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A review by grogu_djarin
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Overall Thoughts:
I'd been wanting to read this for some while with high expectations and I can see why it's so well-regarded! The worldbuilding is top notch and each of the three storylines (Essun, Damaya, Syenite) bring unique perspectives and explore different aspects of the world such as orogeny (earth magic), the Fulcrum, comms, and the Fifth Season. I also liked how the these storylines gradually threaded together. The orogeny and sessapinae (organs in the brain that detect vibrations in the earth) were such an inventive and integral part of the story, it's written so well it's easy to believe there actually could be a world like this and I loved how orogeny obeyed thermodynamics (with orogenes needing to absorb heat from the environment to use it).
Of the three stories, I probably liked Syenite's the best though initially I thought it was the weakest. It rapidly picked up momentum after a certain point. The others were great as well though and I enjoyed the contrast of the extravagance of the Fulcrum in Damaya's story to the severity of a Fifth Season in Essun's. Overall, it had just a bit of everything you'd want in a fantasy novel. There was mystery, adventure, triumphs, losses, childhood wonder, and even some creepy moments.
I'd been wanting to read this for some while with high expectations and I can see why it's so well-regarded! The worldbuilding is top notch and each of the three storylines (Essun, Damaya, Syenite) bring unique perspectives and explore different aspects of the world such as orogeny (earth magic), the Fulcrum, comms, and the Fifth Season. I also liked how the these storylines gradually threaded together. The orogeny and sessapinae (organs in the brain that detect vibrations in the earth) were such an inventive and integral part of the story, it's written so well it's easy to believe there actually could be a world like this and I loved how orogeny obeyed thermodynamics (with orogenes needing to absorb heat from the environment to use it).
Of the three stories, I probably liked Syenite's the best though initially I thought it was the weakest. It rapidly picked up momentum after a certain point. The others were great as well though and I enjoyed the contrast of the extravagance of the Fulcrum in Damaya's story to the severity of a Fifth Season in Essun's. Overall, it had just a bit of everything you'd want in a fantasy novel. There was mystery, adventure, triumphs, losses, childhood wonder, and even some creepy moments.
Likes:
- NK Jemisin is known for her worldbuilding and she's at her best here. Everything feels so original, it's like discovering something new for the first time!
- Orogeny is such a creative form of magic and it was incredibly well developed. I love how thermodynamics was tied into it seeing how it was not just used to move the earth but also to ice things. It was also fascinating to see how it fits in society. It's simultaneously needed and feared.
- I really liked Essun's maternal aspects, both in grieving for Uche, searching for Nassun, and adopting Hoa.
- There are a lot of themes in the book that came across very naturally throughout the story such as parental love, oppression, exploitation, fear of the unknown, freedom, legacy, and the costs of survival.
- The ending (or ending line) was completely unexpected to me but upon reflection was hinted at throughout and made me really excited for the next book. It was something I'd never think to consider since I take it for granted living in a stable world.
Dislikes:
- The forced sex scenes between Syenite and Alabaster are really uncomfortable and there are many of them. I understand it's to illustrate that the orogenes are essentially slaves for the Fulcrum, forced to reproduce just like real world slaves were, but there could have been less and it's a bit of a chore to read just as it's a chore for the characters.
Other Notes:
- I know this book is notable for having a second person perspective, but I found it much easier to adjust to than I expected. I suppose I've read many first person books and have no problem following "I", and it's about the same for the second person "you", but it left me with an eerie feeling like being watched which added to the mystery of the book.
Would Recommend To:
- Anyone interested in fantasy with strong worldbuilding, especially if you're interested in post-apocalyptic fantasy with magic rooted in science.
Do Not Recommend To:
- Anyone not interested in fantasy. And this may not be for every fantasy fan either, there are a lot of adult themes and the story can be incredibly dark at times dealing with having to live in a world like the Stillness or how orogenes are persecuted.