The Voice of the Mountain (1984) is the final Silver John novel (Wellman planned one more, but ill health made the writing of it impossible) and its a good one to end on, even it if isn’t the best in the series, nor does it feel like a culmination. In fact, it seems unmoored from the admittedly loose chronology of the books, taking place both late in John’s career (the short stories seem to have all occurred, and his reputation precedes him, yet there is no mention of his beloved Evadare, despite the direction of John’s affections being central to the plot). It’s more like a summation, with all the pieces of the Silver John formula polished and fashioned into their most perfect state.

John climbs Cry Mountain in order to find out why it sobs in high wind (and why it has such a dire reputation). At the top, he finds the enchanted fortress of Ruel Harpe, a sorcerer whose supernatural power is only outstripped by his infuriatingly self-assured ego. There are witches, attempted seductions, a pull cord that steals anything the tugger desires including steaks right off the restaurant skillet, a magic mirror, monsters (the Behinder is once again a memorable unseen presence). Ruel wants John to help him conquer the world. John doesn’t want to help. Fighting ensues and John’s good nature triumphs pretty handily.

Ruel is, for my money, the most interesting of John’s villains save for Shull Cobart and their lengthy cohabitation allows Wellman to draw pretty clear philosophical contrasts between the two. They don’t really hew the way you might expect, even in light of the whole series thus far cutting against the stereotypical city slicker vs. hillbilly narrative. John’s got religion and country ways and a love of song, but its really just the fact that he’s content with his life that allows him to triumph over Ruel and that long line of grasping, scheming wizards. John’s a country boy, but he’s happy in his own skin everywhere he goes. I’m gonna miss him.