Call Off The Search

Comyenti #1

by Natasja Hellenthal

The planet Bhan. For millennia, humanity has persecuted the beautiful and mysterious comyentis with a deep set hatred; burning their homes, driving them from their lands; murdering and enslaving them wherever they find them.

Now, Sula, one of the last of her great and noble line, is fleeing for her life, with not just her own life but perhaps her whole species’ cupped precariously within her hands.
As a maelstrom of blood and fire slowly engulfs her, a man steps forth from the flames and reaches out to her...

Should she trust him? Can she afford not to?

Read "Call off the search" and cling to Sula as she fights for everything she holds dear.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 25, 2013

About the author

Natasja Hellenthal is a novelist, researcher, environmentalist, and nature and animal lover. Her interests include reading the best books, science and metaphysics, psychology, philosophy, and art. She lives on a Greek island with her rescued cats.

She writes witty, speculative fiction that entertains people but at the same time makes them think. Her work has been described as 'thought-provoking'. Her writing is about change, freedom, advocating for LGBT equality, and animal welfare.

In her novels, she also deals with big psychological, ethical themes and struggles of life such as love and loss, abuse, and the consequences of our actions. She tries to build strong characters as realistically as possible, for even though the genre is Fantasy she wants people to feel connected with her heroes and villains as they would with their real-life people.

'Her books are available for Kindle, free with KindleUnlimited, and in Paperback.

Natasja Hellenthal is influenced by writers such as Tanith Lee, Kahlil Gibran, Patricia McKillip, and Hermann Hesse.

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Reviews

[Bill Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating story, with vivid imagery of a fantasy world. Sula believes she may be the last Comyenti but is travelling the world, hoping to find others. On her travels she meets Felix, who is human and as humans were responsible for the near extinction of her race, she is immediately wary of him. However, she helps Felix and his fellow villagers recover their food supply, which was stolen by a giant and over time she falls in love with Felix and they have a child. Life is good until the last full Comyenti (Shazar) appears, having learned of her existence from his own travels but I mustn’t give away any more of the plot!
Although the story is written as a fantasy, it is very relevant to the world in which we live today. It is a story about peaceful coexistence with other races than our own, it is about care for the animals who also inhabit our planet and many other topical issues are mentioned. It is also very much about the emotions of love, fear and loneliness among others.
I strongly recommend this read to anyone who likes an intelligent and beautifully written story, whether or not you would normally consider yourself a fan of fantasy!

[Nackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's completely different from the author's first book, The Queen's Curse. What it does have in common with the first book, is the fact that the author raises interesting points that make you think about the way we're living. Along the story, she touches on subjects that make you sit and think and thus this isn't just another fantasy novel. The characters are well portrayed, they evolve throughout the story and there's a good flow throughout the book, with ups and downs that come naturally, as opposed to other books where you know the author has just made an event up to try keep the story interesting. That's not the case here. There are separate threads in this book, which come together nicely, almost without the reader noticing it. I could go into further details in this review, but I think that it would spoil the book, so just go for it and have a read - you'll get drawn into the book in no time! I would definitely recommend reading this book and I'm looking forward to the next part.

[Angela Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Fantasy, January 6, 2014
By Angela Ford "Author of Closure"

This review is from: Call Off The Search (A Novel of Epic Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery, Paranormal Fantasy, Bisexual Romance) (The Comyenti Series Book 1)) (Kindle Edition)

I don't usually read Fantasy but I love to open my mind for the chance that I may discover a great read. Well done Ms. Hellenthal!
You captured my interest throughout this story and I loved getting to know the characters slowly. Not only a brilliantly written fantasy but I loved how there were interesting views added throughout that make you think. The ending - love a good hook that intrigues you for book number 2!

The lead character Sula is definitely strong-willed while being faced with such heartbreaking decisions. Her search takes her on a journey to find more like her. Along the way, Sula meets Felix. Will a new lover stop her search?

If you love fantasy, you will love Call Off the Search.

[John Dizon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call off the Search by Natasja Hellenthal is a fantasy novel that boldly goes where most works in the genre dare not tread. The author combines magic and mythology with aplomb while providing us a unique allegory with its own distinct dialogue. The story unfolds along the Balla Mountains of the planet Bhan, where Sula meets Felix as he traverses the outskirts of his village. He and his kinsmen are on the lookout for Grobo, a giant who has been preying upon the locals. Sula makes peace with the giant and wins Felix's heart, though the question remains as to whether the alluring stranger will be able to assimilate into the mountain clan.

