Scan barcode
strategineer's review against another edition
5.0
This novel suffers from middle book syndrome. It continues the story set up in the first book and, hopefully, sets up the third and final book.
Book 1: The Fifth Season** ★★★★★
Book 2: The Obelisk Gate* ★★★★★
Book 3: The Stone Sky currently reading...
Unlike The Fifth Season, this novel fails to coalesce the different POVs into a cohesive whole which was one of the best aspects of the first book.
The Obelisk Gate feels like two different stories that were spliced into each other and suffers for it. But, this doesn't stop the book from being amazing, just less amazing than it could have been IMO.
I'm VERY excited to read the last novel in this trilogy... This series has been riveting thus far and I don't expect that to change.
Book 1: The Fifth Season** ★★★★★
Book 2: The Obelisk Gate* ★★★★★
Book 3: The Stone Sky currently reading...
Spoiler
Unlike The Fifth Season, this novel fails to coalesce the different POVs into a cohesive whole which was one of the best aspects of the first book.
The Obelisk Gate feels like two different stories that were spliced into each other and suffers for it. But, this doesn't stop the book from being amazing, just less amazing than it could have been IMO.
I'm VERY excited to read the last novel in this trilogy... This series has been riveting thus far and I don't expect that to change.
mariah_is_awkward's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nicolehoyme's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
chichreads's review against another edition
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
morgueling's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.0
chels139's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
3.75
radyn99's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
fishy27's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Obelisk Gate, dare I say, suffers from second book syndrome as badly as an outstanding series can.
Like a lot of other reviewers have noted, this book feels very much like it’s a bridge between the first and third books. This one’s primary purpose is world building and magic system explanation–we got more information about the stone eaters and Guardians, “magic” is introduced, and Alabaster’s activities and condition all come into play.
I wish we would’ve gotten the introduction to /magic/ in this world because it feels almost like an afterthought here. I think Jemisin was going for a “science vs magic, but wait, magic is science too” moment, which is really compelling. She executes on that, I just think it should’ve been mentioned in some capacity before it was.
The additional POVs were really wonderful–I loved the time we spent with Nassun, Schaffa is very mysterious, and the interludes are like little treats that get randomly dropped.
Jemisin continues to handle trauma and grief with such care and in a very nuanced way that speaks to her exceptional skill in the craft. Essun’s character development felt like a step in a good direction, but it’s clear that her story is not over.
Nassun was extremely compelling. Jemisin tackles these heavy themes though the eyes of such a young girl, and most unfortunately, that representation really hits home. Her father hates her for things that are out of her control, and she must learn how to navigate his feelings to be able to earn the sprinkles of what she thinks are love from him. While we see this kind of behavior from a good number of MCs, Jemisin’s spin on it here with Nassun feels especially heartbreaking.
I’m really looking forward to the final installment of this book, as I have no doubt that Jemisin will go out with a bang.
Like a lot of other reviewers have noted, this book feels very much like it’s a bridge between the first and third books. This one’s primary purpose is world building and magic system explanation–we got more information about the stone eaters and Guardians, “magic” is introduced, and Alabaster’s activities and condition all come into play.
I wish we would’ve gotten the introduction to /magic/ in this world because it feels almost like an afterthought here. I think Jemisin was going for a “science vs magic, but wait, magic is science too” moment, which is really compelling. She executes on that, I just think it should’ve been mentioned in some capacity before it was.
The additional POVs were really wonderful–I loved the time we spent with Nassun, Schaffa is very mysterious, and the interludes are like little treats that get randomly dropped.
Jemisin continues to handle trauma and grief with such care and in a very nuanced way that speaks to her exceptional skill in the craft. Essun’s character development felt like a step in a good direction, but it’s clear that her story is not over.
Nassun was extremely compelling. Jemisin tackles these heavy themes though the eyes of such a young girl, and most unfortunately, that representation really hits home. Her father hates her for things that are out of her control, and she must learn how to navigate his feelings to be able to earn the sprinkles of what she thinks are love from him. While we see this kind of behavior from a good number of MCs, Jemisin’s spin on it here with Nassun feels especially heartbreaking.
I’m really looking forward to the final installment of this book, as I have no doubt that Jemisin will go out with a bang.
evarey's review against another edition
4.5
It's so good I can't... We love you Essun 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 Need to see her and Nassun together I want them to interact so bad :((( Also Nassun.... We fucking love you omg