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Plague of Angels #2
The Waters Rising
“Sheri S. Tepper takes the mental risks that are the lifeblood of science fiction and all imaginative fiction.”
—Ursula K. Le Guin, Los Angeles Times
Her first new novel since The Margarets, The Waters Rising marks the glorious return of the extraordinary Sheri S. Tepper, the award-winning contemporary master whom Locus has called, “one of sf’s most distinctive voices.” The Waters Rising tells a gripping story of a future already ravaged and now in even graver peril when a dreadful, awesome killing power is resurrected from the past. Readers of Margaret Atwood and Marge Piercy will join with fans of literary sf in praising this stunning masterwork of speculative fiction from one of the acknowledged greats.
—Ursula K. Le Guin, Los Angeles Times
Her first new novel since The Margarets, The Waters Rising marks the glorious return of the extraordinary Sheri S. Tepper, the award-winning contemporary master whom Locus has called, “one of sf’s most distinctive voices.” The Waters Rising tells a gripping story of a future already ravaged and now in even graver peril when a dreadful, awesome killing power is resurrected from the past. Readers of Margaret Atwood and Marge Piercy will join with fans of literary sf in praising this stunning masterwork of speculative fiction from one of the acknowledged greats.
512 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2010
47 people are currently reading
605 people want to read
About the author
Sheri S. Tepper
74 books1,083 followersSheri Stewart Tepper was a prolific American author of science fiction, horror and mystery novels; she was particularly known as a feminist science fiction writer, often with an ecofeminist slant.
Born near Littleton, Colorado, for most of her career (1962-1986) she worked for Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood, where she eventually became Executive Director. She has two children and is married to Gene Tepper. She operated a guest ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She wrote under several pseudonyms, including A.J. Orde, E.E. Horlak, and B.J. Oliphant. Her early work was published under the name Sheri S. Eberhart.
Born near Littleton, Colorado, for most of her career (1962-1986) she worked for Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood, where she eventually became Executive Director. She has two children and is married to Gene Tepper. She operated a guest ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She wrote under several pseudonyms, including A.J. Orde, E.E. Horlak, and B.J. Oliphant. Her early work was published under the name Sheri S. Eberhart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 5, 2010
Similar to many Tepper books in themes of environmentalism, feminism/humanism, and very future consequences of modern society. Her extrapolations are always fascinating, and horrifically, seem somewhat possible. Occasionally The Waters Rising is heavy-handed in message, but I found it to be less so than some of her other books. It also dwells less on the evils people commit, which I have found to be overwhelming at time. I made up my mind early on to ignore some of the geographical details, reading everything else closely, so I think I avoided some of the "bogged down" details other reviewers mentioned. I particularly liked her development of tension between characters, their occasionally flawed or imperfect natures, and the underlying mysteries driving them; after the first third of the book, I found it hard to put down.
January 3, 2011
In this follow up to the ridiculous genre mishmash of A Plague of Angels, let's just say I didn't have high hopes. It started out stronger - a young girl is tasked with carrying the soul of a dead princess back to her home country, and is assisted by Abasio, the hero of A Plague of Angels. The waters have been rising on a global scale, and the terrain has been changing rapidly. Entire cities have either moved up mountains or been covered in water.
If Tepper were merely telling an entertaining story, that would be one thing. But I think what she is attempting to do, and failing at, is writing like Margaret Atwood, creating a somewhat ridiculous landscape based on a dystopian future of our own world that will spur us into treating our environment better. I'm sad to say that she fails miserably on this scale. It just isn't believable enough, isn't realistic enough.
What starts as a simple story soon brings in the crazy elements of A Plague of Angels, including but not limited to genetic/DNA manipulation, post-nuclear half-men, magic teleportation devices, curses, talking beasts, cyberpunk librarians, quests, and a race of people living in the sea. I would hate to spoil it for you, but the last 100 pages had elements to the story that were so ridiculous I was laughing until tears went down my cheeks. It is too bad, really, because I do believe Tepper intended this to be a Serious Statement About Humanity. To that I would say - talking cephalopod. And now I'm giggling again.
If Tepper were merely telling an entertaining story, that would be one thing. But I think what she is attempting to do, and failing at, is writing like Margaret Atwood, creating a somewhat ridiculous landscape based on a dystopian future of our own world that will spur us into treating our environment better. I'm sad to say that she fails miserably on this scale. It just isn't believable enough, isn't realistic enough.
What starts as a simple story soon brings in the crazy elements of A Plague of Angels, including but not limited to genetic/DNA manipulation, post-nuclear half-men, magic teleportation devices, curses, talking beasts, cyberpunk librarians, quests, and a race of people living in the sea. I would hate to spoil it for you, but the last 100 pages had elements to the story that were so ridiculous I was laughing until tears went down my cheeks. It is too bad, really, because I do believe Tepper intended this to be a Serious Statement About Humanity. To that I would say - talking cephalopod. And now I'm giggling again.
October 14, 2010
A new Sheri Tepper, I'm all aflutter.
I did not realize when I started this that this was part two. I must admit that I don't remember Plague of Angels enough to say much BUT I did enjoy this one, it was a little harder to get into, but it still has that Tepper flair. I would recommend that anyone interested in a well written, escapist pro-feminine piece of sci fi..this is for you. But if you also want Tepper at her best, read Fresco and Gate to Women's Country and Gibbon's Rise and Fall...oh so good.
I did not realize when I started this that this was part two. I must admit that I don't remember Plague of Angels enough to say much BUT I did enjoy this one, it was a little harder to get into, but it still has that Tepper flair. I would recommend that anyone interested in a well written, escapist pro-feminine piece of sci fi..this is for you. But if you also want Tepper at her best, read Fresco and Gate to Women's Country and Gibbon's Rise and Fall...oh so good.
October 29, 2010
Like my fellow FantasyLiterature.com reviewer, Ruth, I spent about a month trying to read The Waters Rising; and, like Ruth, I found it hard to concentrate on it for more than a few pages. I gave up when I realized I was now a month behind on everything else I wanted to read, and that the bookmark I’d placed in The Waters Rising never seemed to move, no matter how much time I spent with the book. Unlike Ruth, I’d never read a Sheri S. Tepper novel before, though I’ve read the first few pages of Beauty and am intrigued. I think I’ll try to forget about The Waters Rising and give Beauty a try, and let that be my introduction to Tepper.
