A review by tldrjune
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin

dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The first book in this series was a breathtaking piece of world building, drawn up by some clunky writing and a decently skillful asynchronous chapter structure. Character building was always the weakest part of the author's repertoire and yikes it's come out big time in Book 2. No one is likable, no one has relatable or likable relationships, and literally everything is ROCKS GEOLOGY MYTH/MAGIC driving everything all the time. Which... that's fine? It's cool. But I feel pretty let down. Here's hoping book 3 is better.
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