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A review by dellydoos
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Time grows short, my love. Let’s end with the beginning of the world, shall we? Yes. We shall.”
WAAAAH. I cried. I really did. What a stunning ending. What a fantastic way to end this trilogy. The Stone Sky is actually probably the best finale of a series that I think I’ve ever read.
In comparison to the earlier books, The Stone Sky shifts focus from plot to mostly character, and it does so brilliantly. Time seems to slow down, but I barely noticed because I was so deeply immersed in the characters' journeys. Jemisin masterfully balances this shift, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience. The character development in this book is nothing short of extraordinary; Essun omg how I love and feel for this woman.
Nassun’s arc is especially poignant. While she makes some bad decisions, they are entirely justified. She’s just an 11-year-old girl who has seen more horror than most adults. Her journey is heartbreaking and raw, and it’s impossible to hate her for her choices. You understand her pain and fear, and it makes her story all the more compelling. Jemisin portrays Nassun’s inner turmoil and resilience with such depth that I can’t help but empathise with her, even when her actions are destructive. Her struggle to find a place in a world that has shown her nothing but cruelty is a powerful narrative thread that drives the emotional core of the book.
And then there's Schaffa. I can't even hate him (well, maybe a little bit). His character is so complex, and Jemisin peels back his layers to reveal the depth of his motivations and regrets. He’s not just a villain; he’s a product of his world, and his development adds a rich dimension to the story. His internal struggle and the gradual revelation of his humanity make him one of the most intriguing characters in the series. Even if he potentially doesn’t deserve it.
Jemisin's message about creating a new world from the ruins of the old one is powerful. She drives home the point that we must acknowledge the crimes of the past to move forward. This theme resonates throughout the book and gives the story a profound sense of purpose and hope. Through magic and fantasy, Jemisin deftly explores the idea that true healing and progress can only come from facing and understanding our history, no matter how painful.
“Well, some worlds are built on a fault line of pain, held up by nightmares. Don’t lament when those worlds fall. Rage that they were built doomed in the first place.”
This series is dark. It’s sad and it’s heartbreaking. But it’s worth every moment. 5/5 stars.
WAAAAH. I cried. I really did. What a stunning ending. What a fantastic way to end this trilogy. The Stone Sky is actually probably the best finale of a series that I think I’ve ever read.
In comparison to the earlier books, The Stone Sky shifts focus from plot to mostly character, and it does so brilliantly. Time seems to slow down, but I barely noticed because I was so deeply immersed in the characters' journeys. Jemisin masterfully balances this shift, making it a deeply personal and emotional experience. The character development in this book is nothing short of extraordinary; Essun omg how I love and feel for this woman.
Nassun’s arc is especially poignant. While she makes some bad decisions, they are entirely justified. She’s just an 11-year-old girl who has seen more horror than most adults. Her journey is heartbreaking and raw, and it’s impossible to hate her for her choices. You understand her pain and fear, and it makes her story all the more compelling. Jemisin portrays Nassun’s inner turmoil and resilience with such depth that I can’t help but empathise with her, even when her actions are destructive. Her struggle to find a place in a world that has shown her nothing but cruelty is a powerful narrative thread that drives the emotional core of the book.
And then there's Schaffa. I can't even hate him (well, maybe a little bit). His character is so complex, and Jemisin peels back his layers to reveal the depth of his motivations and regrets. He’s not just a villain; he’s a product of his world, and his development adds a rich dimension to the story. His internal struggle and the gradual revelation of his humanity make him one of the most intriguing characters in the series. Even if he potentially doesn’t deserve it.
Jemisin's message about creating a new world from the ruins of the old one is powerful. She drives home the point that we must acknowledge the crimes of the past to move forward. This theme resonates throughout the book and gives the story a profound sense of purpose and hope. Through magic and fantasy, Jemisin deftly explores the idea that true healing and progress can only come from facing and understanding our history, no matter how painful.
“Well, some worlds are built on a fault line of pain, held up by nightmares. Don’t lament when those worlds fall. Rage that they were built doomed in the first place.”
This series is dark. It’s sad and it’s heartbreaking. But it’s worth every moment. 5/5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Xenophobia