Step into the mesmerizing world of the Books of the Raksura, where shape-shifting creatures soar across floating islands and a lone outsider uncovers his destiny! Written by Martha Wells, this high fantasy series redefines the genre with its alien cultures, intricate world-building, and heartfelt exploration of belonging. Set in the vibrant Three Worlds, it’s a must-read for fantasy fans craving something fresh and unforgettable.
Unlike traditional fantasy with its medieval castles and human heroes, the Books of the Raksura plunges you into a realm of winged Raksura, predatory Fell, and ancient ruins teeming with mystery. At its heart is Moon, a shape-shifter who’s spent his life hiding his true nature, only to discover he’s part of a complex, matriarchal society. Ready to dive into a world where nothing feels familiar? Let’s explore!
How Books of the Raksura Began
Martha Wells, a master of speculative fiction, launched the Books of the Raksura with The Cloud Roads in 2011, published by Night Shade Books. Inspired by her love for creating wholly original worlds, Wells drew on her anthropology background to craft the Raksura’s unique society, blending hive-like dynamics with intricate caste systems. Her goal? To break free from Eurocentric fantasy tropes and build a universe that feels truly alien yet deeply relatable.
Wells’ passion for outsider protagonists, seen later in her Hugo-winning Murderbot Diaries, shines through in Moon’s journey. The series grew from a single novel into a beloved saga, fueled by Wells’ knack for weaving emotional depth into fantastical settings. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its immersive quality, proving Wells struck gold with this bold vision.
The Heart of Books of the Raksura
The series kicks off with The Cloud Roads (2011), where Moon, a solitary shape-shifter, learns he’s a Raksura and joins the Indigo Cloud court, battling the predatory Fell who threaten his new home. The Serpent Sea (2012) follows Moon’s quest to save his colony by finding a magical heartstone, introducing readers to the Three Worlds’ floating islands and leviathan cities. The Siren Depths (2012) deepens Moon’s ties to his queen, Jade, as he confronts his past and a looming threat to all Raksura courts. Later books like The Edge of Worlds (2016) and The Harbors of the Sun (2017) expand the stakes, exploring ancient ruins and interspecies alliances.
Themes of identity, found family, and resilience pulse through the series. Moon’s struggle to fit into Raksura society mirrors universal questions of belonging, while the matriarchal structure—where queens and consorts hold power—flips traditional gender roles. The Three Worlds, with its lush jungles, flying boats, and remnants of lost civilizations, feels alive, blending adventure with emotional depth. Wells’ prose is accessible yet vivid, balancing action with poignant character moments, like Moon’s evolving bond with Jade or his friendship with the outsider Chime.
The series’ alienness is its strength. Raksura aren’t just humans with wings—they bite affectionately, sleep in cuddle piles, and navigate a hive-like society. This originality, paired with Wells’ knack for witty dialogue, makes every book a page-turner. Reviewers on Goodreads call it “high fantasy unlike anything else,” praising its ability to suck readers in within pages.
Why Books of the Raksura Resonates
The Books of the Raksura has carved a niche in fantasy for its bold rejection of clichés. Its nomination for the 2018 Hugo Award for Best Series underscores its critical acclaim, while fan communities on Reddit and Goodreads rave about its emotional depth and world-building. For readers tired of predictable fantasy, it’s a breath of fresh air, offering a world where every culture feels distinct and every character earns your heart.
Its legacy lies in proving fantasy can be both wildly imaginative and deeply human. Wells’ focus on marginalized voices—like Moon, an orphan navigating a complex society—resonates with readers seeking stories of acceptance. As Wells continues to shape the genre with works like Witch King, the Raksura series remains a testament to her storytelling prowess.
- Publication Years: 2011–2017
- Number of Books: Five novels, two short story collections
- Awards: Nominated for Hugo Award for Best Series (2018)
- Setting: The Three Worlds, a realm of floating islands and alien species
Grab The Cloud Roads and soar into the Books of the Raksura’s breathtaking world! Whether you love epic adventures or heartfelt stories, Moon’s journey will leave you hungry for more.