The theme of miscegenation resonates throughout the novel as Felix learns that Sula is of a different race. The comyentis are clairvoyant halflings who possess a certain sexuality that Felix finds irresistible. His predicament is mirrored by that of Shazar, who encounters Ashanna while trying to restore young Twello to his parents. Shazar, also of the comyentis, discovers a Truthstone that reveals Twello's psychic energies. Realizing he is not alone, he eventually forsakes Ashanna upon learning of Sula. A romantic triangle develops as both Sula and Felix wonder whether or not she truly belongs with a companion of her own kind.

The situation is exacerbated by the child of the mixed marriage, Fay, who is entirely unaware that her parents' marriage and her family situation is in danger. At first it seems to be of no concern to Felix as he perceives this as the natural order of things. Only his passion for his mate proves stronger than his sense of logic, and Sula seems torn by what seems natural and what she feels is right. Further complicating matters is Felix's sister Feline, who also harbors an unnatural lust for Sula. Both the humanoid Shazar and the perversions of Feline augur grave misfortune for Fay and her parents. Yet the question remains in the heart of Felix and the mind of the reader: was this race-mixing doomed before it started?

Hellenthal provides us with an incisive fable that will doubtlessly provoke far more discussion and interpretation than any of the stock contributions to the genre we've seen in a long time. For a completely different spin in an exotic and defiantly brave new world, Call off the Search by Natasja Hellenthal is one you won't want to miss.

(P.S. I received a free copy for review purposes.)

[C.A. Staff · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 out of 5 stars C. Staff Author of The Dark Mountain Saga (Fantasy Series), January 19, 2014

This review is from: Call Off The Search (A Novel of Epic Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery, Paranormal Fantasy, Bisexual Romance) (The Comyenti Series Book 1)) (Kindle Edition)
I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

Call Off The Search started off with a heck of a bang! Father and son being chased by their enemy with no escape at all in sight. Great beginning Natasja Hellenthal!

In the true sense of fantasy, paranormal mystery, Natasja took the reader to a strange new world. Natasja then slowly introduced the readers to the inhabitants of the world. Sulu, the main character was faced with some tough choices, while trying to find others like herself. There seemed to be a bit of an, "I am making this up as I go." feel to this book. I am not sure if I imagined that, or if that was an intentional thing. The ending of this book tells of more to come, that is for certain. I closed this book questing what will happen next.

In giving this review I found it difficult to give a three star, or four star to this book. I liked it, but not overly. I decided to give four stars as the author did a wonderful job of working characters into the book. I had a tough time following the story line. I was not really sure what to think of the Lesbian twist being added to this fantasy. I do not read this sort of thing. All in all this was not my sort of read, but it was a good read.

[Simon Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasja Hellenthal has managed to pull off the difficult balance of writing essentially about racism and to a certain extent the environment, without it turning into a lecture, but rather a well-paced, interesting fantasy story.
The main character, Sula, is by far the best - a female lead who is strong, not necessarily in a physical/aggressive man's definition of strong, but is able to deal with difficult situations intelligently, without resorting to violence. A refreshing change.
I most enjoyed the parts where the personal interaction got past a simple, two-sided relation and a third party upsets the situation. Watching Sula as she is pulled in awkward directions by the force of duty or confused emotions really upped the tension.
The book ends on a savage note, leaving big questions as to what will happen next. A definite hook for the series.

[Andra Weis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I obtained a copy of Call Off The Search from the author, Natasja Hellenthal, through Goodreads - a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review - a big thank you by the way.

It took a moment and a second read through when I went from part I (Winter Heart) to part II (Spring Treats). Once I figured out that the story had shifted to a second protagonist, all flowed better.

I really liked the passage in the second part (Spring Tears) where Shazar described to Ashanna “Listen, where I come from we have a saying”….this saying went on for a couple of pages, but I found this passage VERY compelling.

I enjoyed the story and by the end, I was hooked. I can’t wait for the next in the series as I feel I am now invested in Sula’s life, actually all the character’s lives.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Call Off the Search" by Natasja Hellenthal was a real surprise find for me. Not usually one for fantasy books I was intrigued when a friend recommended this book and pointed out the author's fascinating personal background. As animal lover I was persuaded to read this story where a special type of beings exists that have a very special connection to animals.
Our heroine Sula is one of them and is hunted by humans for it. She finds a "soul tie" with Felix, a human.
The book has a wonderful message and works on many levels. Sula is a fantastic heroine who isn't your average superwoman but whose solutions to her problems are more peaceful.
Well written, gripping and just my cup of tea.

[Pinar Hakki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasja is imaginative and writes well. The story was good and different, but also understanding throughout the whole read. Natasja also hints points throughout the read in the way she writes, which makes you think and makes it more interesting to read.