The concept is an interesting one. The novel is set in the Earth of the future. We’ve made a mess of the planet by means of technology, and now there is a further calamity that is flooding areas that escaped the earlier disasters. The male lead, Abasio, comes upon a castle in what we know as the Pacific Northwest and meets the female lead, Xulai, a child who has been selected for a dangerous task.
Unfortunately, the book plods. Part of the problem is that much of the dialogue is stilted and infodump-heavy; it’s not uncommon in The Waters Rising to find characters expounding to each other about the geography of the setting. Some of the problem may relate to my own literary preferences. It’s rare that I can become engrossed in a book that relies so heavily on traveling-across-the-landscape-with-enemies-in-pursuit as a structure. I think I’m supposed to be gleaning an ecological message from the book; instead I feel like I’m reading an account of a D&D campaign (or maybe Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World, which reminded me of, well, a D&D campaign.)
Then there’s the disturbing romance between Abasio and Xulai. A minor spoiler: Xulai is not as young as she looks. However, Abasio becomes strongly attracted to her when he still thinks she’s a precocious seven-year-old. This is icky, and it’s made even more icky by the fact that Xulai is Tingawan (Chinese), because of the history of fetishization and infantilization of Asian women. Abasio is supposed to be the hero and instead comes off as really skeevy.
I got about halfway through The Waters Rising and threw in the towel. I’ve decided that this book and I were simply not meant for each other.
Review originally published at FantasyLiterature.com
The concept is an interesting one. The novel is set in the Earth of the future. We’ve made a mess of the planet by means of technology, and now there is a further calamity that is flooding areas that escaped the earlier disasters. The male lead, Abasio, comes upon a castle in what we know as the Pacific Northwest and meets the female lead, Xulai, a child who has been selected for a dangerous task.
Unfortunately, the book plods. Part of the problem is that much of the dialogue is stilted and infodump-heavy; it’s not uncommon in The Waters Rising to find characters expounding to each other about the geography of the setting. Some of the problem may relate to my own literary preferences. It’s rare that I can become engrossed in a book that relies so heavily on traveling-across-the-landscape-with-enemies-in-pursuit as a structure. I think I’m supposed to be gleaning an ecological message from the book; instead I feel like I’m reading an account of a D&D campaign (or maybe Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World, which reminded me of, well, a D&D campaign.)
Then there’s the disturbing romance between Abasio and Xulai. A minor spoiler: Xulai is not as young as she looks. However, Abasio becomes strongly attracted to her when he still thinks she’s a precocious seven-year-old. This is icky, and it’s made even more icky by the fact that Xulai is Tingawan (Chinese), because of the history of fetishization and infantilization of Asian women. Abasio is supposed to be the hero and instead comes off as really skeevy.
I got about halfway through The Waters Rising and threw in the towel. I’ve decided that this book and I were simply not meant for each other.
Review originally published at FantasyLiterature.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2010
Initially, this book seems to be set in a different era, in a place that could possibly have been the world we know. There is little technology, clothing seems to be vaguely medieval, there's belief in curses and soul bearers, and there are dynastic issues regarding who rules what. I've never read a Tepper book before, and I truly enjoyed this side of it. The mentions of a Before Time and a Big Kill, of knowledge lost and waters rising were interesting, as was the adventure of getting from the Wold to Merhaven without attracting too much attention.
Xulai's meeting Abasio and finding (being found by?) Fisher start off the trek, and getting to know them and Precious Wind, Bear and the others was somewhat slow going but still interesting. Ditto the intrigue in the Abbey, and Alicia/Mirami/Old Man plotting regarding Norland.
Where the book lost me was the grinding halt that came as the backstory, one of suicide killers and nuclear weapons and sectarian hatreds and global warming, was introduced. Suddenly I felt as though I was reading another book entirely, as manipulated as Xulai was regarding the genetic manipulation and climate change issues. When the Sea King essentially says that the only way humans will be allowed to survive is as another species capable of less harm, my interest in the book's ending ended; the final "battle" with the Old Dark Man seemed tacked on. The two themes are (IMVHO) clumsily tied together, which lessens the whole
ARC provided by publisher.
Xulai's meeting Abasio and finding (being found by?) Fisher start off the trek, and getting to know them and Precious Wind, Bear and the others was somewhat slow going but still interesting. Ditto the intrigue in the Abbey, and Alicia/Mirami/Old Man plotting regarding Norland.
Where the book lost me was the grinding halt that came as the backstory, one of suicide killers and nuclear weapons and sectarian hatreds and global warming, was introduced. Suddenly I felt as though I was reading another book entirely, as manipulated as Xulai was regarding the genetic manipulation and climate change issues. When the Sea King essentially says that the only way humans will be allowed to survive is as another species capable of less harm, my interest in the book's ending ended; the final "battle" with the Old Dark Man seemed tacked on. The two themes are (IMVHO) clumsily tied together, which lessens the whole
ARC provided by publisher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2015
Perhaps for someone who hasn't enjoyed the first book, A Plague of Angels, this would be a 3 star book. Both books have parts that are perhaps a tad preachy but since I tend to agree with the message being preached, it doesn't bother me. This book isn't quite as good as the first one but I was happy to see Abasio again.
One thing bothered me a bit on this reread -- the age difference between Abasio and Xulai. It isn't clear how much time is supposed to have passed but the indications are it has been years (maybe a decade? or even longer). So I think Abasio must be about twice Xulai's age... Not that ~40 year-old men don't fall in love with 19 year-old women!
The parallels with A Plague of Angels were most obvious to me in the "bad guys" -- Alicia, Duchess of Altamont is almost a carbon copy of Ellel. Even the same hang-ups about daddy... However the main theme, indicated by the title, was more reminiscent of Tepper's novel Singer from the Sea and to a lesser extent The Family Tree.
One thing bothered me a bit on this reread -- the age difference between Abasio and Xulai. It isn't clear how much time is supposed to have passed but the indications are it has been years (maybe a decade? or even longer). So I think Abasio must be about twice Xulai's age... Not that ~40 year-old men don't fall in love with 19 year-old women!
The parallels with A Plague of Angels were most obvious to me in the "bad guys" -- Alicia, Duchess of Altamont is almost a carbon copy of Ellel. Even the same hang-ups about daddy... However the main theme, indicated by the title, was more reminiscent of Tepper's novel Singer from the Sea and to a lesser extent The Family Tree.
