Wells … has created a new world of dragonlike shapeshifters and human tribes that could serve as the background for future novels in this exotic setting. But the vivid world-building and nonstop action really serve as a backdrop for the heart of the novel-the universal human themes of loneliness, loss, and the powerful drive to find somewhere to belong.' In The Cloud Roads, she invents yet another rich and astonishingly detailed setting, where many races and cultures uneasily co-exist in a world constantly threatened by soulless predators. 'Martha Wells’ books always make me remember why I love to read. Steven Gould, author of Jumper and 7th Sigma And most of all, it’s riveting storytelling. This is rigorous fantasy without the trappings of European medievalism. There’s so much to like here: multiple sapient species sharing a world (or NOT sharing) with complex gender roles, wildly differing societies, and varying technologies. This story’s conclusion satisfies on all those counts as well as leaving me eager for the sequel. Those books explored adult concepts without ‘adult content’ the complexity of morality and the potential, uncaring harshness of life. It reminds me of the SF/F fantasy I read as a teen, long before YA was categorized. Sarah Prineas, author of The Magic Thief I read it eagerly and look forward to its sequel with great anticipation.' 'Filled with vivid action and memorable characters, The Cloud Roads is a terrific science fiction adventure story with a heart. Jemisin, author of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms I can’t wait for my next chance to visit the Three Worlds!' It’s that rarest of fantasies: fresh and surprising, with a story that doesn’t go where ten thousand others have gone before. 'The Cloud Roads has wildly original worldbuilding, diverse and engaging characters, and a thrilling adventure plot. Using its alien protagonist to explore the politics of gender and belonging, this is a fascinating read for SF readers looking for something out of the ordinary.

Kelly McCullough, author of the WebMage series and the Fallen Blade novels Shape-shifters, flying ships, city-trees, six kazillion sentient races, floating islands, and on and on and on.

There is a depth and breadth and sheer alienness here that I have rarely seen in any novel. The characters, particularly the protagonist, Moon, are compelling and flawed and likable. Martha Wells’ Raksura books are dense, and complex, with truly amazing world building, and non-human characters who are quite genuinely alien, yet still comprehensible and sympathetic. Praise for Martha Wells and the Books of the Raksura

The serpent sea martha wells