tarajaye's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
The world building N.K. Jemisin does is incredible. There were new characters introduced mid-way, helping complete this story in a really cool and unexpected way. I had a hard time with this book as opposed to the last two books, and I think it was because I was really missing one character and not as engrossed by one of the main characters. The conclusion was exciting and really moving, so I’m glad I kept at it!
xoxojillzian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
LAYERS
josiahdegraaf's review against another edition
4.0
While I think the first book in this series will always be my favorite, this was probably a close-second due to a fitting and poignant ending that did a lot to tie different aspects of this series together. The slowly-building clash between mother and daughter made for a strong ending for the series and I appreciated finally getting some answers to what was going on in the story.
From a thematic standpoint, my enjoyment of the series was increased by reading this review, which did a great job of unpacking some of the different themes Jemisin seems to be grappling with over the course of the series: https://wrongquestions.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-stone-sky-by-nk-jemisin.html I'm a bit of a sucker for thematically rich novels and series, and this one most certainly fit the bill.
The one complaint I'd make about this book is that I didn't feel like it did a sufficient job grappling with the protagonist's This was a rather significant moral failing on the part of the protagonist and while the story somewhat explores the protagonist's guilt over the fact, it rubbed me rather uncomfortably and I would have preferred to see more a more serious look into the protagonist's flawed decision-making than we ended up getting.
Taken as a whole, though, this is a series I'll want to eventually re-read (mostly to fit all the pieces together on what's going on as it's a bit confusing at points) and one I certainly enjoyed. While what makes this series different sometimes made it confusing as a reader, it hits the right thematic and emotional beats when it needs to. And for me, that makes all the difference.
Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).
From a thematic standpoint, my enjoyment of the series was increased by reading this review, which did a great job of unpacking some of the different themes Jemisin seems to be grappling with over the course of the series: https://wrongquestions.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-stone-sky-by-nk-jemisin.html I'm a bit of a sucker for thematically rich novels and series, and this one most certainly fit the bill.
The one complaint I'd make about this book is that I didn't feel like it did a sufficient job grappling with the protagonist's
Spoiler
genocide at the end of the last book.Taken as a whole, though, this is a series I'll want to eventually re-read (mostly to fit all the pieces together on what's going on as it's a bit confusing at points) and one I certainly enjoyed. While what makes this series different sometimes made it confusing as a reader, it hits the right thematic and emotional beats when it needs to. And for me, that makes all the difference.
Rating: 4 Stars (Very Good).
kenmarable's review against another edition
5.0
I might need to go back and change my ratings for books 1 & 2 in this series, because I rated both of those 5 stars, but this one was even better! Best book I have recently read!! This is the first audiobook that has made me cry.
The world building throughout the trilogy is masterfully paced with each book taking a wider and wider scope, with Stone Sky presenting more of this rich world than I expected. The climax and conclusion are just imaginative and described in riveting detail, it made me desperately want to see this in a big budget TV series. (I guess TNT is doing that - if so, they better save up for the last bit of this one, because if it's done right, it will be breathtaking!
(I'm probably overusing exclamation points in this review, but it really deserves them!) :)
Now book 1 had some really brutal parts (especially if you are a parent!) and I hesitated to read 2 & 3, but I am so glad I did. Book 3 is a bit rough in setting up a gut wrenching conflict throughout the entire book, but it resolves it powerfully and beautifully and honest to the characters. Overall I really liked the first 2, but absolutely loved this one!
The world building throughout the trilogy is masterfully paced with each book taking a wider and wider scope, with Stone Sky presenting more of this rich world than I expected. The climax and conclusion are just imaginative and described in riveting detail, it made me desperately want to see this in a big budget TV series. (I guess TNT is doing that - if so, they better save up for the last bit of this one, because if it's done right, it will be breathtaking!
(I'm probably overusing exclamation points in this review, but it really deserves them!) :)
Now book 1 had some really brutal parts (especially if you are a parent!) and I hesitated to read 2 & 3, but I am so glad I did. Book 3 is a bit rough in setting up a gut wrenching conflict throughout the entire book, but it resolves it powerfully and beautifully and honest to the characters. Overall I really liked the first 2, but absolutely loved this one!
kat_the_nat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
angrymeerkat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
baileyreneec's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
I am genuinely lamenting the end of this series. These characters, the plot, the magic system were all so so enchanting and all I wanted was more. The combination of three different points of view was magical and made the story so much more engaging. The development of the characters and their backstories was one of the best I have ever read. Essun’s character was probably my favorite storyline of a main character ever. The resilience of her character, in all three of her forms, was astonishing to read. The loss of lovers, children, and family should have broken anyone. But not her. This was the mark of a great story and a great character – a woman who, although she has been through hell, was able to give herself for her daughter at the end of the world. A truly wonderful series of novels.
joyfulfoodie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
An amazing conclusion to the trilogy! Exactly the high quality I’ve come to expect when I see N.K. Jemisin on the cover. The fantastic world building begun in the first two books is continued and it all comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
In this book I saw comparisons between the societies of this world with our real world, especially in discussions of oppression of races. This was skillfully done; not heavy handed but unmistakable.
In this book I saw comparisons between the societies of this world with our real world, especially in discussions of oppression of races. This was skillfully done; not heavy handed but unmistakable.