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epbuckley89's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Abandonment, Child death, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Murder, Grief, Forced institutionalization, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Excrement, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Bullying, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, Rape, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, and Animal death
Minor: Colonisation, Cursing, Genocide, Alcohol, Cannibalism, Cultural appropriation, and Classism
crybabybea's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Astoundingly inventive world and magic system with a post-apocalyptic flair, morally gray and diverse characters who you can't help but root for, simple yet beautifully descriptive writing, and filled with so much intrigue and mystery that it's hard not to devour the book hundreds of pages at a time. The story is at times weighed down by the mass amount of world-building required to set it up, but information is presented in a fresh and compelling way. The book is told from three perspectives which leads to a dramatic snowball effect into an explosive ending with one of the best cliffhangers I've ever read.
Incredible, incredible first in a truly imaginative series.
Incredible, incredible first in a truly imaginative series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexual assault, Animal death, Child death, Cannibalism, Death, Genocide, Grief, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, and Torture
sakiido's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Police brutality, Violence, Bullying, Grief, Torture, Sexual content, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Classism, Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, and Pregnancy
glitterdeww's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Knowing how much praise it's garnered since it's debut, I have felt intimidated by The Fifth Season for years now. I am INCREDIBLY glad that I finally read it! What this book accomplishes is outstanding. The commentary on life and death, ages ending and beginning - Resurrection, and what that looks like from the smallest of instances to the grandest of scale - is truly and utterly brilliant. She portrays a world of classism and racism that is EQUALLY fantastic and believable that will gut you in it's heartbreaking reality.
Beyond Jemisin's incredible world and character development (which, if you know you know, omg! Lol) I found the structure of the story, from first page to last, to be remarkable. I'm fairly certain that if I was not told how well done this book was, I may not have dug into every scene to the extent that I did upon first go through. But goddamnit lol I cannot get over the level of precision in her story structure. The breadcrumbs she leaves... The explanation and then LACK of explanation to guide the reader into drawing those conclusions... The crafting is perfection.
Beyond Jemisin's incredible world and character development (which, if you know you know, omg! Lol) I found the structure of the story, from first page to last, to be remarkable. I'm fairly certain that if I was not told how well done this book was, I may not have dug into every scene to the extent that I did upon first go through. But goddamnit lol I cannot get over the level of precision in her story structure. The breadcrumbs she leaves... The explanation and then LACK of explanation to guide the reader into drawing those conclusions... The crafting is perfection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child abuse, Child death, Racism, Classism, Death, Genocide, and Hate crime
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Emotional abuse, Trafficking, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Pedophilia, Forced institutionalization, Injury/Injury detail, and Physical abuse
Minor: Cannibalism
tasia_b's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Перед покупкою начиталася відгуків про те, яка ця книга унікальна, але поки я читала, не могла не перестати думати про те, що за вайбом і стилем написання вона для мене щось середнє між трилогією однієї російської письменниці (мені дали її почитати аж у 2006 році) і “Грою престолів” Джорджа Мартіна. Не знаю, чому я читала таке в дитинстві, мабуть, просто вибір книг та жанрів у продажу був значно менший, ніж зараз.
Проблема навіть не в тому, що частина книги написана у другій особі, бо, навіть якби у цьому не було сенсу, мені це все одно не заважало і було нормально. Мені не сподобався сам стиль написання навіть у тих частинах, де все було стандартно і для мене було занадто затягнуто.
Багато разів зустрічається слово “срака” — це плюс 😁
Багато жорстокості по відношенню до дітей.
Всі сексуальні сцени дуже крінжові.
Була виснажена після цієї книги.
Продовжувати читати трилогію не хочеться, вгамувала свою допитливість, прочитавши опис того, що відбувається далі і чим все закінчилося, у Вікіпедії. Бо сама історія цікава. Але для мене вона виявилася розчаруванням.
Більше відгуків можна прочитати на моєму книжковому каналі: https://t.me/yizdoonkareads
Проблема навіть не в тому, що частина книги написана у другій особі, бо, навіть якби у цьому не було сенсу, мені це все одно не заважало і було нормально. Мені не сподобався сам стиль написання навіть у тих частинах, де все було стандартно і для мене було занадто затягнуто.
Багато разів зустрічається слово “срака” — це плюс 😁
Багато жорстокості по відношенню до дітей.
Всі сексуальні сцени дуже крінжові.
Була виснажена після цієї книги.
Продовжувати читати трилогію не хочеться, вгамувала свою допитливість, прочитавши опис того, що відбувається далі і чим все закінчилося, у Вікіпедії. Бо сама історія цікава. Але для мене вона виявилася розчаруванням.
