The Fifth Season – The Broken Earth Series Book #1

Author: N. K. Jemisin
Genre: Science Fiction
449 pages
Publisher: Hatchette Book Group, 2015

Synopsis
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin is the first book in the Broken Earth trilogy, set in a world plagued by frequent catastrophic seismic events known as Fifth Seasons. These Seasons are natural disasters that can last for years, causing widespread destruction and death. In this unstable world, certain individuals known as orogenes have the ability to manipulate thermal and kinetic energy, allowing them to quell or trigger earthquakes.

The novel follows three narrative threads. The first centers on Essun, a middle-aged woman living in a small village who discovers that her husband has murdered their young son and fled with their daughter after discovering that both children are orogenes. Essun sets out on a quest to find her daughter and seek revenge on her husband.

The second narrative thread follows Damaya, a young girl who is taken from her family by a Guardian to be trained as an orogene in the Fulcrum, a school where orogenes are taught to control their powers. Damaya struggles to fit in at the Fulcrum and navigate the complex politics of the institution.

The third narrative thread follows Syenite, a young orogene assigned to accompany an older, more experienced orogene named Alabaster on a mission to clear a harbor of coral obstructing trade routes. As they work together, Syenite learns more about the true nature of orogeny and the history of their world.

As the story unfolds, the three narratives converge, revealing the deep-rooted secrets of the Broken Earth and the true power of the orogenes. N. K. Jemisin created a richly imagined world, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, and The Fifth Season is a compelling and unforgettable read.

My review
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin is a stunning and groundbreaking work of speculative fiction that left me utterly enthralled. Jemisin’s world-building is nothing short of masterful, creating a rich and immersive setting that feels both familiar and completely original. The concept of the Fifth Seasons, with their devastating seismic events, is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, serving as a powerful backdrop for the story.

One of the aspects of the novel that I found most compelling was the exploration of power and oppression through the lens of the orogenes. Jemisin deftly examines the ways in which society seeks to control and exploit those with power, and the impact that this has on individuals and communities. The characters of Essun, Damaya, and Syenite are all deeply complex and compelling, each grappling with their own struggles and traumas in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving.

I also appreciated the way Jemisin incorporates themes of survival, resilience, and the power of community into the narrative. Despite the bleakness of the world she has created, there is a sense of hope and perseverance that shines through, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit.

The Fifth Season is not an easy read, but it is a deeply rewarding one. Jemisin’s writing is powerful and evocative, drawing the reader into a world that is at once fantastical and all too real. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. I completely understand why The Fifth Season was awarded the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2016.

I’m ready to dive into the second installment of this remarkable series – The Obelisk Gate!

My recommendation: read it! A completely engrossing story in an unforgettable world.