The Book of Ile-Rien: The Element of Fire & The Death of the Necromancer

Ile-Rien #1-2

by Martha Wells

Collecting Martha Wells' The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer for the first time in one place, in a new and revised edition!

From the author of Witch King and the Murderbot series

Both novels included in this volume have been revised and updated. These are the author’s preferred texts.

The Element of Fire

The kingdom of Ile-Rien lies in peril, menaced by sorcerous threats and devious intrigue, when Kade, bastard sister of King Roland, appears unexpectedly at court. The illegitimate daughter of the old king and the Queen of Air and Darkness herself, Kade's true desires are cloaked in mystery.

It falls to Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard, to keep the kingdom from harm. But is one man's steel enough to counter all the magic of fayre?

The Death of the Necromancer

Nicholas Valiarde is a passionate, embittered nobleman and the greatest thief in all of Ile-Rien. On the gaslight streets of the city, Nicholas assumes the guise of a master criminal, stealing jewels from wealthy nobles to finance his quest for a long-pursued vengeance.

But Nicholas's murderous mission is being interrupted by a series of eerie, unexplainable, and fatal events. A dark magic opposes him, and traces of a necromantic power that hasn't been used for centuries abound. Nicholas and his compatriots find themselves battling an ancient evil.

And if they lose? Death would be preferable to the fate that awaits them....

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, High Fantasy, Magic, Science Fiction Fantasy, Ebooks

752 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2024

About the author

Martha Wells has been an SF/F writer since her first fantasy novel was published in 1993, and her work includes The Books of the Raksura series, the Ile-Rien series, The Murderbot Diaries series, and other fantasy novels, most recently Witch King (Tordotcom, 2023). She has also written media tie-in fiction for Star Wars, Stargate: Atlantis, and Magic: the Gathering, as well as short fiction, YA novels, and non-fiction. She has won Nebula Awards, Hugo Awards, Locus Awards, and a Dragon Award, and her work has appeared on the Philip K. Dick Award ballot, the British Science Fiction Association Award ballot, the USA Today Bestseller List, the Sunday Times Bestseller List, and the New York Times Bestseller List. She is a member of the Texas Literary Hall of Fame, and her books have been published in twenty-five languages.

She is also a consulting producer on The Murderbot Diaries series for Apple TV+.

Reviews

[carol. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I wasn't going to buy this, but there was this sale... and I just can't resist having an e-copy of one of my favorite Wells fantasies, The Death of the Necromancer. This book, you'll note, contains two of Wells' earlier works, The Element of Fire and Death of the Necromancer., and this review is for the latter.

Nicolas, one of the main characters, is more than a bit amoral.

"It was Nicholas’s belief that murder was almost always the result of poor planning. There were so many ways of making people do what you wanted other than killing them."

Unsurprisingly, so is his partner, the famous actress Madeline.

"Though by the time Nicholas had arrived, the only help Madeline had really required was instruction in the little known art of artistically arranging a body to make its injuries look self-inflicted."

However, for a book centered on characters who have a problem with morality, there are surprisingly few murders, at least by our leads. There are a lot of dead bodies, however, and far too many of them are walking around due to a necromancer. Luckily, the couple believes in shared work:

"She had long since given up arguing those points with Nicholas; as far as she was concerned, she was in charge of costume and makeup, he was in charge of paranoia."

They are a great pair, working well together, even when they have to call each other out:

"The look she gave him was dark, almost tormented. “I should let the dead past lay buried. It’s a mistake to trouble still waters, but—”
“That’s from the second act of Arantha,” he snapped, “and if you’re going to behave in this nonsensical way and expect me not to notice, you could at least do me the courtesy of not employing the dialogue from your favorite play.”

This is the 'updated' version, and despite numerous reads, I can't tell you specifically what changed. I think it has been polished and smoothed out. I would have been tempted to cut more of the lead up to the final climax, as I still think it gets a little bogged down in the labyrinth, but that's me. Nonetheless, I am happy I have an e-copy so that I can highlight to my heart's content.

"Reynard stroked his mustache thoughtfully. “Are we anticipating trouble, or starting it?” he asked, low-voiced. “Both, I think,” Nicholas said.

[Pooja Peravali · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Ile-Rien collects the first two books in Martha Wells’ Ile-Rien universe, which takes place in a fantasy world with a steampunk flavor. Though I have the much-lauded Murderbot series on my TBR, I have never read any of Wells’ work before. The Element of Fire is her debut, and when this book crossed my dashboard I thought it’d be a decent place to start.

The Element of Fire – 3.5 stars

The return of the king’s bastard sister to the court of Ile-Rien ought to be Queen’s Guard commander Thomas’s biggest concern, but when the city comes under siege by a mysterious sorcerer, Kade might end up his best ally instead.

Though a semi-generic fantasy setting and convoluted world-building made it somewhat hard to get into the story, the characters completely won me over. Kade is an excellent heroine, combining in herself both whimsy and darkness, and I enjoyed her budding relationship with the swashbuckling Thomas. There’s plenty of action and political intrigue, and the complex secondary characters kept things tense.

I did wish the end was not so abrupt though – maybe we’ll see more of Kade and Thomas later in the series?

~

The Death of the Necromancer – 4.5 stars

Gentleman thief Nicholas’s focus is on bringing down the man who betrayed his foster father, but his mission is disrupted when traces of forbidden necromantic magic appear to be dogging him.

Set a century after the previous book, we are introduced to a brand new cast of characters and an adventurous whirlwind of a story. The magic and the world felt more unique and fleshed out compared to the first book, and the homages that Wells paid to Sherlock Holmes and The Count of Monte Cristo were very fun. I also enjoyed the camaraderie and banter between Nicholas’s crew, as well as his relationship with the artful Madeline.

However, I did think the action sequences had a tendency to drag on a little – I wish they’d been tightened up more.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one 5/5
Book two 4/5

Love an exiled sorceress and a cutthroat captain of the guard teaming up to solve a conspiracy while definitely not having any feelings for one another (wink wink). Book one was decidedly my favorite but this whole collection is superb and i will be continuing the books set in this world.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review!

[PlotTrysts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Ile-Rien is a new edition of two of Martha Wells's previously-published books: The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer, both originally published in the 1990s. I am so happy that new editions are out, because these books? These books were SO GOOD. They are right up my alley: historical high fantasy, but not set in a nebulous medieval-esque Europe. They are set in Ile-Rien, a country that seems inspired by France. They were both so much fun to read! If you come to Wells via Murderbot (as I did), you'll notice a few similarities: her books are action-forward, with plenty of fights, weapons, wall climbing, and more. Her main characters are also cynical and sometimes sarcastic. Their bons mots are both fun and funny. Unlike Murderbot, both of these books include light elements of romance. This is not romantasy by any definition, but if you like romantic relationships as a part of your plot, this will satisfy you.

The Element of Fire: set in a renaissance-inspired time period, this is a political thriller. Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen's Guard, is navigating a court full of political intrigue. Oh, and magic, too. When the late king's illegitimate daughter Kade (who is half fay) returns to court, Thomas isn't sure why she's there. Turns out Kade has no ulterior motives, but she and Thomas are caught up in a plot to overthrow the throne.

The Death of the Necromancer: this is set several centuries after The Element of Fire, in a 19th-Century inspired time period. It opens with a heist, as master criminal Nicholas/Donatien is just about to pull off his decade-long revenge on the man who framed his foster father. The heist is interrupted by magical hijinks that lead Nicholas and his core group of allies into a dangerous investigation of necromantic crimes.

If historical fantasy is your jam, you should 100% pick these up! I am so glad I did.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Ile-Rien contains two of Martha Wells’ early novels. They are set in the same world, but centuries apart; the second makes some reference to the content of the first as historical – almost mythological – background, but could certainly be read as a standalone. The former reads almost medieval, the latter more steampunk, with technological and societal dynamics making the time difference clear.

