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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
It's rare that a sequel is better than the first book, but I think this one meets that qualification! Or maybe it's just that the world and complex and interesting world and magic is familiar to me now. Either way, N.K. Jemisin does not disappoint. I find her characters "difficult" in part because they are so complex and imperfect. But that is also the quality that makes me want to keep reading.
I love jemisin SO MUCH.
she is really good at setting up elaborate stages that evoke feelings you didn't know you had, and I am also rather impatient with plots that I don't feel like are moving toward anything. war is on the horizon, but either the book is rather wordy or I'm not used to duologies so I unconsciously tracked everything as resolving in three parts.
to that end, then, I'm a tad bit annoyed that other characters and plotlines got tossed to the side in the end (sunandi? wild dreamer scroll info?) in favor of the grumpy otp, but jemisin is always so careful with relationships and it's really well-done.
she's also careful with how she writes about rape, but trigger warning on this - there is an attempted rape and brutal assault on two different characters, treated carefully but still on page.
she is really good at setting up elaborate stages that evoke feelings you didn't know you had, and I am also rather impatient with plots that I don't feel like are moving toward anything. war is on the horizon, but either the book is rather wordy or I'm not used to duologies so I unconsciously tracked everything as resolving in three parts.
to that end, then, I'm a tad bit annoyed that other characters and plotlines got tossed to the side in the end (sunandi? wild dreamer scroll info?) in favor of the grumpy otp, but jemisin is always so careful with relationships and it's really well-done.
she's also careful with how she writes about rape, but trigger warning on this - there is an attempted rape and brutal assault on two different characters, treated carefully but still on page.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The second book of The Dreamblood Trilogy, this story follows Hananji, the first female member of the Hetawa, the priestly caste in Gujaareh who oversee the keeping of peace, healing, judgement, and the dream world. Their magic is based upon various dream humours which allow the Sharers to heal and the Gathers to kill those deemed corrupt. Above all, the Hetawa honour their Goddess (represented by the Moon) with a dedication to peace. However, at the end of the first book the city-state of Gujaareh had fallen to Kisua, a neighbouring country that does not share their religion, nor their prohibition on violence or slavery. The son of the former ruler of Gujaareh - a ruler who had gone somewhat insane in his desire to achieve immortality - is now living in exile amongst the Banbarra, a tribal people in the wilderness who are deciding whether or not to assist him in freeing his people from the Kisua and restoring him to the throne. This is all the context for the story, which plays itself out primarily within Hananji, the Sharer-Apprentice who is also sent to live with the Banbarra to strengthen the allegiance and possible revolution. She has to wrestle with the keeping of peace amongst war-like people, as well as her own questions around what it means to be a woman. There are some very shocking things described in this book, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between fathers and daughters, and the destruction or healing that may be wrought from it. A very readable and well-developed fantasy world, which I look forward to concluding.
Another good book from Jemisin. This one does what the last book did really well, but I wished more time was given to Tiaanet. It felt like her arc was a short story instead of one being a major player.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Incest, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Grief
taking place 10 years later, a wonderful story to follow up the first book.
Significantly better than the first book. The character development was top notch. And the world building was much more fleshed out