Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Orb Books (1993), Edition: 1, 800 pages
Description
In this powerful and elegant story set in a future Earth very different from our own, a new kind of human has evolved to challenge the dominion ofHomo sapiens. This new breed is stronger, smarter, and far more beautiful than their parent race, and are endowed with psychic as well as physical gifts. They are destined to supplant humanity as we know it, but humanity won't die without a struggle. Here at last in a single volume are all three of Constantine's Wraeththu trilogy:The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit, The Bewitchments of Love and Hate,andThe Fulfilments of Fate and Desire.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Mendoza
Storm's Constantine's world building is so complete - I had no trouble settling in and enjoying the ride.
THis is a copilation of her first three Wraeththu novels that were written in the late 80's. Each book is told from a different characters perspective. I was disappointed at the start of the
Wraeththu is told from first person perspective, which I enjoy, and is broken into three books. Each is told from the perspective of a very different character.
First is Pellaz the innocent young man, who introduces us to Wraeththu culture even as he is introduced to it, himself. Next is Swift, a first generation Wraetthu with whom we see the upheaval and maturing of the Wraetthu culture, and learn further secrets of this strange new race. The third book wraps up with Calanthe, the chaotic har who is the catalyst for most of the action in all three books. He brings the story to a very satisfying close. THere are many novels written after these - some that fill in gaps inbetween these stories and some are written as fanfic type but seem to be endorsed by Constantine.
A very engrossing fantasy that I am glad I encountered.
THis is a copilation of her first three Wraeththu novels that were written in the late 80's. Each book is told from a different characters perspective. I was disappointed at the start of the
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second book to realize it wasn't from Pell's point of view as I was very much into the story but as you read on you find that all stories are intertwined.Wraeththu is told from first person perspective, which I enjoy, and is broken into three books. Each is told from the perspective of a very different character.
First is Pellaz the innocent young man, who introduces us to Wraeththu culture even as he is introduced to it, himself. Next is Swift, a first generation Wraetthu with whom we see the upheaval and maturing of the Wraetthu culture, and learn further secrets of this strange new race. The third book wraps up with Calanthe, the chaotic har who is the catalyst for most of the action in all three books. He brings the story to a very satisfying close. THere are many novels written after these - some that fill in gaps inbetween these stories and some are written as fanfic type but seem to be endorsed by Constantine.
A very engrossing fantasy that I am glad I encountered.
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LibraryThing member synesthesia
Five stars is not enough. I was hooked by the first line. Storm is an incredible author that just makes you sit back and go "Anne..who?" I truly would never trade a paragraph of Storm's work for an entire Anne Rice collection.
LibraryThing member selfnoise
This is a collection of three somewhat early hermaphroditic fantasy novels by Australian writer Constantine. While not perfectly written (the first one is pretty rough, the latter two are better), they are unique and absorbing post-apocalyptic fantasies with some great characters. The squeamish
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need not apply, as there is extensive discussion of hermaphroditic sexuality. Show Less
LibraryThing member ragwaine
The Bewitchments of Love and Hate (Great writing and characters, still not enough action but if so it would get 5 stars.)
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The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit (Cool setting, good writing. But just a setup for book 2.)
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The Fulfilments of Fate and Desire (Not as beautiful as the second book, but a
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The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit (Cool setting, good writing. But just a setup for book 2.)
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The Fulfilments of Fate and Desire (Not as beautiful as the second book, but a
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little more action. Good writing, tight but a little short on plot.) Show Less
LibraryThing member biblioconnisseur
This was a completely new view.
Interesting and readable.
I did find a lot of typos which were distracting.
Interesting and readable.
I did find a lot of typos which were distracting.
LibraryThing member orien
This is a must read for any fans of slashy novels. It's a bit soap opera-ish, but since I go for that kind of thing, I loved it.
LibraryThing member thioviolight
Book 1: The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit (5 stars)
I read this upon recommendation of a good friend (in fact, my single-volume copy of the trilogy was given to me by her), and it was every bit as good as she said. The entire mythology created by Storm Constantine is quite amazing, filled with
Book 2: The Bewitchments of Love and Hate (5 stars)
The second book in Storm Constantine's Wraeththu trilogy is my favorite. The myth grows, and Swift proves to be a very engaging narrator. It is also refreshing to see the new world through a pure-born Wraeththu har's eyes. Also in this book is my favorite character, or at least the one who fascinates me the most -- the beautiful and mystical Cobweb. A very enchanting read!
