A review by radella_hardwick
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

challenging dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Unlike a lot of fantasy series, this book feels like a complete book unto itself. While I found the characters compelling and the plot sufficiently intriguing, I don't feel like I would be missing out on anything if I don't continue onto the next instalment.

The various settings are so vivid that I could almost taste the ash or smell the sea air. My favourite character was probably Syenite and the end of her story is so utterly tragic. For the longest time, I thought she was going to screw up her happy-ever-after for herself but, in the end, powers beyond her control brought it crashing down around her ears in the worst way possible.
I know Syenite is technically the same person as Essun and Damaya but it was that incarnation that I enjoyed most.


I know the use of second-person is quite controversial but I found it very effective and it put me in the mindset of the character much more believably than a lot of first-person novels I've read. However, I read this on audio, so I'm expecting to get the story told to me, so it might be more jarring in print.

This would have been 5 stars, except I reserve those for new favourites and I can't see myself wanting to reread this anytime soon.
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