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Wraeththu Histories #2
The Shades of Time and Memory
The Wraeththu, once a wild and beautiful race living on the land and reveling in their power and sexuality, have become a bit more tamed as the years have passed. And with the creation of their city of Imanion, and the enthronement of the Tigron and Tigrina, the Wraeththu have become civilized. And no more are new Wraeththu created by the Inception of human boys, there are no more human boys, or girls. Now the Wraeththu reproduce themselves, through aruna and the creation of a Pearl that will grow to be a young harling.
The race of hermaphrodites has come into its own. Now it must learn to survive politics, and governing, and wars amongst itself.
Hailed 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 Fulfillments of Fate and Desire ). The 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.
The race of hermaphrodites has come into its own. Now it must learn to survive politics, and governing, and wars amongst itself.
Hailed 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 Fulfillments of Fate and Desire ). The 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.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
About the author
Storm Constantine
134 books501 followersStorm Constantine was a British science fiction and fantasy author, primarily known for her Wraeththu series.
Since the late 1980s she wrote more than 20 novels, plus several non-fiction books. She is featured in the Goth Bible and is often included in discussions of alternative sexuality and gender in science fiction and fantasy; many of her novels include same-sex relationships or hermaphrodites or other twists of gender. Magic, mysticism and ancient legends (like the Grigori) also figure strongly in her works.
In 2003 she launched Immanion Press, based out of Stafford, England. The publishing company publishes not only her own works but those of new writers, as well as well-known genre writers, mainly from the UK.
Since the late 1980s she wrote more than 20 novels, plus several non-fiction books. She is featured in the Goth Bible and is often included in discussions of alternative sexuality and gender in science fiction and fantasy; many of her novels include same-sex relationships or hermaphrodites or other twists of gender. Magic, mysticism and ancient legends (like the Grigori) also figure strongly in her works.
In 2003 she launched Immanion Press, based out of Stafford, England. The publishing company publishes not only her own works but those of new writers, as well as well-known genre writers, mainly from the UK.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 3, 2012
I loved parts of this story, but it’s got a higher angst level than other Wraeththu books
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- The characters in these later books (the Histories) seem more personable to me than many of the characters in the original Wraeththu trilogy. Their reactions are more humanlike and less removed, less controlled. Even the older characters who were present in the original books seem less distant in these volumes.
- Constantine’s writing is amazing: not only is her characterization deep, but her descriptions of physical settings and abstract, metaphysical ideas are lyrical and captivating.
- One of my favorite aspects of the Wraeththu series is the romantic relationships that emerge, and I was delighted by several of the pairings that occur in this book. One character in particular has been present since the first book and finally finds his chesnari (partner/soul mate) in this book.
- With each new Wraeththu volume I read, I find it incredibly interesting to see how much further Constantine develops the story--how the new characters turn out (especially when they’re the children of existing characters), what new plot developments will happen, how everything ties into the original stories, etc.
- The author includes explanations of essential events from the earlier books when such information is necessary to keep new readers from getting confused. I thought her inclusion of these explanations was less intrusive in this volume than in the first Histories book, The Wraiths of Will and Pleasure.
CONS:
- One of my least favorite features of the original series is present in this book also. Two of the characters who have been through hell and back and are finally united at the end of the original trilogy are once again separated for the majority of this book. Not just separated physically, either: throughout this story, each of them doubts repeatedly whether the other is still in love with him. Angst is much more prevalent in this book than previous ones.
- Sometimes it’s hard to see how all of the disparate storylines fit together, and I found it difficult to get through certain chapters because I simply wasn’t as interested in the characters in them as I was in the characters of other chapters.
Overall comments: I adore this series. The world Constantine has created becomes grander and more beautiful with each additional volume, and she continues to add multi-layered characters at such a rate that I’ve reached a point where I’m starting to have a hard time keeping track of everyone. I didn’t wholeheartedly enjoy reading the parts of this story in which the characters are so emotionally miserable, but it ends well, and I’m now looking forward to reading the final installment.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 9/10
PROS:
- The characters in these later books (the Histories) seem more personable to me than many of the characters in the original Wraeththu trilogy. Their reactions are more humanlike and less removed, less controlled. Even the older characters who were present in the original books seem less distant in these volumes.
