The Cloud Roads

Written by Martha Wells

Copyright: 2011

Publisher: Night Shade Books

Cover art: Matthew Stewart

Pages: 278

This is my first book in the Once Upon A Time Challenge. And also my very first review.

My Journey begins, and the rules are:

By signing up for The Journey you are agreeing to read at least one book within one of the four categories during March 21st to June 20th period. The categories are fantasy, folklore, fairy tales, or mythology.

Moon had always lived in fear of people finding out what he truly was, although he himself wasn't really sure. What he did know was that he was a shape shifter. His Groundling form enabled him to blend in with most societies, at least for a time. His shifted form however, very much resembled the Fell. A race of beings that all others lived in fear of.

Alone from the time he was very young, Moon struggles to conceal his secret and has given up on finding others of his own kind. Then, expelled from yet another settlement and left to die, he's taken by a creature that he believes to be a new type of Fell, and Moon just knows he'll be it's next meal.

The way I see it: Moons story is one of an outsider, always being different and wanting desperately to belong...even if he would never admit it. As a human being, the emotional trials Moon goes through are easily relatable. Lies, deception, fear of the unknown, abandonment...The author gives us a view of Moons very personal thoughts and shows us how he relates...or doesn't relate, to the world around him. Humor is used to lighten some of the darker aspects of Moons adventure which. To me makes his story even more enjoyable.

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Having to find something I didn't like about this book isn't an easy task. But if I had to...and I do, I'd say that there were quite a few characters that at times were hard to keep track of.

Love it or Leave it: Definitely love it. It's one of those books that at times you just can't put down. It's what I would consider an easy read but has a lot of meat to it. The story is humorous, exciting, relatable and edge of your seat at times. I enjoyed it tremendously...big kudos from this reader.

Thus ends my first Journey. I believe I shall continue on with Quest The First :D

Five Places I'd Like to Visit..

I decided to do this one because I read it over at Here There and Everywhere 2nd Edition,
and thoroughly enjoyed it :D As a matter of fact, one of the places I've always wanted to visit is on the list. So, here's a big shout out thank you to Pat :D

Number 1: The Redwood Forest in California. To see the sequoias would be a dream come true. Being in any forest has always made me feel peaceful and serene. The smell of the trees and the soil, the way the rays of light come through in certain places almost like a spotlight on a stage except so much more beautiful and shuttle. I can only imagine the enormity of those trees, and how small I would feel in comparison.

Number 2: France. Ok, I LOVE bread, wine and cheese. What more is there to say

Number 3: The New York City Ballet. I've never been to a ballet and I would love to get all dressed up and see the Nutcracker in Lincoln Center.

Number 4: Westminster Dog Show. Also in New York. I'm a huge fan and avid watcher. I've been telling myself every year that I would see it as soon as I could make the time...one day

Number 5: Italy. Art and Architecture. I am a sucker for old world architecture and a lover of the arts.