Reviews

Wheel of the Infinite by Martha Wells

lordslaw's review against another edition

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4.0

Wheel Of The Infinite is a very satisfying read. In 355 pages, readers are treated to a depth and richness similar to that found in more massive, multi-volume epics. The worldbuilding is fascinating, the system of temples and Ancestors, and the Wheel itself, are not quite like anything I've encountered before in a fantasy novel. The characters are compelling: Maskelle, the exiled Voice of the Adversary, is complex and flawed. Her relationships with Rian, a rescued swordsman; the Celestial One, spiritual leader of the temple city of Duvalpore; and Rastim, the head of a troupe of travelling performers,  are believably written; the natures of the relationships change and evolve as the story progresses.

There's a bit of magic in Wheel Of The Infinite, and plenty of adventure. The stakes are high: as is usual in fantasy novels, an entire world is in peril. But in this book, vast armies are not put in place, readers don't get massively epic scenes of battle. This tale's worldsavers are individuals, intriguing and fascinating people with fears and flaws, but who are heroic nonetheless.

The Adversary Itself, an entity for which Maskelle is sort of the host and spokesperson, the vessel, I suppose, is a very intriguing Lucifer-like figure. Rebellious and helpful by turns, It has an agenda that doesn't alway align with Maskelle's. The conflict and tension that this creates is delicious. It's like Maskelle is struggling with her inner-self, but not fully, because although she is the Voice of the Adversary, she is not the Adversary, although it contains elements of her and she of It.

Wheel Of The Infinite was my first Martha Wells novel. She writes very well: descriptive and vivid. She writes action sequences very deftly. I like the characters, setting, and scenartio that she crafted in this fantasy tale. I very much intend to read more books by her.

schleis's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

kmacgahan's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

sundancer_srb's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm slowly working through everything Martha Wells has written and this one did not disappoint. Reading her books are like living in color. It has everything I've come to expect from Wells. Effortless world-building, wonderfully complex characters and unique plots. I loved the Khmer Empire type setting, having been to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples really brought this book to life for me.

positivelysue's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Fascinating exploration of religion. 

sockmoxy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

stalt's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

louiseellenh's review

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Enjoyed this because I enjoy Martha Well’s imaginative worlds and characters so much. This one felt not quite fully formed, or like it needed a few more rounds of editing to really achieve its full potential but I enjoyed it regardless! I was spoiled by reading Martha Well’s latest (2023) fantasy novel first, which I enjoyed so much, that going back to her (understandably not as polished) earlier work left me wanting a little bit more. Still enjoyed a lot, really liked the begrudging allies —> lovers arc that unapologetically happened VERY early on, with no bumps in the romantic road as the book went on… this was unusual and refreshing 

andadeen's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I love this story and the characters were so good to be around.

tburns44's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5