- Constantine’s writing is amazing: not only is her characterization deep, but her descriptions of physical settings and abstract, metaphysical ideas are lyrical and captivating.
- One of my favorite aspects of the Wraeththu series is the romantic relationships that emerge, and I was delighted by several of the pairings that occur in this book. One character in particular has been present since the first book and finally finds his chesnari (partner/soul mate) in this book.
- With each new Wraeththu volume I read, I find it incredibly interesting to see how much further Constantine develops the story--how the new characters turn out (especially when they’re the children of existing characters), what new plot developments will happen, how everything ties into the original stories, etc.
- The author includes explanations of essential events from the earlier books when such information is necessary to keep new readers from getting confused. I thought her inclusion of these explanations was less intrusive in this volume than in the first Histories book, The Wraiths of Will and Pleasure.
CONS:
- One of my least favorite features of the original series is present in this book also. Two of the characters who have been through hell and back and are finally united at the end of the original trilogy are once again separated for the majority of this book. Not just separated physically, either: throughout this story, each of them doubts repeatedly whether the other is still in love with him. Angst is much more prevalent in this book than previous ones.
- Sometimes it’s hard to see how all of the disparate storylines fit together, and I found it difficult to get through certain chapters because I simply wasn’t as interested in the characters in them as I was in the characters of other chapters.
Overall comments: I adore this series. The world Constantine has created becomes grander and more beautiful with each additional volume, and she continues to add multi-layered characters at such a rate that I’ve reached a point where I’m starting to have a hard time keeping track of everyone. I didn’t wholeheartedly enjoy reading the parts of this story in which the characters are so emotionally miserable, but it ends well, and I’m now looking forward to reading the final installment.
December 14, 2017
I don't know what else to say but that I love Constantine's Wraeththu world! I only started reading them a few years ago, so am "behind", which is why I just got to this one. It was wonderful to dive back into the world created here, and I loved the characters anew in this episode. The world is so unique that I loved every minute of reading about it! As always, these books are dense and take a while to read, but it's more than worth the journey!
April 30, 2015
Storm Constantine is a name only a writer can pull off. Well, that might not be true, my dentist was named Storm Briggs... but I always thought it made him seem like a super hero. In any case, I feel a little weird reviewing this book as I haven't read anything else in the Wraeththu series of books and might be a bit judgmental of some of the themes because I didn't see how they evolved over the course of the stories... but never the less I read this book and I'm writing a review based on the point of view of someone who hasn't read the other books... and I gotta say, there's a lot of sexual weirdness going on in this story. First off, apparently humanity was wiped out or taken over when some kind of evolution took place which changed men into these kinda ambiguous sexual creatures with I guess hermaphrodite sexual organs which I kept imagining as being kind of tentacle like, or like a sea anenome or something... and sexual maturity comes at like 7 years of age and since there's negative effects to not getting laid constantly family members are supposed to have sex with their kids as soon as they are ready? Frankly the entire concept seems very wanky, and apparently the author really really encourages fan fiction via her website and considers a lot of the stories that get told to be cannon for her shared universe. I'm trying not to be judgmental because different strokes for different folks, but all of it seems like it's just a step away from furry porn and the book made me feel a little oogie reading it. Don't get me wrong, the book is well written, and there are a lot of really interesting concepts which get developed through the course of the story, but since all the combat and magic is based on sexually opening up chakra's inside the body and thereby accessing other realms of consciousness. Like literally going so deep into an orgasm that they are able to travel through to other pathways of existence on these weird demon horse things. I can't imagine any of these books being made into a television or movie unless it was animated and X rated. If you've read any of the other stories and want to discuss this stuff with me I'm willing to have my opinion changed... but from where I'm standing just reading this one book I'm just like what the hell?
