Joel Machak’s novel “WilderSkies” takes us back nearly twenty thousand years to the end of the last Ice Age. In this historical setting, the story revolves around a powerful human king and two great spirits of the earth: Nokomis, the Gentle Spirit of the Earth, and Tohopka, the Wild Spirit of the Earth. The book explores how a love triangle between these characters leads to a larger conflict that symbolizes humanity’s ongoing struggle with nature.

The story begins with Nokomis, who is deeply connected to the earth and has the power to protect her people from natural disasters. However, her life is turned upside down when she becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with the Wild Spirit of the Earth, Tohopka, and a powerful human king. This love triangle sets off a series of events that result in environmental destruction and human suffering.

Machak’s novel vividly describes how jealousy and the desire for power can lead to devastating consequences. Nokomis and Tohopka represent the two sides of nature: the gentle, nurturing aspect and the wild, untamed force. The king, on the other hand, symbolizes humanity’s attempt to control and dominate nature. This struggle is at the heart of “WilderSkies,” showing how our actions can disrupt the delicate balance of the natural world.

As the story unfolds, we see Nokomis’s journey from a protective guardian to a victim of her own desires. Her relationship with Tohopka and the king brings out the darker aspects of human nature, such as jealousy and revenge. These emotions drive the characters to make choices that have far-reaching consequences for themselves and the entire world.

One of the most powerful themes in “WilderSkies” is the idea that humanity’s war on nature began long before the modern era. Machak uses the historical setting to highlight how ancient conflicts and desires have shaped our current relationship with the environment. The novel suggests that our ongoing environmental problems are rooted in a deep-seated need to control and dominate the natural world.

Throughout the book, Machak emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting nature. Nokomis’s journey is a reminder that we are all connected to the earth and that our actions directly impact the environment. The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own relationship with nature and consider how they can live in harmony with the world around them.

“WilderSkies” is a compelling story that explores the origins of humanity’s conflict with nature. Through the characters of Nokomis, Tohopka, and the king, Machak illustrates how our desires and actions can lead to environmental destruction. The novel serves as a powerful reminder of the need to respect and protect the natural world, showing that the war on nature is not a modern phenomenon but a long-standing struggle that we must address if we are to secure a sustainable future.