November 18, 2010
I don't really care if Sheri S. Tepper wrote a note to the mail carrier to let him/her know where to leave her mail, I would read it. Her grocery lists I know would fascinate me and I'm sure would provide access to her thought processes. So, this wasn't her best book, who cares? I enjoyed the idea and the characters. The first 400 pages seemed to drag and go into more detail than usual. Most times it feels like the world that Sheri creates is so real it is already in motion and you better catch up with it. There is usually no spoon feeding in her books. I have started a book, stopped it, reread it, stopped it again, restarted it and then finally got what was going on in the story. She is an incredibly complex writer. I want badly to blame the editor for this book! The last 100-200 pages seemed to go too quickly and wrapped everything up like the deadline was due yesterday. The climax was disappointing for me. But, it was a Sheri S. Tepper book and I don't even care! If you tried this one and didn't like it, I would strongly suggest "Beauty" and "The Family Tree." They are fantastic and I still say she is the best writer ever.
October 18, 2010
I read about 3/4 of it and put it down ... I felt the whole time like I *should* be liking it but I just never had any idea what was going on or why. It was just boring, which is sad because usually I love Tepper.
September 8, 2014
I loved the first 3/4's of this book. The author does a wonderful job of creating a future world after the earth has experienced a series of cataclysmic events due to environmental changes; she has wonderful descriptive details of both the changes in the landscape and the various kingdoms and societies that have developed. There is great tension created between the forces for good, and those that are evil. The characters here were well developed and quite engaging. But the last 1/4 or so of the book I felt it really bogged down; the efforts to give further explanation of the history behind current events resulted in overly long lectures by one character to the others. I remain a Tepper fan, and will continue to read anything she writes, but I hope that the talent she shows in the earlier part of the book will be more consistent throughout.
November 13, 2010
Better than some of her more recent books, but still not quite up to her old standard. It started off quite frantic with a lot going on, loads of characters and scenario setting (often required in fantasy novels). The middle section was very good, very much old style Tepper. Near the end, however, it seem to loose its way. A lot was crammed into a short while loosing the atmosphere of the middle section, although it did rally a bit at the very end. I thought some of ideas didn't work very well, which is unusual as i like a lot of Tepper's messages. Overall not a bad follow on to the great A Plague of Angels.
September 15, 2010
I really like Sheri S. Tepper's books, but this one was not one of my favorites, which was particularly disappointing because the previous book set in this world with one of the same characters ("A Plague of Angels") is an engrossing, thought-provoking novel. "Waters" got off to a super-slow start -- way too much set-up, not a lot of which was relevant to the plot -- but then finally got good about halfway through.
Read my full review here:
http://www.kansas.com/2010/09/12/1489...
Read my full review here:
http://www.kansas.com/2010/09/12/1489...
December 28, 2010
I stopped reading a couple of chapters from the end, because I wasn't enjoying the book and didn't even care how it ended or what happened to the characters. I've really loved many of Tepper's books, so this was very disappointing.
October 6, 2010
Slow and not very coherent. Not my favorite Tepper novel.
April 26, 2016
Second in the Plague of Angels dystopian fantasy series set in a possible future Earth.
In 2012, The Waters Rising was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel.
My Take
It's a story of war and collaboration between peoples and species set in a world that has lost much of its general scientific knowledge. The environmental overtones as we realize our greatest fear of ice caps melting exacerbated by inner aquifers leaking and forcing the oceans to rise. Within a few more generations there will be no more land.
I will say it took awhile before it sunk in that The Waters Rising was set in our future. That it's another dark age for humans after several apocalyptic events, and only getting darker with humanity existing in a feudal society where machines and science are anathema.
Part of my fascination was with figuring out what was left and where the duke's kingdom was located, and what's with those artificial moons? Rose and green? The other part was the humor. Tepper was hysterically funny at the start, seducing me in with Abasio and Blue and the humor they shared.
Abasio is lovely with helpful aphorisms, building Xulai's confidence. She hasn't had a childhood either. Kept separate from the children, with no idea how to play, and I love how she describes an afternoon of the children pretending. It made sense, and I suspect it's an actor's way as well.
I love Tepper's descriptions of the ease machines the duchess uses. Magic, until Tepper finally reveals the science behind them. All it requires is a bit of code about an individual. When Tepper finally "explains" the protections the princess and Precious Wind used, and taught Xulai, it makes such sense. A fascinating interpretation that reminds me of our own past when doctors were concerned with humors and bleeding was the order of the day. I love the sound of that machine that could cure cancer.
The Tingawans have a lovely death ritual, which pokes fun at religion. I love their preference for a greeting: "Any bird or monkey can chatter, any wagon can make a noise upon a street, but to stand silent, to observe, to remember, that is recognition…" Then there's their stance about hereditary positions...too true! The international lament among parents of young people who don't appreciate the old ways. However, the Tingawans have a beautiful approach to those who leave their homes, their land, and there is no regret for having nurtured them. Definitely read the short anecdote about Emperor Elvuk and his garden. A very practical and real philosophy, for what is the point if no one gets to see.
Tepper manages to cram a lot of messages into one story. Evolution — I don't think I'd like to be a vegetable, lol, although Tepper did a lovely job of describing life as vegetation. I like that part about sitting in the sun, but the rest? Oh, no. Certainly explains why broccoli and carrots haven't taken over the world, *shakes her head*" The environment; our preference for building prisons over creating good schools where learning is promoted as opposed to testing, where decency is promoted and bullying dealt with; the stupid bickering that leads to calamitous wars; the benefits of long-term planning; and, the bigotry, on both sides.
Always keep in mind that things are not always as they appear, and being sensitive to others will aid your plans.
The Story
It's a fearsome thing the Woman Upstairs demands of her soul carrier, and Xulai is terrified, so when Abasio comes along and gives her courage, she sees it as a sign.
In some ways, events are a relief for Xulai, for she has been stuck in Woldsgard, waiting for the princess to die so Xulai may take her soul home to her native land. It's a perilous journey during which Xulai will learn too many awful and wondrous truths as she grows up too quickly.
Of being the saviour and mother of a new race, an experiment centuries in the making.
