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sierra21's review against another edition
4.0
i had NEVER read a book that had such creative magic. like WHAT. and the writing is so good and the characters are so good and i love n k jemisin.
moniquejonath's review against another edition
4.0
let me start off by saying that N.K. Jemisin is one of the best fiction writers i have ever had the privilege to read. this woman knows how to build a world that is detailed, wondrous, ugly, cruel, and so REAL. she writes about issues with clear analogs in our current early world without being heavy-handed or too beholden to some big metaphor or moral of the story. she writes flawed characters so well and makes them so complex in a way that is accessible to the reader and so humanizing. i devoured this book (and had dreams about it) and will definitely be coming back for round 2. i will say, this one did hurt to read at times. i give it 4 and not 5 stars because i've read the Broken Earth Trilogy and know what Jeminsin is capable of. i also loved the way sex, sexuality, and sexual orientation worked in this book and felt Nijiri's desire right along with him. i definitely recommend this book for people who like good world-building without necessarily being die-hard fantasy buffs.
azket1965's review against another edition
5.0
I think this is my favorite in NK Jemison’s series of books so far. Thank goodness for the glossary at the end. Had to refer that several times throughout the reading. The only thing lacking was a map of this world.
xrega's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful
This second book in the series is even better than the first. I was drawn so completely into the ending I missed my bus stop. Jemisin is an amazing storyteller who creates fascinating and complex worlds that you wish you could explore endlessly.
This second book in the series is even better than the first. I was drawn so completely into the ending I missed my bus stop. Jemisin is an amazing storyteller who creates fascinating and complex worlds that you wish you could explore endlessly.
sowalsky's review against another edition
4.0
N.K. Jemisin's work is a treasure, not least because it deftly sidesteps so many of the cliches that bog down much of the fantasy genre. Anyone who has followed my reviews knows that I can be a fickle reader when it comes to fantasy, but no one has to twist my arm to pick up the next Jemisin book. Many of the elements I enjoyed in her previous books are present here. The character development, fluid dialogue, and intimate and inviting style of the writing all help draw the reader in compellingly. The author's world-building is first-rate too. The settings, social structures, cultural norms, political systems, and supernatural elements are woven together expertly and seamlessly.
Where this novel falters—just a bit—is on two fronts. First, it took me too long to orient myself within the world that Jemisin created. Let's face it: any book that requires you to reference its accompanying glossary over and over again for the first hundred pages or so presents the reader with a daunting challenge that only faith in the author and determination to push through can overcome. But this is really a quibble. More troublesome is the predictability of the climax, if not the denouement. I was able to see the ending of this tale coming from a wide mile away, and while that did not deter me from enjoying the ride, I had a strong sense of what the destination was going to be.
Are these flaws sufficient to sink the novel? Certainly not! They do, however, prevent it from reaching the level of a five-star novel in my opinion. That having been said, I won't hesitate to read the second volume in this series at some point.
Where this novel falters—just a bit—is on two fronts. First, it took me too long to orient myself within the world that Jemisin created. Let's face it: any book that requires you to reference its accompanying glossary over and over again for the first hundred pages or so presents the reader with a daunting challenge that only faith in the author and determination to push through can overcome. But this is really a quibble. More troublesome is the predictability of the climax, if not the denouement. I was able to see the ending of this tale coming from a wide mile away, and while that did not deter me from enjoying the ride, I had a strong sense of what the destination was going to be.
Are these flaws sufficient to sink the novel? Certainly not! They do, however, prevent it from reaching the level of a five-star novel in my opinion. That having been said, I won't hesitate to read the second volume in this series at some point.
phoebe_bluestar's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting worldbuilding, except for the sexism and racism...
ithinktfiam's review against another edition
3.0
Author says the faiths of the two nations are based on a couple of this world's older religions, but it doesn't really matter. Bad corrupt people facing off against good, conflicted, people. I've loved other of her books, but this was very simple.
heej's review against another edition
4.0
this world is heady and unique and perfect, and the otp just wants to hold hands even if the world is collapsing, and I love magic. that's all.
frodette's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I cannot put my finger on exactly what didn't work for me. The characters are interesting, the backstory and place in world are too, but unfortunately I found it hard to finish
sajina's review against another edition
3.0
i really liked it though I needed some time to get into it at first