December 3, 2010
Wow. This second in the series really gets more into the energetic origins and capabilities of the Wraeththu, more than dwelling in the stories of the characters themselves. Again, Constantine brings to the fore the backstory of yet other past characters and there is more synergy between them than dissent, as before most of the characters are facing deep personal crises. This book was tough to read, though. She really departed from a lot of what had become clichéd writing for her (though I love her style--it works). She definitely expanded her own understanding of what her characters and their world are and where they may be going. Constantine spent a lot of the earlier books nailing down that the Wraeththu are unsure of themselves as a race. The blinders are off now. That is mostly what made it so hard for me to read: It was sad. The irony is that many of the relationships you had been wanting to happen find a foundation in this book, yet their wider lives are in such turmoil as a race what you've been wanting for so long becomes an afterthought. She really is a brilliant writer. You really do go where she wants you to as reader. She also leaves a ton of doors open, as usual to make you wonder where the next book will go.
May 22, 2017
Rating: 3* of five
Wraeththu as a concept strikes me now as not terribly gay. At the time I read this, maybe I thought it was on a par with Ethan of Athos as social commentary, but now it feels forced and slightly silly to me.
And my question after reading this book was, "how's that aruna thing work again?" Can not grasp the logic of this book.
Wraeththu as a concept strikes me now as not terribly gay. At the time I read this, maybe I thought it was on a par with Ethan of Athos as social commentary, but now it feels forced and slightly silly to me.
And my question after reading this book was, "how's that aruna thing work again?" Can not grasp the logic of this book.
June 28, 2015
Mind blown - why did I wait so long to read this second book? Prior to using GR, I didn't stay on top of authors as well. I ended up reading this a year after it came out. This world building is just fantastic. Ms. Constantine writes at a level I need every so often to stimulate my mind.
February 10, 2013
I like that it is acknowledged that the characters have changed over time, and that much of the relationships that were so important a couple of books ago can no longer be the same as they were. And I love that it is not ignored by the characters. Things were at last confronted that I've been waiting to witness since the end of the first trilogy! But I think a part of me still wants the old connections and goals from the first trilogy, and maybe that's why I don't want to give it as high a rating.
But it's not that I wasn't as emotionally invested. Or that I wasn't surprised by new revelations, or afraid for the characters in peril. The book is still of the same caliber as the others, with the promise of even greater revelations to come. Maybe I'm worried I'll be disappointed by those revelations--though why I should think so, when I have not been let down by the story so far, is puzzling. Maybe it's just because I detect the Something that is being led up to is just So Big.
Or maybe I'm just reluctant to reach the end of the saga. That could be it. Perhaps its just a worry that I'll never get to see the characters have what I've wanted them to have from the beginning. However, the story's always been so much more gripping because they've been denied it. No, the rating should be the same. It's not my story I'm reading, heh.
But it's not that I wasn't as emotionally invested. Or that I wasn't surprised by new revelations, or afraid for the characters in peril. The book is still of the same caliber as the others, with the promise of even greater revelations to come. Maybe I'm worried I'll be disappointed by those revelations--though why I should think so, when I have not been let down by the story so far, is puzzling. Maybe it's just because I detect the Something that is being led up to is just So Big.
Or maybe I'm just reluctant to reach the end of the saga. That could be it. Perhaps its just a worry that I'll never get to see the characters have what I've wanted them to have from the beginning. However, the story's always been so much more gripping because they've been denied it. No, the rating should be the same. It's not my story I'm reading, heh.
December 27, 2013
This book delves deeper into what Wraeththu can do with their sex magic. It's interesting, but isn't explored with the kind of detail it deserves.
The characters continue to have mostly the same voice all the time, but at least that voice is mostly fitting. Unlike with the previous book (The Wraiths Of Will And Pleasure), I found myself unable to identify with more of the characters and failed to understand their deeper motives, even though I think I did understand the immediate reasons why they did what they did and said what they said. While understanding Pellaz was still difficult, it was easier now than before. Calanthe was a lot easier, but I think even I was just slightly annoyed about his being too perfect. Snake and Moon were better characterised, even if they were mostly dragged around. Tyson felt like a shadow, and Ponclast mostly like a puppet. Diablo had potential, but he wasn't developed. Caeru was strange. On one hand, he was a pretty clear case, and on the other, a complete mystery.
There are a lot of characters who just appear briefly or are mostly in the background. I'd have liked to read more about them, but then not everything can be told in one story, especially if their parts aren't that crucial to the main story.