The Characters
Xulai is Tingawan of Tingawa and the Thousand Isles, and the Xakixa, soul carrier, for the Woman Upstairs, the duke's wife, Princess Xu-i-lok. The chipmunk, whose name becomes Fisher, evolves as Xulai needs. The Great Bear of Zol is one of her teachers and now her guard (Legami-An is the girl/woman to whom he's betrothed); Oldwife Gancer was her nursemaid when Xulai was little but is more of a granny now; Bartelmy Fletcher is one of the duke's bowmen and a friend who taught her how to ride; Precious Wind (her Tingawan name is Xu-xin) is Xulai's teacher from Tingawa; and, Nettie Lean is a friend and the seamstress.
Willum and Clive Farrier; Pecky Peavine, Bartelmy's cousin; and Black Mike, Oldwife Gancer's grandnephew who can fix anything, will accompany Xulai and her entourage on her journey home. Flaxen is Xulai's horse.
Abasio is a tinker, dyer, helper of…orphans, a town crier of sorts, and a world saver, for he has lived a number of other people's lives. He seems quite well known throughout this world. He had been the son of a farmer's daughter, the Drowned Woman, and his father had been an intelligent leader, not evil, not good known as the Gang Leader. Big Blue is Abasio's friend, a talking horse. Ollie, "the Orphan", had been Abasio's love and taught Abasio how to use her magical helmet library.
"Chippy" and "Bram" are travelers heading to Elsmere and then Merhaven.
Woldsgard
Justinian, Duke of Wold, is the ruler, a kind, honorable, and sad man awaiting the death of his wife, the seventh daughter of Prince Lok-i-xan, who is himself the head of Clan Do-Lok. Crampocket Cullen is the snooty steward of Woldsgard, and his wife, Dame Cullen is so much worse. Ammalyn is a scullery maid in the castle spying for the duchess. Horsemaster has tips for Xulai. Bright Pearl is said to be Xulai's mother.
The Becomers are…
…different groups of Sea people who guard a toll road through which the convoy must pass. Each has a different focus of silly worship. Genieve is the woman Justinian might have married who now lives in the Watch House in Merhaven. Mrs. Bang is her cook/housekeeper?
Hallad is Prince Orez and one of Justinian's allies. Defiance, Count Chasm, lives in Chasmgard with his grandmother, Vinicia, the Lady of the Abyss and Prince Orez's mother. Earl Murkon of Marish is Hallad's second son. Combesgard is ruled by Hale Highlimb, the Treelord and manned by Prince Orez's foresters. Valesgard is where the Free Knights breed the prince's horses and keep the signal fire.
Wilderbrook Abbey
The abbot is addressed as Eldest Brother and comes to learn about "chain of information". The prior is best addressed as Elder Brother; he screens everything and everyone for the abbot. Belika is Nettie's sister and works as a cook at the abbey. Willum and Clive will pretend to be Belika's sons returned from their travels. Brothers Rahas, Pol, Aalon, and Derris all play guide at different times; only one is a traitor. Brother Wordswell is the librarian. Brother Solomon Whinger, a.k.a., Solo Winger for his missing arm, is the bird-loft man. Sister Tomea gives them the tour and explains how the abbey works and earns its monies. Sister Solace is in charge of the abbey upper schools. Jun, Jamis, and a third are abbey guards in the prior's pay. Colonel Sallis is ordered in all haste to Netherfields.
The Tingawans
The crew of the Falsa-xin has been waiting lo' these twenty years to sail for home with the Xakixa. The Axan-xin sails out to greet the Falsa-xin; her captain is the Gull of Caspos, a.k.a., Bunja, an old schoolfriend of Precious Wind's. Ushiloma al Koul is the capital city of the Tingawans. Tsu-tin is Xulai's obstetrician.
The Old Dark House is…
…where the Old Dark Man lives here and has been cranking out descendants for centuries; Mirami is just one in a long line whom he's beaten and sexually abused. He's been called a wizard, a monster, and a vampire. Mirami has engineered her place as the queen to the king of Ghastain, Karios, King Gahls, a man more interested in pageantry. Her first husband was Duke Falyrion, ruler of Kamfels. His heir was Falredi by his first wife, Nalia. His second son, with Mirami, Hulix, became duke upon Falredi's death. Crown Prince Rancitor is the son of King Gahls and Queen Mirami. Chamfray is Mirami's steward, and funnily enough, all her children seem to have his nose...
Alicia is the daughter of Mirami and Falyrion, and she's now the Duchess of Altamont. There is no love lost between this mother-and-daughter team! Jenger is the duchess' henchman, both delighting and fearing of her commands.
Both Mirami and Alicia are psychopaths, true heirs to the Old Dark One. They're scheming their way into power.
Loppy is the nosy cellarer. Benjobz, the innkeeper hires "Timmer" and "Hout" to build way more stalls than he should need.
The Sea People
The Sea King ambassador is making the duchess promises, that the Sea King (he's of the cephalopod race, a kraken) will buy anything that Tingawa values. It's due to the anger of the Sea People that ships no longer trade.
The Edgeworld isles are…
…rumored to have a store of ease machines and manuals. Artemisia is south of the mountains, and the Big River used to run through there and the land went on south a long way before it came to the Gulf. Florida is gone, three places west of Florida are gone, and Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama are gone.
The different times that preceded the current time include the "Before Time when mankind brought doom upon itself by worshipping" the ease machines, the Hot Times when the sun burned everyone and the ice continents melted and brought about the First Waters Rising; the Big Kill was brought about by bigotry and shortsighted men; and, the Time When No One Moved Around when meteors fell and caused earthquakes everywhere. There was a Time of Darkness as well. Dr. Hammond worked with Jacob.
Huold the Fearless, a.k.a., the Arm of Ghastain, had a device rumored to be powerful. Lythany was the last of his children; Orez and Wold are of the twelfth generation. King Ghastain, originally an Angrian, promised Hulold all the western lands, to his children, unto perpetuity. Which will put a spike in Alicia's plans.
At some point, people played with genetics and now there are all sorts of odd monsters: griffons, giants, talking horses, trolls, and more. Technicians love and understand the machines. An ul xaolat
is a "thing master" able to "summon a hunter", move you fast, and lift equipment and people. The slaughterers were volunteers, terrorists, engineered to smell intelligence.
The Cover and Title
The cover is turquoises and greens underwater with Xulai's face nestled in waving black tresses, the fish and Xulai looking up towards the surface, their futures.
The title is prophetic, for The Waters Rising will obliterate mankind.
