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

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-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

5.0

Wow. I didn't really know what to expect from this book other than I had heard much praise for it. I wasn't prepared for it to be that good ! I don't really know how to express how in love I am with this story.
First, I want to say I really liked Jemisin's writing style and the characters' cynicism (especially Syenite's). The second person narration in some of the chapters didn't bother me at all, on the contrary, if found it to be a nice change and also helped me feel closer to the main character.
Talking about characters, I found them all really great, as well as their dynamics. For example, Syenite and Alabaster don't have the kind of romance you might expect in a subplot but their bond takes another, nonetheless strong, form. I applaud Jemisin for risking the unconventional and doing it so well.
Speaking about the unconventional... the world and magic system ! I admire how unique and thoroughly researched it was. Jemisin really succeeded to make me interested in geology 😂.
The three POVs served the mysterious aspect of the story perfectly as it allowed the author to lead the reader step by step (or should I say hint by hint) to the reveals.

(I do want to add that I don't know why I find the cover so mesmerising but I just do... anyone else ?)
Expand filter menu Content Warnings