Renegale Tales

Renegale Tales by Laurel Colless is a captivating fantasy novel set in a future where environmental woes intertwine with mythical creatures. The story follows a group of children at Spiral Hall, an eco-educational institution on a remote island, as they confront rogue winds embodied in small, mischievous imps. The narrative begins with a biting critique of plastic waste through the eyes of Wanda, a strong-willed protagonist trying to navigate the rigid rules of her eco-conscious school while pursuing popularity. The inciting incident revolves around her tragic burial of a plastic unicorn, a stark commentary on environmental sacrifice for the sake of adhering to rules. Things quickly spiral out of control. When a strange wind uproots Wanda's belongings, she rushes off, unknowingly leaving chaos in its wake. That wind isn’t just a gust; it’s a mischievous troop of Renegale imps, wreaking havoc as they slip through the school’s protective shield, destroying a vital wind turbine and endangering a flock of pelicans. 

Wanda, a social media-savvy girl, finds herself amidst a diverse group of misfit classmates —Riva, the eco-warrior; Chu, a science enthusiast; the cheerful Roly; Tipi, who speaks to nature spirits; and Peter, a natural leader with a low-tech approach. A thrilling adventure unfolds when a mysterious Global Advanced Intelligence Agency agent recruits Peter to lead a mission to capture the rogue imps. As they attempt to solve the puzzle behind these playful havoc-wreakers, Della Rex from GAIA reveals an urgent crisis: a yellow fog plaguing cities and causing illness among children. The characters are richly drawn, showcasing diverse personalities and motives. Wanda exemplifies the struggle between conforming to social norms versus charting her path. Her friendship with Riva, a rule-abiding eco-warrior, introduces tension as they struggle with their differing views on environmentalism and social media's influence on their lives. Peter Blue is the reluctant leader among his peers, caught between the desire to do good and the pressures of authority, featuring ample character growth as he learns to stand up for what he believes is right. Even Otto and Ben Blott, typically cast as antagonists, reveal layers of complexity.

The novel’s setting offers an enchanting backdrop that heavily influences the story. It is filled with lush descriptions of the ocean, volcanic islands, and the vibrant life that teeters on the brink of disaster. This evocation of nature provides a picturesque stage and a crucial player in the unfolding ceremony of environmental stewardship and responsibility—a theme Colless explores through the various forces young villains and heroes must confront. Renegale Tales is a nuanced narrative, a cleverly plotted novel with resonant themes, superb storytelling, and exquisite writing. While this novel will captivate fantasy fans —young and old — it features relevant and resonant environmental themes. You won’t be able to put this down.