In Joel Machak’s fascinating novel “WilderSkies,” readers are taken back twenty thousand years to the end of the last Ice Age, where the forces of passion and power collide in a tragic love triangle. The book begins with introducing Nokomis, the Gentle Spirit of the Earth, and Tohopka, the Wild Spirit of the Earth, who find themselves stuck in a chaotic affair with a powerful human king. With jealousy and the lust for power driving a revengeful chase and consuming conflict, the stage is set for mankind’s war on nature.

The story delves deep into the difficulties of love, revenge, and the human heart’s capacity for both loss and forgiveness. The book introducing Nokomis, makes readers witness the shocking result of greed and exploitation of the natural world. With every passage, the author highlights her attempt at justice ultimately resulting in a love-crossed journey across the planet, fueling humanity’s desire for power.

One of the most emotional moments in the novel occurs when Nokomis, the Earth Mother, conveys her wisdom to her granddaughter Aeralae, asking her to lead their people to safety and to teach them the importance of respecting and protecting the Earth’s fine line. The book highlights Nokomis’s final message, “Mankind’s war on nature must end, and it is up to individuals like Aeralae to make the way for a more sustainable future” to appeal to the readers to change their negative actions and work on them for a better environment.

The book also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, hope, and the need for peace in difficult times. By highlighting the changes in the power of love, unity, and working towards a greater purpose, it leaves the message for readers to be responsible as individuals to protect and nurture the world around them. Seeking Nokomis’s guidance, Aeralea learns about her role in shaping the future of the New Lands, following the idea that each individual has the power to make a difference in the world. Thus, what is keeping us away from bringing a difference for a better world?

The powerful message of “WilderSkies” relates with adult readers of all ages, reminding us of the connections of all living things and the urgent need to protect our planet. Machak, with his great writing skills, takes the reader through the experience of high fantasy and ancient fiction, by writing a story that connects with our imagination while leaving an important lesson about humanity’s role in protecting the Earth for future generations.