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Mar 25, 2014JCLChrisK rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A bit superhero comic, a bit mythology, and a bit horror. Arcopolis is a vast metropolis besieged by monsters, trying desperately to fend off the encroaching darkness. The Boy is a young godling from a warrior culture in the heavens on the threshold of thirteen, sent without warning and little preparation by his father on a "ramble" as a coming-of-age ritual. His first taste of life outside his sheltered existence, and he has to figure out how to negotiate both fighting monsters and dealing with fame among frantic politicians clinging to their positions in a world desperately in need of heroes. The gritty action--happily--takes a backseat to character development, world building, nuance, and complexity--there is much more going on in the story than hinted at in this brief summary. An excellent start to what promises to be an intimate epic. I can't wait for the next installment. ----- "What will become of them, Father?" / "Oh, it is the old story . . . The humans will lose, their bloodlines reduced to dust. Thirsty, weedy brambles will break the paving stones of smitten streets. The four horrible horsemen will have their day." / "Gosh." / "That is, unless you succeed." / "Huh? Wait . . . you--you don't mean . . . I, I . . . " / "Aye!! I mean, Aye! Aye! This scattered scene of fervent calamity is to be the theater of your passing stage, aye!" / "But . . . " / "Man is no match for the monsters, Son. It is why we have come. Arcopolis needs her hero. Thus, do your labors before you lie . . . " / "But--but when I woke up this morning I didn't know that. And--I mean, I can't stay here 'cuz I don't have any of my stuff with me." / "Yes, we've seen to that. Under my supervision, Perithalia--the Lord of Wandering Duration--has packed this kit for you. Everything you will need is inside." / "But . . . " / "Enough!! You well know all of those of the starry lofts must face adventure perilous on the eve of adolescence, son. It is our way. I faced my own, once. Long ago. And so this is yours." / "Arcopolis, huh?" / "Arcopolis." / . . . / "Farewell, my battling boy! You know what must be done!!" / "Dad!!" / "Don't let us down!!" / "Hey, Dad! Do I have to wear the cape?"