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nightxade's review against another edition
4.0
Darkness looms and terrible forces threaten to rise from the storm. The sorceress Maskelle has been summoned back from exile to aid in the annual process of remaking the Wheel of the Infinite in order to maintain peace and harmony. Maskelle travels unobtrusively with a group of play actors, but as the Voice of the Adversary she is not unknown. In fact, in spite of her dark past, she is revered as much as she is feared and her word as much as her power commands respect. Yet Wells makes it clear that she is a woman first, not merely a demi-god to be worshipped.
Along her journey, Maskelle meets the swordsman, Rian, whom she rescues from hoodlums intent on his death. He too has a questionable past, which Maskelle eventually teases out of him, just as he learns of hers. Their relationship is intriguing. I want to say that there was no spark and it did not feel genuine, but in thinking about it for a while after, I came to really appreciate how well they functioned and how easily they accepted each other. Neither of them had reason to trust each other, and, considering Maskelle’s history with her lovers, Rian ought to have gone running. Yet, they both fit together in this comfortable, pragmatic coupledom.
One of the things that sets this book apart from others in the genre is the lead character. Maskelle is not the typical heroine. She is a middle-aged woman of colour coming to terms with the creaks and groans that come with her age. She is a bit bitter, but not without reason. She is proud. She is powerful. And she knows how to laugh at herself and with those around her.
Her world is also unusual, but that should be no surprise. Once again, Wells weaves her magic and builds us a world at once unique, inviting and familiar, though it is by no means the typical medieval European fantasy setting. This has more of a modest South East Asian feel, with a myriad of people populating the different places through which Maskelle and her companions travel.
There is a heavy focus on the religious aspects of the world, which Wells carefully brings to light as the plot unravels. To be clear, by "heavy focus," I don't mean that this is in any way a preachy story. I simply mean that it is a prominent part of the plot through which Wells continues to show us how incredibly complete her world building skills are, without being overwhelming.
I initially listened to this as an audiobook, but eventually switched to the ebook. The narration was too disjointed and the transitions were not very smooth. I probably should have switched to the ebook sooner, as I think it would have helped me connect with the characters even more.
The BiblioSanctum
Along her journey, Maskelle meets the swordsman, Rian, whom she rescues from hoodlums intent on his death. He too has a questionable past, which Maskelle eventually teases out of him, just as he learns of hers. Their relationship is intriguing. I want to say that there was no spark and it did not feel genuine, but in thinking about it for a while after, I came to really appreciate how well they functioned and how easily they accepted each other. Neither of them had reason to trust each other, and, considering Maskelle’s history with her lovers, Rian ought to have gone running. Yet, they both fit together in this comfortable, pragmatic coupledom.
One of the things that sets this book apart from others in the genre is the lead character. Maskelle is not the typical heroine. She is a middle-aged woman of colour coming to terms with the creaks and groans that come with her age. She is a bit bitter, but not without reason. She is proud. She is powerful. And she knows how to laugh at herself and with those around her.
Her world is also unusual, but that should be no surprise. Once again, Wells weaves her magic and builds us a world at once unique, inviting and familiar, though it is by no means the typical medieval European fantasy setting. This has more of a modest South East Asian feel, with a myriad of people populating the different places through which Maskelle and her companions travel.
There is a heavy focus on the religious aspects of the world, which Wells carefully brings to light as the plot unravels. To be clear, by "heavy focus," I don't mean that this is in any way a preachy story. I simply mean that it is a prominent part of the plot through which Wells continues to show us how incredibly complete her world building skills are, without being overwhelming.
I initially listened to this as an audiobook, but eventually switched to the ebook. The narration was too disjointed and the transitions were not very smooth. I probably should have switched to the ebook sooner, as I think it would have helped me connect with the characters even more.
The BiblioSanctum
serindrana's review against another edition
Fantastic World, Great Characters
The Wheel of the Infinite has a very unique, highly detailed setting and characters that feel alive. The plot is engaging and sometimes surprising. Long descriptions of architecture can slow the pace down a little, though, especially in otherwise tense moments.
The Wheel of the Infinite has a very unique, highly detailed setting and characters that feel alive. The plot is engaging and sometimes surprising. Long descriptions of architecture can slow the pace down a little, though, especially in otherwise tense moments.
singinglight's review against another edition
5.0
I really wish I had the time to write this one up fully, but it’s awesome! The worldbuilding is incredible (oh, wait, I just said that…). It’s also a mystery with a great main character. In short, it’s one of those books that made me wish I could write this well. Bonus: beautiful cover. Dobble bonus: multicultural sff, where everyone is treated respectfully and comes across as real people!
________
Originally published here: https://bysinginglight.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/the-wheel-of-the-infinite-by-martha-wells/
I will just be upfront here: I love this book. I love it SO MUCH. And why is that? Well, I could say, “Because it’s AWESOME,” but that would be a little redundant and, frankly, not very convincing.
