The Cloud Roads: Volume One of the Books of the Raksura (Books of the Raksura, #1)

by Martha Wells

Nominated for the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Series. “Wells...merrily ignores genre conventions as she spins an exciting adventure around an alien hero who anyone can identify with.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

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 memories of his own kind, Moon tries to fit in among the tribes of his river valley, with mixed success. Just as Moon is once again cast out by his adopted tribe, he discovers a shape-shifter like himself . . . someone who seems to know exactly what he is, who promises that Moon will be welcomed into his community. What this stranger doesn't tell Moon is that his presence will tip the balance of power . . . that his extraordinary lineage is crucial to the colony's survival . . . and that his people face extinction at the hands of the dreaded Fell! Now Moon must overcome a lifetime of conditioning in order to save himself . . . and his newfound kin.

Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires, and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller, a national bestseller, or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality books from a diverse group of authors.

• ISBN10: 1597802166
• ISBN13: 9781597802161
• Publish Date: 17 March 2011 (first published 1 March 2011)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Night Shade Books
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 300
• Language: English

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

Moon has spent most of his life alone or trying to blend in. He was born a shape-shifter, but for most of his life, he never really knew more than that. When the only family he knew died at a young age, Moon was forced to forge for himself.

That is until one of his own kind found him. That was the day Moon's life changed, even if he didn't realize it at the time. Now he's been drawn into a conflict between his people and a violent race known as the Fell.

My Review:

Holy cats. Why did it take me so long to read this series?! Okay, I know I'm only one book in – but I'm going to dive into book two asap because this series is everything. Don't believe me? Picture Gargoyles (the '90s cartoon), but for adults, you'll have a general feel for this series.

The Cloud Roads introduces us to a complex world full of magical creatures, war, and so (SO) much more. Moon is but one character in a surprisingly wide cast, as the world is as expansive as it is fascinating.

Honestly, there's a lot to appreciate about this series. There's action, drama, romance, and even some more humorous undertones that run throughout. It made for so much fun to read. I'm grateful that there's more to The Books of Raksura because I'm already incapable of saying goodbye.

Highlights:
Epic Fantasy
First in a Series
Romantic Fantasy
Gargoyle Vibes

Trigger Warnings:
Familial Death
Isolation
Sexual Assault

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