The characters are crafted well into the world, Sula is a strong character and I liked her. Don't know about the lesbian twist in a fantasy book where I haven't read one before, but it was ok.

The book can be recommended to all readers, though I don't think this book would be good for children.

[Kit Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading this book and thought it absolutely excellent; particularly for those who love this genre of novel. The writing is of a very high standard and I found the way Natasja Hellenthal describes certain scenes within the book highly evocative and reminiscent of prose I have come across in some great works of literature.

[Carolyn Holland · Rating 1 out of 5]

FTC Disclaimer : I borrowed this book from Amazon's Lending Library

First, I'd like to say that I applaud the author's efforts. Natasja Hellenthal has obviously attempted to speak up about things she feels especially strong about, through a work of fiction.

In the first quarter of the book, it is evident that Ms. Hellenthal is promoting a vegan lifestyle, as she clearly defines through her heroine, Sula, her feelings about the consumption of any meat or dairy products. Felix, a human who has befriended Sula, feels it necessary to defend his village's practice of keeping animals for milk, which he quickly tells Sula is only for the children. He then points out that the villagers do make and consume cheese, but only just enough !The consumption of meat is described as "cave man" like behavior. Please !

Sula has the potential to be a great character, but she is poorly developed. Felix seems more like a juvenile, rather than a grown man. Sula could have been developed better early on in the story if the author had spent time with her "travels" prior to arriving at Felix's village. Events and encounters along the way could have been used to clearly "show" Sula's feelings about the treatment of animals and her isolation resulting from the extinction of her race.

Vegan-ism is not the only message here. Other, quite poignant messages are made throughout the novel about man's relationship to nature and the Earth. In some of these areas I agree with the author, man has elevated himself above nature and no longer considers himself a part of it. I should note that while I am not a vegan, I certainly can't say that I disagree with the practice. This review and the rating have nothing whatsoever to do with the messages that the author portrays in the story or my opinion of them...the rating and review are based on the "Quality" of the storytelling and the writing style.

My best advice to the author, learn how to show your reader more...and tell them less. The dialogue is extremely unrealistic. I tried to imagine an instance where these types of exchanges might take place and I just couldn't do it....not even in a fantastical setting. The author spent a good bit of time "explaining" certain emotions and convictions, "telling" the reader what those were, rather that "showing" through the exchanges.

Sadly, I was unable to complete this book. I say sadly because it is obvious that the author has invested a lot of time and effort here. I did however read the first sixty percent. The book is riddled with awkwardly worded sentencing. The authors overuse of adverbs and adjectives within a single sentence is distracting. The awkwardness of the wording required me to re read several sentences before continuing in order to understand where the author was going. The book could greatly benefit from some good old fashioned editing. Unfortunately, the problems with the writing take a good bit away from the story.

The story line is shaky and shifts a lot. Pages build you toward a story point that never presents and I kept asking myself, is this a fantasy novel or a book about animal activism ? It reads as if there was no planning, that the story just took shape as the author typed it...which worked for Hemingway...but does not work in this instance. The plot ? Couldn't find it.

Although this novel does contain "adult content", I think the author should consider removing this element and market this novel as "very" young adult. I think the story would appeal to very young readers. An example of that would be the very likeable, almost sweet twenty foot tall giant who lives in a mountain cave behind Felix's village. The giant has stolen an entire barn, picked it up like a box and taken it to his cave. When Sula and Felix find him, it's obvious that the poor creature does not know that stealing the barn was wrong. Sula uses an analogy to reason with him, much like one would with a small child. The underlying message here, kindness to and acceptance of others different from ourselves. I found this character almost endearing, but out of place in a novel written for adults.


I would very much be interested in reading a revised edition of "Call Off The Search" in the future.

[Devika Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call Off the Search – Review

