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A review by mary_soon_lee
Stories of the Raksura, Volume Two: The Dead City & The Dark Earth Below by Martha Wells
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).