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A review by dellydoos
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
I picked this book up right after I finished the Fifth Season, and I did not put it down until I had finished. The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin is a brilliant continuation of the Broken Earth trilogy, maintaining the high standards set by its predecessor while expanding the depth and complexity of its world and characters.
The character development in The Obelisk Gate is particularly noteworthy. Essun’s growth as a mother and a powerful orogene is compelling, and the introduction of Nassun's perspective adds depth and a fresh viewpoint to the narrative. Nassun's journey, filled with pain, discovery, and transformation, is heart-wrenching and powerful. The relationship with her father is fraught with tension and sorrow, highlighting the emotional toll of survival in a fractured world. Her struggle to reconcile her own burgeoning powers with her father’s fear and loathing of orogeny is both tragic and compelling. Schaffa, our favourite Guardian, also reappears and I somehow hate him even more in that state that he’s left in after the events of the Fifth Season. But I know that Miss Jemisin has plans for this one, so for now I will sit and seethe with impatience.
The relationship between Alabaster and Essun is another highlight, filled with complexity and depth. Their interactions are laden with a history of pain, betrayal, and unspoken affection. Alabaster is a little bitch, but he is also incredibly complicated. His gradual transformation and his cryptic guidance to Essun add layers to their already intricate dynamic, making their relationship one of the most nuanced in the series. Their shared experiences and individual traumas shape their bond in ways that are both poignant and profound.
And Hoa, let’s not forget that lil gem.
Jemisin also excels in power scaling and plot development in The Obelisk Gate. The introduction and further exploration of the obelisks, along with the enigmatic stone eaters, add new dimensions to the story. The obelisks’ mysterious power and the stone eaters' cryptic motives create a sense of wonder and tension, driving the narrative forward. I’m engaged and I’m intrigued.
The Obelisk Gate delves deeper into the mythology of The Stillness, revealing more about the world’s history and the origin of its catastrophic cycles. The stakes are higher, the conflicts more intense, and the characters’ struggles more desperate. Jemisin’s prose remains as evocative and powerful as ever, drawing readers into a world that is as brutal as it is beautiful.
Again, the emotional damage I suffered from this book was heartbreaking and I enjoyed every second of it. 4.5/5 stars
The character development in The Obelisk Gate is particularly noteworthy. Essun’s growth as a mother and a powerful orogene is compelling, and the introduction of Nassun's perspective adds depth and a fresh viewpoint to the narrative. Nassun's journey, filled with pain, discovery, and transformation, is heart-wrenching and powerful. The relationship with her father is fraught with tension and sorrow, highlighting the emotional toll of survival in a fractured world. Her struggle to reconcile her own burgeoning powers with her father’s fear and loathing of orogeny is both tragic and compelling. Schaffa, our favourite Guardian, also reappears and I somehow hate him even more in that state that he’s left in after the events of the Fifth Season. But I know that Miss Jemisin has plans for this one, so for now I will sit and seethe with impatience.
The relationship between Alabaster and Essun is another highlight, filled with complexity and depth. Their interactions are laden with a history of pain, betrayal, and unspoken affection. Alabaster is a little bitch, but he is also incredibly complicated. His gradual transformation and his cryptic guidance to Essun add layers to their already intricate dynamic, making their relationship one of the most nuanced in the series. Their shared experiences and individual traumas shape their bond in ways that are both poignant and profound.
And Hoa, let’s not forget that lil gem.
Jemisin also excels in power scaling and plot development in The Obelisk Gate. The introduction and further exploration of the obelisks, along with the enigmatic stone eaters, add new dimensions to the story. The obelisks’ mysterious power and the stone eaters' cryptic motives create a sense of wonder and tension, driving the narrative forward. I’m engaged and I’m intrigued.
The Obelisk Gate delves deeper into the mythology of The Stillness, revealing more about the world’s history and the origin of its catastrophic cycles. The stakes are higher, the conflicts more intense, and the characters’ struggles more desperate. Jemisin’s prose remains as evocative and powerful as ever, drawing readers into a world that is as brutal as it is beautiful.
Again, the emotional damage I suffered from this book was heartbreaking and I enjoyed every second of it. 4.5/5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Xenophobia, and Domestic abuse