Firstly, let’s just get this out the way: this book is nothing short of absolutely phenomenal. Period. You can fight me on that. Jemisin’s storytelling is frickin ingenious, and if I could have a tenth of the talent she displays in this book alone, I’m sure I’d be a bestselling author. I was continuously amazed by her writing, which shouldn’t be too surprising considering I loved THE CITY WE BECAME, but still. Jemisin carefully lays down clues throughout the book that slowly piece together the world and plot but without any humdrum or pedantic language.

The magic system is so wholly original, and Jemisin takes the time to fully engage her readers with her world-building so that we understand exactly what we’re dealing with. Somehow, she finds a bajillion inventive ways to keep redescrbiing the world, the atmosphere, and the magic system so that, by the end of the book, you fully grasp and understand the world you have been submersed in. There’s definitely lots of social commentary about eco-activism, hate and discrimination, and motherhood that I found engaging and perfectly woven into the story. I pulled the second book from my shelf in anticipation to read and wasn’t even done with the first book, and I absorbed the second novel in two days 😭 This series is incredible — definitely recommend!