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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
humvee's review
4.0
Ideally to be read between "The Edge of Worlds" and "Harbors of the Sun"
There is a major life event that takes place in the final story of this collection that slots right into the opening chapter of "Harbors of the Sun". It's not critical that you read these short stories before reading the fifth novel in the Books of the Raksura series, but I had read "Harbors" before reading "Stories of the Raksura, Volume Two" and was left wondering if I had mistakenly skipped a novel. I hadn't - it takes place in "The Dark Earth Below" novella. These interlude stories are not critical, but they do add to the rich world building that Martha Wells is known for. I always look forward to any tidbits I can glean about the life of Moon, and the court of Indigo Cloud.
There is a major life event that takes place in the final story of this collection that slots right into the opening chapter of "Harbors of the Sun". It's not critical that you read these short stories before reading the fifth novel in the Books of the Raksura series, but I had read "Harbors" before reading "Stories of the Raksura, Volume Two" and was left wondering if I had mistakenly skipped a novel. I hadn't - it takes place in "The Dark Earth Below" novella. These interlude stories are not critical, but they do add to the rich world building that Martha Wells is known for. I always look forward to any tidbits I can glean about the life of Moon, and the court of Indigo Cloud.
elee2013's review against another edition
5.0
5 ⭐️
Honestly, low key upset this is the last of the Raksura books! I would religiously read this universe, a la Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series (legit had to stop buying those in print as they have filled an entire bookshelf).
Moon and Stone and Jade and Balm and Merit and even Pearl ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m already primed for a reread, and it’s only been a few months since I read the first one!
This collection struck a chord with me. I enjoyed it opening with a “before” Moon, just after he’s had a truly good scare. But he still goes about his usual business of reluctantly helping groundlings when they’re being unfairly attacked. I imagine a far future Moon as a line grandfather, still grumpily doing things he should not be doing, simply because he wants to help. And to wrap with an interesting and scary(!) attack on the Kek/the colony tree while Jade and Moon are days from their first clutch! Mystery, action, pregnancy hormones… and MW of course perfectly frames the emotions of a new parent. Her ability to switch between “showing” emotions, and writing the details of an amazing action scene is next level. To top it off, she’s ahead of the curve for inclusivity, especially in exploring interacting with the gender spectrum.
Honestly, low key upset this is the last of the Raksura books! I would religiously read this universe, a la Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar series (legit had to stop buying those in print as they have filled an entire bookshelf).
Moon and Stone and Jade and Balm and Merit and even Pearl ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’m already primed for a reread, and it’s only been a few months since I read the first one!
This collection struck a chord with me. I enjoyed it opening with a “before” Moon, just after he’s had a truly good scare. But he still goes about his usual business of reluctantly helping groundlings when they’re being unfairly attacked. I imagine a far future Moon as a line grandfather, still grumpily doing things he should not be doing, simply because he wants to help. And to wrap with an interesting and scary(!) attack on the Kek/the colony tree while Jade and Moon are days from their first clutch! Mystery, action, pregnancy hormones… and MW of course perfectly frames the emotions of a new parent. Her ability to switch between “showing” emotions, and writing the details of an amazing action scene is next level. To top it off, she’s ahead of the curve for inclusivity, especially in exploring interacting with the gender spectrum.
jaipal's review against another edition
4.0
Stories of the Raksura introduced Martha Wells to me. I enjoyed this collection of short stories and makes me want to read more. I prefer volume 1 but both are good. I'm missing a bit of backstory which I'm assuming is told in the novels. Even then, the stories are all written and makes me want to read more. Well done.
tasharobinson's review against another edition
4.0
A really satisfying send-off for the series, particularly the final novella-length story, where Moon is terrified for his upcoming clutch, and something creepy and hard to understand is stalking the colony. At this point, seven books in, the Raksura books are basically a soap opera for me — I just want to check in and hang out with these characters and see how they live and follow their little day-to-day fusses and couplings and conflicts. There's enough of that here to make it feel clear that these characters will be fine now that their big dramas are over, and that they'll continue making little dramas of their own.
I continue to be so impressed with the way the Raksura are realized, both as relatable and familiar people, and as aliens with a lot in common with animals. Their sense of community, and the way these books are drawn as much about how they operate as a collective, rather than just around what individual protagonists, continues to be refreshing and satisfying, especially in a story as community-minded as the final one. What a satisfying experience this series has been overall.
I continue to be so impressed with the way the Raksura are realized, both as relatable and familiar people, and as aliens with a lot in common with animals. Their sense of community, and the way these books are drawn as much about how they operate as a collective, rather than just around what individual protagonists, continues to be refreshing and satisfying, especially in a story as community-minded as the final one. What a satisfying experience this series has been overall.
spinstah's review against another edition
4.0
The two longer pieces in this were excellent. Both of them give you more insight into Moon.
ullsi's review against another edition
3.0
The last short story/mini-novella was my favorite. Some of the earlier ones felt a little too short, like they were discarded chapter ideas.
alexreadsome's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
indy_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
3.0