 to come out.

Different is good! With all the Lord of the Ring &/or Star Wars knock offs out there, The Meq is refreshing simply because it is unlike any book I've ever read in this genre. The author's tone is simple but weighty and the characters are unusual as well. Highly recommended for those tired of the status quo.

I liked this book not only for the fascinating story of Z and the other Meq 'children' but also for the writing. Unlike one reviewer who thought the prose was stilted I thought it reminded me of Ray Bradbury's work where the plot at times was only incidental to the lyricism of the story-telling. Mr. Cash's prose at times seemed musical. As for criticisms of convenient meetings with other Meq, so what? Almost any novel will have enough plot holes to resemble the Big Dig. Time moves at various paces through this book, at one time a week may take a chapter, at others a dozen years can pass in just a few paragraphs, which is consistent to the timeview of the Meq. If you want space opera or swords and sorcery or wizards and magic, look elsewhere; but if you want a good story that will keep you spellbound, then ready 'The Meq.' As in any Bradbery story, take time to smell the roses and enjoy the prose. (Though I must admit there were times I wanted to skim just to find out what would happen to different characters.) I have already pre-ordered 'Time Dancers' and hope that Mr. Cash will continue the saga.