The Cloud Roads (#1 The Books of the Raksura )by Martha Wells

Title: The Cloud Roads

Source: I bought it

Genre:High Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

Author: Martha Wells

Blurb: Moon has spent his life hiding what he is — a shape-shifter able to transform himself into a winged creature of flight. An orphan with only vague memories of his own kind, Moon tries to fit in among the tribes of his river valley, with mixed success. Just as Moon is once again cast out by his adopted tribe, he discovers a shape-shifter like himself... someone who seems to know exactly what he is, who promises that Moon will be welcomed into his community. What this stranger doesn't tell Moon is that his presence will tip the balance of power... that his extraordinary lineage is crucial to the colony's survival... and that his people face extinction at the hands of the dreaded Fell! Now Moon must overcome a lifetime of conditioning in order to save and himself... and his newfound kin.
 
Wow, That's what I have to say to begin with...Wow. I haven't heard a lot about this and came across it quite by mistake on amazon.com, I was looking for books with sifters and this popped up. To say the least I was equal parts interested and skeptical, I don't usually go for High Fantasy but these days, for me anything fiction will work. So anyway, I got the book and from the first page it drew me in. The main character Moon and his savior Stone would have to be my two favorite characters.

It all starts off with Moon living in yet another groundling ( beings that live primarily on land) settlement, he's trying to fit in as he always does, which is always difficult. Moon has no idea what he is which can be a pain when he so closely resembles the evil race that terrorizes the three kingdoms the Fell. Yet again he's thrown out of this dwelling, because he looks like a Fell when he shifts in to his winged form.

Turns out he's right he isn't a Fell he is a Raksura. The terminology in the book reminds me of dragons, like the way call their  babies clutches, however it is clear that they aren't dragons at all. The concept of the creatures in this book are unique and the world building here is fantastic, I L-O-V-E-D it so much! The Cloud Roads is filled with flying islands, flying boats, and creatures of all sorts that could only come out of a healthy and wild imagination! 

On top of all the wonderful story telling about the Three Kingdoms (Earth, Sea and Sky) and the pacing there is a wonderful story about loyalty, friendship, and romance. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series, The Serpent Sea!

If you would like to know more about this book or would like to purchase it use the links below:

Goodreads
Amazon