Martha Wells Books In Order

Publication Order of Ile-Rien Books

Publication Order of Fall Of Ile-Rien Books

Publication Order of Books Of The Raksura Books

Publication Order of Emilie Books

Publication Order of Stories Of The Raksura Books

Publication Order of Murderbot Diaries Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Stargate Atlantis Books

Publication Order of Star Wars: Empire and Rebellion Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Martha Wells is the bestselling American author of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Science Fiction Fantasy novels and has a great series in the Murderbot Diaries. She was born in Texas in the United States. Wells became a published novelist in 1993 after her first novel The Element of Fire the debut novel in Ile-Rien series was published. Since then Wells has published over five book series, three standalone novels, collections, and contributed to writing Stargate Atlantis and short stories such as Bad Medicine (1997), and Reliquary (1995). The second novel in Ile-Rien series, The Death of Necromancer was nominated for Nebula Awards Best Novel category. Wells graduated with a B.A. Degree in Anthropology; she resides in College Station, Texas with her beloved husband.

The Cloud Roads

The Cloud Roads is the debut novel in Books of the Raksura series. The story introduces Moon a shape-shifter, but the problem is that he does not know what he is. He transforms into a dragon like a creature with claws, wings and black scales. His family was killed when he was a small boy, and he is the only survivor in his family. His mother, sister, and three brothers all died and ever since their death (thirty-five) years/turns, he never discovered what he was and had to adjust to this scary and mysterious world alone.

All the years he had been alone, Moon lived in the “dark” with the Groundlings trying to make a home for himself. However, he knew well that his hiding would never last forever and each time he would be discovered, and he would be chased out almost killed. Surprisingly, this would happen when the groundlings saw his other shifter form; this is because, his humanoid black scaled body when transformed closely resembles the most deadly predators on their planet- the Fell. However despite all the hints, Moon understands well that he is not one of the Fell (dangerous predators), but explaining this to the dumb groundlings would be another entirely different story. He is used to getting kicked and endured worst treatment, but now he can’t stand the loneliness anymore and therefore decides to seek company regardless of the cost.

In the village of Cordons, the latest settlement where he was a resident for a long time, the rumors of seeing the Fell creatures in the area started circulating. Once the stories start spreading, he is discovered by the woman he was in a relationship with. Not realizing that his cover has been compromised, he does not notice anything strange until the villagers drug him with a poison that paralyzes the Fell, which makes him unable to shift and traps him into something between his two forms. He is hogtied, left alone to be ripped and eaten by other predators.)

However as the others, wild beasts are ready to make a meal out of Moon, the rumored predator, “Fell” kills the animal and vanishes away with the moon. Shocked and out of his mind possibly because he is most likely to be eaten by this monster thrice his size, Moon doesn’t cooperate. However, what Moon later learns sends him into an epic adventure that will see him question everything he has ever believed.

The debut novel is a prime fantasy set in a world where there is no earth like humans at all and the only creatures that closely resemble human beings are the groundlings. There about a dozen of groundlings species and very few of them resemble human beings. The Raksura shapeshifters are the closest thing that resembles human. This book is a high fantasy with settings including consorts, queens, courts, rulers and a minion, flying ships, flying islands, unique flora and fauna, flying boats, in other words, this is a world, unlike planet Earth. What makes the tale unique is the fact that it features reversed gender roles.

The female characters in the story are strong, maintain peace and are a terror in the sky. Some female warriors form a strong security force when together. There are different races, cultures and this is explained in various stages which makes it entirely believable. The story is told only from the third person perspective.

Wells has done a brilliant job when it comes to characterization. All her characters are unique and bond with the readers a factor that makes this novel interesting. There is Moon, the shape-shifter who knows nothing about his race and family. At first, he is afraid, solitary rogue, curious, cautious and also careful due to his experiences in the past. Then there is Stone a member of the Indigo Cloud Court. He is patient, kind but also a fierce warrior. Other characters you will encounter in the story include Chime, Jade, and Pearl who blend well in this narrative and contribute to the overall story building.

The Serpent Sea

Once a solitary wanderer, Moon has become a life time partner to Jade, one of the sister queen of the Indigo Cloud Court. Now, the two travels alongside with their people on flying ships with the hope of finding a new colony that they would call it home. At last, Moon feels that he has found a tribe and a family where he belongs.

However, when they reach their ancestral home of Indigo Cloud cloaked within the trunk of a massive tree, a mountain sized one; they find out that blight is infecting the tree core. Just in the proximity, they discover the remains of invaders who could be responsible for the disease and also find evidence of a disastrous theft. This shocking discovery sends hunters of Indigo Cloud led by Moon on a journey to locate the heart stone of the tree, a trip that will take them into new lands far away across the Serpent Sea.

The second book in The Books of the Raksura is a brilliant one. Moon, the main character in this fantasy novel, still cannot fit in even though he has found a place in the society and he is happy with Jade. He is unhappy regarding his social standing since most of those around him still dislike him. Jade is protective of Moon and cares very much about him. She is happy that Moon accepted her courting gifts and agreed to stay with her. Overall The Serpent Sea is an impressive and excellent sequel to a brilliant series from a bestselling author.

3 Responses to “Martha Wells”

1. Thomas Fillingham: 3 years ago

   When is the next murderbot diary? I just finished binge reading the lot and find myself reeling in withdrawal. You must either deliver a new installment or provide a 10 step group to fill the abyss and prevent self harm….. we are all now helpless in your hands … helpless, helpless, helpless …..

   Reply
   • D.Jones: 3 years ago

     Maybe we could just start with a support group…. or a cult.

     Reply
   • Carolyn King: 3 years ago

     Have you also read “Compulsory”, the short story that came between “Exit Strategy” and “Home: Habitat…”? It is available online (Wired, 2018)
     I haven’t got to it yet, but I have a link.

     Reply