I liked the second book, Death of the Necromancer, more than I did the first, The Element of Fire, but both are worth reading and I’ll definitely check out more of the Ile-Rien books at some point. I found the first book a bit slow to get going and hard to get into, and I didn’t love any of the characters though I found myself quite invested in one particular aspect of the plot by the midway point. The second book, with its focus on possibilities of illegal necromancy, I found exciting; the latter half was action-packed and I read it in only a few sittings.

Content warnings: violence, gun violence, blood, injury detail, death, murder, death of a parent, medical content (minor), sexual harassment + abuse (not on-page, discussed as past incident), injury detail, drug addition

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combined 3.5 / 5 rounded up.

The Book of Ile-Rien (2024) is the new trade-paperback re-issue of Martha Wells’ The Element of Fire (1993) and The Death of the Necromancer (1998).

Quick review of The Element of Fire

It was Wells’ first novel and could use a little bit of work on pacing and plotting, and I felt the female characters got shafted compared to the competent male lead. The romantic relationship was not for me.

Quick review of The Death of the Necromancer

Overall improved in every way compared to the first book, and has a really well-written mystery, general con-artistry, and action-heavy plot with great characters and dialogue. The main relationship stays mostly in the background and is already established at the beginning of the story, but I still would have liked to see more female characters given better roles.

The Book of Ile-Rien is potentially not for you if:

- you’re looking for a variety of prominent female POVs, or looking for a focus on character and character development.

Potentially for you if:

- you like more modern (17th century or later) European or alt-European settings with a soft magic system, well-written mysteries and action, and smart, clever dialogue and plotting.

Full reviews

The Element of Fire 2.5 -3 / 5

This is a solidly written and plotted book, with clever dialogue and a story that doesn’t hold the reader’s hand. The characters are distinct and well-drawn, but only two of them have any interesting character development.

The worldbuilding is a thin veneer over an alt-Europe of the 1600s/1700s. Ile-Rien seems to be basically England but with French names, especially since it also heavily features the world of faerie (“fayre”), ruled by Titania and Oberon of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and there are also brief references to Arthurian Myths like The Green Knight for some reason.

The Element of Fire drops the reader into the middle of already established history, factions, relationships, and political maneuvering - and then the stakes ramp up almost immediately, so I found myself having a hard time really caring about the plot or the characters.

It may be “historically accurate”, and this book was also written in the 90s, but the only three female characters present at all are royalty, whereas there is a much larger cast of male characters who are given a variety of roles in the world and the story. Oh, and of course all three of those women are either a. in love with and have slept with the main male character or b. offer to do so during the course of the story. I give Wells props for writing these women relatively realistically, each of them being distinct and with their own strengths and flaws, but that’s where my praise ends.

I generally dislike age gap romances, but my dislike becomes closer to being disturbed when the adult man first knows the girl as a literal child. Not to mention Thomas was already sleeping with Kade’s stepmother while she was growing up. They even have a conversation where he makes a weak attempt to protest their burgeoning relationship by saying he’s old enough to be her father, and she actually asks him directly if he is her father. Just in case he also slept with her mother while he was at it, I guess.

On top of that, Kade spends way too much page time blushing and making a fool of herself when she starts falling for Thomas, whereas he gets to remain calm and collected and in control and barely gives her a second thought while he’s busy trying to save the kingdom. All of her goals and actions start to revolve around Thomas soon after she appears in the story, and after knowing him as an adult for a few weeks at most she gives up her beautiful faerie castle to save him, quote, “for love”. And what does he give up or even do in the name of love? Absolutely nothing.

The Death of the Necromancer 4/5

Luckily I enjoyed this much better than The Element of Fire. The Death of the Necromancer is set about a century after the first book, in the gaslamp Victorian-like time period of Ile-Rien. There are a few references and easter eggs to the characters and plot of the first book, but if you skipped that one you won’t lose any understanding here.

Overall, The Death of the Necromancer is more tightly plotted and takes a bit more time to establish the characters, their motivations, and relationships before adding to the danger and the stakes. Great dialogue, dry humour, and skillfully written. At about the halfway point, I had a hard time putting it down.

In both of these books, there seems to be a pattern with how the characters are written - they are well-drawn and multidimensional, but the stories don’t focus on or even give them much character development at all. Instead it seems like Wells gives more page time to plot, dialogue, and action.

The protagonist of Death of the Necromancer, Nicholas, is also cast basically from the same mold as The Element of Fire’s lead Thomas. They’re both no-nonsense, competent leaders with a well-developed sense of irony. Speaking of irony, it is amusing that Nicholas turns out to be a descendant of the antagonist of the first book.

Like the first book, I wish Wells didn’t seem to stick to “historical accuracy” and limit her female characters to a single side POV among the larger cast of men. I’d really love to see what she can do with a full cast of competent and funny women in the world of Ile-Rien. Especially when she gives glimpses of fascinating queens which end up only as background players to the main male characters.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Martha Wells Murderbot series and the City of Bones, so I was delighted to dive into The Book of Ile-Rien. Both stories, The Element of Fire & the Death of the Necromancer, are brilliant but different as well. Both contain magic, suspense, well-drawn characters and take place in the same world.

Elements of Fire – This takes place in a time with castles, kings, royal family and court politics. There is magic, fae, gods, sorcerers and plenty of treacherous characters within the court. We follow the bastard daughter of the king and the Thomas Boniface, Captain of the Queen’s Guard, as they fight to save the kingdom. I found the plot an intriguing one, and the characters pulled me in. This was Wells debut novel and while perhaps polished in this newest edition, it was apparent she’s a masterful storyteller. 4.5 cups of coffee.

The Death of the Necromancer – This was perhaps my favorite, as I was now familiar with the world but also because I picked up on the tie-ins to book one. This read to me like a historical fantasy- mystery as we follow Nicholas Valiarde, a nobleman, thief, and sleuth. He has a reputation of being one of the greatest thieves in the kingdom, and I found him to be clever. He and his crew are on a heist when they stumble upon a dark magic, one that seems to thwart their efforts. All of this leads him to a powerful necromancer who must be stopped and not just for the sake of his activities. 5 cups of coffee.

Whether you are a fan or new to Martha Wells, I highly recommend losing yourself within these stories and world. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Tilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dedicated Murderbot fan, it was a treat to delve into Martha Wells’s earlier fantasy work! This newly revised two-volume set collects her debut novel The Element of Fire, and the subsequent book The Death of the Necromancer, both set in the fantasy kingdom of Ile-Rien. I found both novels to be incredibly readable, and Wells always excels at writing exciting action scenes and loveable characters.

In The Element of Fire, we are introduced to a kingdom at war with the Unseelie Court of the Fay, with delicate power structures and simmering treason. The Captain of the Queen’s Guard must team up with the newly returned half-Fay princess to restore peace to the realm. I loved the complex dynamics between all of the characters, with royal intrigue and past trauma and otherworldly agendas all contributing to the already intense plot. Excellent dialogue, lots of twists and turns, and even a lovely blossoming romance amidst all of the battles.

The Death of the Necromancer takes place a century later, and while I missed the characters I had come to love in the first book, I quickly got wrapped up in the mysterious heist plot, as we follow a band of thieves desperate to avenge a framed execution, who get unexpectedly embroiled in a paranormal conspiracy. Once again there was incredible pacing, keeping me on my toes as the characters investigated sewers, made unlikely allies, and untangled a dangerous web of magic and murder.

I was struck by the decision to place these novels so far apart in time; the very real threat of the Fay in the first book became long-dead myths in the second, with all new enemies and different sensibilities. However, it all worked for me, and I found I slightly preferred The Death of the Necromancer (though I very much enjoyed both novels). Wells’s books never disappoint, and I’m excited to check out more of her earlier work!