In 2012, The Waters Rising was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel.
My Take
It's a story of war and collaboration between peoples and species set in a world that has lost much of its general scientific knowledge. The environmental overtones as we realize our greatest fear of ice caps melting exacerbated by inner aquifers leaking and forcing the oceans to rise. Within a few more generations there will be no more land.
I will say it took awhile before it sunk in that The Waters Rising was set in our future. That it's another dark age for humans after several apocalyptic events, and only getting darker with humanity existing in a feudal society where machines and science are anathema.
Part of my fascination was with figuring out what was left and where the duke's kingdom was located, and what's with those artificial moons? Rose and green? The other part was the humor. Tepper was hysterically funny at the start, seducing me in with Abasio and Blue and the humor they shared.
"'In order to allay suspicion I am about to sing something pastoral and suggestive of bucolic innocence.'It quickly gets dark in tone and almost Borgia-like with the scheming and plotting and poisoning going on. Think of it as a mix of Machiavellian scheming in a medieval romance with a touch of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover in the rollback of civilization and a dollop of Mercedes Lackey's fantasy worlds. It may all seem like magic, but in truth the explanations are simple.
'Something half-witted and full of tral-la-las,' sneered the horse, sotto voce, 'and hey-nonny-nonnies.'
Which is followed by Blue taking all the credit for allaying suspicion as he kept 'de-neighing it'."
Abasio is lovely with helpful aphorisms, building Xulai's confidence. She hasn't had a childhood either. Kept separate from the children, with no idea how to play, and I love how she describes an afternoon of the children pretending. It made sense, and I suspect it's an actor's way as well.
"Of all things in life, she loved having her own way, but it pleased her more to have it when someone else opposed it."Tepper drove me mad with all my questions: why is the Woman Upstairs in her coma for all these years, what does a soul carrier do and why is it so important, and so many more questions. And as the story progresses, Tepper heaps yet more questions on before she finally starts to reveal bits and pieces which enlighten and terrify.
I love Tepper's descriptions of the ease machines the duchess uses. Magic, until Tepper finally reveals the science behind them. All it requires is a bit of code about an individual. When Tepper finally "explains" the protections the princess and Precious Wind used, and taught Xulai, it makes such sense. A fascinating interpretation that reminds me of our own past when doctors were concerned with humors and bleeding was the order of the day. I love the sound of that machine that could cure cancer.
The Tingawans have a lovely death ritual, which pokes fun at religion. I love their preference for a greeting: "Any bird or monkey can chatter, any wagon can make a noise upon a street, but to stand silent, to observe, to remember, that is recognition…" Then there's their stance about hereditary positions...too true! The international lament among parents of young people who don't appreciate the old ways. However, the Tingawans have a beautiful approach to those who leave their homes, their land, and there is no regret for having nurtured them. Definitely read the short anecdote about Emperor Elvuk and his garden. A very practical and real philosophy, for what is the point if no one gets to see.
"Children were creations, things to be used, even to be used up if necessary."Alicia certainly provides a great deal of interest. She is the nastiest piece of work and has been scheming and plotting for decades. No, she's not that old. Read into that what you wish.
Tepper manages to cram a lot of messages into one story. Evolution — I don't think I'd like to be a vegetable, lol, although Tepper did a lovely job of describing life as vegetation. I like that part about sitting in the sun, but the rest? Oh, no. Certainly explains why broccoli and carrots haven't taken over the world, *shakes her head*" The environment; our preference for building prisons over creating good schools where learning is promoted as opposed to testing, where decency is promoted and bullying dealt with; the stupid bickering that leads to calamitous wars; the benefits of long-term planning; and, the bigotry, on both sides.
Always keep in mind that things are not always as they appear, and being sensitive to others will aid your plans.
The Story
It's a fearsome thing the Woman Upstairs demands of her soul carrier, and Xulai is terrified, so when Abasio comes along and gives her courage, she sees it as a sign.
In some ways, events are a relief for Xulai, for she has been stuck in Woldsgard, waiting for the princess to die so Xulai may take her soul home to her native land. It's a perilous journey during which Xulai will learn too many awful and wondrous truths as she grows up too quickly.
Of being the saviour and mother of a new race, an experiment centuries in the making.
The Characters
Xulai is Tingawan of Tingawa and the Thousand Isles, and the Xakixa, soul carrier, for the Woman Upstairs, the duke's wife, Princess Xu-i-lok. The chipmunk, whose name becomes Fisher, evolves as Xulai needs. The Great Bear of Zol is one of her teachers and now her guard (Legami-An is the girl/woman to whom he's betrothed); Oldwife Gancer was her nursemaid when Xulai was little but is more of a granny now; Bartelmy Fletcher is one of the duke's bowmen and a friend who taught her how to ride; Precious Wind (her Tingawan name is Xu-xin) is Xulai's teacher from Tingawa; and, Nettie Lean is a friend and the seamstress.
Willum and Clive Farrier; Pecky Peavine, Bartelmy's cousin; and Black Mike, Oldwife Gancer's grandnephew who can fix anything, will accompany Xulai and her entourage on her journey home. Flaxen is Xulai's horse.
Abasio is a tinker, dyer, helper of…orphans, a town crier of sorts, and a world saver, for he has lived a number of other people's lives. He seems quite well known throughout this world. He had been the son of a farmer's daughter, the Drowned Woman, and his father had been an intelligent leader, not evil, not good known as the Gang Leader. Big Blue is Abasio's friend, a talking horse. Ollie, "the Orphan", had been Abasio's love and taught Abasio how to use her magical helmet library.
"Chippy" and "Bram" are travelers heading to Elsmere and then Merhaven.
Woldsgard
Justinian, Duke of Wold, is the ruler, a kind, honorable, and sad man awaiting the death of his wife, the seventh daughter of Prince Lok-i-xan, who is himself the head of Clan Do-Lok. Crampocket Cullen is the snooty steward of Woldsgard, and his wife, Dame Cullen is so much worse. Ammalyn is a scullery maid in the castle spying for the duchess. Horsemaster has tips for Xulai. Bright Pearl is said to be Xulai's mother.
The Becomers are…
…different groups of Sea people who guard a toll road through which the convoy must pass. Each has a different focus of silly worship. Genieve is the woman Justinian might have married who now lives in the Watch House in Merhaven. Mrs. Bang is her cook/housekeeper?
