Fiction

摘要

Fantasy author Allen (Slaves oj the Shinar) has written a respectable if not overwhelming adventure in the coming-of-age genre. The time is the 1800s, the place the Wild West. Fifteen-year-old Yen Tzu-lu (Lu for short) is pressed into service by a gang of roughnecks seeking to recover a fortune in gold from a mysterious and deadly villain referred to as "the Yankee." Along the way, Lu falls in puppy love with young Sadie, daughter of the former plantation owner who has hired the company. Lu's companions on the danger-filled journey are stereotypes but diverting ones: a Mexican, an African American, a gunslinger-cum-mystic, etc. However, the supernatural element introduced into the story falls flat: "the Yankee" is really Old Scratch or his minion, and this ragged company endures several magical attacks. Everything works out well, as it's supposed to in a tale like this, but the book never recovers its original freshness and charm. Still, it is an enjoyable read, and Lu is an engaging almost-hero. Recommended for general collections.