One of my favourites of the collection a lovely domestic tale centIncredible highs from a fierce imagination
Some stand out stories here:
+L'Alchimista
One of my favourites of the collection a lovely domestic tale centered on the power and magic of cooking.
+The Effluent Engine
This one took me by surprise, I even think this should be expanded out into a full length novel. Jemisin is very versatile; the story presented some amazing ideas that subvert the history of Haiti following the Haitian revolution and the commodities of the slave trade. A detective story featuring strong black female leads and black queer representation, set on the backdrop of Gatsby era New Orleans. This story is a powerful example of what smart and creative writers can do with black history and we definitely need to see more of it.
+Red dirt witch
I really enjoyed this Southern American take on the machinations of capricious Fairy folk vs an African American "Root" woman and her family. Jemisins poetic use of African American Vernacular English lifts the story giving it an authentic literary sensibility. I would definitely love to see more diaspora stories that incorporate vernacular/creoles/pidgin/patois.
+The One's Who Stay & fight
+The Trojan Girl
This story stood out in regards to Jemisin versatility. The short story collection features all kinds of stories including hard science fiction like this one.
+The City Born Great
Some interesting ideas but I wasn't completely captivated by the story. I think I should reread the short story before embarking on its sequel "The City We Became".
+The Narcomancer
I was actually disappointed by this one. On paper it has so many ideas that resonate with me but the execution fails. Jemisin drops you in the middle of the story with all of these world building elements and concepts that just lead to confusion. With all the talk of dream blood and jungissa stones, the interesting ideas weren't enough to keep the story coherent, in fact they overpower the story. This is definitely an example of interesting world building over story and this is definitely where it fails.
All in all a lively and thought provoking short story collection coming from a strong Black feminist predilection. N. K. Jemisin is as versatile as an author can be and we definitely need to see more from her....more
Second book in N.K Jemisins Broken Earth series. I read this book faster than I did the first, the story has definitely developed and expanded. ExpectSecond book in N.K Jemisins Broken Earth series. I read this book faster than I did the first, the story has definitely developed and expanded. Expect more from the imaginative world of the stillness and some big reveals. I don't think this book matches the spectacular introduction of the first book, but it is excellent none the less. I can't wait for the next installment....more
**spoiler alert** What can I say about this opening to what is set to be an amazing saga? I was utterly captivated from the first page, burning throug**spoiler alert** What can I say about this opening to what is set to be an amazing saga? I was utterly captivated from the first page, burning through chapters 50 pages at a time. It really is one of those books that you can't put down. The premise is so well constructed the world & its rules are so confidently wrought, within the pages it all seems to make sense. Strange when so much is a mystery, Jemisin doesn't hold your hand, the Broken Earth expands as the story unfolds. The book jumps between different times in history from chapter to chapter building the story of our protagonists. This time jumping is another masterstroke, elegantly done to add to the mystery that in itself is a mystery that slowly unfolds.
We learn that in each time period of which there are 3 we are seeing the events of the life of our protagonist Damaya/Syenite/Essun. We slowly learn that all three perspectives are of our protagonist, subtle, unexpected & incredibly effective.
To say any more would be saying too much. Go out and get the book to appreciate it.
The Fifth Season truly lives up to the hype, it deserves the accolades it has received. It is a statement about the arrival of young talent in N.K Jemisin & a testament to her ability as a storyteller. I give this 5 out of 5 you won't be disappointed....more
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