In the second half of the fifteenth chapter of The Wizard’s Dilemma, Nita helps Kkirl with their problem and gains insight into what she’ll have to do later on. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Young Wizards.
You know, the only framework I have for reading a story even remotely similar to what’s in this chapter comes from the Circle of Magic books. Otherwise? I’ve never read anything where the main character SLIDES BETWEEN THE MOLECULES OF MOLTEN EARTH TO FIND SOMETHING. This isn’t even Nita’s main mission, but she’s rewarded for being helpful.
How so? Well, this is a experience that cannot necessarily be taught. You have to do it to understand it. Which is a good thing for the reader because, like the scenes with the practice universes prior to this, I actually needed to see Nita in the thick of it to understand exactly what she was going to do with the wizardry matrix that she had constructed. Duane is dealing with some complex imagery and science in all of this, and I’m glad that I’m not lost in the details. Now, I’m sure that once Nita actually gets to down to trying to help her mother, it won’t look precisely like the icy, acid-swept world that we see here. (WHAT AN IMAGE, FOR THE RECORD.) Kkirl’s planet is utterly foreign in nature to the reader, though I imagine Nita is fairly seasoned as a traveler at this point. She seem unbothered by how intense and aggressive this planet was! Part of that, though, was due to her ability to focus in times of great duress; she wastes no time in this world getting a sense of the kernel, and then she brilliantly combines her own sense of vision with those of her fellow wizards. SHE IS SO SMART, I SWEAR. Plus, isn’t that a great message about working together with others? Y E S.
The rush to grab the kernel before it reaches the core of the planet is thrilling and, if I’m honest, kind of scary. I know that much of what is happening here isn’t literal, but like… I FELT CLAUSTROPHOBIC WHILE READING THIS. Seriously, I had a weird-ass nightmare last night that I went down a twisty slide that was too long and it terrified me, so sliding down between the molecules of a PLANET is terrifying to me. Yet Nita does it, grabs on to the kernel with assistance of Pralaya, and Kkirl is able to execute the wizardry that they’d planned for a long time. But I was nervous for another reason: Dazel’s warning. I KEPT EXPECTING SOMETHING TO GO WRONG.
So, were they referring to Nita and the news she got after they helped Kkirl? Perhaps, but I’m not exactly sure. Truthfully, everyone does “go well,†so I don’t think this was what Dazel was referring to. Regardless… y’all, this short half of the chapter was an emotional rollercoaster. I felt so good, and then we learn that Nita’s mother had additional seizures, meaning she might not even make it the few days she needs until her surgery. Oh god, how much time does Nita have left to make an attempt? Is there enough time? I DON’T LIKE THIS.
http://youtu.be/R3c2FnOU6w8?a
Mark Links Stuff
– I am now on Patreon! There are various levels of support, from $1 up to whatever you want! You’ll get to read a private blog, extra reviews, and other such rewards. I POST A LOT OF CUTE PHOTOS, OKAY. Think of it like a private Tumblr blog that only SPECIAL PEOPLE get to read.
– I have updated my list of conventions and events for the remainder of the year and much of next year.  Check the full list of events on my Tour Dates / Appearances page.
– My Master Schedule is updated for the near and distant future for most projects, so please check it often. My next Double Features for Mark Watches have been announced here.
- Mark Does Stuff is on Facebook! I’ve got a community page up that I’m running. Guaranteed shenanigans!
