A review by dellydoos
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

 Sometimes (most of the time) I say controversial things when it comes to books, as often overhyped and over-celebrated book are really just that: over hyped and over-celebrated. But The Fifth Season is not that book. N.K. Jemisin deserves all the praise for this spectacular and emotional devasting piece of art she’s created, and let me tell you why. 

The book takes place at the end of the world. An earthquake has cracked the continent in half and volcanoes are pumping ash into the sky, threatening to coat the sky in eternal darkness for centuries, but all Essun cares about is finding her husband and killing him for kidnapping their daughter and murdering their three-year old son. It’s an emotionally charged first chapter, and yet the punches keep rolling. 

In the world of The Stillness, Jemisin’s world-building is superb, detailed, and immersive. The narrative is enriched by a deep history and a complex magic system known as Orogeny, which deals with the manipulation of thermal and kinetic energy (think earth bending and fire bending combined). But the people who wield this dreadful power are villainised and killed if they cannot be controlled by the Fulcrum, a mysterious organisation who are not above enslaving, murdering and torturing orogenes in order to control them. 

What sets The Fifth Season apart is Jemisin’s ability to weave complex themes of oppression, survival, and resilience into a narrative that is both epic and deeply personal. Essun’s journey is not just one of vengeance but also of self-discovery and understanding the true nature of her world and its prejudices. This book is an allegory on the harsh, historical and systemic racism our own world faces and it’s an incredibly important story to tell. 

Jemisin’s world-building is incredibly detailed, from the intricate histories and lore to the perceived inaccuracies that shape societies within The Stillness. The only fault in her writing is the overwhelming amount of terminology and historical events to wrap your head around (thankfully, there is a glossary and appendix at the back of the book). However, this complexity doesn't ease up, as more terms and events continue to accumulate. Additionally, while Jemisin creates a fully-fledged world with rich characters, each weighed down with unique voices and flaws, her descriptions are sparse and mostly factual. At times, it was challenging for me to grasp exactly what she was trying to convey in certain parts. This minimalistic approach to description left me yearning for more vivid imagery to fully visualize the story's settings and events. 

Regardless of minor drawbacks, The Fifth Season is a masterclass in storytelling, blending speculative fiction and fantasy with profound social commentary. This one is a heavy hitter, it’s dark and incredibly emotional. It’s a book that challenges you to think and feel deeply and I’m well settled in for the remainder of the trilogy. 4.5/5 stars. 

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