I love animals, and I am a vegetarian, which is why the blurb and teasers for "Call off the Search" by Natasja Hellenthal caught my interest. I’m glad I got the chance to read it because it goes farther than most fantasy novels, and it made me think and question a lot.
The story sounds straight-forward enough: Sula, the last of the Comyenti on planet Bhan, is trying to survive among people, who have slaughtered her race brutally in the past because they have the ability to change into animals – and let’s not forget their pointy ears, high intelligence and love for nature. She has promised her mother to search near and far for another of her kind and keep their race alive – but fate has something else in store for her. She meets the human Felix and falls in love with him. Just when the two have brought a beautiful daughter into the world and are happily married, Shazar finds her. He is also a Comyenti and striving to fulfill the same daring mission (as well as hiding a dark secret connected to the boy Twello and to the tragic priestess Ashanna).
What I loved most about "Call Off The Search" is the battle between two extremes, and the struggle to find a middle way that benefits all. Isn’t this what life is about? Can’t you see the Comyenti as a substitute for all the ethnic groups and minorities and people who dare to be different, and are therefore harassed and oppressed by society? And isn’t it proof that there is no one right and wrong, but a lot of partly-wrong and partly-right? The author weaves a tale full of emotions, moral lessons, personal struggle and higher values.
Sula as a heroine is a wonderful choice. She is strong and stubborn, but she doesn’t make hasty decisions or let herself depend too much on others. I loved her transition from reluctance to all lovey-dovey to realistic and emotional. The choice she has to face between her own good and the greater good, between love and attraction, between her heart and her conscience, is anything but easy. Throw in the fact that she is also drawn to the human Feline, her girlfriend, whose role in the plot is much more than the reader initially suspects.
Of course, to me is was a plus point that Sula is vegan, and that Felix and his people are portrayed as nature-loving. It was magical to read about the Mindmerge and the Heartmerge, and to watch the main protagonist transform into various animals.
Hellenthal pulls you right in with the powerful, heart-wrenching first chapter, and develops a story arc that is filled with tension and wisdom, romance and magic alike.
Be warned: This book ends on a magnificent cliffhanger and makes you want to get your fingers on the sequel "Children of the Sun".
I can’t wait to see where the author will lead the characters, because all of them are so authentic and full of potential.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy for review purposes.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.

> Call off the Search is the first book in the Comyenti Series and ends with a big cliff hanger. The beginning of the story introduces you to Sula and Felix. Both characters are described as being childlike, but strangely, they become a couple. Sula is not human and is learning to trust Felix, a human and natural enemy to Sula's kind. The theme of prejudice and learning to live in harmony with nature and other creatures is prevalent throughout the book. The book then introduces 3 new characters, a priestess, Shazar, and a child. Their story seem almost like a book within a book. When we return to Felix and Sula, they have undergone a total personality change. Shazar meets Sula and turns evil. It was hard to believe it was the same Shazar from the earlier story. When Sula reveals where her heart lies, it was so out of left field. Sula, earlier, forgoes her oath of The Search to stay with Felix, how her feelings change so completely is hard to believe.

> This was a short read, that ends with a cliff hanger. I really liked being introduced to the new species and world that this story takes place in. However, I wish the special gifts that Sula has were described better. It was hard to figure out what she could do. I also wish the book wasn't split into what seemed like 3 totally different books, just with the same character names.

> This book is for a young adult audience of between 15-18, due to sexual situations being hinted at.

[Fanny Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's start out by saying I really enjoyed this book, and am waiting very impatiently for the next. This story stars out with Sula a comyenti - a humanoid who has the ability to absorb the abilities of animals and use them for survival. Ar first, I was having a hard time grasping what was happening, it wasn't sure if she was a shape-shifter - which she's not, or if she was simply using abilities. As I continued to read, I became more clear and I was suddenly thrust into a very lovely story.
Beautiful descriptions transport you into the world of Sula and the planet Bhan. I was wary of her character, but after she meets Felix, I was hooked. The author is obviously very passionate about animal cruelty and her characters take the same stand.
We leave Sula and Felix and are introduced to other, very important characters. We follow them, get their backstories and I found I was having a hard time connecting with the character who drives the rest of the books story-line. I really wanted to like him, but he was callous and very closed minded. But, I loved the story he told of the sun and the moon, in order to help his travel companion.
From here we are thrown a few surprises and struggle right alongside Sula with emotions, confusion, and trust...
Overall, this book has a tightly woven plot, believable characters, and has set the scene of Bhan and the history of the comyenti in a style I really enjoy. I hate spoilers, so I'll stop there, but lets just say by the last page of the book, I was yelling, literally, I yelled...and can't wait to see what happens next.

[E.M. Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading ‘Call Off the Search’, book one of the Comyenti series was a delightful way to spend a hot summer’s day. I was quickly immersed in a fairytale world with winter landscapes, whirling snowflakes, flying geese and frozen waterfalls. Hellenthal’s tale is an emotionally compelling and thought-provoking romance.

Sula is an intriguing main character, who is a human/Comyenti halfling. Left orphaned, she has travelled the globe for years in search of other Comyentis, beautiful beings with the power to mind merge with animals while permanently taking on their abilities. Her race, however, is on the brink of extinction after being hunted and slaughtered by human hunters motivated by fear and greed.
Sula, who is naturally empathetic and compassionate, finds her relationships becoming complex as she tries to balance duty and obligation with her longing for freedom. Her dilemma grows as her heart is pulled in different directions by her partner, his twin sister and the last Comyenti. The characters are strongly depicted and their interactions and dialogue are convincing.

