Scan barcode
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this short story collection very much. All the stories were good, and some I loved so much I read them twice. I definitely want to read more of Jemisin's work.
laulen's review against another edition
Had to return to the library! Want to finish someday
wendythegeekgoddess's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book!
However it took me such a long time to read because I’m just not used to reading short stories.
I loved most of the stories in the book, although there were a few that I wasn’t 100% obsessed with.
The ones I did get hooked on however, we’re a bit frustrating because you get attached to the characters quick (N.K Jamisin is a phenomenal writer by the way and can easily captivate her audience) and then boom! The story is over.
The only short story that seemed to feel completely wrapped up was the very last story, other than that, they all felt like they were left at a cliff hanger.
I loved Jamisins writing and I’m now very interested in reading a full novel by her and actually being able to finish an entire story by her.
I would rate it 5 out of 5 but there were a few stories I just didn’t like.
However it took me such a long time to read because I’m just not used to reading short stories.
I loved most of the stories in the book, although there were a few that I wasn’t 100% obsessed with.
The ones I did get hooked on however, we’re a bit frustrating because you get attached to the characters quick (N.K Jamisin is a phenomenal writer by the way and can easily captivate her audience) and then boom! The story is over.
The only short story that seemed to feel completely wrapped up was the very last story, other than that, they all felt like they were left at a cliff hanger.
I loved Jamisins writing and I’m now very interested in reading a full novel by her and actually being able to finish an entire story by her.
I would rate it 5 out of 5 but there were a few stories I just didn’t like.
springleaf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
timinbc's review against another edition
4.0
Better than most collections, with a few excellent ones.
For me the book mixes "this is such a neat idea, let's see where it goes" stories with others that NKJ needed to tell, and needs us to read. As an older white male, all I get to say about the latter kind is "I'm listening, I'm learning," and I'm fine with that.
I really liked "Narcomancer" and that last story about New Orleans will stick with me. Even the ones I didn't much care for were well done.
For me the book mixes "this is such a neat idea, let's see where it goes" stories with others that NKJ needed to tell, and needs us to read. As an older white male, all I get to say about the latter kind is "I'm listening, I'm learning," and I'm fine with that.
I really liked "Narcomancer" and that last story about New Orleans will stick with me. Even the ones I didn't much care for were well done.
dreaming_ace's review against another edition
5.0
This is an cool collection of stories and walks the fine line between something new and something familiar that is sometimes a challenge in short story collections. While these were all new tales they also felt like old tales that could find a home in anyone's oral tradition. Tales of cities, tales of people and tales of lands. Like if you knew the magic words you could slip into multiverses. I also enjoyed seeing some of the ideas that appear in N.K. Jemisin's later novels.
prettypious's review against another edition
5.0
This book was everything!!! The way her mind works is mind blowing I loved this short story collection and highly recommend this to anyone that likes African American literature or speculative fiction. I especially appreciated the City We Became prologue
jkohn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5