The plot is quite clear in this book. It isn't just a chain of events now as there's a bigger whole to the story. There are a lot of loose ends and I hope they will get attention in the third book.
The characters continue to have mostly the same voice all the time, but at least that voice is mostly fitting. Unlike with the previous book (The Wraiths Of Will And Pleasure), I found myself unable to identify with more of the characters and failed to understand their deeper motives, even though I think I did understand the immediate reasons why they did what they did and said what they said. While understanding Pellaz was still difficult, it was easier now than before. Calanthe was a lot easier, but I think even I was just slightly annoyed about his being too perfect. Snake and Moon were better characterised, even if they were mostly dragged around. Tyson felt like a shadow, and Ponclast mostly like a puppet. Diablo had potential, but he wasn't developed. Caeru was strange. On one hand, he was a pretty clear case, and on the other, a complete mystery.
There are a lot of characters who just appear briefly or are mostly in the background. I'd have liked to read more about them, but then not everything can be told in one story, especially if their parts aren't that crucial to the main story.
The plot is quite clear in this book. It isn't just a chain of events now as there's a bigger whole to the story. There are a lot of loose ends and I hope they will get attention in the third book.
July 2, 2024
This was quite thrilling and exciting, bringing back to return of a major villain in quite the epic fashion, taking everything to a higher level of power with greater stakes. The transformation in Ponclast after his imprisonment in the Forest of Gebaddon was fascinating as was his son and minion conceived within the Forest, Diablo.
Forever was in Ponclast’s sights, pitting Ponclast more directly against Cobweb than they’ve ever been. Seeing Cobweb show his strength was marvelous, along with having Lisia play a cameo role.
If only Swift hadn’t been sidelined. This is what brought the rating down for me. Ponclast wanted Swift, was after Swift. After their confrontation when Fulminir fell for the first time, I wish there could have been more interaction between them. The heart of this conflict felt like it was missing wiith Swift as just a side character.
Saying this, there was a lot to swoon over in his book. The parts Terez, Lileem, and Cal played, having Thiede return in such an unexpected way, and the development of more of Pellaz’s lost family were rich and fulfilling. Moon was an enchanting new character and his romance with Tyson brought the promise of Swift’s prediction about his little brother being a heartbreaker into reality.
Romance, peril, and the revelation of far more powerful beings watching the Wraeththu made this an engrossing read, promising more. I’m eager for what happens next!
Forever was in Ponclast’s sights, pitting Ponclast more directly against Cobweb than they’ve ever been. Seeing Cobweb show his strength was marvelous, along with having Lisia play a cameo role.
If only Swift hadn’t been sidelined. This is what brought the rating down for me. Ponclast wanted Swift, was after Swift. After their confrontation when Fulminir fell for the first time, I wish there could have been more interaction between them. The heart of this conflict felt like it was missing wiith Swift as just a side character.
Saying this, there was a lot to swoon over in his book. The parts Terez, Lileem, and Cal played, having Thiede return in such an unexpected way, and the development of more of Pellaz’s lost family were rich and fulfilling. Moon was an enchanting new character and his romance with Tyson brought the promise of Swift’s prediction about his little brother being a heartbreaker into reality.
Romance, peril, and the revelation of far more powerful beings watching the Wraeththu made this an engrossing read, promising more. I’m eager for what happens next!
February 3, 2016
I have such mixed feelings about this book. Reading it was a roller coaster of wishing it was over already and wishing it would never end. It was like a deus ex machina fest in that more and more powerful creatures, many of which we've never heard of, kept appearing out of nowhere to give the heros and villains more and more incredible powers, and it really just got silly after a while. You never knew who was going to pop up with some fantastical new magic weapon/ally that gave them the upper hand, or fracture reality with a new kind of magical sex act. The plot just got more and more improbable.
On the other hand, I continue to love the characters and all their world-altering interpersonal dramas that make this series the giant hermaphrodite soap opera that I adore. All of the characters feel so alive to me. The ending saved this book for me because there was a bit of a twist I hadn't expected, but it was a reasonable and understandable one that I could empathize with. Here's hoping the series wraps up well!