Thanks to Tordotcom and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Zana]

DNF @ 13%

I tried starting this twice and I can't seem to get into it. There are too many characters thrown at the reader all at once and the infodumping is excessive. I get that this is epic fantasy, but it felt like reading footnotes. And I'm not a fan of footnotes in fiction.

Thank you to Tor Books and NetGalley for this arc.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full RTC

[Emma Ann]

Okay, this book has been sitting in my “currently reading” for a month and a half, and since I got a copy courtesy of Tor (and since the ebook is still sitting on my Netgalley shelf), I feel like I owe ‘em a review. The fact that I keep meaning to pick this book back up but then never do probably says something in and of itself.

This book is actually an omnibus that contains both The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer. I’ve been sitting at a little over halfway through The Element of fire for I-don’t-know-how-many weeks, and like, it’s fine. I haven’t been bored, but neither have I been surprised or wowed. The Element of Fire was actually Wells’ first published novel, and she’s improved A LOT since then (see: the fantastic standalone City of Bones), so I fully expect The Death of the Necromancer to be better.

I’m marking this book “DNF” on Goodreads, but I’m not really DNFing it. I’m just evidently reading it at the pace of a geriatric snail and I don’t like it cluttering up my “currently reading.”

[Rydia Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

RydiaReviews!

Book of Ile-Rien

📖 Title: Book of Ile-Rien (The Element of Fire - Death of the Necromancer)
✍ Author: Martha Wells
📚 Series: Ile-Rien
🌍 Country of origin: USA
🔖 Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Speculative Historical Fantasy, Mystery, Gaslamp Fantasy, Political intrigue
👥 Favorite character: Katherine "Kade Carrion" De Fontainon / Queen Ravenna
💬 Favorite quote(s):

"And how is your dear mother, child?"
Ravenna’s expression was as polite as a judge passing sentence; Kade looked ironic and amused. "She’s in Hell."
"Wishful thinking, surely."
"Oh, no, she really is. We saw her go. She lost a wager."


🌟 Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3/5 Stars

Hi everyone! Rydia, reviewer extraordinaire here gain with yet another RydiaReviews!

What if I told you of a fantasy series known by a few that includes two fae courts both seelie and unseelie, political intrigue, magic, princesses and queens, knightly orders, in a setting resembling Elizabethan France down to the name which sounds like the Island of Nothing, with characters that are not made of carboard with a rich background, backstory for everything, an awesome original setting that departs from the usual medieval focus the genre centers on?

And it goes on to include its sequel that's a thriller in a Gaslamp fantasy that involves a sorcerers, a magical academy, a freakin' heist, the outlawing of a whole magic school by itself, murder mystery that ends up being more horror than fantasy but still remaining true to the world built in the first one while still expanding more upon it?

It does sound pretty cool, doesn't it?

It has everything to entice many readers, me included. When I was given the opportunity to review an ARC copy thanks to NetGalley, Martha Wells and Tor Publishing group I was more than hectic to start this book.

Yet my biggest question after reading it is...

Why didn't I like it?

No, don't get me wrong this isn't a negative review, at all. Ms. Wells does so many things well... well (lol) that I can't pinpoint anything particularly wrong with it. Just maybe not my cup of tea, I guess.

Getting into a new fantasy series is a daunting task, and my fellow fantasy readers wont let me lie. You spend usually the first 50 pages trying to make out the setting, which if done well, is part of the fun. Considering those who have read Martha Wells work before, they know how good she can be with her worldbuilding! So after so many good recommendations and praise, specially on her Murderbot series (which admittedly doesn't interest me in the least bit due to a name that in my opinion just sounds silly but is still highly reviewed and praised so I *must* give it a try at least), I just had to experience it myself and why not do it with a fantasy novel from such a marvelous world-builder and versatile author?

Well it took *me* around 150 pages to start making some sense of the world. It is very welcome that it isn't a familiar medieval setting as it has been the recent case with the books I've reviewed. We need more authors to dare do something different rather than just sticking with what works.

The Book of Ile-Rien is made up of two of Martha's former books from the Ile-Rien series. The Element of Fire and Death of the Necromancer, to which I preferred the former rather than the latter, as opposed to the internet's general consensus.

I can't really say the book starts off slow. It's quite impossible and a complete fallacy when the book just throws you off in the middle of the action. So, you start off the book disoriented in the middle of the action, and you must wait quite a bit just to take a breather and even more to start making off some sense of what is happening.

Gunpowder, knights all is good then we throw Kade, my favorite character into the fray which ended up being my whole reason to read this book. If it weren't for her I would have either taken up more time for me to finish it or outright add this book to my shameful DNF list which fortunately is very small due to me treating my DNFs as TBR in a yet to be defined time in the future.

So let's talk about the characters, shall we?

Kade is a powerful sorcerer, half human half fey, Roland's bastard sister. She's powerful, not very royal like. Fun, beautiful and a complete delight to read. She literally appears from nowhere

Roland, her brother is well he acts more like a normal big brother would (or at least they portray them to as I don't have a big brother of my own to compare with) he can be ambitious and rush to make dumb decisions and well is weak to flattery. Which is convenient and inconvenient at the same time.

Other than Kade I found Queen Ravenna to be one of the best characters in the book. She is Roland's mother and Kade's step mom. Beautiful and wise and mysterious. She is feared and admired in all the same and should have a book of her own or her story more fleshed out, I would have loved to read more about her, truly she is just so interesting. The interactions she has with her kids, how she treats those close to her with respect and even helps them develop, now that's a leader I would admire and follow!

And let's not forget Thomas Boniface, the captain of the queen's guard and her former lover too, a total hunk with 'daddy' vibes that's so protective and even if I find it a bit weird that after being with Queen Ravenna, he falls for Kade, I can't blame either. Kade is such an awesome princess and Boniface... let's just say I have a weakness for guys like him.

In this book, there's always something happening but the story moves slowly nonetheless, I would say that this book would have been much more perfect if the author just cut off like ALL OF THE FILLER CONTENT. The book felt like a drag at times, so many stuff happening but little to no reason to care about. I only give a pass on this to Kade which just appeared to uh... cause mischief I guess and well considering she's half fae and faeries are mischievous I can forgive that but there's so much happening and at least for me, no reason to care about it or no reason explained as to why it's happening, or its explained much more later and there's only so much I can take of filler before drifting off to something else, which is a major reason as to why this book took me so long to read, the other one was its length.

I could say that neither me nor the characters know very well why they're doing the things they're doing. Considering they're NOT unidimensional or bidimensional at all. It seems they just participate in a play because they have to. Which is kind of weird considering such a huge setting that mimics real world France. Which gets me to something that isn't necessarily bad but just rubs me off the wrong way and I'm not sure why.

The book reads like historical fiction of someplace that actually has faeries and magic and not like, well a fantasy book. The characters, the setting, the places, the backstory it all feels so... realistic? I mean it is a good sign as it seems the author put a whole lot of research and time to make it as realistic as possible but well, the genre is called 'fantasy' its meant to be unrealistic not feel like this could have happened.

And as I said, this isn't a bad thing its just not *my* thing.

After much political intrigue, capturing, rescuing, travelling into the Fayre, out of Fayre, more capturing, rescuing the book comes to an ending that left me more with a bittersweet taste, mostly of relief for having finished it and having the romance I was asking for to be there, even if it to some it would seem a bit creepy.

Nothing much to say as nothing much happened. I don't know, the first part just didn't click with me but the characters, specially Kade who will forever hold a spot in my heart, and I thank Martha Wells for writing her.

Now on to the second part of the book, Death of the Necromancer.

A mysterious character known as the Necromancer is attempting to overthrow the government in this fantasy novel's universe, which coexists with magic and technology. Sounds awesome, doesn't it? Not so much for me, though.

To be completely honest, I didn't particularly like this book. I'm aware that it has a large following and has received praise, but I didn't enjoy it.

