A review by ericageorge91
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
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
4.5
“To those who have no choice but to prepare their children for the battlefield.”
This book was a study in generational trauma and I was here for every second of it. After all of the world building of the first book in a series, I love being able to hit the ground running in a sequel 😌
***SPOILERS***
Spoiler
As heartbreaking as it was, I loved getting Nassun’s perspective. We knew that Essun was fucked up. After everything she’d been through, how could she not be? But to see how the trauma aftershocks hit her daughter was 🥲 And to think that Essun isn’t alone in this. There are too many parents who think that preparing their kids for the ugliness of the world is doing them a kindness when they’re really becoming their kids’ first enemy. WHEW!Spoiler
Schaffa 😐 I don’t know how I feel about him. Is this supposed to be a redemption arc? Because I’m not biting. He got the teeniest sliver of sympathy from me for the fact that Guardian creation also seems pretty brutal and that’s all I can afford.TW: Child death, child abuse, grief, death, murder, sexual content (brief), cannibalism, war, toxic relationship
Rep: BIPOC characters, gay side character, bi/pan characters, trans minor character, polyamory (references)
Graphic: Death, Grief, Child abuse, Child death, Murder, and War
Moderate: Cannibalism and Toxic relationship