Joel Machak’s novel “WilderSkies” is a story of love, jealousy, and power set against the backdrop of the natural world. At the heart of the novel is a love triangle between Nokomis, the Gentle Spirit of the Earth, Tohopka, the Wild Spirit of the Earth, and a powerful human king. This complex relationship drives the narrative and highlights the destructive potential of unchecked desires.

The love triangle in “WilderSkies” begins with Nokomis, who is deeply connected to the earth and has protected her people for many years. She is a nurturing figure, but her relationship with Tohopka and the king brings out her darker emotions. Tohopka, as the Wild Spirit of the Earth, represents nature’s untamed and unpredictable aspects. The king, on the other hand, symbolizes humanity’s desire for control and power.

As the story unfolds, the characters’ relationships become increasingly complicated. Nokomis and Tohopka’s connection is based on their shared bond with the earth, but their love is tested by the king’s desire for power. The king’s presence creates tension and conflict as he seeks to dominate both Nokomis and Tohopka. This struggle for power leads to a series of events that have devastating consequences for all involved.

Machak uses the love triangle to explore the themes of passion, jealousy, and the desire for control. Nokomis’s relationship with Tohopka and the king shows how these emotions can lead to destructive actions. Her jealousy and desire for Tohopka cause her to make choices that ultimately harm herself and her people. Similarly, the king’s desire for power drives him to manipulate and control those around him, leading to further conflict and destruction.

The love triangle also serves as a metaphor for humanity’s relationship with nature. Nokomis and Tohopka represent the different aspects of the natural world, while the king symbolizes humanity’s attempt to control and dominate it. The novel suggests that our ongoing environmental problems are rooted in these same desires and conflicts. By exploring the destructive potential of unchecked emotions, Machak highlights the importance of finding a balance between our desires and our responsibilities to the natural world.

In conclusion, the love triangle in “WilderSkies” is a powerful narrative device that drives the story and explores the themes of passion, jealousy, and power. Through the relationships between Nokomis, Tohopka, and the king, Machak illustrates how these emotions can lead to destructive actions and highlights the importance of finding a balance in our relationship with nature. The novel serves as a reminder of the need to respect and protect the natural world and consider our actions’ consequences.