This book is formulaic and doesn't really seem a sequel much until 2/3rds of the book which to me its waaaay far into the book and should've been written as a standalone or like what it is, a different story in the same world.

The characters were a big part of why I struggled to connect with this novel. They all appeared to be copied versions of other literary figures like Sherlock Holmes, the Count of Monte Cristo, or Arsène Lupin. This gave me the impression that they lacked much depth or personality, and I had the impression that I had already seen them all.

For instance, the main character Nicholas Valiarde, a nobleman who also runs a criminal underworld and is a master thief, lives a double life. He is driven to exact revenge on the corrupt minister who killed his foster father for necromancy. In addition, he is personable, clever, and brilliant. Does that ring a bell? Edmond Dantès from The Count of Monte Cristo is essentially the same character, only a bit more magical, throw in a bit of Arsene Lupin and there you have it.

Madeline Denare, Nicholas' sweetheart and accomplice in crime, is yet another illustration. She is a talented actor who can pass for anyone by disguising herself. She is also clever, courageous, and devoted. Does this sound a bit like Irene Adler but not so much?

You also get versions hints of Moriarty in the necromancer. Lestrade, Watson... You see what I mean?

Although I don't mind when authors draw inspiration from or pay homage to previous works, I believe they should also bring something unique or inventive to their own characters. If not, reading it resembles fanfiction or a fusion of other works. And no adding magic or just changing the names and doing a little (very little) mashup on the character and putting them in a different setting isn't enough for me.

Again, and I must highlight this, the Author's ability to portray so well things, the extensive research and thought she puts in her work makes the world so real, so similar that it's hard for me to immerse in it.

The narrative was another factor that made me dislike this book. The majority of the time it was really slow and boring, even when there were so many things happening, the story didn't move at all but at times, specially towards the conclusion it became hurried and disorganized. There were much too many unnecessary subplots and plot twists that didn't really advance the narrative. The book dragged on and on due to the excess of details and descriptions. Yes, being overly descriptive can be a problem, I know it's supposed to help immerse the reader but immersing me in a fantasy world that just feels so real with characters that feel so familiar yet are so fresh... it just doesn't work for me.

I'm aware that some people would love a plot this convoluted and dense, the use of distinct points of view is something some people would enjoy too but many others can find it confusing, like me when I had to go back and re-read because I had to either skim, skip or fight falling asleep. I'd rather have something exciting and uncomplicated. There's a delicate balance in complexity, simplicity, description, realism and plausibility and this didn't really do it for me.

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't read this book or that it's horrible. Simply said, I'm not interested in it and through the book I didn't find any reason to care. I respect the fact that a lot of people adore this book and its author. It's perfect because everyone has distinct preferences and viewpoints.

If you enjoy the historical fantasy, mystery, or steampunk genres, you might enjoy this book. If you are familiar with the literature that inspired it and enjoy the allusions and comparisons, you might enjoy this book. If you prefer sophisticated stories and well-developed worlds, you might like this book. If you like fantasy worlds that feel so real that they might have just been then you might like this book.

However, if you like to read more creative, interesting, and enjoyable books, this one might not be for you. Same goes if you like more traditional fantasy than this Gaslamp horror mystery experiment.

I couldn't relate to these new characters at all, maybe Madeline but even then, after Kade it's hard not to compare such a great character with which to my opinion isn't as great. But this could be my bias talking, this second one is much less a preferred genre of mine so maybe that's why I didn't like it much? But I see why people might like it. If they overlook characters that should talk more in times they barely do. Or talk less when they go on yapping and yapping. And throwing the reader right in the middle of a heist? Yah, terrible move in my opinion, because I don't really have a reason to CARE as to why many things happen and knowing the author this could take much, much, much time. (Spoiler: It does) The underworld the characters spend time running through and moving through tunnels while stumbling upon ghouls while they pretend NOT to be a criminal gang by being a criminal gang is, as always, marvelously written. The prose and the dialogs are well balanced even if they are not how I would prefer them to be. I do like steampunk but this time the author sometimes goes over the top describing things in such a beautiful vocabulary that sometimes I just wish we could move on the long, LONG chapters to further the story. Then again we get more and more filler and that plays against keeping my interest in it. I skimmed a lot because to be quite honest it felt very boring to me. But then again I expected more fantasy and less horror/mystery/filler action.

The ending was well... disappointing, it was very deus-ex machina and it didn't make sense to me, I don't even care enough to explain or spoil it, it was that bad for me.

I'm going to be honest, since I can't pinpoint something that's "wrong" but just not my cup of tea I'm not giving it a bad review, in fact I'm going to get a physical copy as having one would make it so much easier for me to go back or use post its or something to not get so lost with the names or events or if something happens off page or not because I honestly had to re-read so many times that there were times I just took things for what they were and moved on due to the book being extremely long and me having little interest to finish the second half that just gets good on around 75% of it.

I'm very sorry bookworms, I didn't like this is as much, it just seemed I would love it, but I didn't, I hope that re-reading it in physical makes my experience better because sometimes I not only didn't procrastinate, got lost but I even fell asleep reading it and fell asleep having the eBook reader read it out loud for me.

That is a terrible sing for a book that ticks so much checkmarks on what I love.

So I'll end up this review with the same question I started it off...

Why didn't I like it?

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐ So good but so meh at the same time. Maybe I'm not in a good state right now? Will revisit later.

Read you on the next RydiaReviews!

Toodles~!

Rydia ✨

[Serhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very fun and easy read with some downsides. I enjoyed the overall world-building, and settings.

The Element of Fire
The first book has an interesting plot and characters. The pacing at times were a little bit of an issue, but other than that it is a well written and a fun read. The thing I disliked the most about this book was the romance with a big age-gap and I think it hindered the development of an otherwise interesting female character.

The Death of the Necromancer
I felt the second book was a significant improvement over the first one in almost every sense. The plot, characters, character developments, and writing all read much better. At times, I just couldn't put it down. My only gripe was that the main characters of the two books felt a little bit too similar to each other.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give the element of fire 2 stars and Death of the Necromancer 4 stars.
The books are in the same world but separated by generations with distant connections between the two. I think Death of the Necromancer could be read stand alone without missing much weight.

The Element of Fire is a political novel that never really hooked me.


The Death of the Necromancer feels like a fantasy take on Oceans 13.
The main characters are thieves trying to setup their nemesis. But along the way they get wrapped up in a bigger plot and can't help themselves from trying to save the city. There are some great setups and plenty of snark to go around. Great read.

[E.M. Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha Wells is best known for her Murderbot franchise, a sci-fi space drama about interconnected corporate worlds, interplanetary backstabbing, and a security unit that has hacked its own brain and wants to be left alone to watch its world's equivalent to Netflix in peace.

TOR is the publisher for that series and this early novel from Wells' career. Understandably, they're repackaging some of her backlist to capitalize off Murderbot's wider readership. Some editing has also evidently been done to update the book, but I didn't read the original and can't tell you how much is different.

Overall, Ile-Rein has some of the action that characterizes Wells' later work with Murderbot, but it's primarily a fantasy setting with either court or revenge intrigue. Ile-Rein has French trappings on the surface, but felt more to me like an Elizabethan-style world with a dowager queen who reads very much like Elizabeth I. (In Book II, we get a more Victorian setting.)

Instead of being a virgin spinster, Queen Ravenna is a widow with a son named Roland and a cunning step-daughter named Kade. Both were emotionally abused by her late husband, the king.

Roland deals with his grief by putting his trust in the wrong people. Kade, who is also the heir to the fey Queen of Air and Darkness, abandons court to pursue her heritage among the Seelie Court. The action begins when Kade returns to court, which coincides with shadowy happenings and attacks on the capital.

