Hill offers women an equal role with men in this fantasy-adventure. Both Mandra and Archer play crucial roles in saving the lives of their friends. Archer, in particular, being large and husky, as well as an expert with the bow and arrow, breaks the stereotype of women as helpless creatures that need to be rescued all the time.

Nor are the male characters stereotyped. Jarral is not presented as less masculine because he feels fear. Hill emphasizes that fear is only natural in some situations. Courage is the ability to face fear, not the inability to feel it.

Scythe also, while in many respects a standard male warrior-hero, displays gentleness and concern for his friends at crucial moments. It is clear that his feelings are deeper than he usually lets on.

Racial harmony is emphasized by the cooperation between the humans and the Brulnii. While Archer...