I could also point out that I have other people on my side, from Rachel Neumeier to The Book Smugglers. And they are smart and you should listen to them.
Here’s what it comes down to though: while I’m reading Wheel of the Infinite, I’m in Duvalpore, and walking through the Marai. I completely believe in the world, in the characters and their struggles and triumphs. It takes an excellent writer and excellent writing to be so apparently effortless, all the while creating an engrossing story and background.
Plus there’s Maskelle, who is not your typical fantasy heroine, who is smart and gutsy and damaged in a way that doesn’t lead to endless angst but a quiet determination to put things right. I can’t think of another character that’s quite like her, because her vibrant personality leaps off the page. No cookie-cutter heroine here, just a flawed but also awesome human being.
And there are political shenanigans which, as previous discussed, are one of the things I love in fantasy books. I wish we had gotten to see a little more of the Celestial Emperor, because I feel like he has a fascinating story too. I wish we had seen more of everyone, because I want to know all their stories.
There’s also: a traveling group of actors, a quiet but completely swoonable romance, lots of understated humor, a quickly-moving plot, and a puppet with a curse on it. And a world of jungles and rain, of breadfruit and tea. I believed in the textures of it, the everyday details that make it feel comfortable and lived in. I loved the way that we see it both from the inside, through Maskelle’s point of view, and from the outside, through Rian’s.
Wheel of the Infinite was actually the first book by Martha Wells that I ever read and I fell in love with it at first sight (well, duh–just look at that gorgeous cover!). I’m so glad that I started here, and so glad that it holds up well to re-reading. I enjoy Ile-Rien quite a bit, but it’s Wheel that I’ll come back to again and again, like visiting an old friend.
________
Originally published here: https://bysinginglight.wordpress.com/2013/05/07/the-wheel-of-the-infinite-by-martha-wells/
I will just be upfront here: I love this book. I love it SO MUCH. And why is that? Well, I could say, “Because it’s AWESOME,” but that would be a little redundant and, frankly, not very convincing.
I could also point out that I have other people on my side, from Rachel Neumeier to The Book Smugglers. And they are smart and you should listen to them.
Here’s what it comes down to though: while I’m reading Wheel of the Infinite, I’m in Duvalpore, and walking through the Marai. I completely believe in the world, in the characters and their struggles and triumphs. It takes an excellent writer and excellent writing to be so apparently effortless, all the while creating an engrossing story and background.
Plus there’s Maskelle, who is not your typical fantasy heroine, who is smart and gutsy and damaged in a way that doesn’t lead to endless angst but a quiet determination to put things right. I can’t think of another character that’s quite like her, because her vibrant personality leaps off the page. No cookie-cutter heroine here, just a flawed but also awesome human being.
And there are political shenanigans which, as previous discussed, are one of the things I love in fantasy books. I wish we had gotten to see a little more of the Celestial Emperor, because I feel like he has a fascinating story too. I wish we had seen more of everyone, because I want to know all their stories.
There’s also: a traveling group of actors, a quiet but completely swoonable romance, lots of understated humor, a quickly-moving plot, and a puppet with a curse on it. And a world of jungles and rain, of breadfruit and tea. I believed in the textures of it, the everyday details that make it feel comfortable and lived in. I loved the way that we see it both from the inside, through Maskelle’s point of view, and from the outside, through Rian’s.
Wheel of the Infinite was actually the first book by Martha Wells that I ever read and I fell in love with it at first sight (well, duh–just look at that gorgeous cover!). I’m so glad that I started here, and so glad that it holds up well to re-reading. I enjoy Ile-Rien quite a bit, but it’s Wheel that I’ll come back to again and again, like visiting an old friend.
panxa's review against another edition
3.0
The book starts off very fast, dropping you in a fight almost instantly. The world building was really good, and it almost feels like this would have been better as an epic trilogy, since there was a lot happening and the compression didn't do the story favors in some parts (the Throne, the Adversary, the weird world etc).
rhymeswithnova's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastical courtly intrigue! Haunted puppet! ZERO WHITE PEOPLE!
mimie7ea4's review against another edition
4.0
Ever have a moment or several when you're looking for something new to read and all you see are the same old stories and arcs being retold in marginally barely noticeable slightly different ways? That all you're seeing is just the same stuff over and over again? I've been feeling that way for some time now, and I admit I'm more than fed up with fantasy's preference for young protagonists and their foolhardy ways--not referring to just YA, I mean the majority of genre fiction. Every time I visit a bookstore, there's a ton of coming of age stories, new and old, starring a special teenager or twenty-something or a group of them, and they're always varying shades of stupid foolish, and it gets to a point where I'm like... get the hell off my lawn. Seriously. All of you. Gtfo.
