Book Review: The Shades of Time and Memory

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

The Shades of Time and Memory Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Storm Constantine
Class/Genre: Fantasy
Series: Wraeththu # 5
Tor, Oct 2004, $27.95

The world of the Wraeththu (the new race of hermaphrodites) is changing even before they can completely settle in the human ruins. Calanthe has somehow vanquished perhaps killing Thiede thus leaving the power structure of the Wraeththu in a free fall vacuum that will shake the species’ foundation, but also may destroy everyone.

At a time of growing instead of lessoning confusion, Cal’s beloved Pellaz the Tigron tries to rule from Immanion while Caeru hosts the heir. However, Pellaz senses that a new threat has arisen has could eradicate the Wraeththu at a critical moment in their efforts to establish a society. An ancient menace has surfaced seeking recruits to overthrow Pellaz while the next generation of the Wraeththu has doubts about the wisdom of their leaders. In the Forest of Gebaddon, Ponclast and his Varrs horde are being converted from weak losers into a threat by a force beyond the understanding of the Wraeththu. For Ponclast plans to challenge Pellaz as leader, but threats come from partisanship within and the unknown ancient as much as it comes from the leader of the Varrs.

The middle book of the second Wraeththu trilogy is complex (as one can tell from this reviewers struggle to explain the prime plot above) yet very entertaining as Storm Constantine provides incredible insight into her world. The story line is exciting with several subplots simultaneously moving forward adding to the feel of an upcoming calamity. Nestled in the middle of the events of the first trilogy fans obtain further insight into a political-social system that is maturing while under assault from the second generation, the pumped up Varrs, and an unknown that might prove even more powerful than the Wraeththu.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner