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beth_p_a's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
everness's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
3.0
mindlesslyprocrastinating's review
5.0
This book is one of my favorites, in the top ten (maybe even the top three).
I love the character work - I felt like of the characters (Damaya, Essun, Syenite; though there is a spoiler caveat to this, read the book to find that out). I also like the prevailing idea behind it. Basically, after chapter one, the world is like a post-apocalyptic world and given the excellent tone and how a certain race is treated, it often feels like a dystopian novel - but this is a fantasy novel. The author even tells one of the POV from the second-person point of view ("you"s), and it was quite well done.
Overall, I would say this book was a great start to this year's (and decade's) reading list.
I love the character work - I felt like of the characters (Damaya, Essun, Syenite; though there is a spoiler caveat to this, read the book to find that out). I also like the prevailing idea behind it. Basically, after chapter one, the world is like a post-apocalyptic world and given the excellent tone and how a certain race is treated, it often feels like a dystopian novel - but this is a fantasy novel. The author even tells one of the POV from the second-person point of view ("you"s), and it was quite well done.
Overall, I would say this book was a great start to this year's (and decade's) reading list.
archiegitdog's review
3.0
This is such a clever book but maybe too clever. Some of the time its just waffled and i may be doing the author a disservice. Towards the end I kind of didn't care for any of the characters and even now a few days after finishing the book I cant recall any of the names though I do remember their "personalities". I wont be buying the next two
anniiee's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sadiesupernova's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
3.75
miarsb's review
4.0
The Fifth Season is a fairly unique fantasy story. The setting feels fresh and it deeply ties together its world, magic, and culture.
It's difficult to talk about in detail without spoilers and much of my enjoyment came from piecing things together so I'll keep this short. I can say that there was clearly a lot of thought put into how everything connects. The magic makes sense within the world and has a purpose. The culture has also evolved around both in a believable way. There is a lot of detail spun out of this, which really solidifies the world in a satisfying way.
I can't say the characters get the same level of attention but we clearly see the effect all of these forces have. Much of the story is devoted to one in particular and it goes to some dark and heartbreaking places.
If you enjoy world building, this will likely delight you. The story structure, characters, and some horrific events could certainly put people off though. All of these aspects came together for me to make a highly engaging and interesting read.
It's difficult to talk about in detail without spoilers and much of my enjoyment came from piecing things together so I'll keep this short. I can say that there was clearly a lot of thought put into how everything connects. The magic makes sense within the world and has a purpose. The culture has also evolved around both in a believable way. There is a lot of detail spun out of this, which really solidifies the world in a satisfying way.
I can't say the characters get the same level of attention but we clearly see the effect all of these forces have. Much of the story is devoted to one in particular and it goes to some dark and heartbreaking places.
If you enjoy world building, this will likely delight you. The story structure, characters, and some horrific events could certainly put people off though. All of these aspects came together for me to make a highly engaging and interesting read.
burnttooast's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.25
woolsson's review
4.0
I debated a lot about whether to give this book four or three stars. Initially I was going to give it 3 because I'm not sure if I'd read it again and it's not my particular taste. But after talking about it I realised that the way it does make me uncomfortable and take me out of my comfort zone and try something new is a good thing. Plus, the writing and world building is undeniably well executed.
The twist and turns in the book were well thought out and had me genuinely surprised and the characters all have interesting stories behind them. The book generally flowed well which is particularly hard given the different perspectives throughout.
My own qualms about it would be that I would argue there are some plot holes (aside from the obvious ones that aren't meant to be resolved yet) and the role women play primarily as baby makers and anything else comes after that.
This book will make you uncomfortable at times but arguably it is needed to fully comprehend the severity of the world. However, it was also have you invested in characters and their stories.
Overall, aside from the difficult moments it is an easy read to get sucked into.
The twist and turns in the book were well thought out and had me genuinely surprised and the characters all have interesting stories behind them. The book generally flowed well which is particularly hard given the different perspectives throughout.
My own qualms about it would be that I would argue there are some plot holes (aside from the obvious ones that aren't meant to be resolved yet) and the role women play primarily as baby makers and anything else comes after that.
This book will make you uncomfortable at times but arguably it is needed to fully comprehend the severity of the world. However, it was also have you invested in characters and their stories.
Overall, aside from the difficult moments it is an easy read to get sucked into.