Then this book came along at the right time and reminded me that, if I wanted to find books that actually interest me, that mean something to me, I had to look harder and dig deeper. The kind of stories I'm looking for are out there, they're just buried under piles and piles of sh--stuff I can't stand. And they're most likely out of print or have been for decades now. So now, I'm gonna make an effort to look harder for lesser known genre fiction and dig 'em out.
Another thing that made this book the perfect read at the time I picked it up was its unconventional setting--reminiscent of ancient South Asia, most likely India--and its unconventional cast of characters--all of them older and world-weary and all have lived experience and sketchy pasts. It was refreshing to read about characters that have lived and lost and lived on to fight another day. And it was good to see that world-altering stories and callings don't just happen to the young and "special."
Maskelle used to be a priestess of the highest order in the city of Duvalpore, but then she had a falling out with the royals and was banished from the city. It's been years since her exile, and at the start of the book, she's making her way back as a favor to an elderly priest to help solve a problem with an ancient rite/ritual that the city performs every century. Unsure of her welcome and the new political leanings within the city, she arrives quietly, meaning to stay out of people's way, but then she finds evidence of sabotage that could ruin the ancient rite and destroy the world. Figuring out who or what is behind it takes up the rest of the book.
It's an interesting mystery and I'm in awe of Martha Wells' world building and plotting prowess, particularly how much she achieves in so few words. Her sense of world building is unique and succinct, and her prose concise. All scenes and dialogue are necessary and have purpose. I never get the sense I'm reading a meandering plot or pointless characterization or manufactured drama.
Although the stakes are high for Maskelle, there's an unexpected humorous undertone running through the story that I really like. It keeps it from being completely downtrodden. And while there are serious moments, like the ending serving as a moment of reckoning no one saw coming, much of the story is wry, funny, and easy to read. Maskelle and her endearing ragtag companions run into and/or trip over trouble wherever they go. I would have liked to read more about their time on the road and in the city because it's just shy of slapstick comedy.
Overall, this was a satisfying read and a good mix of fantasy and otherworldliness, but I already knew that going in because it's by Martha Wells.
Also posted at https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/wheel-of-the-infinite-by-martha-wells/
Then this book came along at the right time and reminded me that, if I wanted to find books that actually interest me, that mean something to me, I had to look harder and dig deeper. The kind of stories I'm looking for are out there, they're just buried under piles and piles of sh--stuff I can't stand. And they're most likely out of print or have been for decades now. So now, I'm gonna make an effort to look harder for lesser known genre fiction and dig 'em out.
Another thing that made this book the perfect read at the time I picked it up was its unconventional setting--reminiscent of ancient South Asia, most likely India--and its unconventional cast of characters--all of them older and world-weary and all have lived experience and sketchy pasts. It was refreshing to read about characters that have lived and lost and lived on to fight another day. And it was good to see that world-altering stories and callings don't just happen to the young and "special."
Maskelle used to be a priestess of the highest order in the city of Duvalpore, but then she had a falling out with the royals and was banished from the city. It's been years since her exile, and at the start of the book, she's making her way back as a favor to an elderly priest to help solve a problem with an ancient rite/ritual that the city performs every century. Unsure of her welcome and the new political leanings within the city, she arrives quietly, meaning to stay out of people's way, but then she finds evidence of sabotage that could ruin the ancient rite and destroy the world. Figuring out who or what is behind it takes up the rest of the book.
It's an interesting mystery and I'm in awe of Martha Wells' world building and plotting prowess, particularly how much she achieves in so few words. Her sense of world building is unique and succinct, and her prose concise. All scenes and dialogue are necessary and have purpose. I never get the sense I'm reading a meandering plot or pointless characterization or manufactured drama.
Although the stakes are high for Maskelle, there's an unexpected humorous undertone running through the story that I really like. It keeps it from being completely downtrodden. And while there are serious moments, like the ending serving as a moment of reckoning no one saw coming, much of the story is wry, funny, and easy to read. Maskelle and her endearing ragtag companions run into and/or trip over trouble wherever they go. I would have liked to read more about their time on the road and in the city because it's just shy of slapstick comedy.
Overall, this was a satisfying read and a good mix of fantasy and otherworldliness, but I already knew that going in because it's by Martha Wells.
The reaction was more violent than she had anticipated. The counterweight smashed right through the floorboards, knocking her backwards. The arm swung and toppled, taking the railing, part of the gallery, and a dozen yelling rivermen with it.
"I meant to do that," Maskelle muttered to herself, stumbling to her feet.
[...]
"So, there's no chance of just stopping and drowning here, say?"
"No, I think we'll keep moving for now and drown a little further up the road."
[...]
"I suppose attempts on the Throne happen more often in the Sintane?"
"The Holder Lord executed two brothers, a sister, and a cousin for trying to take the Markand Hold, just in the time I was there, and that was a slow year."
[...]
Maybe I'm too told for this, she thought. Too old for war, too mean-tempered for peace.
Also posted at https://covers2covers.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/wheel-of-the-infinite-by-martha-wells/
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