On the other hand, I continue to love the characters and all their world-altering interpersonal dramas that make this series the giant hermaphrodite soap opera that I adore. All of the characters feel so alive to me. The ending saved this book for me because there was a bit of a twist I hadn't expected, but it was a reasonable and understandable one that I could empathize with. Here's hoping the series wraps up well!
November 4, 2014
Series/Standalone: book 2 in the 2nd Wraeththu trilogy (Wraeththu Histories)
Genre/sub-genre: Fantasy/LGBTQ romance
Book Format: print
HEA/HFN: yes
Relatable characters: Yes
Abuse/Rape: off screen
Violence: yes
Ratio of sex/plot: equal
Well written/editor needed: well-written
Would I re-read?: YES
Personal thoughts: With the Wraeththu histories, I'm leaning toward liking the original trilogy better. Even so, I did really enjoy reading this book. Yes, there is a lot of sex, but over all, I think it's equal with the plot, just because it's a big book. I still love the idea of humans getting wiped out by hermaphrodites. :-) And the romance is there, there is always a lot of romance in these books, but it's not always an easy romance. Anyway, I highly recommend this series.
Genre/sub-genre: Fantasy/LGBTQ romance
Book Format: print
HEA/HFN: yes
Relatable characters: Yes
Abuse/Rape: off screen
Violence: yes
Ratio of sex/plot: equal
Well written/editor needed: well-written
Would I re-read?: YES
Personal thoughts: With the Wraeththu histories, I'm leaning toward liking the original trilogy better. Even so, I did really enjoy reading this book. Yes, there is a lot of sex, but over all, I think it's equal with the plot, just because it's a big book. I still love the idea of humans getting wiped out by hermaphrodites. :-) And the romance is there, there is always a lot of romance in these books, but it's not always an easy romance. Anyway, I highly recommend this series.
August 9, 2013
Pleasantly surprised. The original Wraeththu books were so appealing to me that when Constantine started a new set with the Wraiths of Will and Pleasure, I read it eagerly only to be disappointed by the disjointed nature of it. However The Shades of Time and Memory, while not nearly as compelling as the original books, was much better than Wraiths. The feel of things is much different, with Wraeththu becoming aware that the universe is larger than they knew and that there history is far different than they imagined. The only thing this book suffers from is the inability to decide who the main protagonist is. One might suspect that Cal or maybe Pell would be, but it really seems to move back and forth between them and others. Anyway, definitely worth the read.
August 14, 2014
This was a book that I found difficult to put down. There was so much going on in this one and every subplot was necessary to the story. I thought the characters were very well developed. I really liked the introduction of Moon. I am loving how Pell and Cal continue to grow as very complex characters. I thought this book was amazing and recommend it to anyone who has read the previous Wraethu books, especially the Wraethu Chronicles. It also helps to have a glossary of some of the wraethu vocabulary handy(available online).
August 14, 2008
The last of the books I own on the Wraeththu series, this one took me by storm (no pun intended). It pushes the Wraeththu mythology further along it's story and out of the past. This is the book I was hoping it'd be and now need to read the last one to know how it all ends. I'm very impressed and also very tired. (Finishing this book at 5am on august 14th.)
February 17, 2012
The second book in the Wreaththu Histories, this book continues its examination of the first generation of truly bred Wreaththu and their interactions within the broader spectrum of politica and the emotions of their progenitors. Highly recommended if you like the Wreaththu concept. On my NookColor.
July 30, 2007
I enjoyed it. I love anything in the Wraeththu timeline. In The Shades of Time and Memory you get more than you could ask for -- and you find out what the rest of Wraeththu kind are doing.
April 20, 2008
I read this in about 3 days. You might say that I a fan of the Wraethuthu series. But overall, a pretty enjoyable read for a sci-fi fan. I have already recommended this book to a couple of people.
June 16, 2009
This was so good. I lover the characters and world she's created. Amazingly inventive.
January 2, 2014
Always a pleasure, Storm. ;-)
December 24, 2015
Oh....lots of angst ......but I kind of thought it was sort of delicious all the way until the end!
November 3, 2007
The second book of the Wraeththu Histories
June 5, 2008
amazing.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews