A review by genny
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

challenging dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

Best book I've read so far in 2022! I agree with reviews saying it's best to go into this knowing as little as possible.  Worldbuilding, atmosphere, character development, even the science behind the magic...amazing, all of it. Do be aware of the content warnings.

I admit I was intimated by the writing style at first, thinking "am I smart enough to get this?"...but it's quite accessible once you've gotten used to it. Jemisin doesn't really explain any of the lore, you just gradually pick it up as you go (there's an appendix, but as always, I never bother). It didn't feel "info-dumpy". I appreciated this, actually! Like she wasn't holding my hand through it, but gave me enough context to understand. This is in stark contrast to Brandon Sanderson's writing style in Warbreaker (I'm only comparing because I finished that right before this one) wherein he plainly explains the magic system like the mechanics of a video game. So: patience is needed, but it'll pay off.

The use of second-person POV in Essun's chapters was a perfect choice! It adds so much to the story, in my opinion. Damaya's chapters were my favorite. I'm proud to say that I figured out the plot twist before I hit the halfway mark, ha. I'm sure other readers figured it out even faster than I did, but I'm usually late to pick up on clues, so I felt insanely validated. 😆 The reveal of
the narrator
, though? I didn't see that coming and it gave me goosebumps, geez. Everything came together beautifully. I am so glad I gave this book a chance!
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