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A review by margaret_j_c
The Kingdom on the Waves by M.T. Anderson
5.0
"All these things saw I; and I saw that everything hath its price, and all are in fluctuation, no value solid, but all cost as they are appraised for use; and there is use for all; and constant and relentless exchange. How much, asked Slant, is a man's life worth? A pregnant child upon the docks doth cost less than a fine dress she might wear two years later; and luxury is earned by being wrested. (And the women walk upon the lawn, arm-in-arm, as the gardener stoops before them with blooms.)
And I saw the Earth as the sun rose; and it was a world of fire, of particle, of spark, and æther consumed and exchanged, no solid place to stand; and we were creatures of fire, loops and bright coils devouring as we could in serpentine chase, exhausting until ourselves extinguished; and all shed superficies, and clutched to renew, and preyed upon all.
Within me, a small, still voice urged, It need not be thus; but what could that signify? For I am hungry, and must devour to live.
We passed down the Rappahannock, and at dawn, came to the Bay."
And I saw the Earth as the sun rose; and it was a world of fire, of particle, of spark, and æther consumed and exchanged, no solid place to stand; and we were creatures of fire, loops and bright coils devouring as we could in serpentine chase, exhausting until ourselves extinguished; and all shed superficies, and clutched to renew, and preyed upon all.
Within me, a small, still voice urged, It need not be thus; but what could that signify? For I am hungry, and must devour to live.
We passed down the Rappahannock, and at dawn, came to the Bay."