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A review by cinnamonmarti
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
4.75
This second installation of the Broken Earth saga is more static, which is not to say boring. On the contrary, the author really widens the scope of the narrative as we delve into the origins of the Stillness, the factions who are at war and the first consequences of this new Season.
I keep thinking that these books could easily be the subject matter of a university course because there's so much to unpack and discuss here! I'm really obsessed with the astounding level of care and afterthought Jemisin infuses in her worldbuilding and plotting. One could say there is not enough space for in-depth characterisation in the midst of all the horrors and trials the characters face, but she manages to make it work. I really felt for all the main characters: Essun, Alabaster and Nassun in particular. Schaffa is still a big question mark for me but I love Hoa, I'm eager to learn more about his origins.
The only small note I'd make is that I really wish some scenes and pivotal moments were given more time to breathe, but I understand it wouldn't fit the narrative tone. There was a character death in particular that I'm still hurting over :(
I can't tell you how happy I am to have found this trilogy. It's already up there in my pantheon of books which have changed me (& my standards) as a reader!
I keep thinking that these books could easily be the subject matter of a university course because there's so much to unpack and discuss here! I'm really obsessed with the astounding level of care and afterthought Jemisin infuses in her worldbuilding and plotting. One could say there is not enough space for in-depth characterisation in the midst of all the horrors and trials the characters face, but she manages to make it work. I really felt for all the main characters: Essun, Alabaster and Nassun in particular. Schaffa is still a big question mark for me but I love Hoa, I'm eager to learn more about his origins.
The only small note I'd make is that I really wish some scenes and pivotal moments were given more time to breathe, but I understand it wouldn't fit the narrative tone. There was a character death in particular that I'm still hurting over :(
I can't tell you how happy I am to have found this trilogy. It's already up there in my pantheon of books which have changed me (& my standards) as a reader!