historygoose's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting but nothing I will remember a year from now
antoniathearcane's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
jamie_boller's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? N/A
5.0
mxknits's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- 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
soumwise's review against another edition
5.0
I've waited long for a fantasy novel that explores current world dominion and race relations the way this book does. Jemisin's voice is so, so strong and the world of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms so very refreshing. There are so many hard-hitting truths about our own world's power structures integrated into the way the story is told that I'm definitely re-reading this book to mark them all up.
My only gripe: the sharp, politics-ridden dialogues between Yeine and other characters -constituting about 90% of the book- kept the plot loaded with tension for a good part but lose some momentum after a while. I wouldn't have minded trading a bit of that in favour of for example, more involvement of the intriguing surroundings.
Anyway, I had far too many I-feel-seen moments reading this book to give it anything less than 5 stars. Can't wait to find out where book 2 takes us!
My only gripe: the sharp, politics-ridden dialogues between Yeine and other characters -constituting about 90% of the book- kept the plot loaded with tension for a good part but lose some momentum after a while. I wouldn't have minded trading a bit of that in favour of for example, more involvement of the intriguing surroundings.
Anyway, I had far too many I-feel-seen moments reading this book to give it anything less than 5 stars. Can't wait to find out where book 2 takes us!
elusivity's review against another edition
3.0
World-building: FIVE STARS, but then practically abandoned
PLOT: TWO STARS
In short: A story of typical YA angst/girl so awesome all men and gods fall for her/sex so awesome that it transforms girl into Woman(Godhood), in which ending is literally deus-ex-machina.
However, this is probably one of the better formulations I've ever read on how traditional mythological gods could have manifested themselves in the world. How is this an award nominee though, I honestly can't fathom
PLOT: TWO STARS
In short: A story of typical YA angst/girl so awesome all men and gods fall for her/sex so awesome that it transforms girl into Woman(Godhood), in which ending is literally deus-ex-machina.
However, this is probably one of the better formulations I've ever read on how traditional mythological gods could have manifested themselves in the world. How is this an award nominee though, I honestly can't fathom
itsmarkyall's review against another edition
5.0
What a great novel. I've read so much fantasy fiction that it's rare to be surprised by anything I read these days. N.K. Jemisin has genuinely surprised me with "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms." She's taken recycled fantasy tropes, and has put such a unique spin on them, that I can't recall reading anything similar. Can't wait to get my hands on the second and thirds books of the trilogy. They're calling my name!
catleesi's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this, the relationships of the gods and the vastness of the world kept me wanting more.
"Yes, enough of this disembodied soul business. Time to be alive again"
"Yes, enough of this disembodied soul business. Time to be alive again"
peapod_boston's review
3.0
I saw Jemisin at Boskone 2010 and was impressed with her candor about her experiences as a writer. Fortunately, a friend loaned me her intriguing first novel. "The Hundred-Thousand Kingdoms" takes many elements of modern fantasy--colloquial speech, breathless pacing over a very short span of time, sexy supernatural beings, romance, and the threat of death--and weaves them into a setting and characters that are straightforward epic fantasy. The result is something new. I never felt quite "comfortable" reading it, but that's not a criticism. By blending the genres, Jemisin keeps things interesting on the meta-level, while the story keeps things rolling on a narrative level. Worth reading, and a talent to watch. I hope she's at Boskone again.