I enjoyed the both books, but found the pacing slow. In The Element of Fire, there's a lot of description, several competing court factions, and many supporting characters who don't really matter in the long run. The rules for fey magic were also unclear to me at points, though it made more sense as we went along.

Thomas Boniface, the head of the queen's guard, bears some similarities in style and methods to the Murderbot (or at least, my brain refused to not find parallels between the characters since I read this book after Books 1-7 in that series).

He's also responsible for security, decent at strategy, popular with the women of the court, and pretty excellent in a fight.

The action scenes and a few plot twists were the major strengths for me in this story. If you're in the mood for high fantasy with an emphasis on court politics and moderate action, The Element of Fire will scratch your itch.

Book II, The Death of the Necromancer, didn't pull me in a quickly.

The story moves ahead in time several hundred years to a Victorian-like setting and is about unconnected characters. There are a couple references to the Book I characters, but I was pretty invested in Kate and Thomas and wanted to know more about what happened to them.

I liked gentleman thief Nicholas, but I was less invested in his revenge mission. I did like the occasional court scenes and his dynamic with Madeline, an actor with a small talent for magic.

On the whole, I am glad I read the book and I'm grateful to TOR publishing group for the advanced review copy.

[Annemieke / A Dance with Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and Netgalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.

The Book of Ile-Rien is a bind-up of the two Ile-Rien books that Martha Wells released in the early nineties. I've read some various things of Wells by now and some I love or like, others I don't. The Book of Ile-Rien is a combination of that.

The first book, The Elements of Fire, was messy for me. At the start I felt like I was missing something. As if I was expected to know this whole world already. This did get a little better along the way. But overal it felt a little flat.

Thomas, one of our mc, was seen as a big player. A female favorite, and an enemy to high placed males. He doesn't really seem to want to be there. He never really stepped away from that. He didn't become a real character to me. There is also the thing that there was constantly alluded to him being the dowager queens lover but I saw so very little of that on the page. The very few times they were on the page together, it was other people's reactions to them filling things in and not anything the characters were doing or even feeling towards one another.

Our other mc, Kade, was a bit more interesting. She gave some funny moments and lines. But it never moved away from that. She had potential but she never really stepped up into a full character. She was also meant to be the thing that tied us into the Fae realm. It could have explained the role of the fae in this world more. It didn't do that.

The role of the Fae in this book was odd. They were helping out the bad guy in this. I'm still not a 100% sure why. I saw no real good reason. Nothing that the Fae would truly gain from this.

In contrast, The Death of the Necromancer, was a lot better. It is set about 100 years after the first book. The world seems to have been modernized somewhat with the coaches and the theatre.

All the characters, from our mc to our side characters, felt much more alive and well rounded. There was a more interesting dynamic between the characters. Nicholas was an interesting character. Fueled by his need for revenge, he has been weaving an elaborate plot to catch the one who got his mentor killed. He has a connection with those around him. He calls this inspector his enemy but from the start it is clear that it is more of a being frightened of being found out. It was amusing to see when they finally did get to interact with one another.

The only downside that I found to this story is that the tie in to the first book was Nicholas his family relationship. He is a descendant from someone from book 1 (and boy was that milked when it was revelead, gosh). But other than that I'm not sure I recognized a lot from book 1. It could have been two completely seperate worlds. Even the Fae were barely mentioned in this book.

All in all it was an interesting read. I do not rec Elements of Fire but would rec The Death of the Necromancer. I don't think you need to read book 1 to be able to understand book 2.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After progressing from the fun and unique sci-fi series, the Murderbot Diaries to the adventure fantasy of The Witch King and City of Bones, I was primed for Tor’s reissue of two older Martha Wells’ stories revised and set in the same Ile-Rien world: The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer.

The Element of Fire was both the start of the series and has the happy circumstance of being a debut book. Since I have read the latest of the author’s releases, yes, I could tell this was a first book. However, the author’s talent in creating a full-fledged world, a stimulating, intriguing plot, and bold characters that drew me in from the moment I encountered them didn’t feel like a debut book. This is true of The Death of the Necromancer, as well. Element of Fire takes place years before the other and Death of the Necromancer shows it’s chronologically more recent by feeling less like medieval fantasy and more like Gaslamp fantasy or steampunk, even.

I enjoyed both books for the characters and over all plot particularly since both are steeped in my favorite fantasy trope- political intrigue. I was more drawn to the first book for the way the characters interacted with each other particularly the complex and enigmatic Queen Ravenna, fiery and energetic half-human half-fae,Kade, and the swashbuckling charmer,Boniface with the second book’s twisting, exciting plot being the largest draw.

Now, I’m not going to lie, they both took their time getting going- which will seem weird to say since both dive head first into adventure with their opening scenes. My problem was that I was left racing far behind trying to catch up on what was going on. Of course, this was likely intentional. In fact, it took me nearly half the first book to figure out what anything had to do with anything. And, it took me half the second book to spot the tie-ins with book one. So, reader be warned, patience is required.

In summary, I enjoyed my latest adventures from the pen of a now favorite author. I definitely plan to reach for more from her backlist. Those who enjoy light romance and heavy political intrigue and fight action, but don’t mind a slow build in their fantasies should definitely give this series a try.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at The Quill Ink Feb 28, 2024.

[Genesee Rickel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you, Edelweiss, for my ARC!

I decided to DNF 20% into book 2. I don't understand why these novels are being reissued together. Yes, they are set in the same world, but book 2 is set in the far future compared to book 1, there are different characters, and it is a different type of fantasy (heist urban fantasy/mystery in book 2 vs fae/sorcerer wars with kingdoms in book 1). This juxtaposition really turned me off; as a reader I would need more time between books 1 and 2 to enjoy them both. They should have be re-released individually, not together.

The pacing in book 1 felt like I was picking up in the middle of a series. I wish more time had been spent on the political intrigue between the various waring factions, and that significantly more time had been dedicated to developing the romantic relationship. Many of the characters intrigued me, but then they would die or it felt like the book didn't fully develop the thread it started for them. The pacing in book 2 was much better, and the character development also seemed better fleshed out, but without finishing the book I won't be able to say if it suffered from some of the same lapses as did book 1.

I read and loved the Murderbot series. I was hoping to enjoy her fantasy just as much. Sadly, these books aren't for me and I wouldn't suggest the series as a whole for general readers. I would consider suggesting book one only or book two only, under certain circumstances.

[Varadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will forever love Kade Carrion, and the Element of Fire is thin but fast-paced. Death of the Necromancer drags so badly. And I didn't care for the pastiche of Sherlock Holmes and Count of Monte Cristo.

[Juli Rahel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you like to read about a low-key feral woman with magic, causing mayhem and facing childhood trauma? And about a rogueish captain of the Queen's Guard who wavers between loyalties? Or what about a heist team with a vendetta against an evil duke? And what if that team finds themselves embroiled in a much larger, necromantic conflict? Well, The Book of Ile-Rien has all of that, with Martha Wells' exceptional characterisation and world building to boot. Thanks to Tor Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My sincere apologies for the delay!

The Book of Ile-Rien is made up of two novels, both set within the world of Ile-Rien, specifically within its capital city, Vienne. The first, The Element of Fire focuses on Kade Carrion (fay, bastard, and strong) and Thomas Boniface (stubborn, smart, and strong) amid court intrigue, politicking, and history. It begins with Thomas breaking a sorcerer out of magical imprisonment, but whereas that should be the end of the mess, it is truly only the beginning. Loyal to the Queen Mother, Thomas is at the very heart of the battle for the King's attention amidst growing tensions internally and with other nations. All these matters become more complex when the king's exiled bastard half-sister, Kade Carrion, reappears and no one is entirely sure of what she wants and why. The novel is mostly told through their POVs, although we also get others were relevant, and they are undeniably the heart of the story. I became immensely invested in their characters and their backstories, while also immensely enjoying the political intrigue, backstabbing, and planning which takes place throughout the novel. Queen Ravenna always has a plan and everyone is plotting non-stop. The Element of Fire is a riot of a read!

