Reviews

Look. If you want to dive deep, deep into another world, one so incredibly strange but grows into some strange sort of familiarity, this trilogy can do that. The 3 books were rigorous for me. You'll be learning new language, abilities, not so new social-political systems as you learn the [literal] landscape throughout this trilogy. There is a map in the front and a glossary at the end of the book. The stories contain many gems (yes, gems) of layered teachings applicable to today's world and current conditions. It had me reflecting on intimate relationships, community, and the enduring, limiting affects of academia on my imagination and understanding of learning, skills, and knowledge. From the personal to cultural, environmental, celestial and systemic levels, these stories cover a ton of terrain that I am still processing.

For me, an Octavia E. Butler fan, there were some aspects of the stories that reminded me of the Parables books, particularly the Parable of the Talents. No spoilers here though.

N.K. Jemisin is an ingenious writer, who pushes, stretches, and challenges my imagination. Thank you, NKJ!

cw: violence, infanticide

jshoss's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark sad medium-paced

4.25

ktlope's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

so fkn good

redmordred's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

There's a lot to like about the Fifth Season like the balance between science fiction and fantasy, the orogenes ("earthbenders"), the mystery between the characters. In the end though I didn't love this book and it never really enthralled me like some other books. I was disappointed reading this because it was Hugo Award Winner, but it didn't seem to match the quality of older winners to me. The Fifth Season did pique my interest because of the geology elements placed throughout.

I would recommend this book to people who liked "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. LeGuin. It shares some similarities I think with that but with more fantasy (such as telekinesis) and elements from series dealing with race, sexuality, annd caste.

chilmark's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Can’t believe it took me so long to get to this series given all its awards. Picked it up and put it down a number of times. It’s initially , disorienting, while she’s world building, but give it until page 100 . I know that’s a lot to ask, bur the pay-offs are big. The philosophical questions are so well woven into the plot without being distracting. The story is so creative and unique, and the characters so multi-dimensional. Now already enjoying book two immensely. It gets even better than book one.

cobmagnificent's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

tadster20's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious sad fast-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

More...