Reviews with content warning for Xenophobia - Den femte årstiden

Reviews tagging 'Xenophobia'

Den femte årstiden by N.K. Jemisin

66 reviews

readwithbells's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I think this is a wonderfully written, intricate, and complicated book that is an obvious and pointed metaphor for slavery. I also think this first book of the trilogy is 98% exposition and world-building. I couldn't really get into it, however lovely and well-written it was, and by the end, I really felt as though this was the prequel book to what I imagine the other two books are going to deal with. I grew to really care for the characters and I will absolutely read the rest of the series because after all of that incredible depth and care, I can't wait to see what happens when I feel like the book's plot actually starts.

I think it was worth it, and I am excited to read the next two. But it was an absolute slog to get through.

Content Warnings

rorikae's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

'The Fifth Season' by N.K. Jemisin is an incredibly well crafted fantasy book that introduces us to a unique world as everything begins to fall apart.
As the world ends, the story follows three perspectives. Damaya is pulled from her home and her family because she has a feared and mighty power. Brought to the Fullcrum, a school for people with her powers, she begins to learn how to control her gift. Syenite, a Fullcrum graduate, is sent by their leadership to complete a strange task with one of the most powerful men to come out of the Fullcrum's programs. And Essun, who finds her son murdered and her husband has fled with her daughter, begins a trek across the continent to find them so she can act her revenge and save her daughter.
I am honestly kind of speechless over how good 'The Fifth Season' is. For a book that has a lot of high praise and has won the Hugo, 'The Fifth Season' lived up to every single expectation that I had and surpassed them. It is clear that Jemisin has crafted this world and this plot down to the smallest detail and gone through so much work to figure out the precise way to share details and unwrap the story. Second person perspective can be very temperamental but Jemisin makes it so that the story seamlessly flows with the other perspectives.
It's hard to talk about this book without going into spoilers but it is so incredibly well paced and each reveal is set up throughout the pages before with questions and dropped hints. Honestly, I'm just in awe of the craft level of this book. If you have ever had any interest in this series or wondered if you would like it, I implore you to read it. It goes beyond all expectations and I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series. I feel like I need to start it immediately.

Content Warnings