Більше відгуків можна прочитати на моєму книжковому каналі: https://t.me/yizdoonkareads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Child abuse, Racial slurs, Blood, Grief, Child death, Emotional abuse, Classism, Death, Violence, Gore, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Colonisation, Pregnancy, and Cannibalism
opalmars's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a… strange book.
This book feels very disjointed. We’re following 3 POVs: a mother looking for her child, a kid learning to control her powers, and a woman just doing her job. These 3 POVs have completely separate storylines throughout the first 70% of the book (only then do they start connecting), so it felt like I was reading 3 different stories that simply happened to take place in the same world.
Additionally, the goal of this book wasn’t clear *AT ALL*. If I’m being honest, even the goal of each of these singular storylines didn’t seem that grand, either. So it kind of felt like we were meandering with no clear intention. I just kept wondering: What is the goal of this story? What is the point of this book? What is this story even about?
And, I hate to say it, but even after finishing the book, I genuinely couldn’t answer those questions. 😐 I can’t even summarize the plot of this book because….. what even *is* the plot? 3 people just go through some months/years of their life? They each have challenges. Things are happening. There’s danger around them. But this book *doesn’t have a plot*.
You might notice, however, that I still gave it a solid 4 stars, and that is because I genuinely enjoyed this book. 😅 I did have some gripes with it (I’ll get there), but, overall, the story was still really engaging! I read this in less than 3 days, and was in it the whole way through. Granted, the lack of goal or overall narrative weakened my enjoyment a bit, but I still had fun going through these characters’ lives, and learning about this world. Also, the 2nd person POV didn’t bother me at all, even though I’m not used to it. It wasn’t even distracting, to me!
I think one factor that really heightened my enjoyment was the audiobook. This is the 2nd book I’ve listened to – I usually can’t focus enough for audiobooks lol –, but this was a pleasant surprise! I never thought I’d be able to just *listen* to an adult high fantasy, but something about this story just worked for me on audio! And I reeeeally enjoyed the narrator! She managed to do different voices, accents and intonations for different characters, which made it very easy to understand who was speaking. Her emotions were also on point, when such were needed. None of it felt exaggerated or cartoonish. As someone who just *can’t* do audiobooks, I’d really recommend this one!
The weaker parts of this book (other than the general fact that there was barely even a plot of story arch) were related to the characters. I personally never fully cared about any of them, if I’m being completely honest. 😬 Alabaster, Tonkee and Hoa were alright companions, but I honestly wouldn’t feel much if they died. I probably wouldn’t feel anything if the MCs died, either lol. 💀 For some reason, I just never fully connected with them.
The one aspect of this book I actually *really* disliked was the romance. It is literally just insta-lust. We barely know this LI – we are just told he’s charming and attractive the moment he appears on page, and the characters immediately want to fuck him. Then there’s a 2-year time jump, and they’ve just…… been together for that time, I guess? And apparently love each other a lot? There was literally no development, the LI was basically a stranger to us, and the “romance” never seemed to go far past the instant horniness of the characters. Perhaps they actually found *real* reasons to ~fall in love~ (off-page), but WE didn’t see any of that, so…. 🤷🏻 Thankfully, the romance didn’t take up much of the story, but still. I wonder WHY the author chose to put such a poorly done romance in a story that would’ve been fine otherwise. If she reeeally wanted to include this romance, the least she could’ve done was develop it. 😬
So, overall, while I don’t think this book is for everyone, I feel like it is still quite enjoyable and unique. Also, *I* wouldn’t think this book is for *ME* (based on the fact that there isn’t really an objective to this story), but I still liked it, so… perhaps give it a try, regardless :p
This book feels very disjointed. We’re following 3 POVs: a mother looking for her child, a kid learning to control her powers, and a woman just doing her job. These 3 POVs have completely separate storylines throughout the first 70% of the book (only then do they start connecting), so it felt like I was reading 3 different stories that simply happened to take place in the same world.
Additionally, the goal of this book wasn’t clear *AT ALL*. If I’m being honest, even the goal of each of these singular storylines didn’t seem that grand, either. So it kind of felt like we were meandering with no clear intention. I just kept wondering: What is the goal of this story? What is the point of this book? What is this story even about?
And, I hate to say it, but even after finishing the book, I genuinely couldn’t answer those questions. 😐 I can’t even summarize the plot of this book because….. what even *is* the plot? 3 people just go through some months/years of their life? They each have challenges. Things are happening. There’s danger around them. But this book *doesn’t have a plot*.
