From Publishers Weekly
British author Constantine (The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit) expands on her vision of a hermaphroditic human future in this somewhat unwieldy start to a new fantasy trilogy, which falls chronologically between the second and third books of the original Wraeththu series. The outcast Ulaume, vilified in the previous trilogy, serves as the focus for a number of loosely connected "histories" that explore the many consequences of the death and rebirth of the ruler Pellaz. Told in third person from the perspective of such relatively minor characters as Cal, Flick and Orien, these disparate histories will make most sense to readers familiar with the preexisting animosities and power struggles. A new race of post-humans, the parazha, who are born (or "incepted") with more developed female than male organs, pose a challenge to the androgynous Wraeththu (or hara). The cultural conflict between the two races gets lost at times, though, amid the nostalgic reminiscences of Ulaume and company, in effect glosses on Pellaz's narrative of his suffering and triumph in the original trilogy. Relying less on the graphic violence and sadomasochism that marked her recent Magravandias Chronicles (The Crown of Silence, etc.), Constantine delivers a complicated and ultimately engaging novel sure to be embraced by existing fans.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
ailed as 'a literary fantasist of outstanding power and originality' by Michael Moorcock, Storm Constantine is one of the most exciting fantasy writers of her generation, best known for her daring and stylish 'Wraeththu' trilogy (The Enchantments of Flesh and Spirit, The Bewitchments of Love and Hate, The Ful-fillments of Fate and Desire). That series, which chronicled the rise of a new race of seductive androgynous beings with awesome powers, was hailed as a modern fantasy masterpiece, winning an avid international following of devoted readers. Now, with The Wraiths of Will and Pleasure, Storm Constantine returns once again to the saga of the Wraeththu.This new epic reveals previously un-known truths about the origins of these remarkable beings. Long before the Wraeththu assumed total mastery of the Earth and dominion over the dwindling remnants of the human race, they were a wild and passionate people, living in scattered tribes, worshipping strange gods, increasing their numbers by transmuting humans into their own kind. But all that changed on a festival night that surpassed all others, a night when the world changed forever and the Wraeththu began to realize their awesome destiny.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