From Sula’s interactions with the natural world, expressed in vivid imagery and language, many themes emerge about the environment, conservation and animal cruelty. This tale leaves you with deep and lingering thoughts as to how you should treat the environment and those around you. I look forward eagerly to the next book in the Comyenti series.

[Victoria Avilan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An elegant love story to all that lives

Call off the Search is a beautifully written fantasy. As much as I loved The Queen's Curse, I found this one more mature and elegant. Winter is described with such love and rich language, I could feel it with all my senses. I could smell the cold, hear Sula flying, see the magical frozen lakes through her eyes. I was actually freezing in the lonely cold of Northland's winter.

MindMerge, Mindskill, Mindmode. Ms. Hellenthal has created a glossary of terms and almost a new language. The real sense of danger is a vein running through this page turner.

What imagination and careful attention to detail it took to create the Comyenti, their world, and their code of humanity. Yes, humanity, despite their pointy ears and their habit of defying gravity.

I saw Sula and her kind as wild animals, afraid, distrustful of humans--and for good reasons--but also very human in their kindness and the way they care for other beings large and small. Having read two other of this author's books, I learned to completely trust her, in the sense of knowing that no animal will get hurt or be mistreated in her stories. What an experience!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this series and comes with a *WARNING*, there is a cliff hanger but it will be so worth having! I really enjoyed this book! Natasju Hellenthal is a "new-to-me" author who I was very impressed with and look forward to reading more from her! Books in this genre isn't always at the top of my list, but getting the privilege to read this one for review was well worth me stepping out of my "normal" reading area! This book with catch you right from the beginning and keep you reading till the end!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of this series and comes with a *WARNING*, there is a cliff hanger but it will be so worth having! I really enjoyed this book! Natasju Hellenthal is a "new-to-me" author who I was very impressed with and look forward to reading more from her! Books in this genre isn't always at the top of my list, but getting the privilege to read this one for review was well worth me stepping out of my "normal" reading area! This book with catch you right from the beginning and keep you reading till the end!

[Taisel Hidalgo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful fantasy

Once again Ms. Hellental creates a beautiful, enchanting world and characters. I do have to admit that it took me a little (just a little) to get into the book, but once it grab you, will not let you go. Sula's character is complex, beautiful and Full of surprises. She will take you on a wonderful journey, not only of self discovery, but finding everything from friendship, love, lust, range and loss. Looking forward to the next.

[Chris Birdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite my aversion to cliff-hangers, I still gave this incredible story five stars. This fantasy takes place in the world of Bhan where Sula a humanoid is pressured into a promise to keep her species alive. The humanoids are on the brink of extinction and this strong creature is put in a position of choosing between personal sacrifice or happiness. The writing is excellent and captivating, the dialogue is believable. Now I must read Book 2.

[Simon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in all a very good read, and pleasing to immerse oneself in a fantasy novel that takes time to make the reader think. Strong characterisation is evident throughout and it comes across as intelligent and well thought out.

The comyenti are a plausible and interesting race and I enjoyed reading a work by an author who cares enough about her craft to work on creating new slants on existing themes. Recommended.

[Stefania Mattana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story. Although the planet Bhan where the story is set is supposed to be far far away in space and time, this psychological drama reflects what happens very often on planet Earth, sadly.
Sula, our heroine, is a strong and well fleshed out character.
I think the strongest point of this book is the way the plot has been developed as it features also a tweak of thriller within its fantasy structure - and I did like that.

[Arcoma Gonzalez Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I can't wait to read the next part of the series...the story is so compelling and made me stay up half the night because I couldn't put it down!

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book a few days ago. It was a little different in paranormal fiction. Refreshing.

The story grabbed me from the beginning and kept me guessing. I loved the nature-loving theme throughout the book. I highly recommend reading the blurbs on Goodreads or Amazon, then enjoy the book.

I wish I could say more, but, like I said, it's been a couple of days since I finished Call Off the Search and moved on to its sequel, Children of the Sun. Let me warn you. If you dislike cliffhangers, like me, the next book may not be for you.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand all of the good reviews. The characters were all over the place for no apparent reason. Not one of them was really fleshed out and details were needed to make most of them even the least bit likeable. The grammar and writing style, oh let's just not go there at all.

[Fragmentage · Rating 2 out of 5]

the storyline, character and (especially!) relationship building didn't convince me and I admit I skipped over parts towards the end. won't be reading the second book.

[J H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sula's story continues with her growing family, while still trying to keep the comyenti abilities secret from the rest of their village.