"Innovative speculative fiction"
The number of humans is dropping rapidly but no species has
stepped forth to claim planetary superiority. The
hermaphrodite Wraeththu are on the verge of being the next
master race adding to the reduction of the human populace
by "converting" captured males into their species. The
Wraeththu celebrate the Festival amidst their tribe, but
this year is different as the tribes begin to realize what
they can become. The desert tribe Kakkahaar exiles a member Ulaume. In his
solo travel, Ulaume finds an abandoned infant Lileen, whom
he takes with him. Soon the Wraeththu follow, as Lileen is
a special individual who defies the accepted normal order
of the race and its Gods. Ulaume vows to keep the baby
safe. This novel takes place somewhere in the middle of the
previous Wraththu trilogy. As such, events and references
that previously occurred will prove confusing to newcomers.
To obtain a full savoring of this complex tale, read the
others first. Different individuals looking back in time
tell the tale of THE WRAITHS OF WILL AND PLEASURE. This
makes for an interesting complicated perspective that at
times seems convoluted yet really works if the reader keeps
in mind that individuals bring their interpretation to
the mix. Storm Constantine provides a powerful look at
several key players from her previous trilogy that her fans
will appreciate as the Wraththu universe keenly expands. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 19, 2003
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