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A review by queer_bookwyrm
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
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? No
4.0
4 ⭐ CW: Violence, natural disasters, prejudice, murder, descriptions of blood and gore, child abuse, child death, cannibalism mention
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin is book two in the Broken Earth trilogy. This book was much less confusing than the first books, so it was much easier to stay invested in the story.
We pick back up with Essun in Castrima as she tries to learn more about the obelisks from Alabaster, all while still wanting to find her daughter. I appreciated Essun's growth and the dynamics of the mixed comm. We get to see Nassun's pov this book and find out what has been happening to her. Turns out she's a powerful little girl in her own right, and her story is fascinating and makes me wonder what will happen in the next book.
I found it interesting that Jemisin chose to use second person narration, with having Hoa the stoneeater telling us what is going on. It gave fascinating insight to him as a character. We also learn more about Guardian Schaffa this book as well.
I loved that one of the themes in this book was how educational institutions can be elitist and limit your thinking, by only teaching you one way. We see this playing out between a Fulcrum trained Essun and feral self-taught Ykka. Sometimes our educational institutions stifle unique thought and limit our possibilities. Can't wait to finish the series, Jemisin is brilliant.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin is book two in the Broken Earth trilogy. This book was much less confusing than the first books, so it was much easier to stay invested in the story.
We pick back up with Essun in Castrima as she tries to learn more about the obelisks from Alabaster, all while still wanting to find her daughter. I appreciated Essun's growth and the dynamics of the mixed comm. We get to see Nassun's pov this book and find out what has been happening to her. Turns out she's a powerful little girl in her own right, and her story is fascinating and makes me wonder what will happen in the next book.
I found it interesting that Jemisin chose to use second person narration, with having Hoa the stoneeater telling us what is going on. It gave fascinating insight to him as a character. We also learn more about Guardian Schaffa this book as well.
I loved that one of the themes in this book was how educational institutions can be elitist and limit your thinking, by only teaching you one way. We see this playing out between a Fulcrum trained Essun and feral self-taught Ykka. Sometimes our educational institutions stifle unique thought and limit our possibilities. Can't wait to finish the series, Jemisin is brilliant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Cannibalism