As impressive as Martha’s compelling characterizations are, they are possibly surpassed by her clever world-building. How many authors create a beautifully rendered Elizabethan environment for their first novel – complete with an accompanying well-defined (yet largely unseen) faerie realm – only to fast forward the entire world to turn-of-the-century technology in a sequel (Necromancer) with nary a backwards glance? And, furthermore, then advance again to radios, pre-WWII tall ships, and zeppelins in her subsequent trilogy?

If you love fully-realized fantastical worlds and characters you will love this novel.

Wheel of the Infinite is my favorite if I want a stand-alone, quick immersion into one of Wells’ worlds. The Ile-Rien books(Element of Fire, Death of a Necromancer, and the fall of Ile-Rien trilogy) are great if you have more time to devote. I am excited about the possibility of a new book as mentioned on her blog and can hardly wait until it’s out.

Thanks for giving me the chance to review one of my favorite authors! It was hard to pick a favorite of hers, and I agree with all the other recommendations others have mentioned of her books. They are all so good.

As for the romance in her books, they are subdued but much more intense because of that. As Laura mentioned, she doesn’t tell you exactly what her characters look like or how smart or honorable they are. The actions speak for themselves. She’s a “show”, not a “tell” author.

Wells also delicately balances deep emotion with humor. She is truly excellent at funny sarcastic dialogue.

It is hard to pick a favorite, but I’d have to say her Wizards of Air trilogy has a slight edge for me. What makes it special is the deep relationship between the heroes as well as the the heroine and the primary hero. Wells does characterization like no other. I subscribed to Black Gate Magazine just so I could see more of those characters.

Of course, there is the ever-present TBR mountain to contend with. Sigh.