Review: The Fifth Season

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book immensely and immediately started listening to the second book in the trilogy. That never happens I almost always space out books in a series. I just can't wait to find out what happens to Essun and Alabaster.

The world building is very intricate and highly detailed. There is the underlying conflict between the orogenes (who have earth magic) and the stills (who do not). Part of that conflict lies in the way that orogenes are viewed and treated by those who do not understand their ways and who seek to either control or eliminate them. Then we have the mysteries of the stone eaters and the obelisks neither of which is really understood.

Without adding any spoilers it's almost impossible to discuss the overall narration. It is narrated from three different perspectives one of which is the second person point of view. While confusing at first it soon becomes clear that we are looking at three different timelines, and following three characters through those timelines until they reach a point of convergence when everything becomes clear. I was absolutely delighted when I figured out what was going on and do not want to spoil it so that's all I'm going to say about that.

This book deserves every award it was nominated for and those that it won. I don't give out five star reviews lightly.


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