Book 3: The Fulfilments of Fate and Desire (4 stars)
Though it was still a good read, this is my least favorite book in the Wraeththu trilogy. Storm Constantine tells it as well as before, but I simply am not very fond of Cal. There were good moments, but also several that establish why he is not one of my favorite characters; I thought it ended all too conveniently for him.
Overall, though, the Wraeththu trilogy is pure magic, a saga like none other that I've read. A highly recommended read for lovers of fantasy!
I read this upon recommendation of a good friend (in fact, my single-volume copy of the trilogy was given to me by her), and it was every bit as good as she said. The entire mythology created by Storm Constantine is quite amazing, filled with
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enchanting characters and fascinating histories. She has painted the world so vividly and created such a compelling character in Pell. A gifted storyteller!Book 2: The Bewitchments of Love and Hate (5 stars)
The second book in Storm Constantine's Wraeththu trilogy is my favorite. The myth grows, and Swift proves to be a very engaging narrator. It is also refreshing to see the new world through a pure-born Wraeththu har's eyes. Also in this book is my favorite character, or at least the one who fascinates me the most -- the beautiful and mystical Cobweb. A very enchanting read!
Book 3: The Fulfilments of Fate and Desire (4 stars)
Though it was still a good read, this is my least favorite book in the Wraeththu trilogy. Storm Constantine tells it as well as before, but I simply am not very fond of Cal. There were good moments, but also several that establish why he is not one of my favorite characters; I thought it ended all too conveniently for him.
Overall, though, the Wraeththu trilogy is pure magic, a saga like none other that I've read. A highly recommended read for lovers of fantasy!
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LibraryThing member PitcherBooks
Great premise. Great start. Does a good job of creating mood and ambiance. Starts out as sci-fi, ends up as a most disjointed fantasy / fairy tale - a rambling shambling mess.
"Suspension of disbelief or "willing suspension of disbelief" is a formula for justifying the use of fantastic or
Covers a 30 year time from what seems our current time onward. From the end of the world as we know it... Various countries, tribes, cities, cultures, lifestyles, traditions.etc that would normally take ages to evolve... here evolve magically (?) and pretty unbelievably in a very few decades from just one mutant. I'm guessing he was an excellent time manager.
Lots & lots & lots of sex. Not terribly sexy because it is alien sex. Sacred sex, Magic sex, Reproductive sex, etc. It comes across mostly as homosexual rather than hermaphroditic sex. And it's not terribly sexy sex, more like everyday and then you brush your teeth sex. But whatever the problem, it did seem that sex was the answer. Oh, if only that were true in any universe...
It was pretty darn close to being a DNF for me. But finish it I did. The author has something good going on to make me to hang there, impatient, but to the bitter end. Just wish he would take some writing classes and try a do-over on this one.
"Suspension of disbelief or "willing suspension of disbelief" is a formula for justifying the use of fantastic or
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non-realistic elements in literature. It was put forth in English by the poet and aesthetic philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who suggested that if a writer could infuse a "human interest and a semblance of truth" into a fantastic tale, the reader would suspend judgement concerning the implausibility of the narrative." (per Wikipedia) The author needs to work on this concept...Covers a 30 year time from what seems our current time onward. From the end of the world as we know it... Various countries, tribes, cities, cultures, lifestyles, traditions.etc that would normally take ages to evolve... here evolve magically (?) and pretty unbelievably in a very few decades from just one mutant. I'm guessing he was an excellent time manager.
Lots & lots & lots of sex. Not terribly sexy because it is alien sex. Sacred sex, Magic sex, Reproductive sex, etc. It comes across mostly as homosexual rather than hermaphroditic sex. And it's not terribly sexy sex, more like everyday and then you brush your teeth sex. But whatever the problem, it did seem that sex was the answer. Oh, if only that were true in any universe...
It was pretty darn close to being a DNF for me. But finish it I did. The author has something good going on to make me to hang there, impatient, but to the bitter end. Just wish he would take some writing classes and try a do-over on this one.
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LibraryThing member GeraldLange
Well written.
Didn't like the premise.
Didn't like the premise.
LibraryThing member on_elc
An interesting concept, but so much of the story was a fait accompli, I found it difficult to get too involved.
Awards
Gaylactic Spectrum Award (Nominee — Hall of Fame — 2001)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1993
Physical description
800 p.; 5.5 inches
ISBN
0312890001 / 9780312890001