Wizard and Robot in the World of Sand and Bones

by S.T. Cartledge

The wizard is made of glass. The robot is a young girl. She has no eyes, however she can still see. Her head glows from nuclear radiation, decay. Together, they roam through the sprawling dreamscape of sand and bones, searching for signs of life. They don't know what is larger: The vast nothingness surrounding them, or The myths of dragons and giants which haunt this world. - Author of I WILL ROT WITHOUT YOU and PUPPET SKIN

42 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2016

Reviews

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story splendid in imagery that demonstrates the bond between two sentient beings that are bound by enchantment. Difficult truths are revealed with grace as the ending dazzles blindingly.

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had originally read this as part of the Four Gentleman of the Apocalypse a few years ago. It was just as good the second time around. Both magical and majestic, there is a specific way that it is written, and I was instantly pulled in. The world building and the degree to which Cartledge can write from the point of view of such unique, non-human characters is mindblowing. You become the girl robot. You are the wizard made of glass. You experience everything as they do.

[J. Peter W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, reading this novelette was like watching an artist paint a landscape; each line of prose like a wisp of a delicate brush stroke. Cartledge is truly a poet.
This is a story of hope and faith in the bleakest of conditions. In a world of desolation and emptiness, the desperation of the wizard made of glass and the girl robot bleeds from the pages. In a land of nothing but sand dunes and bone they search for signs of life, clinging to each for survival.
It’s the kind of fantastical love story that reminds us of what we are capable of in reality when everything is on the line.