Coyote Run: A Thrilling Ride through a Dystopian Landscape
When I first heard about Coyote Run, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. A post-COVID world filled with shifters, a dash of anti-fascism, and written by the talented Lilith Saintcrow? Count me in! Kevin Hearne’s new imprint brought this anthology into my hands, and right from the start, I knew I was in for a wild ride. Little did I know just how much this journey would captivate me.
Set in a fractured North America where humans, or “single-skins,” are navigating life alongside shape-shifters, Coyote Run thrusts us into a vibrant yet disturbing landscape comprised of Mexi-Federal, Cascadia, Transcanada, and the peculiar Lindyland, a place where clones and cryptids coexist—and fascism lurks. This imaginative backdrop is woven with relevant and sharp commentary on political landscapes, and the inclusion of how other continents react to this chaos felt refreshing and thoughtful. “Other continents had their own problems, or were waiting to see how this would all shake out.” This line resonated strongly as it served as a reminder that the world’s issues are interconnected.
The real star of the tale is Coyote, our bugfuck protagonist—aptly dubbed for her antics and endearing craziness. Watching her grow from someone who takes on the odd jobs no one else dares to tackle, to a character I genuinely rooted for by the end, was a joyful experience. Opposite her is Marge, a larger-than-life figure who drives much of the plot as she desperately seeks the rescue of her sister from a prison camp civilians shouldn’t know about. Tension ramps up as we delve into distressing yet captivating moments alongside Coyote, her DONQ-E unit named Chicken providing some much-needed comic relief amid the chaos.
One of the standout qualities of Coyote Run is its balance of fun and seriousness. The absurdity of a vehicle theft accompanied by the hilarious declaration of “I’M FUCKING PASSIN THROUGH!” had me in stitches, showcasing the delightful blend of humor with high-stakes storytelling. Saintcrow masterfully crafts a narrative filled with political nuance without shoving a message down the reader’s throat. Instead, the commentary feels organic and relevant, making it feel less like a lecture and more like an honest exploration of societal issues.
While diving into this chaotic world, I found myself taking my time with certain sections, savoring the vivid imagery and witty prose. The pacing felt just right, allowing moments of reflection amid the action. I even imagined the narrator as a gritty woman with a voice reminiscent of Roz from Monsters, Inc., which added a personal touch to the reading experience. Perhaps it’s a quirk, but those little mental visuals made the journey all the more entertaining.
If you’re a fan of sci-fi that dares to tackle pressing themes with laughter and absurdity, Coyote Run is a must-read. It merges fun storytelling with complex ideas in a way that leaves readers questioning and reflecting long after the last page. Having experienced this delightful foray into Lilith Saintcrow’s work, I’m now eager to explore more from her repertoire. If Coyote Run is a glimpse of what to expect from Hearne’s new imprint, color me excited for the future of speculative fiction!