The book moves into The Death of the Necromancer seamlessly and I had all my fingers and toes crossed we would meet the same characters again. In fact, Necromancer takes place roughly a hundred years or so after Fire. I was, admittedly, a little sad about it, but then Wells did the think again and introduced me to a whole set of new characters I loved. Meet Nicholas Valiarde and accomplices, amongst whom are his left and right hand, Madeline, an actress with a skill for disguises, and Reynard, a scoundrel with a heart of gold. They are currently breaking into a rich lady's house to steal her ill-gotten gold, when a ghoul appears and a whole new set of problems begins. Nicholas just wants vengeance on the Duke who caused his father's death, but now it's all hands on deck as people are disappearing and dying, ghouls roam the sewers, and a spiritualist makes the rounds in Vienne. I don't read a whole lot of heist novels, but Necromancer made me realise I would probably love them because I adored Nicholas' whole group immediately. With delightful disguises, queer representation, hijinks, explosions, bones, and grizzly murder scenes, Necromancer truly has everything I could ask for.

I first discovered Martha Wells, if one can say such a think about such a lauded and well-known author, in 2023, when I read City of Bones (immensely superior to the Clare novel of the same name) and then listened to the first of the Murderbot novellas last year. I loved both books and became immensely impressed by Wells' ability to craft such intensely loveable and real characters, who she places into storyworlds that feel complex and logical, with layers and history and legends and myths. I mean, who doesn't adore the Murderbot?! And in City of Bones she manages to craft a whole word, with its own apocalypse legends, lost knowledge, ancient remains, and interesting gender and sex concepts. It was giving Ursula K. LeGuin and I was both so pleased and so sad that it was a stand alone. So diving into The Book of Ile-Rien I very much hoped for the same and, blessed be, did indeed find it. Clocking in at just over 750 pages, The Book of Ile-Rien is a doorstopper, but I actually found myself wishing for more of each story. There is, as I said, a depth to Wells' storytelling that I, as an avid Fantasy and Sci-Fi fan, find enormously pleasing. I just know, while reading her books, that there is always more that could have been explored. In the case of The Book this works especially well because, together, the two stories show Ile-Rien and Vienne changing over time. While Fire feels a little more renaissance/early modern period, with swords and muskets, but also commedia del'arte and an inquisition, Necromancer has a more industrial feel to it, with gas lamps and guns, as well as trains and a more developed science. Ile-Rien is a country that develops and changes, where the people we meet in Fire become legend in Necromancer. Thankfully there are more books set in Ile-Rien, specifically the series The Fall of Ile-Rien, which I will need to get into straight away, because I miss the world already.

I would have given both The Element of Fire and The Death of the Necromancer a five rating on their own, together I wish I could give them more. Martha Wells creates a stunning world and amazing characters. Whether you're in it for the politics and the magic, or the loveable heist team and their hijinks, Wells has it for you.

URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Ile-Rien
The Element of Fire
By Martha Wells

This was originally her first published book, and she has re-edited and released it (alongside The Death of the Necromancer) I decided to do a separate review for each.

I really loved The Element of Fire! The world building was excellent, the characters were nuanced (flawed but likeable), and the plot was very well structured. But then again, I’ve come to expect all of that with Martha Wells.

Unlike Witch King, I was immediately immersed in this story. Thomas and Kade are both great main characters. Thomas has some complicated relationships which makes his character intriguing and with an interesting view on life (and the worth of his own life). Kade is facing some demons and learning how to trust herself (and others).

The Book of Ile-Rien
The Death of the Necromancer
By Martha Wells

Absolutely fantastic! I loved this one even more than the first story.

If you love Found Family as much as I do, then you’ll love this.

Nicholas is a scoundrel, but a scoundrel with a distinctive purpose: to avenge his foster-father. Over the years he has gathered an eclectic family of lock picks, an actress, a disgraced cavalryman, an addict sorcerer, and a very loyal body guard. When they stumble onto something bigger than revenge, they can’t look the other way but dive in to solving the case. With a little help from a detective/doctor duo.

This book is a romp, a horror show, and a love letter to the chosen family you surround yourself with.

Thanks to @netgalley and @marthawellswriter for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why these two books were re-released as one, because they're not that closely connected except for being set in the same world. Fortunately, they're both good, and have reinforced my decision to read Martha Wells' fantasy books instead of just rereading my beloved Murderbot Diaries all the time. Well, maybe "in addition to" rereading them...
Anyway, the books are both good, although I preferred the second one. The Element of Fire is set in a world that gives strong 17th-Century Europe vibes, with tons of political intrigue, court alliances and trickery, plus an invading force of evil fae. It's a very serious book altogether, but there were some moments of humor that reminded me strongly of Murderbot, particularly coming from the hero, Captain Thomas Boniface, and the mysterious half-fae princess Kade.
It's a couple centuries later in The Death of the Necromancer, and just about the only thing it DOESN'T have is the invading evil fae. We've got a gentleman thief bent on revenge and his lovely crew, swashbuckling action, heists, gruesome dark magic and mysterious magical devices, enough sewer action to satisfy Victor Hugo, and an aging detective-and-doctor pair that may remind the reader of the most famous detective in fiction. I really loved the characters in the second book, rooting hard for them as they ran from one adventure to the next.
Altogether, a full five stars for the whole thing.

[Ksenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Element of Fire - 5.5 stars

I loved the setting of the book: a mix of 17th century France and Elisabeth I court. Usually Fantasy is either medieval or Victorian. This book had a very fresh feeling to it, even if it was originally written over 20 years ago. I loved both Thomas and Cade. I really liked the romance. I do enjoy a well written May-December trope with a bit of enemies-to-lovers. I discovered Martha Wells through her Murderbot series, but I am coming to realize that I enjoy her Fantasy writing so much more. She writes very vivid worldbuilding with interesting and complex characters. I also highly appreciate her tendency not to over-explain things and leave them to the reader's imagination.

The Death of the Necromancer - 5 stars

Very nice standalone, set in the same city over a century later. Different characters, which are loosely related to the first book. Two books are very very different. The setting moved from the 17th century to early Victorian. The plot was somewhat more complex and characters had a bit more depth, but I missed the fairy feeling of The Element of Fire. I also missed the romantic subplot. I like books with the main character falling in love. Nicholas and Madeline are in an ongoing relationship. On other hand it was nice to read the book with this level of understanding between the lovers. Usually UF characters reach this type of relationship about 6th-7th book.

[Kerensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll write a longer review later (I haven't been in the mood to write proper reviews for like, this whole month). For now, I'll just say that I really enjoyed both of these books. The Element of Fire was 4 stars for me, and The Death of the Necromancer was 4.5, edging up to 5. So I decided on 5 overall.

(Also, I'm counting this as read twice because it's two books and I want my spreadsheet and my Goodreads to agree).

[Charles McGonigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely pair of books. Great court intrigue/battle with the fay to start with, and then a Lupin meets Sherlock (what does it say that French stories focus on the villain while British stories prefer the detective?) in an epic fantasy. Really enjoyed both - Wells is an amazing writer.

[Nochu_Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review-The Element of Fire:

Ile-Rien is the only series written by Martha Wells that I haven’t ever dipped my toe into. Too many books, too little time, sigh! Therefore it goes without saying that I was extremely thrilled when I received an arc of the revised editions of the two books from the series now known as The Book of Ile-Rien, published by Tor Books. While there are some tiny indications scattered throughout that The Element of Fire may be Martha Well’s debut novel (given I have read almost everything by her and have seen how extraordinary her writing and storytelling can be), I couldn’t help but be amazed and astounded by her exceptional and mind blowing writing, considering she was a 26 year old debut author when this novel was published.

