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A review by ruthie__reads
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy heck, Jemisin has done it again! Somehow the sequel to The Fifth Season elaborates and expands on the themes established in the first novel, and yet somehow also shines a new perspective on this world that flips everything you think you know on its head. This series is a masterclass on conversational yet deeply intellectual and emotional writing. It will have you on the edge of your seat.
The relationships between characters, especially the relationship between children and parents takes a center stage. The tense yet tender ways we feel about how we can show up for one another (or fail to do so) are a driving force for both the plot and the character development.
Essun is a protagonist who you want to see succeed more than anything, yet her humanity is constantly being questioned by the society she lives in. As both Essun and Nassun grow into their powers individually, they change the course of the entire world, and this book has me absolutely terrified and so excited to read the final installment.
Jemisin writes in a way that feels like a story being told to you from an old oral tradition, and yet has all the futuristic boldness and dystopian scenery that you expect from a science fiction novel. The discourse about who receives full humanity and who is subjugated, who is given power and who must take it for themselves is potent and raw in this book. This is so well written, with such incredibly crafted powers and societies you will feel like you have travelled to to the Stillness yourself. And once you do, you will never be able to forget this story.
The relationships between characters, especially the relationship between children and parents takes a center stage. The tense yet tender ways we feel about how we can show up for one another (or fail to do so) are a driving force for both the plot and the character development.
Essun is a protagonist who you want to see succeed more than anything, yet her humanity is constantly being questioned by the society she lives in. As both Essun and Nassun grow into their powers individually, they change the course of the entire world, and this book has me absolutely terrified and so excited to read the final installment.
Jemisin writes in a way that feels like a story being told to you from an old oral tradition, and yet has all the futuristic boldness and dystopian scenery that you expect from a science fiction novel. The discourse about who receives full humanity and who is subjugated, who is given power and who must take it for themselves is potent and raw in this book. This is so well written, with such incredibly crafted powers and societies you will feel like you have travelled to to the Stillness yourself. And once you do, you will never be able to forget this story.