This ended up being my first Jemisin novel, and to say I understand the hype is an understatement! I don't even know how to explain how much I loved this immersive fantasy novel. Jemisin's writing is so lyrical and cutting, and I was immediately drawn into the narratives of each of her characters. As you probably know, I'm very much over books that are set in New York (we get it, you moved to NYC to work in publishing), but Jemisin's portrayal of five people who personify its boroughs both honored and poked fun at the famous metropolis. Moreover, NYC is more than a setting, she is her own character, one that nurtures her residents and punishes any interlopers.

Who are these interlopers? I don't want to spoil anything for you, as I think part of the enjoyment of this one comes from the gradually unfolding storyline. We meet different characters and put more and more pieces together as they encounter this evil and team up with their fellow boroughs. (The way the boroughs fight with constructs is my favorite thing about the book, but that won't make sense to you until you read it.) I will say that Jemisin's diverse cast has to deal with racism, gentrification, xenophobia, and a whole host of squiggly white tentacles. If you enjoy Lovecraft's creepy world-building but hate his overt racism, then this is the book for you! Feel free to message me if you've read this one and we can cry together about how the sequel doesn't even have a release date yet.