Originally posted to I Should Read That

This is a spoiler-free review.

The Fifth Season is one of those books that I'd had sitting on my shelf for years, just waiting for me to decide it was the right time to read it. I knew I would love this book, so why didn’t I pick it up sooner? I have no idea. Fortunately, a friend recently convinced me to pull it off the shelf, and I’m so happy she did. For me, The Fifth Season more than lived up to the incredible hype and prestige it has gained over the years.

Honestly, there’s just not much I can say about The Fifth Season that hasn’t already been said. I also truly believe that this is a book to go into knowing as little as possible, so today I am going to be brief. With the exception that it's a dark book, I didn't really know what to expect when I turned to the first page, and I really think that helped elevate my enjoyment.

This book is a little slow to start -- it’s definitely a slow burn plot -- however, it was so beautifully written that I found myself sinking in anyway. It took me awhile to get into the rhythm of the writing, but once I got there I found that everything people had told me was true -- the world building was magnificent and intricate, the characters were fantastic and complex, and it had a hard-hitting and powerful narrative. The last 100 pages are like getting punch in the face repeatedly and it was just fantastic -- you know I love it when books do this. I cannot wait to read The Obelisk Gate and feel all these emotions over again.

If you’re like me and were waiting for the perfect time to read this book, take my advice and stop waiting. A stunning, unique, and powerful book, The Fifth Season will not be suited to every reader but it has more than earned the praise it has received since publication.

CW: lots of child death, seriously.

4.5 out of 5 stars