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A review by queer_bookwyrm
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: bullying, violence, child abuse/child sexual abuse, murder of a child, torture, slavery, cannibalism, descriptions of blood and corpses, mass murder, compulsory breeding, transphobia, caste system
"But each of us is just another weapon, to them. Just another useful monster, just another fucking rogga."
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison is a science fiction? Fantasy? Both? Either way, this book was amazing. I'm not gonna lie, it was a slow start until I starting putting it together. I'm slow on the uptake sometimes.
In the world of The Stillness there is a fifth Season, basically the apocalypse due to massive earthquakes or super vulcano eruptions. Because if this, the society has adapted to disaster preparedness. I found it interesting that in this world, Earth is referred to as Father Earth rather than the more commonly know Mother Earth. Father Earth is characterized as evil and vengeful and hopes humanity is eventually destroyed. They say Father Earth hates the Orogenes for taking his only son. But no one knows what that means.
Orogenes (or rogga-slur) are people born with the ability to manipulate the earth; controlling earthquakes and volcano eruptions. In this world they are oppressed and used for their abilities and killed with impunity. We follow one such person and learn of the horrors she witness and the lengths she took to get away from it.
This book was incredible and intricate and delightfully original. I loved the MC, curmudgeonly as she sometimes was. The stuff about the Obelisks are fascinating and I can't wait to learn more next book. I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoilers. Great rep in this book! We have trans rep, gay rep, bi rep, and polyamory rep! Jemison is just incredible. Also, my new favorite cuss is Earth's flaming farts!
"But each of us is just another weapon, to them. Just another useful monster, just another fucking rogga."
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison is a science fiction? Fantasy? Both? Either way, this book was amazing. I'm not gonna lie, it was a slow start until I starting putting it together. I'm slow on the uptake sometimes.
In the world of The Stillness there is a fifth Season, basically the apocalypse due to massive earthquakes or super vulcano eruptions. Because if this, the society has adapted to disaster preparedness. I found it interesting that in this world, Earth is referred to as Father Earth rather than the more commonly know Mother Earth. Father Earth is characterized as evil and vengeful and hopes humanity is eventually destroyed. They say Father Earth hates the Orogenes for taking his only son. But no one knows what that means.
Orogenes (or rogga-slur) are people born with the ability to manipulate the earth; controlling earthquakes and volcano eruptions. In this world they are oppressed and used for their abilities and killed with impunity. We follow one such person and learn of the horrors she witness and the lengths she took to get away from it.
This book was incredible and intricate and delightfully original. I loved the MC, curmudgeonly as she sometimes was. The stuff about the Obelisks are fascinating and I can't wait to learn more next book. I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoilers. Great rep in this book! We have trans rep, gay rep, bi rep, and polyamory rep! Jemison is just incredible. Also, my new favorite cuss is Earth's flaming farts!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Murder, and Transphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Slavery, and Cannibalism
sexual abuse of a child, compulsory breeding, caste system, mass murder