(Part 2 of a 6-Part Series)

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~I… I don’t think I can go any further,” she stammered as all turned back to her. “I’m sorry. I wish to remain here.” Rhoye strode back, holding his lantern close to her face, the panic in her eyes plain to behold. “She is terrified,” he said evenly, without judgement.~

Several reasons that I can mention as to why this second tale found in The Girl with The Fire in Her Hair is worth our praise:

ASTROPHO

First of all, this entire story originates from a mission accepted by Astopho–Rhoye’s best friend–from Crown Prince Antaxerces VI of Akhaemunsaar. Rhoye decides to tag along because he adverts his friend will need his help, or to at least keep him out of trouble. So in a sense we can say that Astropho is our main character while Rohye cordially takes up the role of supporting character. Which is great, given that the former possesses enough depth to carry on the leading role, which I pointed out ever since his appearance in The Isle of The Shrine of the Sick’ning Scarab.

SHIMEQA

A new character of particular interest is the Golemancer Shimeqa, a young and attractive girl ‘of ebony skin’ who joins team Astropho in their quest for the coveted Spherae of Arkimeddon. Here is where modern narrative would want us to somehow elevate this character among all others in the name of DEI based on gender and skin tone, but Mills takes the ‘sane’ approach instead, giving this girl a full spectrum of traits and emotions: tenderness, fear, doubt, courage. From the beginning to the end of the story we see her take her own path of growth and development in a way that feels organic and natural. This is character building at its best!

THE GOLEMS

These are more animated stones than humans, literally, and they can only come to life via the Golemancers, who have the superpower to control them. What the author accomplishes here is very interesting. He wants readers to acknowledge that these Golems are things devoid of human life, yet the situations he puts them through stir up emotions as for a beloved and loyal pet. We know they’re just ‘rocks that move’ yet we want them to make it through this adventure unscathed. Only a great writer like Mills could have pulled it off!

To wrap this up, The Shperae of Arkimeddon is vintage Wandered Lands action-packed adventure with a twist. Well thought-out characters, a traditional storyline, and sublime prose to tie it all up!

Another 5 stars for Mr Mills!

 Coming up in the next two weeks: The Giant’s Purse