Moon has spent his life hiding what he is - a shape-shifter able to transform himself into a winged creature of flight. An orphan with only vague m...
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Aug 02, 2011
Hirondelle
rated it: 
I pre-ordered this on faith (on the author´s writing) and then kept postponing reading it. Maybe because while the author is an autobuy for me, I did not quite love her previous steampunkish alternate world fantasy trilogy. But this I loved wholeheartedly, right from the start and feel stupid it took me months to finally get to it.
I don´t know what to call this type of setting. Vance-an? Tanith Leean? The very old decaying world (not Earth though) with many no longer quite human rac More...
I don´t know what to call this type of setting. Vance-an? Tanith Leean? The very old decaying world (not Earth though) with many no longer quite human rac More...
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Oct 22, 2011
Mlle.
rated it:
THE CLOUD ROADS was cozy and charming, with a surly but lovable dragon-shifter protagonist, Moon. The author, Martha Wells, describes the Three Worlds like the author of a particularly luscious travel guide, full of shores, forests, and cities that you can't help but want to visit. I felt immersed in the world and connected to Moon, who I rooted for, and Wells does a wonderful job of dropping the reader into various social groups without letting the new people or customs become confusing or ov
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Dec 23, 2011
ambyr
rated it: 
A fluffy piece of fun, albeit with more disembowelings than most works of that type. Orphan is picked as prospective consort for the queen and must prove his worth to his new home (and to himself). There's lots of to-ing and fro-ing across the landscape on various quests, plus some angst if that's your thing. The worldbuilding wasn't really to my taste--it's the sort of book that comes with appendices so you can sort out all the different races and birth-castes, helpfully differentiated by color
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Feb 18, 2012
Christine (AR)
rated it:
The cover blurb says this book is "graceful" and I think that's an appropriate word. Populated entirely by non-humans, this world has floating islands and tree-dwelling crabs, with the story focused on dragon-shifters with a bee-like social structure. For the first 100 pages or so I thought that the book was just going to be graceful -- lovely and quiet and interesting -- but suddenly I was completely caught up in the story of Moon and Jade and the Indigo Cloud tribe as they battle the
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Jan 11, 2012
Andrew
rated it:
Not ambitious, but does a couple of interesting things. You know the (rare) SF novel with no human protagonists? This is a fantasy novel with no human protagonists -- a world inhabited by tribes of demi-humans, bipeds with fur or scales or carapaces. Yes, Adrian Tchaikovsky is doing that, but his bug-people are distinctly *humans* with knacks and the (slightly hard-to-swallow) mechanical inaptitude. These folks are *people*, but a step to the side of human: instinct, social reflexes, sensory ran
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Dec 06, 2011
Sharman
rated it: 
This is the first Martha Wells' book I've read and now I'm eagerly looking for another.
In this novel, Martha Wells has created a complex but believable world that is inhabited by many different types of sentient creatures. The primary character of the novel is Moon, a solitary man who can shift into a winged form. When the "groundlings" he's living with stumble onto his secret, they stake him out on the ground to die; in his winged form, he is too much like the deadly Fell, More...
In this novel, Martha Wells has created a complex but believable world that is inhabited by many different types of sentient creatures. The primary character of the novel is Moon, a solitary man who can shift into a winged form. When the "groundlings" he's living with stumble onto his secret, they stake him out on the ground to die; in his winged form, he is too much like the deadly Fell, More...
Jul 12, 2011
Douglas
rated it:
I must warn you. I'm sick and grumpy. It will likely affect my review…
I loved this book. I cracked the cover to check it out while tidying my shelves and became trapped inside its pages. I wasn't freed until my eyes involuntarily shut, then I finished it the moment I was able to open them again a few hours later.
What a rich, detailed world Wells created, but she wrote with the sensibilities of an action adventure novelist. Fast clipped and thrilling. I especially enjoyed how More...
I loved this book. I cracked the cover to check it out while tidying my shelves and became trapped inside its pages. I wasn't freed until my eyes involuntarily shut, then I finished it the moment I was able to open them again a few hours later.
What a rich, detailed world Wells created, but she wrote with the sensibilities of an action adventure novelist. Fast clipped and thrilling. I especially enjoyed how More...
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Jul 10, 2011
Nick
rated it:
Yesss, new Martha Wells. Everyone buy this one and keep my pusher in business, k?
