Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Worthy Sequel to Wraeththu! A Must!, 2 Aug 2005
By A Customer
This has been an exhilarating few days for me as I finish the Wraeththu Histories. Like some of the reviewers I was a trifle dismayed yet hopeful when I learned that Storm wished to write a sequel to Wraeththu. It has been more than 15 years since the conclusion of Wraeththu. Yes I could still recall the last part of Wraeththu being rushed and there could have been much more in the reunion of Calanthe and Pellaz. But how does Storm hope to redeem this small but significant fault in Wraeththu, least of all equal the brilliance of this masterpiece. I do not doubt her story telling skill but there is a haunting originality, a sensuality, an innocence in Wraeththu which is not possible to duplicate or match. My fear grew when I found Book 1 of the Wraeththu Histories a sort of a "fill-in-the-blanks" which does not feature and if so, limited roles of the enchanting and alluring characters in Wraeththu. And it was not written in the first person view which I love so much in Wraeththu. However my fear was unfounded a third through Book 1. Storm has not lost her magic though I still miss Calanthe, Rue, Cobweb and more of Pell of course. Happily these endearing characters reappear in Book 2 which is just brilliant. My favorite characters take center stage again as Storm continue from where she left off in Fulfilments of Fate and Desire (3rd book of Wraeththu). I no longer miss the first person narration. Storm does not need that to inject emotions, intensity and life into her story and characters. Her characters have grown and I like the maturity in Cal, Pell and Cobweb. New characters appear, Moon, Snake, Raven just to name a few, and Storm weave them seamlessly into her magical tapestry of intriguing plots and sub-plots.
As I turn to Book 3 (The Ghosts of Blood and Innocence, UK edition), I was again a trifle dismayed with the story shifting to new characters, this time the second generation harlings. I should just have trusted Storm. Book 3 is as enchanting as Book 2. Her protagonists, Pell's sons/high-son, Darq, Loki, Geb, can never equal Cal, Pell and Cobweb,(I have to admit I am bias because nohar else can replace these favorite characters of mine), but they are refreshing and each harling's character is an unique individual. The stories of Pell's sons/high-son, from the day they are "hatched" to the day they confront each other are equally spell binding. Storm's imagination just keep on growing covering untouched realms without ever dragging her feet or confusing her reader. Few can match her world building skills or the deep interplay of emotions among her characters. And I am very please with the way she continues the love/hate emotions development among Cal, Pell,Galdra and Rue in Book 3. No reader can expect more but as a Wraeththu fan, I am thirsty for much more. Just novellas from now on is just not enough! Long live the Wraeththu Mythos!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A magnificent finale, absolutely satisfying, 28 Mar 2005
Seldom you see a fantasy trilogy conclding itself in a manner so rich and satisfying. All the threads come to end in a stunning yet convincing way, and the plot unfurls in an intriguing, fascinating way. Seven years after the war on Fulminir, we witness the predicaments of three second-generation hara conceived during the fateful eventsin Shades: the proud and troubled Darquiel, growing in the far nothern realm of Olopade, the pampered and naive Loki, the favoured son of the Tigrons Calanthe and Pellaz,and the devious Geburael, son of the enemy of the Tigrons, Ponclast, andof the traitorous son of Pellaz, Abrimel. Geburael lives in the dark dimension of Thanatep with his brother Diablo, that teached him only hate and desires of revenge. The lives of Geburael, Loki and Darquiel will come at a crucial point in the magic land of Anakhai. Meanwhuile, the Kamagrian Lileem, in the realm of the Multiversal Library (in which one hears the echo of the Infinite Library of Jorge Luis Borges), will discover the very secret of the birth and meaning of Wraeththu. And even the all-powerful Thiede will have a part in this final disclosure.
Magnificently narrated, rich in details of strange and arcane realms, with charachters described in a so vivid and superbly detailed manner, that the reader will never forget them, this novel is a worthy conclusion of a trilogy that I think is no less magical and beautiful than the first Wraeththu Trilogy.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even greater than my expectations, 5 April 2005
The first reaction when I received this book was, "NO! it's not long enough!" and at 440 pages, I confirmed this reaction as I was reading.Here, in the third book of the Wraeththu histories, is the conclusion of the series, and what a conclusion it is. For even first time readers of Wraeththu, this could be a volume to start on. Enough of the plot is explained, enough focus on new characters not to be disoriented. You have to start somewhere, and believe me, after this volume, you will be desperate for the rest. For long time readers and fans, it takes up the story of the second generation with a good helping of our favorite characters, Cal, Thiede, Pellaz, and yes, even Galdra, as well as some surprise returns of old Wraeththu legends. If the reader is apprehensive about the younger new characters taking spotlight from our old favorites, rest assured. Remember Moon, in book 5. From the stolen harling, to Ponclast's hidden son, to the changeling son of Galdra brought up in Immanion, all of them grab hold of your heart and run away with it, not least because they fulfill, extend, and resolve their parent's dilemmas. If I thought Cal's resolution in book 5 was somewhat lacking, this volume brings his journey of understanding to full circle, dramatically, emotionally, fervently. Even the ever brooding Pellaz has a resolution of sorts. And how the elements of long-running characters, destiny, cosmic influences, and eco-philosophy are brought together, are nothing short of breathtaking. The Cosmic plot, of the mysteries behind the creation of Wraeththu and the warring factions of higher powers, only exemplifies the personal and wrenching journeys of self-discovery that so characterized the original trilogy. And amidst world changing events, love, loss, and love again, there is always the delightful sense of humor. For the avid fans- and this series dares you not to become one wherever you start reading- well, 440 pages is NOT enough. We will be waiting for future Novellas!
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