Hallad is Prince Orez and one of Justinian's allies. Defiance, Count Chasm, lives in Chasmgard with his grandmother, Vinicia, the Lady of the Abyss and Prince Orez's mother. Earl Murkon of Marish is Hallad's second son. Combesgard is ruled by Hale Highlimb, the Treelord and manned by Prince Orez's foresters. Valesgard is where the Free Knights breed the prince's horses and keep the signal fire.
Wilderbrook Abbey
The abbot is addressed as Eldest Brother and comes to learn about "chain of information". The prior is best addressed as Elder Brother; he screens everything and everyone for the abbot. Belika is Nettie's sister and works as a cook at the abbey. Willum and Clive will pretend to be Belika's sons returned from their travels. Brothers Rahas, Pol, Aalon, and Derris all play guide at different times; only one is a traitor. Brother Wordswell is the librarian. Brother Solomon Whinger, a.k.a., Solo Winger for his missing arm, is the bird-loft man. Sister Tomea gives them the tour and explains how the abbey works and earns its monies. Sister Solace is in charge of the abbey upper schools. Jun, Jamis, and a third are abbey guards in the prior's pay. Colonel Sallis is ordered in all haste to Netherfields.
The Tingawans
The crew of the Falsa-xin has been waiting lo' these twenty years to sail for home with the Xakixa. The Axan-xin sails out to greet the Falsa-xin; her captain is the Gull of Caspos, a.k.a., Bunja, an old schoolfriend of Precious Wind's. Ushiloma al Koul is the capital city of the Tingawans. Tsu-tin is Xulai's obstetrician.
The Old Dark House is…
…where the Old Dark Man lives here and has been cranking out descendants for centuries; Mirami is just one in a long line whom he's beaten and sexually abused. He's been called a wizard, a monster, and a vampire. Mirami has engineered her place as the queen to the king of Ghastain, Karios, King Gahls, a man more interested in pageantry. Her first husband was Duke Falyrion, ruler of Kamfels. His heir was Falredi by his first wife, Nalia. His second son, with Mirami, Hulix, became duke upon Falredi's death. Crown Prince Rancitor is the son of King Gahls and Queen Mirami. Chamfray is Mirami's steward, and funnily enough, all her children seem to have his nose...
Alicia is the daughter of Mirami and Falyrion, and she's now the Duchess of Altamont. There is no love lost between this mother-and-daughter team! Jenger is the duchess' henchman, both delighting and fearing of her commands.
Both Mirami and Alicia are psychopaths, true heirs to the Old Dark One. They're scheming their way into power.
"They have no right to offend me by being here in the first place."Benjobz and his inn
Loppy is the nosy cellarer. Benjobz, the innkeeper hires "Timmer" and "Hout" to build way more stalls than he should need.
The Sea People
The Sea King ambassador is making the duchess promises, that the Sea King (he's of the cephalopod race, a kraken) will buy anything that Tingawa values. It's due to the anger of the Sea People that ships no longer trade.
The Edgeworld isles are…
…rumored to have a store of ease machines and manuals. Artemisia is south of the mountains, and the Big River used to run through there and the land went on south a long way before it came to the Gulf. Florida is gone, three places west of Florida are gone, and Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama are gone.
The different times that preceded the current time include the "Before Time when mankind brought doom upon itself by worshipping" the ease machines, the Hot Times when the sun burned everyone and the ice continents melted and brought about the First Waters Rising; the Big Kill was brought about by bigotry and shortsighted men; and, the Time When No One Moved Around when meteors fell and caused earthquakes everywhere. There was a Time of Darkness as well. Dr. Hammond worked with Jacob.
Huold the Fearless, a.k.a., the Arm of Ghastain, had a device rumored to be powerful. Lythany was the last of his children; Orez and Wold are of the twelfth generation. King Ghastain, originally an Angrian, promised Hulold all the western lands, to his children, unto perpetuity. Which will put a spike in Alicia's plans.
At some point, people played with genetics and now there are all sorts of odd monsters: griffons, giants, talking horses, trolls, and more. Technicians love and understand the machines. An ul xaolat
is a "thing master" able to "summon a hunter", move you fast, and lift equipment and people. The slaughterers were volunteers, terrorists, engineered to smell intelligence.
The Cover and Title
The cover is turquoises and greens underwater with Xulai's face nestled in waving black tresses, the fish and Xulai looking up towards the surface, their futures.
The title is prophetic, for The Waters Rising will obliterate mankind.
April 4, 2020
(3.5 stars) This is the second book in the series. Xulai is a young girl who has been tasked to be the soul carrier for the Duchess, Xu-i-lok, as she has been seriously ill from a curse. This is a post-apocalyptic novel where technology is sufficiently mysterious enough to appear as magical. When she is tasked to retrieve an item from the temple, Xulai makes several attempts before she ventures forth. On her way, she meets Abasio, a traveler who supports her in her quest and protects her. He is on his own mission, one that will become entwined with Xulai. There are sinister forces afoot and deep strategies. As the waters are rising, some are intent on saving humanity while some are intent in destroying it. Tepper does her usual good job of world building, and while some suspension of disbelief is necessary, the story carries forward. I would say this is not one of her strongest novels, but is an interesting story.
September 2, 2019
I consider mysleft to be a Sheri S Tepper fan. I loved Beauty, it was my favourite book for years, and I loved almost everything else I read of hers as well. I say this because I really wanted to love this book and I just coudn't. I thought it was me, that I was having trouble concentrating, perhaps I was too tired? I struggled my way though, I read diligently when I had time, and kept finding myself paging back to re-read whole passages because I had drifted off. Something about the story is intriguing, the mystery of the 'ease-machines', and the villainous bad guys... but it is a mess. I skimmed the last 50 pages or so, rolled my eyes so hard at the events near the end.
May 21, 2017
I'm a huge admirer of Tepper's work, though it does get very heavy-handed on The Message at times. I never thought I'd give a book of hers such a low rating, but this it uber-tedious. It starts off well with two characters returning from an earlier book, but Tepper can't stop infodumping. A convenient appearance by the villain leads to a long monologue about her Big and Evil Plan; later people have lengthy discussions of worlds history and geography that take up entire chapters. That killed my interest.
I am surprised some people didn't see this as a future Earth, which seemed obvious fairly early (and it's typical of Tepper--a lot of her work starts out feeling like fantasy, but isn't).