I don't reckon this was as good as her best — I think my main issue with it was that the protagonist is Cursed With Awesome, which is a trope that tests my patience a bit. Still, it had a lot to recommend it, and at least Wells put abird lampshade on it by giving his whole sub-breed a notorious tendency toward high-strung drama-queening.
Hmm, I didn't really lead off with the selling points there More...
I don't reckon this was as good as her best — I think my main issue with it was that the protagonist is Cursed With Awesome, which is a trope that tests my patience a bit. Still, it had a lot to recommend it, and at least Wells put a
Hmm, I didn't really lead off with the selling points there More...
May 05, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
Confession time right up front. I am a Martha Wells fan-girl. I do not understand why this author is not a constant best-seller.
One reason I love her work is that it is so imaginative. Her world building is superb! And what a world she has revealed to us in this book. The planet of the Three Kingdoms seems to be earth-like: rivers, oceans, mountains, etc. But--it would be hard to confuse the inhabitants with earthlings. The diversity of sentient life that she presents is amazing.
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One reason I love her work is that it is so imaginative. Her world building is superb! And what a world she has revealed to us in this book. The planet of the Three Kingdoms seems to be earth-like: rivers, oceans, mountains, etc. But--it would be hard to confuse the inhabitants with earthlings. The diversity of sentient life that she presents is amazing.
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Apr 19, 2011
Karen
rated it:
This is not the usual sort of review that summarizes (aka, gives away) the plot. Rather, I want to talk about why this book made such a good impression on me, and the one small thing that bothered me. The Cloud Roads is that curious beast, a book that defies genre labels. Mind you, I'm not saying it transcends its genre. I hate that phrase, because it implies that genre is a bad thing, and I have no problem with genre.
The Cloud Roads is impressive because it mixes genres in an interest More...
The Cloud Roads is impressive because it mixes genres in an interest More...
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Dec 07, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
This is a terrific science fiction adventure story with a heart.
Moon doesn't know what he is. He's been trying to live with other people, but they don't look like him (most of the various races in this world are physically different from each other), and unlike them, he can shift into another shape, one with wings, a fact he conceals because the winged shape looks something like the Fell, an evil race bent on conquering and consuming the other races. When his secret is revealed, Mo More...
Moon doesn't know what he is. He's been trying to live with other people, but they don't look like him (most of the various races in this world are physically different from each other), and unlike them, he can shift into another shape, one with wings, a fact he conceals because the winged shape looks something like the Fell, an evil race bent on conquering and consuming the other races. When his secret is revealed, Mo More...
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Dec 29, 2010
Karyn
rated it:
1/3rd through: LOVE THIS WOMAN'S WRITING! Why doesn't everyone read her? Like, right now? I've read everything and was doubtful about this one, but once again, LOVE.
Finished:
Really enjoyed this. Was occasionally confused about who was who among the minor characters (they all have simple noun names: Chime, Bell, Moon, Jade), but suspect this was as much due to reading fast because I was enthralled as any actual flaws. My one real gripe is layout: way too much text crammed on to eac More...
Finished:
Really enjoyed this. Was occasionally confused about who was who among the minor characters (they all have simple noun names: Chime, Bell, Moon, Jade), but suspect this was as much due to reading fast because I was enthralled as any actual flaws. My one real gripe is layout: way too much text crammed on to eac More...
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Jan 17, 2012
Eoghann
rated it:
Martha Wells is a sadly under appreciated fantasy author. Though she has been writing and publishing for some years somehow the success she deserves has eluded her.
The Cloud Roads is a great example of what Wells has to offer as an author. She writes fantasy yes, but there are no elves and dwarves here. This is a unique and remarkably fully realized world. She gives it depth and history with only a few sentences.
The characters are the same. Some we get no more than a coup More...
The Cloud Roads is a great example of what Wells has to offer as an author. She writes fantasy yes, but there are no elves and dwarves here. This is a unique and remarkably fully realized world. She gives it depth and history with only a few sentences.
The characters are the same. Some we get no more than a coup More...
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Jan 06, 2012
Deborah
rated it:
I got this book as a gift on my ereader at Christmas and I loved it.
Martha Wells creates a world that is rich in history and culture and does it without beating you over the head. The world building is exquisite, rich in detail without ever making the reader feel overwhelmed by it. In the fantasy genre, that is a rare gift. Even the Matriarchal heirarchy of the court is reflected unerringly in everything from mannerisms to courtship rituals.
