The Obelisk Gate – The Broken Earth Series Book #2

Author: N. K. Jemisin
Genre: Science Fiction
391 pages
Publisher: Hatchette Book Group, 2016

Synopsis
The Obelisk Gate is the second book in N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, continuing the story of a world plagued by catastrophic seismic events known as Fifth Seasons. The novel picks up where The Fifth Season left off, following the characters of Essun and her daughter Nassun, both powerful orogenes with the ability to manipulate thermal and kinetic energy. Essun is still reeling from the discovery that Alabaster, her former mentor and lover, is responsible for triggering the latest Fifth Season, which has plunged the world into darkness and chaos.

As Essun searches for Alabaster in the hope of learning how to harness her powers and save the world, Nassun is taken under the wing of Schaffa, a Guardian who teaches her to control her abilities. Nassun struggles with her conflicting emotions towards her mother and her growing understanding of the world around her.

Meanwhile, the narrative also follows the story of Hoa, a mysterious stone eater who reveals the true nature of the obelisks that float above the earth. Hoa guides Essun and Nassun towards the city of Castrima, where a community of orogenes and non-orogenes alike are preparing to weather the coming Fifth Season.

As Essun and Nassun’s paths draw closer together the characters must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of their world.

The Obelisk Gate is a masterful continuation of the Broken Earth trilogy, with its richly imagined world, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes.

My review
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin is a stunning continuation of the Broken Earth trilogy that further expands on the intricate and compelling world she has created. Jemisin’s storytelling is as masterful as ever, weaving together multiple narrative threads and complex characters to create a rich and immersive reading experience.

One of the aspects of the novel that I found most compelling was the deepening exploration of the themes introduced in the first book, particularly the nature of power and oppression. Jemisin delves even further into the complexities of the orogenes’ abilities and the ways in which society seeks to control and exploit them. The characters of Essun and Nassun are both deeply affected by these themes, and their struggles to navigate a world that seeks to silence and subjugate them are both heartbreaking and inspiring.

I also appreciated the way Jemisin continues to expand the mythology of the world, particularly through the character of Hoa and his revelations about the obelisks. The concept of the obelisks, ancient artifacts with mysterious powers, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, hinting at the deeper mysteries of the world.

The Obelisk Gate is truly a testament to Jemisin’s talent as a storyteller and her writing is lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader into a world that is complex and immersive. This is a book that challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of power, society, and the human condition, and it is one that will stay with me long after I have finished reading it.

I’m excited for the last installment of this remarkable series – The Stone Sky!

My recommendation: read it!