Dust Song: Len the Wanderer first gives the impression that it is just a retelling of the Cain and Abel story. It alludes to this, but Heywood makes it so much more. Through Heywood’s detailed and eloquent descriptions, the reader follows the life of Len, who through frustration with continued rejection of his best efforts, has accidentally mortally injured his brother and banishment ensues. We wander alone and afraid, enter a desert and taste the dust, feel the heat and the fear strangers bring. This fantasy shows interactions with the spirit realm as close and as real to Len as any physical being. Struggling with the desire for his own lifestyle and his love for growing things, he is always searching for greener pastures, literally.
The world Heywood has imagined is reminiscent of a very young and sparsely populated world. The details are inspiring and paint a clear picture. Heywood’s easy to read and flowing writing style fits the setting and stays in character for the entire novella. I enjoyed this fantasy read which prompted thoughts on forgiveness and redemption, and stubborn self-will. I can thoroughly recommend it and look forward to more stories in the world of Vaporous Realms.