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

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-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

5.0

The Broken Earth trilogy is by far the strangest, most complex, and thought provoking series I have ever read.
I found the first in the series to be a real struggle to get through and while I was glad I read it I didn't find I enjoyed myself all that much. When I started the second in the series (this book) I was nervous I would feel the same way but was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this one much more. 
I think that is because Essun was my favorite character in Fifth Season and in Obelisk Gate she gets a lot more development and many more chapters. 
I really loved seeing her relationship with Hoa develop in this book as he is my other favorite character. 
I also really loved getting to meet Nassun as well and learn about her and see her develop along her own journey. 

I personally feel like this series really is more like one novel split up. I think if you read the first it only works if you continue the entire thing, the first makes infinitely more sense the further you read into the series. 
NK Jimisin is a genius, her writing is a masterpiece of science and poetry that leaves you feeling lost and found at the same time. I

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