Stories of the Raksura, Volume 1

The Falling World takes place after book three. In it, Jade, Chime, Balm and a few other warriors have went visiting another court for trading. However, that court says they never showed up.

While I liked it, it might be safe to say this has been my least favorite Wells fantasy story to date. For me, the big thing is that so much time is spent with Moon and Stone and a very small group of Raksura. Traveling/investigating. That is, without a doubt my least favorite aspect of any Raksura story. (Mostly because Moon and Stone's relationship doesn't interest me in the slightest.) The good news is that we get to see River continuing to grow and develop and Bramble is there, too. (And Merit has a special place in my heart.)

**The Tale of Indigo and Cloud is, as it sounds, the story of queen Indigo and consort Cloud of Umber Shadow, before it was renamed Indigo Cloud.While this story is chronologically the first in the universe, I do not recommend reading it first as it spoils one large plot point that crops up late in the series. (Book three, if I remember rightly.) Beyond that, I really, really like this story and both Indigo and Cloud are atypical for a queen and consort.The Forest Boy is the story of a young Moon, probably not too long after his ‘mother' and clutch mates were killed, and what was probably one of the first human settlements he stayed at.I liked the story, though it's not going to be a favorite. The big reason for that is that the point of view character is a character introduced for this story and we never see hide nor hair of him - or his village - ever again. It works well for the story, it's suitable and it's interesting seeing a young Moon, but it simply won't be a favorite.Adaptation is the story of Chime going from Arbora mentor to Aeriat warrior.Chime's my favorite character in the series, and has been since very early on in the first book, so I loved getting a short story from his perspective - especially as it was about something I've been curious about. Also, it was interesting to see the colony very shortly before the start of The Cloud Roads.**

While, to be fair, this book should get a 4.5 rating, because two stories were five stars and two were four, I rounded up. Mostly for the total awesomeness that is The Tale of Indigo and Cloud. And the last story in the book, Adaptation, that is all about Chime, my favorite character in the series.

Full Review: http://www.fantasybookcafe.com/2015/06/review-of-stories-of-the-raksura-volume-one-by-martha-wells/