I am surprised some people didn't see this as a future Earth, which seemed obvious fairly early (and it's typical of Tepper--a lot of her work starts out feeling like fantasy, but isn't).
September 29, 2019
Usually, I expect a Tepper to present me with a mysterious world, one whose strange circumstances are unquestioningly accepted by her characters except for a plucky protagonist who ultimately opens the puzzle-box for themselves and the readers. Her complex world-building is a delight. Usually. But Ididn't find that delight here. Perhaps I missed that moment of reveal because this is listed as a same-universe sequel of another title, so the mysteries are assumed to be known, and only hinted at: odd geographic features and corrupted place names indicating that this set on is Earth, probably North America, and technology has been abandoned in favor of apparent magic. And like her other novels, I found that appealing.
Unfortunately, it's layered under an unusual amount of exposition, thin characters, and vague and obscure actions. It took me a long time to get through this book, when there's usually a sensation of being swept up in an avalanche -- hard to put dow, as the plot accelerates all around. There *is* an acceleration of sorts, late in the book, as an evidently secondary character suddenly achieves agency and depth that's been lacking. Everyone else appears to be caught in a not-very-interesting tale of pseudo-sorcery in ecological collapse.
Unfortunately, it's layered under an unusual amount of exposition, thin characters, and vague and obscure actions. It took me a long time to get through this book, when there's usually a sensation of being swept up in an avalanche -- hard to put dow, as the plot accelerates all around. There *is* an acceleration of sorts, late in the book, as an evidently secondary character suddenly achieves agency and depth that's been lacking. Everyone else appears to be caught in a not-very-interesting tale of pseudo-sorcery in ecological collapse.
May 30, 2022
It think that this book is a wonder. Starting solidly in the fantasy world, I was waiting for the sf pieces. She delivered. Tepper’s skill, in subtly building the reader into knowledge about truth of this world and how it relates to our own, is impressive and so…appropriately anxiety provoking and moving. I will not be more specific so as not to enter the realm of spoilers. I give a 5 as was surprised and cared and, through the challenges of weaving fantasy and science fiction, this story left me unsettled and pensive. Success…that’s what that is. I will read more.
July 31, 2017
Quitting at page 65. Normally Sheri W. Tepper is an engaging author, drags you into her stories very early on and has you up reading all night. Not so with this one.
Too many characters, too soon, spending WAY too long setting up the backdrop for what will happen later (maybe). I have no emotional ties to any of the major characters, so frankly, I don't actually care what happens to them.
I am very disappointed. Give this one a miss.
Too many characters, too soon, spending WAY too long setting up the backdrop for what will happen later (maybe). I have no emotional ties to any of the major characters, so frankly, I don't actually care what happens to them.
I am very disappointed. Give this one a miss.
January 17, 2018
I jumped into this trilogy right in the middle -- and having read this, I don't think I'll necessarily go back or forward. It works perfectly well as a standalone novel.
I was recently complaining about a different sci-fi book not being "alien enough" -- you rarely have to worry about that with Tepper's work. I would definitely categorize her works in the science fiction branch of Mieville-esque "weird fiction."
I was recently complaining about a different sci-fi book not being "alien enough" -- you rarely have to worry about that with Tepper's work. I would definitely categorize her works in the science fiction branch of Mieville-esque "weird fiction."
January 11, 2021
A Plague of Angels has been one of my favorite books for many years. I enjoyed it as a standalone novel several times. If I would have imagined a sequel (published 17 years later), I don't think I could have come close to The Waters Rising. But having read it, I can't imagine that the story would go any other way. I've always enjoyed Sheri Tepper's writing. She tells very human stories with uniquely otherworldly backdrops. I quite enjoyed returning to Abasio's story.
August 14, 2022
Absolutely terrible novel which unashamedly advocates for what is effectively a program of eugenics and mass punishment as a solution to climate change. Between this, the sexualisation of children/childlike figures, and the rape apologetics, and the slug-like pace, it's simply awful. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/201...
January 10, 2018
Sheri Tepper writes Science Fiction with a humanist touch. Her characters are usually facing some ethical issue or crisis that is cleverly woven with deft plotting and interesting characters. Always a enjoyable journey.
July 3, 2019
A mostly generic tale of neo-feudal futuristic landscape, talking animals (why?), and a mundane cast of characters
The first 50 pages of this novel does nothing to grab my interest. It’s not bad, but simply a retread of ideas and style.
The first 50 pages of this novel does nothing to grab my interest. It’s not bad, but simply a retread of ideas and style.
January 23, 2020
In a world where technology is a thing of the before times, the waters are slowly taking over the world and there is a not-nearly-distant-enough future where there will be little to no dry land left. What will humanity do? A young soul-carrier may be the one who holds the answer.
September 28, 2018
Amazing book full of very thought provoking concepts. I related to the characters and had a very hard time putting it down.
February 15, 2021
I hardly ever give up on novels but gave up on this one. Badly edited and goes nowhere up to page 84 (where I gave up). Everything she wrote through 1999 is worth your time but this is not, sadly.
January 21, 2022
Like all of Teppers books it gives you something to really think about. What we are doing to the earth.
April 30, 2012
Reviewed as part of the 2012 Arthur C. Clarke Award shortlist.
The Waters Rising is a loose sequel to Sheri Tepper’s 1993 novel A Plague of Angels (the two books share a protagonist, but pretty much stand alone). In a distant future where, after collapse, society has reverted to a medieval milieu, with added ‘magical’ phenomena (such as talking animals) courtesy of largely-forgotten science. Travelling pedlar Abasio and his wisecracking horse Big Blue arrive at the Duke of Wold’s castle, where the Duke’s Tingawan wife, Xu-i-lok, is ailing. Abasio meets Xulai, the young Tingawan charged with the traditional responsibility of carrying Xu-i-lok’s soul back to Tingawa, should the princess die away from her home country. Xu-i-lok does indeed die towards the start of the novel, and Abasio joins Xulai and guardians on their journey to Tingawa, where a solution might also wait to the rising waters which threaten to engulf the land – but, of course, there are those who would see Xulai fail in her quest.