The world building wasn’t as strong as I would have expected from a Well’s book but given this was her debut novel I easily forgave her. However the intricately woven plot, replete with captivating and multifaceted characters, brims with suspense and intrigue, compelling me to eagerly flip through each page. The magic system employed within the narrative was truly commendable too. Although certain aspects of it may not have been as uniquely original as found in some of Wells’ other works, it remains skillfully crafted and comprehensive, adding to the overall richness of the story.

I have a deep fascination for the intricacies of court politics, and I found myself utterly captivated by the court of Ile-Rien, particularly the interactions among the dowager queen, Ravenna, her son, King Roland, and his half-sister, Kade. The dynamics of power plays and struggles were masterfully depicted, revealing a web of betrayals and conspiracies as each character vied to outmaneuver the others and seize control. It was a compelling display of ambition and intrigue that kept me thoroughly engrossed. These complex and intertwined conflicts were my lifeblood in Ile-Rien universe; I thrived on them.

Thomas, the captain of the Queen’s Guard, is a character of remarkable depth, just like the majority of the characters in the book, embodying shades of moral ambiguity. His multifaceted nature is truly captivating, and I found myself wholeheartedly enamored by him. While possessing a fundamentally good heart, he has learned enough cynicism and deceit from his association with Ravenna to navigate the treacherous waters of court life and survive alongside her. This intriguing blend of virtues and flaws makes Thomas an enthralling and relatable character, adding to the allure of the story.

The Dowager Queen Ravenna is a truly remarkable character in her own right. Despite her weak-willed son coming of age, she refuses to relinquish the power she has wielded throughout her entire life easily. Her tenacity and determination are awe-inspiring as she navigates the complexities of court politics. Often displaying cynicism and anger, Ravenna also showcases her exceptional cleverness and resilience, honed through the crucible of violent wars she had to face to protect her land. Her multifaceted personality, blending strength and vulnerability, makes her a compelling and unforgettable presence within the narrative.

Lastly, My beloved Kade. Kade Carrion, the half-fay bastard sister to the king, is an incredible and awe-inspiring character. Despite possessing significant power, she often prefers to rely on her luck and cunning, which only adds to her enigmatic charm. Kade’s witty and snarky nature brings a delightful touch to the story, but beneath that veneer lies a profound sense of sadness, making her character even more intriguing. Her unique blend of strengths and vulnerabilities makes her truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on readers as they journey through the pages of the book.

The portrayal of the chemistry between Kade and Thomas was masterfully crafted, showcasing a beautifully written relationship. Martha Wells’ skillful approach to romance is evident in this book, as she never imposes it upon the reader, allowing it to evolve naturally and authentically. The interactions between Kade and Thomas were a true delight, with their conversations and exchanges seamlessly complementing one another. Their dynamic and connection were portrayed in a way that captivated my heart and left me thoroughly enamored with their evolving bond. The romantic subplot was skillfully woven into the tale, adding depth to the characters without overshadowing the main storyline.

Overall, the narrative flowed effortlessly and maintained an engaging momentum throughout. I must admit, I kind of predicted some twists in the plot, but the cleverly placed foreshadowing made the revelation all the more satisfying. Since I haven’t had the opportunity to read the original version, I cannot pinpoint the specific changes made in the revisions. Nevertheless, I must express my genuine admiration for the captivating storyline, the well-developed characters, and the enthralling world of Ile-Rien. Despite not being familiar with the original, I found the book to be a truly enjoyable and immersive experience, leaving me eager to explore more of Martha Wells’ literary creations.

Review – The Death of A Necromancer

Is it too bad to say I loved The Death of A Necromancer more than The Element of Fire, because I DID! This book was filled with humor, suspense and YES! heists! Oh, I love myself a good hiest!

Right from the beginning, the story thrusts us into the midst of a heist-in-action, introducing us to a motley crew of endearing misfits. We meet Nicholas Valiarde, whose brooding and sarcastic demeanor conceals a brilliant criminal mastermind alter ego. Joining him is Madeline Denare, a skilled practitioner of disguise, acrobatics, and directness, leading a double life as a stage actress. Completing the ensemble is Reynard Morane, a charming gentleman soldier who fell from grace due to scandal and dishonor. Together, this group of colorful characters embarks on a thrilling journey that promises intrigue and excitement.

The narrative weaves a rich and meticulously crafted world that immerses readers in a genuine and well-established setting. The atmosphere exudes an aura of old-world decay, with strong elements of spiritualism and the haunting presence of the characters’ pasts, which imbue their struggles with depth and authenticity. The detailed descriptions of societal traditions, historical events, and even architectural features paint a vivid picture, revealing the city as a mask for its gradually evolving and modernizing society. In parallel, the main characters’ personas, shaped by their criminal backgrounds, add another layer of complexity, making them intriguing and multidimensional. The book successfully merges the essence of its characters with the intricate fabric of the world they inhabit, providing an engrossing and satisfying reading experience.

It is undeniable that Wells possesses an extraordinary talent for crafting intricate worlds. She skillfully breathes life into the city and kingdom of Ile-Rein in The Death of A Necromancer, making it a truly immersive experience for readers. Whether wandering through the bustling streets of the city or exploring the eerie catacombs below, you can genuinely feel yourself transported to these places. While the individual elements of the world may not be entirely novel, the way she meticulously constructs the atmosphere and setting is truly exquisite.

The majority of the characters in the story are exceptionally vibrant and captivating. Rather than making Nicholas an exaggerated and unoriginal imitation of a vigilante, Wells skillfully portrays his genuine development throughout the narrative. Additionally, she breathes life into the supporting characters. For instance, there’s Madeline, a courageous young woman with a natural knack for magic who chose to become an actress instead. Reynard, a gentleman soldier, carries the burden of disgrace after his former lover’s tragic demise. Arisilde, a gifted sorcerer, struggles with drug addiction. Lastly, Crack and Cusard, although occasionally confusing, play their parts well. As the story unfolds, more fascinating characters join the mix. If there’s one aspect I wish for improvement, it would be the inclusion of more female characters. Nonetheless, the book manages to avoid performing poorly in this aspect.

The casual and inclusive portrayal of bisexuality within the narrative was refreshing and added a layer of representation. The engaging banter between characters was enjoyable without being overshadowed by unnecessary relationship drama, keeping the interactions lively and entertaining. The brisk pace of the plot ensured an exciting and captivating read from start to finish. Moreover, the well-crafted fantasy world, backed by thorough research, provided a compelling backdrop that immersed me in its richness and intricacies. The presence of entertaining side characters added depth and charm to the overall story, complementing the bold and daring female lead who became a captivating and empowering central figure. All these elements combined to create an enjoyable and memorable reading experience.

While this story may not be the absolute pinnacle of originality in literature, it does offer a fresh take on the classic trope of a man seeking revenge while living a double life. The narrative goes beyond predictable clichés and manages to be unique. It is an understatement to say that I am extremely happy that I finally got to read the first two books of the Ile-Rien series after all this time. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

My sincere thanks to Netgally, Tor books and Martha Wells for giving me this advance reader copy.

Rating: (combined) 4.5

[Jeff Frane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first tastr of Ile-Rien and I am so very happy to know that there are more of these wonderful stories yet to read. I was a little put off when I first started reading, thinking I'd blundered into a costume romance (not that there's anything wrong with those) but things turned around very quickly indeed. There is the same mastery of danger and suspense that so enlivens the Murderbot stories, but these two novels are much more involved than novellas or even the single Murderbot novel. Take my advice, however, and do not wait for major surgery and lengthy recovery to take the time to read The Book of Ile-Rien. Do it now.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A welcome collection of two of Martha Wells' earliest novels (which first came into print about 30 years ago, and what even is time?), both set, unsurprisingly, in her secondary world that contains the country of Ile-Rien.

