Yankari

by Ann Christy

They come, and she watches. They hunt, and she warns.

Nigeria’s Yankari National Park is a place filled with nature’s wonders. Tourists come and go, leaving with life-changing experiences and memories they will cherish for the rest of their days.

There are others, though. They come to take more than a head filled with memories. They come to take lives and—even worse—trophies.

Olisa doesn’t mind the temporary trespass of the tourists. They’re more or less harmless. The poachers are a different story. Even nature has its breaking point. And so does Olisa, who is more than an eight year old girl. She is Yankari’s voice and its weapon. When the two finally meet face to face, it’s not just her survival Olisa finds herself fighting for, but the survival of all who call Yankari home.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Ann lives by the sea under the benevolent rule of her canine overlord and an incredibly foul-mouthed cat. A scientist and Navy officer by profession, the writing bug somehow got inside her during her travels. She's now stuck with it and can't stop writing.

She writes fully immersive works of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction. Ann is also a voracious reader, and adores a well-done audiobook. If she's not writing, then she's reading or listening.

Reviews

[Bill Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is somewhat different from the Silo 40 series or Strikers that many of u have grown to love.

However, even though the setting is quite different, Africa, it still involves a young girl who is beginning to learn about herself.

The description of the Africa nature park, Yankari, is very believable.

What happens when Olisa, the young girl, comes of age is very interesting.

I was privileged to read an ARC copy, but I don't think that anything needs to be changed.

[Truitti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy for an honest review. I appreciate authors who expose me to different cultures and worlds, whether they be on the Earth or some where in one of the millions of galaxies. This story is a fantasy set in our time on this Earth. Even though it is a novella, I became engrossed immediately. Christy' s descriptions had me tasting dust in the air, listening for birds outside my window and wondering if the slight shakes I felt were truly from the semi trucks ambling down an adjacent street or the touch of an 8 year old girl keeping tabs on the scarce wildlife in my area. The story of a young girl's gift,which allows her to communicate with herds of various animals, made me yearn for more. I also wished that this story could be true, where a responsible someone would save the human race from causing the extinction of so many species. Even if this is a departure from her other writings, Christy caused me to become part of the story. This isn't necessarily a missive with a moral agenda, but one which allows each of us to wonder about and perhaps develop the rare gifts within us. I hope that Christy can travel this world and continue to document her travels in other stories and books of this nature.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yankari, Ann Christy’s latest, is by turns magical, eerie, poetic, and terrifying. This is the story of a Nigerian girl with certain “powers” and her attempt to use those abilities to shield her idyllic home and its denizens from the banal evil of encroaching modernity. You just know, early on, that something unpleasant awaits the bad guys, and boy, does it ever. I found myself ripping through the pages to get to that point, and when I did, my hair was standing on end like I’d jammed my finger in an electrical socket. The author is a talented writer who, with Yankari, shows increasing mastery of her craft. Highly recommended. (I received an advance review copy [ARC] of the work cited.)

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a multi-tiered tale, which packs contemporary themes of conservation, survival and the blight of mankind, amongst a rich setting–all within a fantasy genre.

A different angle on the superhero story. A more wholesome, sustainable approach; one young and unlikely heroine's interconnectedness with the earth put to good use. It's unexpected and refreshing. Ann Christy has a way of writing that keeps the reader intrigued throughout the book and beyond. Let's hope to see some more of 'Talking Earth' in the future.

Once again another good read from this author and so very different from her 'PePr, Inc.' (which is highly recommended).

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Yankari for Kindle. Thank you, Ann

Yankari is so well written that I could see and feel Olisa's world as the story unfolded- the lush greens of the foliage, the dry air with a wind carrying fine dust, the heat of the day. I felt like I was there beside Olisa experiencing what she did! The book caught my interest immediately and I didn't put it down until I'd finished (good thing it was a short story). The ending pleased me....not only did "good" prevail, I was left with a feeling of hope for the future. I highly recommend this story.

[Aret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very well written short story! I really enjoyed reading it.

I loved the descriptions of The Nigerian Yankari National Park, it was all believable and made you feel like you were right there with Olisa. The way the story flowed was beautiful and captivating. Getting to know this little girl, Olisa, as she uses her special abilities kept me wanting to know more about her.

The story ended on an interesting note and I hope to see more in the future!