Since I’m reading this book in the context of its Clarke Award nomination, I need to address the question of genre; because, for a novel which has been shortlisted for a science fiction award, The Waters Rising spends an awful lot of time looking like an epic fantasy. Yes, it’s set in the future; and, yes, its fantastications have scientific underpinnings; but they might as well be magical for all the difference it makes. Here, for example, is the evil duchess Alicia explaining the ‘curse’ she has placed on Xu-i-lok:
What Alicia is describing here – though she doesn’t know the scientific words for it – is a nanotechnology weapon tailored to its target’s DNA; but it could just as easily be a magic spell. To me, his isn’t the sort of sf/fantasy bleeding that justifies considering a novel as science fiction. I’m not great fan of A Plague of Angels, but it was far bolder in the way it combined sf and fantasy: its characters moved knowingly between fantastical and science-fictional venues, and the novel held the two modes in tension. By The Waters Rising, enough time has passed that the science fiction is largely hidden behind the curtain of fantasy; and the odd intervention like Alicia’s nanotech ‘curse’ – or even the book’s final third, where the sf becomes more overt – is not enough to alter my perception that the beating heart of Tepper’s book is a traditional quest fantasy. That’s one reason why I’m annoyed that The Waters Rising has been shortlisted for the Clarke.
Another reason is that the book really isn’t very good, even as a quest fantasy. Structurally, the story is a fairly straightforward wander across the map, with occasional scenes joining the caricature villains (one even laughs, ‘Heh, heh, heh,’ at one point), who helpfully do much of their plotting out loud for our benefit. This might be fine in Saturday morning cartoons, but it reads very crudely in a novel. There are some diverting pieces of fantastication, such as the villagers of ‘Becomers’, whom Alicia has persuaded they must behave in a certain way (singing to each other, for example, or painting themselves blue) to receive the king’s favour. But, like Declare on last year’s Clarke shortlist, too much of The Waters Rising is overstuffed with detail (the low point of this for me is a pages-long description of an abbey’s mealtime procedures).
As I mentioned earlier, the novel’s science-fictional aspect comes more strongly to the fore as we reach the final third, which is when the party reaches Tingawa, and solutions to humanity’s problems are mooted and implemented. But, even here, Tepper’s book frustrates. The Waters Rising has environmental degradation caused by humans in its background (‘Men were foolish and did foolish things [says one character], they did not respect the earth, they worshipped the ease machines and the world punished them by becoming barren,’ p. 200); but the immediate difficulties being faced in the novel have more fantastical origins, and the means of addressing them likewise. To my mind, this undercuts the book’s moral message, as well as its status as science fiction.
In sum, I really have no idea what The Waters Rising is doing on the Clarke shortlist, and can see no reason to recommend it.
The Waters Rising is a loose sequel to Sheri Tepper’s 1993 novel A Plague of Angels (the two books share a protagonist, but pretty much stand alone). In a distant future where, after collapse, society has reverted to a medieval milieu, with added ‘magical’ phenomena (such as talking animals) courtesy of largely-forgotten science. Travelling pedlar Abasio and his wisecracking horse Big Blue arrive at the Duke of Wold’s castle, where the Duke’s Tingawan wife, Xu-i-lok, is ailing. Abasio meets Xulai, the young Tingawan charged with the traditional responsibility of carrying Xu-i-lok’s soul back to Tingawa, should the princess die away from her home country. Xu-i-lok does indeed die towards the start of the novel, and Abasio joins Xulai and guardians on their journey to Tingawa, where a solution might also wait to the rising waters which threaten to engulf the land – but, of course, there are those who would see Xulai fail in her quest.
Since I’m reading this book in the context of its Clarke Award nomination, I need to address the question of genre; because, for a novel which has been shortlisted for a science fiction award, The Waters Rising spends an awful lot of time looking like an epic fantasy. Yes, it’s set in the future; and, yes, its fantastications have scientific underpinnings; but they might as well be magical for all the difference it makes. Here, for example, is the evil duchess Alicia explaining the ‘curse’ she has placed on Xu-i-lok:
There’s no such thing as magic. No. My favourite machine makes lovely curses, invisible clouds of very small, powerful killers. I can make the cloud and keep it alive in a special kind of vial. Then, if I get close enough to the person and release the cloud, the cloud will find that person among all the peoples who may be near, no matter where the person is hidden, so long as I release it nearby! (p. 25)
What Alicia is describing here – though she doesn’t know the scientific words for it – is a nanotechnology weapon tailored to its target’s DNA; but it could just as easily be a magic spell. To me, his isn’t the sort of sf/fantasy bleeding that justifies considering a novel as science fiction. I’m not great fan of A Plague of Angels, but it was far bolder in the way it combined sf and fantasy: its characters moved knowingly between fantastical and science-fictional venues, and the novel held the two modes in tension. By The Waters Rising, enough time has passed that the science fiction is largely hidden behind the curtain of fantasy; and the odd intervention like Alicia’s nanotech ‘curse’ – or even the book’s final third, where the sf becomes more overt – is not enough to alter my perception that the beating heart of Tepper’s book is a traditional quest fantasy. That’s one reason why I’m annoyed that The Waters Rising has been shortlisted for the Clarke.
Another reason is that the book really isn’t very good, even as a quest fantasy. Structurally, the story is a fairly straightforward wander across the map, with occasional scenes joining the caricature villains (one even laughs, ‘Heh, heh, heh,’ at one point), who helpfully do much of their plotting out loud for our benefit. This might be fine in Saturday morning cartoons, but it reads very crudely in a novel. There are some diverting pieces of fantastication, such as the villagers of ‘Becomers’, whom Alicia has persuaded they must behave in a certain way (singing to each other, for example, or painting themselves blue) to receive the king’s favour. But, like Declare on last year’s Clarke shortlist, too much of The Waters Rising is overstuffed with detail (the low point of this for me is a pages-long description of an abbey’s mealtime procedures).
As I mentioned earlier, the novel’s science-fictional aspect comes more strongly to the fore as we reach the final third, which is when the party reaches Tingawa, and solutions to humanity’s problems are mooted and implemented. But, even here, Tepper’s book frustrates. The Waters Rising has environmental degradation caused by humans in its background (‘Men were foolish and did foolish things [says one character], they did not respect the earth, they worshipped the ease machines and the world punished them by becoming barren,’ p. 200); but the immediate difficulties being faced in the novel have more fantastical origins, and the means of addressing them likewise. To my mind, this undercuts the book’s moral message, as well as its status as science fiction.
In sum, I really have no idea what The Waters Rising is doing on the Clarke shortlist, and can see no reason to recommend it.
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