You might notice, however, that I still gave it a solid 4 stars, and that is because I genuinely enjoyed this book. 😅 I did have some gripes with it (I’ll get there), but, overall, the story was still really engaging! I read this in less than 3 days, and was in it the whole way through. Granted, the lack of goal or overall narrative weakened my enjoyment a bit, but I still had fun going through these characters’ lives, and learning about this world. Also, the 2nd person POV didn’t bother me at all, even though I’m not used to it. It wasn’t even distracting, to me!
I think one factor that really heightened my enjoyment was the audiobook. This is the 2nd book I’ve listened to – I usually can’t focus enough for audiobooks lol –, but this was a pleasant surprise! I never thought I’d be able to just *listen* to an adult high fantasy, but something about this story just worked for me on audio! And I reeeeally enjoyed the narrator! She managed to do different voices, accents and intonations for different characters, which made it very easy to understand who was speaking. Her emotions were also on point, when such were needed. None of it felt exaggerated or cartoonish. As someone who just *can’t* do audiobooks, I’d really recommend this one!
The weaker parts of this book (other than the general fact that there was barely even a plot of story arch) were related to the characters. I personally never fully cared about any of them, if I’m being completely honest. 😬 Alabaster, Tonkee and Hoa were alright companions, but I honestly wouldn’t feel much if they died. I probably wouldn’t feel anything if the MCs died, either lol. 💀 For some reason, I just never fully connected with them.
The one aspect of this book I actually *really* disliked was the romance. It is literally just insta-lust. We barely know this LI – we are just told he’s charming and attractive the moment he appears on page, and the characters immediately want to fuck him. Then there’s a 2-year time jump, and they’ve just…… been together for that time, I guess? And apparently love each other a lot? There was literally no development, the LI was basically a stranger to us, and the “romance” never seemed to go far past the instant horniness of the characters. Perhaps they actually found *real* reasons to ~fall in love~ (off-page), but WE didn’t see any of that, so…. 🤷🏻 Thankfully, the romance didn’t take up much of the story, but still. I wonder WHY the author chose to put such a poorly done romance in a story that would’ve been fine otherwise. If she reeeally wanted to include this romance, the least she could’ve done was develop it. 😬
So, overall, while I don’t think this book is for everyone, I feel like it is still quite enjoyable and unique. Also, *I* wouldn’t think this book is for *ME* (based on the fact that there isn’t really an objective to this story), but I still liked it, so… perhaps give it a try, regardless :p
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, Child abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: Cannibalism
ches2496's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.0
The good:
The world building was intricate and well thought-out, and the mysteries kept me reading and wanting to find out what happened. It’s also why I will continue the series!
The bad:
I wasn’t a huge fan of the second person used for certain perspectives, but I could work with it.
Trigger warnings explanation:
This book was pretty dark. Although the violence wasn’t graphically depicted, generally, there was a lot of violence against children. Which made sense for the plot, but was also difficult to read. There was quite a bit of sexual content, although usually not graphically described. Things like the breeding of humans made sense for the plot. It was referred to, but not described graphically. There was at least one moderately graphic scene involving a three-way. There were also two brief references made to sexual violence against children.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was an interesting, albeit dark fantasy with unique world-building and an intricate plot!
The world building was intricate and well thought-out, and the mysteries kept me reading and wanting to find out what happened. It’s also why I will continue the series!
The bad:
I wasn’t a huge fan of the second person used for certain perspectives, but I could work with it.
Trigger warnings explanation:
This book was pretty dark. Although the violence wasn’t graphically depicted, generally, there was a lot of violence against children. Which made sense for the plot, but was also difficult to read. There was quite a bit of sexual content, although usually not graphically described. Things like the breeding of humans made sense for the plot. It was referred to, but not described graphically. There was at least one moderately graphic scene involving a three-way. There were also two brief references made to sexual violence against children.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was an interesting, albeit dark fantasy with unique world-building and an intricate plot!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Classism, and Child death
Moderate: Xenophobia, Hate crime, Pregnancy, Violence, Racial slurs, Murder, War, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Grief
Minor: Toxic relationship, Cannibalism, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, and Adult/minor relationship
bex4dayz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Child death, Child abuse, and Slavery
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Cannibalism
mauricekofi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't think I can describe accurately what this book makes me feel except awesomely sad and elated. Jemisin is a master of her craft and I thank God I came across her writing because I'm changed for life and you will be too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, Gore, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Blood, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Racism, Toxic relationship, Genocide, Child death, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Body horror, Cannibalism, Gaslighting, Grief, and Slavery
angeareads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm going to need several years to recover from this book. Mentally, I am unwell. It's a brutal world, but just so well-crafted.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Body horror, Grief, Child abuse, and Violence
Minor: Cannibalism