[Seamus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this book really surprised me with its uncomplicated beauty. Set in Nigeria’s Yankari National Park, it tells the story of Olisa and her special ability.

A short, but very well written story and to my knowledge with a unique idea behind it all. I hope it continues, as the ending leaves this open for more......

Highly recommended!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yankari National Park is not only the setting for this wonderful story. The description of the land and its inhabitants is so richly detailed as to make the park a character in the story. The main character is Olisa, and the park is home to her tribe. I found it interesting that her people had tried modern life elsewhere, and returned to a simpler lifestyle within the park by choice. Olisa and her teacher live apart from the rest of their people, and they share an unusual ability.

Olisa’s ability is an important responsibility, one she regards with pride and confidence, and maybe a bit of fear. Her thoughts and emotions are portrayed well, as is her relationship with her teacher. She’s a thoroughly engaging character. Ann Christy brings Olisa to life from the first page, as she does for the park itself. I loved the story, and the ending is very interesting. I hope that ending means that Ann intends to write more stories for this world.

[Rebask · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I have had the lovely experience to have read several of her works, this is my favorite book of Ann Christy's to date. I am truly amazed that more of her followers and devoted readers have not (yet) read this book and reviewed it, both here and on Amazon.

Not only is "Yankari: A Talking Earth Tale" a mystical, magical and powerful story, but in my mind I can believe it is highly possible. I was taught that one is never too young nor too old to have faith in things that most can not fathom and that it is my duty as a member of society to learn something new every day. My ancestors helped me to 'believe' in the impossible as I was taught Nothing is 'impossible'. With that in mind I saw the likelihood of the story being 'true', although it is fiction; I learned of new places in the world, and perhaps some of that area's beliefs (at least, I like t think they believe in this book's 'truths' in Yankari).

This tale seems to be a mix of myths coming to life in the Lands of "Yankari National Park - a large wildlife park located in the south-central part of Bauchi State, in northeastern Nigeria" (as described in Wikipedia) wherein a young girl of only eight years, Olisa, has been blessed with the "Gift" of understanding the Earth's creatures, and the World they live in so thoroughly that she is being guided in her life to become stronger in being their caretaker.

I became completely immersed in this story; I lived it as I read it, I breathed in it's essence, my dreams were filled with the wonders of LIFE while reading it, and remain so still.

At over half a century of walking this Earth there have been many books that touched me deeply - and many I felt I had squandered moments of my life toiling through to read. In the past few years I have found but a small few books that I could, with good, clear conscience, state "This book belongs in EVERY Library", and Ms. Christy has created one of those four in sharing from her heart and imagination.

Suitable for all ages, I highly recommend to my fellow bibliophiles to read this fable.

I wish I had thought to write it - I feel as if it has lived inside me forever.

[Kaye Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this novella a few days ago and was so touched I haven't had the words to put together an appropriate review. This little book was moving, wise, fearless and challenging. It takes us into the atrocities committed by man toward animals and gives a young girl powers to try to stop them. The challenging part was to know how timely this beautifully crafted piece was and wishing the whole world would read it! Ann Christy writes in a lyrical style that reaches beyond the cognitive, intellectual mind to the heart and soul of the matter. I highly recommend the book. Keep the tissues handy.


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[Linda Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not long enough!

I really liked this book. Great idea and interesting characters. A new idea to me, which is very rare, and well written. It seemed like the first chapter in a very intriguing story! It was much too short and left me wanting more!

[Teri Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never in my life have I been so moved by a story.

This book is so powerful, it should be required reading for everyone. It needs to be translated into every language. In a few years I expect it will be a classic, up there with To Kill A Mockingbird.

An 8 year old girl from a special, but primitive, tribe in Africa is training to protect wild life. She is being trained by an older loving and wise woman with skills in communicating literally through the earth.

This young girl, Olisa, is more powerful than she suspects. While watching a group of poachers she gets captured, is almost killed by these entitled men, and brings the wrath of Mother Earth down on them. Without giving away specifics, let me just say that the end is VERY satisfying.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A celestial lion that crossed the sky"
A beautifully written short story set on an African reserve about an eight year old girl in touch with the earth and life around her, including the hunters. It is a sweet tale of love, hope, fear and, just possibly, deliverance all written in a cascade of brilliant colour.