Emilie and the Sky World (21 page)

Uncle Yeric took his leave from Dr Marlende, and Emilie said goodbye to Efrain in the front parlor. He told her, “Write to me too and tell me all your adventures.”

“I will,” Emilie told him. From the stoop of the house, she watched Uncle Yeric and Efrain climb into a coach and drive away.

She walked back to the study to sit alone in the relative quiet for a moment, feeling very strange and a little at sea. Relieved to have the whole situation with Uncle Yeric settled, and able to start her new life without worrying about him. Guilty to realize she had abandoned Efrain and Emery just as Erin had, though like her, he had probably had reasons he felt were equally compelling. But at least she was aware of it, and now she was free to visit her brothers when she wished. And she was rather looking forward to when Efrain would be able to visit her.

Emilie realized she badly needed to write to Karthea and let her know she was all right, and to her friend Porcia Herinbogel to tell her everything that had happened. Thinking about how she would explain the whole situation to Porcia helped her sort it out more in her own mind. Emilie knew she didn’t forgive either Uncle Yeric or her aunt, but understanding their feelings did help somewhat. For one thing, it was going to make it easier to cope if they got angry with her again. Uncle Yeric wasn’t going to apologize to her, and the way he and her aunt had treated her would always hurt, even if he didn’t seem to believe what he had said anymore. If he ever had.

She was looking around for writing paper when Miss Marlende put her head in the doorway and said, “Oh, there you are, Emilie. Lord Engal is evidently feeling better and has sent a message demanding that everyone come round to his townhouse and continue the meeting there. Would you like to come along?”

“Yes, Miss, I think I would,” Emilie said, and followed her out.

Martha Wells is the author of several fantasy novels that have been published by Tor and HarperCollins, including
Death of a Necromancer
, which was a 1999 Nebula Nominee.

Publishers Weekly
has said of her work: “Wells continues to demonstrate an impressive gift for creating finely detailed fantasy worlds rife with many-layered intrigues and immensely personable characters.” And she has been lauded by authors such as Anne McCaffrey and Robin Hobb.

Her books have been published in eight languages, including French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Dutch.

www.marthawells.com

twitter.com/marthawells1

The Element of Fire

The Death of the Necromancer

The Wizard Hunters

The Ships of Air

The Gate of Gods

The Cloud Roads

The Serpent Sea

The Siren Depths

Star Wars: Razor’s Edge

Emilie and the Hollow World

“A rollicking adventure yarn with plenty of heart –
Emilie & the Hollow World
shouldn’t be missed.”

Ann Aguirre, USA Today bestselling author of the
Razorland
books

“Emilie is the best kind of adventurer – curious, courageous, stubborn, resourceful, and quick to make friends. I can’t wait to see where she goes exploring next.”

Sharon Shinn, author of
Archangel

“This is a vibrant tale that would sit nicely alongside Jules Verne, but with all the boring bits cut out.”

Mary Robinette Kowal, author of
Shades of Milk and Honey

“It is also an adventure romp and a non-stop thrill-ride that includes different peoples (including non-humans), dastardly villains, sabotage, daring rescues, and fun escapades.”

The Book Smugglers

“One of the best things about
Emilie and the Hollow World
is that the author doesn't underestimate the intelligence of her readership, but writes vividly about science, aether currents, engines and magic.”

Risingshadow

“Martha Wells’
Emilie and the Hollow World
hits the ground running, and it’s a wonderfully paced plot that doesn’t let up till the very end.”

Bunbury in the Stacks

“I can honestly say, I have never read anything like
Emilie and the Hollow World
. It's most definitely unique.”

Assorted Insanity

“Competing explorers, a cunning mer-queen regnant, more than one dirigible and plenty of well-aimed punches make for an adventure that would titillate Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.”

Kirkus starred review

“From the first sentence,
Emilie and the Hollow World
pulls you into an incredible
adventure
and leaves you out of breath.”

Bookworm Dreams

“
Emilie & The Hollow World
is one of the most exciting novels I’ve read in a good while. It is extremely fast paced, and the characters are a sheer delight to read about.”

The Founding Fields

“I think this is a perfect adventure story for younger readers, especially those that might be displaying an interest in steampunk.
Emilie and the Hollow World
was such a fun read and I’m hoping that we get many more of Emilie’s adventures soon.”

Badass Book Reviews