Wretched Is The Husk: Book Two of The Orata

by Alex CF

Immune to a virus that decimated humanity, twelve-year-old Ivy is alone, living out an existence in the ruins of a fallen city. But her presence has not gone unnoticed. Vorsa Corpse Speaker, a stern but compassionate fox, can sense this child’s importance in a coming war.

For an enemy whose malice is forged in the same fires that stoked the end of humankind has risen, and his desire might swallow the world for good.

Ivy begins a journey, to understand and protect that which has grown in place of her people, one of burgeoning animal nations, of living cities, and ancient feathered gods.

Wretched is the Husk is the long awaited sequel to Seek The Throat From Which We Sing. From the earthen dens of the Throa and Vulpus, to the kingdoms of the once caged, a vital, timely tale of animal mythology, and the final cry of fallen kings.

334 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Alex CF is a writer and illustrator of animal mythology, fantasy and speculative fiction. His current series of books is collectively known as "The Books of Orata," -. the first of which is "Seek The Throat From Which We Sing" and its sequel 'Wretched is the Husk,' a visceral tale of animal mythology, a dark environmental epic in the tradition of Watership Down, Rats Of Nimh and Duncton Wood. He has also created an encyclopaedia of the mythological world in which these books take place "The Orata, a compendium of the cultures and creeds of Naa." - an illustrated encyclopaedia and companion piece, 148 pages of full colour illustrations depicting the animal cultures within his novels.

Separate to his animal mythology novels, he has self published 'The Book Of Venym; An Egalitarian Demonology' an anti-fascist grimoire, a novella about a haunted north London house and attempts to explain the presence through science in 'An Absence: A Scientific Approach To A Haunting' - and his first published work, 'Punks in the willows' - an illustrated guide to the punk rock community.

Reviews

[Alex CF]

I felt the need to address the review posted by Isaac Davies which sits at the top of the review section - the book itself addresses species who have either been domesticated, or held in captivity. They have been separated or bred out of their natural counterparts - The book, in the context of the overarching story, is about these species finding a sense of their own identity.

[Isaac Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the spirit of Watership Down this animal mythos pulls away from the anthropocentric, or at least tries to.

In a world being reclaimed by beings other than human a turbulent juncture in life-death threatens the new order. Whilst the shared new language you are thrown into promises depth of understanding for the animal folk I found myself flipping back to the glossary throughout the book. I was hoping to explore each species from a rich fresh vantage point, but apart from obvious folk like huge trunked elephants I couldn't keep up. Jumpy with so many characters without a prevailing protagonist. I was slow to even realize there were two wroth(humans) still in it. The poetics of the first book dropped away for me in this sequel. The animals, possessed or not, just seemed like humans in the cloth of an animal. The reliance on armour took away from the potential of these creatures and their vast abilities beyond our own. The meta commentary was welcome and was reminiscent of Ishmael's ecological wisdom. May still read the next.

[Lesley Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to ‘Seek the throat from which we sing’ and does not disappoint. I have now read both books several times and each time I enjoy them more. Wretched is the Husk introduces humans to the mix but these humans have only survived because they are capable of empathy with the animals with whom they share their world. There is darkness in the story but also a lightness in the wonderful way many of the personalities are portrayed. Alex’s style of writing is emotional and beautifully descriptive, and an absolute pleasure to read. As with the first book, I have bought copies for friends because it is too good a book to miss. I cannot wait for Book 3!

[Josh Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to one of my favourite books of all time, Seek the Throat by Alex CF, is a dark yet beautiful story of humanity finding its place in the world after all but a few humans or "Wroth" have died. Their future relies on how they shape their relationship with other living creatures and the planet on which they exist. I cannot tell you what a gem Alex and his books are, if only more people could be exposed to his writing I feel like humanity would be just a little bit better. I urge anyone and everyone to read both parts of this future trilogy you will not regret it!!

[P E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the world in which the Orata is set. It feels vast, and is full of detail. This book ramps up the story from the first. The first was more of a quest where this one expands the focus to tell a more expansive story. Can't wait for the third

[Cheryl Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning stunning stunning, that is all.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good! this book is more fantastical than the first one. I feel like the ending was a little bit rushed but hopefully the next book will add more to it.