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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Ah NK Jemisin, you can do no wrong. For some reason it took me a long time to pick this up, mainly because I loved her OTHER world so much I got pouty that she was moving onto another one. Well, she built the last one to be amazing, she does no less in this one, perhaps even BETTER.
The blend of cultures and lore she draws on to make this very unique world is just stunning, and the fact that she inhabits it with such 3-dimensional characters is even more impressive. The Gatherers are some of the most interesting "magic" users I've read lately. If you want to get away from the traditional fantasy world-building, but keep the compelling characters and deep lore, definitely pick this up!!
The blend of cultures and lore she draws on to make this very unique world is just stunning, and the fact that she inhabits it with such 3-dimensional characters is even more impressive. The Gatherers are some of the most interesting "magic" users I've read lately. If you want to get away from the traditional fantasy world-building, but keep the compelling characters and deep lore, definitely pick this up!!
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD. N.K. JEMISIN IS SO GOOD. I LOVE IT.
Seriously though. THIS is what beautifully crafted, thoughtful fantasy should always look like. On to the next one!
Seriously though. THIS is what beautifully crafted, thoughtful fantasy should always look like. On to the next one!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh this is EXCELLENT! But I'm a sucker for any grim reaper/psychopomp type fantasy. Genuinely the only reason this isn't 5 stars is a little bit of pacing issues and I'm not the biggest fan of royalty politics, but she kept that to a minimum thank you very much. I want to take this story between my teeth and shake it around like a dog (affectionately)
Also that man is stronger than me, if Sunandi had given me a lil smooch I simply would have folded !!
Also that man is stronger than me, if Sunandi had given me a lil smooch I simply would have folded !!
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m kind of disappointed in this book as I absolutely loved the Inheritance Series by the author. This book has an amazing world and I loved the idea of gathering but the story was very linear and kind of boring.
What an amazing book.
Five stars, all the way.
There are many good things and only one slight downside. The good: the characters, the world, the descriptions, the emotions, the ethics and the religion, the story itself. All wonderful. My favourite character was Ehiru, but Nijiri came a close second. Even Sunandi, despite her lack of understanding of the Gatherers and her hatred of them, was a character you could love because of her loyalties, her love, and her willingness to at least try and understand.
The only downside is that the first chapters are hard going. This is only understandable, given that there is a lot to introduce in those first chapters, and with the exception of a huge info-dump, this was the only way to go about it. Persist past the initial pages and you will find a wonderful book waiting.
I don't know how the author does it, but I am hooked on her writing now and will continue reading her books in the future. Now onwards to the second book in this duo.
Five stars, all the way.
There are many good things and only one slight downside. The good: the characters, the world, the descriptions, the emotions, the ethics and the religion, the story itself. All wonderful. My favourite character was Ehiru, but Nijiri came a close second. Even Sunandi, despite her lack of understanding of the Gatherers and her hatred of them, was a character you could love because of her loyalties, her love, and her willingness to at least try and understand.
The only downside is that the first chapters are hard going. This is only understandable, given that there is a lot to introduce in those first chapters, and with the exception of a huge info-dump, this was the only way to go about it. Persist past the initial pages and you will find a wonderful book waiting.
I don't know how the author does it, but I am hooked on her writing now and will continue reading her books in the future. Now onwards to the second book in this duo.
surprises at every moment, bi rep, powerful characters, incredible worldbuilding. everything i want from a jemisin book & everything i want in a novel. loved the alignments with ancient egyptian history as that was a fascination of mine as a kid so it felt familiar. i just loved this & am so happy to jump into the second installment.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received this book in the Quarterly Book Riot box (BKR03).
Summer Reading Bingo square: That you think you will dislike
From the Publisher:
In the ancient city-state of Gujaareh, peace is the only law. Upon its rooftops and amongst the shadows of its cobbled streets wait the Gatherers - the keepers of this peace. Priests of the dream-goddess, their duty is to harvest the magic of the sleeping mind and use it to heal, soothe - and kill those judged corrupt.
My thoughts:
I was afraid I wouldn't like this book for no other reason than that I'm very particular about what kind of fantasy I like. Actually, I guess I liked fantasy books a lot better when I younger. There's just something about romance and fantasy that makes me only like certain ones. The problem is I haven't quite figured out the formula yet. I mostly stay away from these genres. But, I am willing to give anything a go.
The book was well written but I got lost in the names of the places and the people. I guess you just have to be in the right frame of mind to wrap yourself up in a great fantasy. This one just didn't do it for me.