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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Complicated
I had to restart this audiobook like 4 times to get into it (it’s dense) but once I did…whooooo boy. I LOVED this epic fantasy! It’s so creative and unique.
The world building and characters are excellent and I can’t wait to read the next book!
The world building and characters are excellent and I can’t wait to read the next book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is one of the most creative, unique fantasy books I have ever read. It took a while for me to get ahold of the world and jargon. (Guess what!?! There is an appendix in the back of the book. Use it.) I think this will make the Fifth Season a great book to reread.
The way this book comes together in the second half is so satisfying and heartbreaking.
I was left with characters I care about and a story I am invested in.
The way this book comes together in the second half is so satisfying and heartbreaking.
I was left with characters I care about and a story I am invested in.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
READ THIS BOOK!!! but i recommend not reading any reviews until you’re done!
this one of the best books i’ve ever read - it felt like watching a really good movie in my head. the amount of detail in the world building and connections between characters amazed me. i did have to really be okay with feeling confused and trust that i’d understand what i didn’t understand later on, if i was ever even supposed to understand. that’s difficult for me, but it significantly contributed to the experience. cannot wait to read the next book.
this one of the best books i’ve ever read - it felt like watching a really good movie in my head. the amount of detail in the world building and connections between characters amazed me. i did have to really be okay with feeling confused and trust that i’d understand what i didn’t understand later on, if i was ever even supposed to understand. that’s difficult for me, but it significantly contributed to the experience. cannot wait to read the next book.
The Stillness is the continent where the broken earth trilogy takes place. We follow 3 points of view: Damaya, Syenite and Essun. The last point of view is told in second person singular.
The writing is excellent, the worldbuilding is superb, the pace is just right and the characters are memorable and life-like. Extra points for sex positivity and sexual inclusiveness.
The writing is excellent, the worldbuilding is superb, the pace is just right and the characters are memorable and life-like. Extra points for sex positivity and sexual inclusiveness.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book is like a puzzle that asks you to try and piece together what is going on through its fragmented perspectives. It does not hold the reader's hand and throws them right into the throes of its world. There are hints that the story isn't quite as simple as it presents itself in the beginning and rewards the reader for remaining with it towards the end of it. The twists, both within the plot and with the meta of the book itself, is so good and elevates the book.
While I wish the characters' were more dynamic with how they grew, I think the twist justifies their mostly stagnant arcs. Instead its strength lies in its worldbuilding and magic system. It's a clever system that ties into the world and its myths, which I think is very neat.
Overall, it's a strong effort to launch a trilogy and I am curious how the next books go on given how this twist isn't replicable. Jemisin does show a strong usage of prose, so I have faith.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Child death