Breathtaking.

I was gripped. Quite literally held at the edge of my seat. In awe. It’s dark, seductive, unexpected and harrowing. You have definitely entered adult fantasy territory.

I’ve been meaning to read some N. K. Jemisin for a while, but put it off for various unimportant reasons. In retrospect, it’s better that I did this and familiarised myself with more fantasy fiction beforehand… This book wasn’t an easy read. Jemisin makes you work to be a part of her intricately original world. She masterfully plays with perspective, character, and time to create an immersive heartbreaking world that pieces you together just as much as it pulls you apart.

The Fifth Season tells the story of a world that is routinely ruptured by cataclysmic events. Within this world, a woman named Essun (you) must travel the apocalyptic world in search of your daughter who has been kidnapped by your husband.

Pros: The magic system is embedded in the nature of the world. The lore is vast and unreliable. Character development is major.

Cons (?): At times a challenging read which requires a lot of detailed visualisation. This is where the originality lies though. There are some things you just won’t understand, it’s better to make peace with that