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bhnmt61's review against another edition
4.0
It wouldn’t be much of an exaggeration to say that reading Martha Wells is what got me through the past fifteen months of the pandemic, both Murderbot and the Raksura. The two series have a lot in common—they both star loners who long for connection, for one thing—but they read very differently. The Murderbot books are tightly plotted, with one action scene after another. The Raksura books are as much about world building as they are about plot, so they unfold slowly, with dense layers of detail. In fact, I can’t switch between them without reading something else in between. This particular book of Raksura stories was like pulling on an old favorite sweater, revisiting friends and finding out what they’ve been up to. The highlight, of course, is that it ends with the birth of Jade and Moon’s first clutch. Loved it.
archaeomancer's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
olyts's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
witch_dagger's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kzimm2024's review
5.0
Loved the story with Jades' birth of their clutch and Moon totally stressed out about it :)
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
5.0
This is a collection of two novellas and three short stories set in Wells's Books of the Raksura fantasy series. It's the fifth book in the Raksura series, following after three novels and one other story collection, all of which I have devoured in the past month. I am past the point of being able to offer clearsighted, unbiased feedback. Instead, I've turned into a devout and partisan fan, who just wants to babble about how much I like Moon. So: I am very, very partial to the characters, most especially the central figure of Moon, whom I find likable in pretty much every respect. I am also a huge fan of Stone, my favorite of the supporting characters. And I am also very partial to the beautifully-imagined world with its many different and fascinating sentient species (and fantastic trees as well). Yes. I am a fangirl (fanwoman?)
For those who want a little more concrete information, I can report that both novellas feature Moon, one being set before he meets the other Raksura, and one being set a while after book three. I can also report that I thoroughly enjoyed both novellas and the three short stories, and that one of the short stories is set in the same world but with new, non-Raksuran characters. I note that the second of the novellas contains a development in Moon's adventures that I had been anticipating and that I found most satisfactory. I very highly recommend this collection, but it's probably best to begin at the beginning with book one in the series, "The Cloud Roads."
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
For those who want a little more concrete information, I can report that both novellas feature Moon, one being set before he meets the other Raksura, and one being set a while after book three. I can also report that I thoroughly enjoyed both novellas and the three short stories, and that one of the short stories is set in the same world but with new, non-Raksuran characters. I note that the second of the novellas contains a development in Moon's adventures that I had been anticipating and that I found most satisfactory. I very highly recommend this collection, but it's probably best to begin at the beginning with book one in the series, "The Cloud Roads."
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
mug23's review against another edition
The Dark Earth Below was my favorite from this and the other stories were good too
misterjay's review against another edition
4.0
The Dead City (4/5)
A story about Moon, just after he's confronted the Fell and is wandering, lost and alone. He comes across a small fishing village and gets drawn into a local drama in spite of himself. The story adds another half dozen races to the already stuffed roster of the Raksura stories, but Wells' fantastic world building and story telling mean that they never feel shoehorned into the narrative. Good stuff.
Mimesis (4/5)
While on a routine trading mission, one young warrior gets into some trouble. Jade has to find him and bring him home. This is a short story but it has a lot of good action and some nice insights into Jade’s character.
Trading Lesson (4/5)
When a trading group comes calling, Moon has occasion to reflect on the different values of different cultures. And to teach Rill about the delicate art of negotiating. Light on plot, heavy on insights into Moon and his ongoing troubles fully assimilating into Raksuran life.
The Almost Last Voyage of the Wind-Ship Escarpment (3/5)
A small band of traders agrees to carry a ransom to a group of pirates. Adventures ensue. This is a new story set in the Three Worlds but with all new characters. It’s a good story and I hope these characters return in a new series of some sort.
The Dark Earth Below (5/5)
The Raksura’s forrest floor dwelling neighbors, the Kek, send a request for help. Moon, Stone, Pearl, and others do their best to find out what happened to their friends, all while Jade prepares to have her first clutch. Not only is this a good story on its own, it further builds out the world around the Raksuras’ tree and lets us check in with Moon and Jade as their family grows. Just about perfect.
A story about Moon, just after he's confronted the Fell and is wandering, lost and alone. He comes across a small fishing village and gets drawn into a local drama in spite of himself. The story adds another half dozen races to the already stuffed roster of the Raksura stories, but Wells' fantastic world building and story telling mean that they never feel shoehorned into the narrative. Good stuff.
Mimesis (4/5)
While on a routine trading mission, one young warrior gets into some trouble. Jade has to find him and bring him home. This is a short story but it has a lot of good action and some nice insights into Jade’s character.
Trading Lesson (4/5)
When a trading group comes calling, Moon has occasion to reflect on the different values of different cultures. And to teach Rill about the delicate art of negotiating. Light on plot, heavy on insights into Moon and his ongoing troubles fully assimilating into Raksuran life.
The Almost Last Voyage of the Wind-Ship Escarpment (3/5)
A small band of traders agrees to carry a ransom to a group of pirates. Adventures ensue. This is a new story set in the Three Worlds but with all new characters. It’s a good story and I hope these characters return in a new series of some sort.
The Dark Earth Below (5/5)
The Raksura’s forrest floor dwelling neighbors, the Kek, send a request for help. Moon, Stone, Pearl, and others do their best to find out what happened to their friends, all while Jade prepares to have her first clutch. Not only is this a good story on its own, it further builds out the world around the Raksuras’ tree and lets us check in with Moon and Jade as their family grows. Just about perfect.
ed_w's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25