The tale is the journey of Moon, a More...
Martha Wells creates a world that is rich in history and culture and does it without beating you over the head. The world building is exquisite, rich in detail without ever making the reader feel overwhelmed by it. In the fantasy genre, that is a rare gift. Even the Matriarchal heirarchy of the court is reflected unerringly in everything from mannerisms to courtship rituals.
The tale is the journey of Moon, a More...
May 02, 2011
Krystal
rated it:
Summary: On a planet exclusively inhabited by nonhuman species, Moon doesn't know what he is or where he belongs. When he stumbles on another of his kind and decides to accompany the stranger to his home, Moon's special genetic qualities pit him against others of his own kind and make him a prime target for the deadly Fell species.
Review: The above summary does not do justice to the plot of the book. Conflict arises in multiple arenas, mostly due to Moon's ingrained survival instincts More...
Review: The above summary does not do justice to the plot of the book. Conflict arises in multiple arenas, mostly due to Moon's ingrained survival instincts More...
Mar 18, 2011
Katie
rated it:
This was a really good book. The society and world were very intricate with multiple levels, castes, and species, but it was written in such a way that it was never confusing. Despite the intricacy the story and characters, it was easy to follow and keep everyone straight. Additionally, the world was amazingly complex and beautiful. The plot was great too. It was interesting, engaging, and well thought out. I really liked that despite the characters having to go off on multiple several-day-
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Jul 04, 2011
Jean
rated it:
This is one of those hard books to review - every I try to examine exactly why I like it I come away with babbling glee. It hits on many of my sweet spots - a strange and colorful world, a protagonist in ignorance of his origins, awkward developing relationships, and a collection of strong, kick ass women.
The story moves forward steadily without major twists, the focus being on Moon's growth. The writing is strong and the voice is engaging, painting a vibrant picture of the world witho More...
The story moves forward steadily without major twists, the focus being on Moon's growth. The writing is strong and the voice is engaging, painting a vibrant picture of the world witho More...
Apr 22, 2011
Molly
rated it:
I am yawning my idiot head off this morning because I was up until an ungodly hour finishing this. I didn't realize the book had that kind of hold on me, until I found myself turning the last page at 2 am and wishing it wasn't over yet. Happily, it's the first of a trilogy. Sadly, the second and third books aren't out yet.
I'm not really sure how to describe it. It's a fantasy novel, but it's really different. Actually, the atmosphere and writing style kind of remind me of Ursul More...
I'm not really sure how to describe it. It's a fantasy novel, but it's really different. Actually, the atmosphere and writing style kind of remind me of Ursul More...
Jun 09, 2011
Natasha
rated it:
After the first seven pages, I knew I had struck gold. I always search endless hours looking for a new book that sounds interesting. And then I read the reviews to see if others found it interesting as well. This was one of the more expensive books compared to the one I wanted to buy as well, but I got this one, hoping that maybe the reviews were right. And boy, that was one of the best BEST decisions I've ever made.
I'm picky about what I read. If it doesn't grab me, or DO something in More...
I'm picky about what I read. If it doesn't grab me, or DO something in More...
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Jan 25, 2012
Patricia
rated it:
First thought that comes to mind is wow. I liked this book so much that I read it twice. Yes, back to back. This book is a lovely mixture of fantasy and science fiction, but without the over the top ambitions to be next Lord of the Rings. And honestly, the summary is crap compared to the real gem that the story truly is.
The protagonist is the stereotypical handsome rogue, but he is just so lovable. There were several moments when I just wanted to pet Moon on the head and sympathize wi More...
The protagonist is the stereotypical handsome rogue, but he is just so lovable. There were several moments when I just wanted to pet Moon on the head and sympathize wi More...
Jan 15, 2012
Joel
rated it:
I'll be honest, I was so happy to get a hold of a new Martha Wells novel that it could have been random entries from the phone book strung together and I probably still would have given it five stars. That it is the entry novel into a new series constructed with Ms. Wells' usual attention to detail and I'm ecstatic.
For me, the single best thing about Ms. Wells' worlds is her ability to sketch them in my mind's eye with just a few passing phrases or bits of dialogue. There are none More...
