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A review by littlefreeinterrobang
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
5.0
A fascinating fantasy world that’s unique from the ground up; the magic system is specific, well-defined, and drives much of the story’s world-building, which is refreshing when it’s often easier to smear generic magic across a story more for vibes and the sake of the genre than for any truly thoughtful consideration for how it contributes to the mythos. There are no medieval societal constructions here, but rather a social order emergent from repeated, globally catastrophic geological events and the mysterious magic that harnesses that same power.
For how much I enjoyed this book, I regret having let it sit in my TBR pile for so long. I knew it was supposed to be good, but something about the lackluster cover art and nebulous blurb made me feel actively disinterested — “It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter” led me to assume some sort of revenge / find-the-daughter journey, which just didn’t grab me at all. However, it spends little direct focus on that plot point, and is in reality so much more interesting and expansive. As a cherry on top, this is a three-way, multi-perspective type format that ties the storylines together in a satisfying and rather clever way that I didn’t anticipate (maybe I should have? But what’s the fun in that – I love it when books make me say “Oh shit” out loud).
I did start a different book before picking up the next installments of this series, but I find myself wanting to set it aside so I can get back to this narrative instead. Excellent, enthralling fantasy storytelling.
For how much I enjoyed this book, I regret having let it sit in my TBR pile for so long. I knew it was supposed to be good, but something about the lackluster cover art and nebulous blurb made me feel actively disinterested — “It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter” led me to assume some sort of revenge / find-the-daughter journey, which just didn’t grab me at all. However, it spends little direct focus on that plot point, and is in reality so much more interesting and expansive. As a cherry on top, this is a three-way, multi-perspective type format that ties the storylines together in a satisfying and rather clever way that I didn’t anticipate (maybe I should have? But what’s the fun in that – I love it when books make me say “Oh shit” out loud).
I did start a different book before picking up the next installments of this series, but I find myself wanting to set it aside so I can get back to this narrative instead. Excellent, enthralling fantasy storytelling.