First up, The Element of Fire. This is a fantasy with various kinds of magic and a Fayre Court lurking off on the debatable borders of things, but also with wheellock pistols -- I get a distinctly The Three Musketeers vibe from the setting, but with added Magick.

Our hero is Thomas Boniface, captain of the Queen's Guard (the Queen in question being, in this case, Ravenna, Dowager Queen, mother to the somewhat feckless King Roland, not Roland's wife, Queen Falaise), doing his best to keep the kingdom safe from threats both external (the less-than-friendly neighboring nation of Bisra) and internal (politicking by Denzel, Duke of Alsene and Roland's cousin). Plus there's the King's half-sister Kade Carrion, whose mother was, in fact, the Fayre Queen of Air and Darkness, who's decided to come pay a visit after many years away from home ...

Second up, The Death of the Necromancer, which I believe was Martha Wells' third novel, and the first to make a real splash. The timeline has advanced a century or so, and this time around the technology feels more distinctly Victorian, with mention of telegraphs and railroads and actual pistols or revolvers. Our hero(?) this time around is one Nicholas Valiarde (who has some family connections to one of the characters in Element of Fire; but he's not moving in noble circles). Nicholas is, in fact, operating in the criminal underworld as a famous and anonymous thief (part of a long-standing scheme of personal revenge) when in one of his jobs he and his gang get enmeshed in the schemes of a necromancer who's clearly up to no good and, well, complications ensue.

Both are very good books and I'm glad to see them becoming more widely available, and I highly recommend them to any fans of Murderbot who want to see what Martha Wells was up to back in the early days; or just to anyone who wants to read a couple of very well-written, fast paced fantasy novels.

[Laurla2]

review for "Elements of Fire" only.

i could NOT get into this book. i loved this author's murderbot series, but this book was too much political intrigue and royal family treason crap, and i wasn't interested. i pushed through hoping it would get better and i would like it, but that never happened. i read this book in the book of ile-rien duology published 2024 that also includes the second book titled the death of the necromancer, where the author had gone thru and re-edited and refreshed the two books. i don't think i'll be reading the second book. it took me an entire week to finish this book where i normally would read 327 pages in two days or so. it wasn't that the writing was awful or anything, it just wasn't a topic i have ever been interested in. i hate politics, royalty/court intrigue, military, and battles/wars. i should have DNF-ed this book, but i love the author so much i thought for sure it would get better if i kept reading. should have walked away.

"you'll regret this."
"i'm sure one of us will."

"will you say i can come with you, or do we have to have a loud fight about it and attract the attention and speculation of the entire house?"
"i don't know, i could do with a loud fight. gets the blood moving."

"what a nice day this is, except for the prospects of being killed and freezing to death and all that."

"what is it?"
"nothing, nothing. one of the Albons thought he should deliver his message in person, sir, but some of the men pointed out that he was mistaken."
"did they throw him down the stairs?"
"a little, yes."

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Element of Fire 5/3-5/21 2024 (Reviews copy-pasted from one-volume editions as I went)

It took me almost 2 1/2 weeks to read this, even though it’s only 300-odd pages, which tells me that I wasn’t super into it. It took a while to get going, plot-wise, then I remember thinking “now this is how you do a court intrigue book!“ but in the end, I just was going through a few pages at the time to the finish. It felt like a series of slightly disjointed action scenes: the characters were dispersed geographically just as the character intrigue was getting going. Probably because I wasn’t deeply invested in all the POVs we got.

Thomas was a pretty great, if laconic, heroic character. He cares for his queen and what she’s worked for. And he is so good at his job that somehow he doesn’t die as he just keeps going working to ensure that her work wasn’t in vain as the kingdom is put in great peril. I wanted more of Kade than I got, she may have leaned a little toward manic fae dream girl but she was original.

The fact that this is Martha Wells’ first book is interesting. You can see she took a lot of time over it, it feels historically well-researched and plotted. Apparently she was only 26 when it was published. She was always good at the action scenes, I see now.

Out of all her fantasy novels that I’ve read- The Wizard Hunters, a few Raksura books, and The Witch King- this is the one that I like the best. It had the most real emotion and the least distance between the reader and the real stakes of the protagonists’ actions. And it didn’t have that *much* emotion even, it was all very understated, but I still could feel more empathy with her characters than I often do.

Of course that’s what the amazing thing about MurderBot is: MurderBot’s emotions are so suppressed, and something that MurderBot fights. So Wells is able to write a character who feels very human without having to put in too many traditional emotion beats. And she gets lots of action scenes to write!

So I both enjoyed several things about it, and am not going to continue right through to The Death of the Necromancer, because I need a break. It’s very 90’s style fantasy and it feels a bit ponderous for me right now. I’m more interested reading the next one than I thought I might be, but I understand that maybe Martha Wells’ fantasy in general is maybe not the fantasy for me. I wonder how much she changed the text from the original publication?

The Death of the Necromancer - 7/22-8/5 2024

In some ways this is masterful - a mystery adventure within a mystery, with lots of heists and action in the vividly-drawn gaslamp city of Vienne. Wells has always excelled at action sequences, and there are lots of them. This is a very visual novel and it would make a great movie.

And yet - the whole thing just left me cold for big chunks. There was a long stretch where I was forcing myself through, a few pages at a time. Part of this was that the whole backstory to Nicholas' revenge plot was told in flashbacks or infodumps, and it was complicated. The information was conveyed as unobtrusively as possible, but I felt as if I were being asked to take a lot on credit, to care about his foster-father Edouarde and his magical spheres and his betrayal and death. I never met the man, but I needed to accept that what happened to him set all the events of the book into motion and be into it.

Character information in general was doled out with a parsimonious hand. Again, I felt like I was just taking it all on credit. Why did Madeline stay with Nicholas? She doesn't even know, and says so a few times. Hey, did you know she fought in a duel with another actress? That was about the only thing I ever learned about her, besides her devotion to Nicholas, except that she is smart and brave - she shows this a lot, at least. A few of the side characters/ henchmen are pretty interchangeable, but not completely.

The connections to the first book, The Element of Fire, didn't come in until about halfway through. We learn that Nicholas is the descendant of somebody in that book- and honestly if I had known sooner it would have really heightened my enjoyment. Also we go down underground where all those fay were buried in the last book, which was a good callback.

I think that the reason that Murderbot succeeds for me where these novels didn't, quite, is that all Murderbot wants to do is solve problems. Other people are held at a distance and characterization is expected to be muted. Except for Murderbot, who basically just cracks wise to the reader. Murderbot is made for action, to solve action problems, and Wells writes this kind of thing very well.

But when it's a novel like this one, I never got much of a sense of who these people are, and it bored me. Nicholas turned out to be walking the line between becoming a hard-eyed, merciless schemer in pursuit of his (righteous, unlike his ancestor's) plans, but we really only got the barest hint of that. I just wanted to know more of what was going on in these people's heads. Because even as they got irritated with each other for always having a flip response and not showing real fear or emotion - they still did it. They were very clever and brave people figuring out some difficult problems, but I only ever got the surface of it.

It was all very, very precisely plotted and went like clockwork. But unlike, say, the Swordspoint novels (were they also set in a Riverside District?) that's all it was. If you want really, really good clockwork, this is your book! If you want any heart, though, this is not the book for you. (Unless you are really into sewer design. I could tell Wells did her research on the Paris sewers!)

I read a later Ile-Rien book a few years ago and after an amazing first chapter was let down by what I recall as a lot of dungeon-crawling and some time travel from a WWII analogue. I feel like I've done my bit? after bouncing off this AND the Raksura. But never say never, I might try again with Ile-Rien. Or I could just re-read the Swordspoint books.

p.s. - I read this as part of the new two-book edition, The Book of Ile-Rien, that is Wells' preferred text. I am reviewing it here because I damn well want credit for reading two books if I'm going to read 736 pages.