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

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

N.K. Jemisin crafts the middle book in a trilogy that retains its excitement, character work, and worldbuilding. Without spoiling book one, this story follows along from where the first book leaves off and delves further into Essun's life. In addition, we also get so see what Nassun's life has been like, which is a fascinating contrast to her mother. We get to learn more about why the world is the way it is as well as some really important understandings about orogeny. The more time I spend in this world, the clearer it is how much time and effort Jimisin has put in to craft an exceptional world with flawed, deeply human characters. Her writing is precise and evocative as she slowly pulls back the edges of our understanding of the world and her characters. I cannot wait to start book three though I am not looking forward to finishing this exceptional series. I wish there were even more books in this world. 
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