For me, the single best thing about Ms. Wells' worlds is her ability to sketch them in my mind's eye with just a few passing phrases or bits of dialogue. There are none More...
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Dec 20, 2011
Alyssa
rated it:
I got this one on recommendation from the scifi guy at the U bookstore and though I was somewhat skeptical that I would like it based on the synopsis and cover art, I ended up really getting into it. I loved the range of life forms presented in this world and while it is a work of fantasy, it felt much more like science fiction but with a biosocial focus. I loved how instinct and biological caste were so prominent but at the same time, didn't totally dominate the reasoning behind the characters'
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Feb 02, 2012
Max
rated it:
Finished in 5 days; pretty damn quick for me. I enjoyed the heck out of this, and can't wait to read the sequel. I have some minor nitpicks, sure, but overall this was a great discovery. After a while, the names of the main group of characters gets to be a little too hippie/care bear/my little pony-esque, but with all the action and violence (and gore) thrown in, it's easy to forgive. This book used some pretty standard Fantasy fiction cliches, like the lost orphan who turns out to be really,
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Oct 07, 2011
Carmen
rated it:
This is not the usual sort of review that summarizes (aka, gives away) the plot. Rather, I want to talk about why this book made such a good impression on me, and the one thing that bothered me. The Cloud Roads is that curious beast, a book that defies genre labels. Mind you, I'm not saying it transcends its genre. I hate that phrase, because it implies that genre is a bad thing, and I have no problem with genre.
The Cloud Roads is impressive because it mixes genres in an interesting More...
The Cloud Roads is impressive because it mixes genres in an interesting More...
Jan 27, 2012
Katey
rated it:
I'm giving this four stars, but if you're not into fantasy, it's probably more like a solid 3/3.5.
The world building is excellent, and very well fleshed out. The main character is fairly interesting and complex, and overall very likable. It's one of those books though, that almost has too many characters. You know how when some books are made into movies, they combine two or three people from the book into one character? That was how it felt.
The writing is a little uneven as More...
The world building is excellent, and very well fleshed out. The main character is fairly interesting and complex, and overall very likable. It's one of those books though, that almost has too many characters. You know how when some books are made into movies, they combine two or three people from the book into one character? That was how it felt.
The writing is a little uneven as More...
Sep 07, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
Not my favourite Martha Wells book but nevertheless it held my interest at a time when finishing a book is very hard work...with a 6 month old baby that demands 95% of all my attention. I once started a science fiction book by China Melville that I could not read much of because the idea of a humanoid type character mated up with an insect-type character bothered me too much, that and the whole city-type setting was too decrepit and the writer seemed to have a need to gross out the reader as muc
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Feb 14, 2012
Lisa
rated it:
I don’t think I’ve read a book quite like The Cloud Roads before. The world building is fabulous in its detail and scope due to the fact that this world is so different from our own. It’s called the Three World, and it’s a vast world populated with any kind of fantastical species you could probably hope for, and no humans to be found. Everything has a touch of magic, from the shape-shifting Raksura to the floating islands and flying ships.
The story follows Moon, a Raksura who doesn’t k More...
The story follows Moon, a Raksura who doesn’t k More...
Feb 11, 2012
Vaughn
rated it:
This is not my usual cuppa fantasy. I don't dislike fantasy that strays toward scifi per se, but I don't seek it out either. Wells brought me into the world of Cloud Roads effortlessly, with nary an info-dump in sight--no small feat, as this is an extremely foreign world.
I felt quickly connected to Moon, a loner of a shape-shifting, dragon-like being. Every step of Moon's journey was either a discovery, an adventure, or both, as Wells' world was so utterly unique and fascinating. The More...
I felt quickly connected to Moon, a loner of a shape-shifting, dragon-like being. Every step of Moon's journey was either a discovery, an adventure, or both, as Wells' world was so utterly unique and fascinating. The More...
Feb 07, 2012
Bibliotropic
rated it:
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Sep 20, 2011
Tingler
rated it:
I enjoyed this book to a ridiculous degree. The world building is superb and the characters are very real. I immediately ordered nearly everything available by the author and was not disappointed. Wells paints an amazingly detailed picture without overwhelming the reader with information. It just seems to seep in a layer at a time until one is fairly convinced that not only is the world of the novel a real place, but one has been there.
The main character, Moon, has lived most of hi More...
The main character, Moon, has lived most of hi More...
