River of Teeth

Boring political screed, give it a pass.

This is a work of alternate history by Sarah Gailey, and the first novella in the River of Teeth Series. It should be noted that this was a finalist for both the Hugo and Nebula Awards. The main difference in this alternative world, is that in 1857 the Hippo Act is passed. This results in hippopotami being imported into the United States in an attempt to solve the nationwide meat shortage. The swampy areas of the southern United States become a breeding ground for riding hippos as well as meat hippos. Hoppers are hippo-riding cowboy-like characters. Into this interesting alternate world we find our story set in the swamps of Louisiana. Ms. Gailey admits playing a little with some technological timelines. She also plays a little loosely with geographic areas as well as the characters cross impressive distances overnight. However, with a bit of suspension of disbelief, there is still a good story in this novella. It’s sort of like a western, but with modern and diverse characters. The story is interesting , and you find yourself caring about these colorful and larger than life individuals. I’m in for the next novella at least…

It is so tastefully inclusive while never needing to address that characters are all parts of the rainbow. Extremely refreshing settings and storylines, and the culture that immerses you immediately will make you wish you lived in this world.

I stopped reading.