HABILIS

A small being and his companions brave vicious creatures to save their world in Mikulski’s middle-grade fantasy debut.

Wilem,a leaf-sized Habilis, grew up on a remote farm. Years ago, one of the caretakers who raised him gave him a rare Aura Seed, which he must plant in a far-off place if the moon ever turns blood-red—the first sign of the land becoming barren and dying. When Wilem is certain this change is occurring, he embarks on a 1,000-mile quest to dip the Aura Seed into a particular river before planting it. Along the way, he meets a fellow Habilis, Remik, as well as the gentle but rock-hard-skinned giant, Teul. They traverse a forest with all sorts of dangers, including a flying, thick-beaked Bennu, which can easily pick up a Habilis, to merciless, wolflike Kangals that travel in packs. Complicating their already harrowing trek is an ancient parasite that’s feeding off the land—the reason that harsh weather is making the terrain even tougher to travel. Wilem, Remik, and Teul don’t have much time to reach their goal and stop the parasite’s devastation. Mikulski’s streamlined tale boasts a colorful cast. Wilem helpfully recognizes most of the creatures they run into, thanks to his oft-cited favorite book, Creatures of The Expanse: A List. Not every one of them is a threat; some are quite helpful, and one, despite its initially frightening appearance, turns out to be sympathetic. There’s also a rewarding dynamic between Wilem, Remik, and Teul; the trio always watches out for one another, though Wilem can’t help but wonder if the others only follow him for his hearty supply of filishberries (which grow astonishingly fast wherever he plants them). Their riveting quest builds to a terrific final act that’s full of surprises. King’s lightly sketched but detailed black-and-white line artwork highlights the fine characters and creatures, including Wilem, Remik, and Teul in action and a list of profiles that precedes the narrative.

An endearing and exhilarating tale of a perilous journey.