scijessreads

I have come to consider the fantasy worlds spun by Martha Wells as old friends. They feel both familiar – as if forgotten history, or plausible future – and otherworldly. The main characters feel like they have the weight of the world on their shoulders, and yet the carry on. Doggedly taking one more step, and then another, as they confront their futures. Futures they often do not want to be saddled with but accept anyway. “Long-suffering sigh” is the phrase that often comes to mind when I first meet a Martha Wells hero or heroine. They don’t want the job given to them, but know that if they don’t do it, it is very likely no one else will. Or can.

In Wheel of the Infinite, the world evokes images of jungles, cities that sprawl, and inhabitants that live in a time and place that are aware of higher beings and speaking with “gods,” but also no longer realize just how much those in charge are tasked with doing to keep everything from collapse. Until something arrives that upsets the balance.

Following Maskelle and Rian, we are brought through canals, roads, and buildings (and curses and distrust) to discover what is upsetting the balance of the Infinite. The journey is measured but never feels slow. It builds the tension between Maskelle and her former life, and what she feels was a failure and now must reconcile with new visions and voices. If anything, this story is one that highlights the disconnect between “church and state” if you will. For those that hear the voices of the Infinite hold so much more power than anyone might think. And even then, they are not infallible. The story of The Advocate also brings to mind that of Christianity, or at least the idea that a “god” may better lead their flock if they have the experiences of being human, rather than just an Infinite being. Something to muse over, perhaps.

I read an ARC of the upcoming revised edition of the book. All opinions are my own.