Elemental Logic series
The Elemental Logic series by Laurie J. Marks is set in the world of Shaftal. The series tells the story of Shaftal in four separate but chronological novels. Book 3, Water Logic, is published by Small Beer Press and released June, 2007.
Fire. Earth. Water. Air.
These elements have sustained the peaceful people of Shaftal for generations, with their subtle powers
of intuition, healing, joy, and truth. But now Shaftal has been overrun, and the ancient logic of the
land is being replaced by the logic of hatred.
Fire Logic (Book 1)
Published by Tor Books, May 2002 (ISBN 0312878877).
Winner of the 2003 Gaylactic Spectrum Award for best novel.
- Read an excerpt of Fire Logic (hear Laurie read!)
- From Chapter 1: “I am certain you intend no insult,” the Speaker said. “But I am as important to my people's survival as you are to yours. Surely you can spare a little time to advise me.”
- See reviews of Fire Logic
- “It's a thinking person's adventure.” – “An immensely political and unflinchingly optimistic novel.” – “We need more books with this kind of heart; we need more stories with this kind of intelligence.”
Earth Logic (Book 2)
Published by Tor Books, March 2004 (ISBN 0765348381).
Winner of the 2005 Gaylactic Spectrum Award for best novel.
- Read an excerpt of Earth Logic (hear Laurie read!)
- From Chapter 2: Garland sometimes wondered what would happen if he told someone he was a Sainnite. It seemed to him the truth should earn him sympathy, but he thought it much more likely the truth would get him killed.
- See reviews of Earth Logic
- “thought-provoking and sometimes heartbreaking” – “They're two of the best books I've read in a very long time.” – “If you don't like 'traditional' fantasy, give Laurie Marks' work a try.”
Water Logic (Book 3)
Published by Small Beer Press, May 2007 (ISBN 1931520232).
- Read an excerpt of Water Logic (hear Laurie read!)
- From Chapter 1: “Those people act as a family to you,” Seth said. – “They do?” – “Prying, interfering, protecting—that’s what families do.”
- See reviews of Water Logic
- “I find myself comparing the Logic series to Suzy Charnas's Holdfast series: both being a fantastical exploration of an urgent human problem. I find myself thinking of the Logic books as allegory more than fantasy. I love the idea revealed in Water Logic that [spoiler deleted] and how that idea will/must eventually create the new history that both groups need so desperately.” – Jeanne Gomoll
Air Logic (not yet published)
- Read an excerpt of Air Logic
- From the work in progress: Chaen laughed. “You think you can tell me what to do.” – The woman began casting the cards. Apparently she had not recognized Chaen's sarcasm, and had taken her comment to be a question.