Review: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

In one way, it's a lot easier to review books that I liked but didn't love all that much, because somehow then I'm actually able to step back and analyze the reasons why I liked a book, rather than just being blinded by my love. The Fifth Season turned out to be the kind of book where I don't really know how to put into words why I ended up liking it so much. I mean, other than I think that N.K. Jemisin is a genius.

The Fifth Season is the first book in an adult fantasy trilogy, and follows the lives of three different characters at different stages of life as they deal with the Seasons that Father Earth brings upon them, which are basically different kinds of apocalyptic weather events. Part of this intricately detailed world that N.K. Jemisin creates are people called orogenes, who are people that can control the earth itself. But they are also people who are feared and used for their skill set.

It's always a bit much to try to get into a new fantasy series for me, so at the beginning I was kind of hesitant and overwhelmed by all the new concepts and such being thrown at me. But what's that dumb phrase from The Fault in Our Stars? I fell in love slowly and then all at once? I found myself saying at the beginning that I might not get into this book and then eventually not being able to put it down. N.K. Jemisin has such a smooth writing style you barely notice you're being carried along.

I'm not going to spoil anything, but N.K. Jemisin also perfectly writes reveals - she drops just enough hints for you to figure something out, but just few enough you don't figure out anything too soon. It heightens the intrigue and suspense right to the mind-blowing climax at the end that just makes you want to keep reading.

While The Fifth Season is intense and suspenseful and intriguing like all good fantasy is, it's also rich in character and dives deep into human emotions. It reminds me of Billy Ray Belcourt's essay on the "poetry of sadness". The sorrow that comes through on the page is cathartic and beautiful to read. You know you've found a good book when it makes your heart squeeze with emotion, and beat rapidly in anticipation.

I hope I've managed to be at least somewhat articulate about The Fifth Season and N.K. Jemisin's work. If you aren't on her train already thanks to her three Hugo Award wins, you should get on it right now and pick up some of her work. (Also if you've read the rest of the trilogy say nothing because I'm not done them yet!!)

The Fifth Season on Amazon.ca
The Fifth Season on Amazon.com
The Fifth Season on Goodreads

Alyssa Recommends Fantasy

Fantasy is probably one of my favourite genres (and my second most read genre in 2014), although that's mostly because I'm just interested in reading good books, and for some reason a lot of fantasy books end up falling into the category of good books. Maybe it has something to do with how in order to write a good fantasy, writers really have to go all out to create in-depth worlds and characters, I don't know. Anyway! Here are some of my favourite fantasies. 

1. The Queen's Thief Series by Megan Whalen Turner

I can't really say anything about this series because any spoilers would just tarnish the entire brilliance of the books. I can say however that MWT is a genius, and she creates awesome characters and awesome story. You never know what's going to happen, and she is the queen of twists. I also really appreciate how clean and to the point her writing is. Everything she includes is there for a reason. I've read the four books about three times now, and King of Attolia (third book) about five or six times, and I discover new things each time I read them. And if you really need more convincing, R.J. Anderson wrote a lovely non-spoiler-y review of the series here.  
  2. The Lumatere Chronicles by Melina Marchetta

Come on, all my lists of my favourite books have to include my favourite author. I have to admit I put off reading the first book in this series, Finnikin of the Rock, for a long time considering MM wrote my favourite book of all time, Jellicoe Road. I just had trouble getting through the first few pages, but once I did get through that confusion, I read and fell in love with the heartbreaking story and characters that Melina Marchetta had once again created. MM is amazing at characters, and that is what I read for - characters. Froi of the Exiles was just as heartbreaking (although sometimes confusing), but Quintana of Charyn, the final book in the series, wrapped it up perfectly staying true to the characters, story, world while at the same time providing a message of hope. Belle at Belle's Bookshelf wrote a wonderful post that explains ten reasons why you should read this series.

3. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

This was one of the best fantasies I've read in a long time! The concept of dragons in human form cavorting around with humans and the political and racial (species?) tensions between them was so interesting and different. The writing was clean and crisp, just like Megan Whalen Turner's, and the characters were perfectly well rounded and I loved the development of the relationships between them. I'm super excited for the second book, Shadowscale, which comes out in March 2015! (Also my copy of Seraphina has a shiny cover which is super fun).

4. Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

The thing I liked about this fantasy was that it was not in a European setting, which was refreshing for a fantasy. Eliza's character was also really well-written and interesting. There was also an aspect on religion, which is not always present in YA. 

5. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

I saw the first book in this series, Shadow and Bone, EVERYWHERE before I started reading it - and thankfully this was one of the few times where the book actually lived up to the hype! It was a very different fantasy, very dark and the setting was Russian-inspired. My mom and brother also read the series. I think the third book is the best, which is good because that is how it is supposed to be in a trilogy (*cough*allegiant*cough*).

6. The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Another book that lived up to the hype! I was excited to finally get my hands on it, and I was even more excited that I liked it. An interesting story and good characters, what more could you ask for?

7. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Genius, a classic, and hilarious. 

There you go! Some great fantasies. Read them and get lost in their awesome worlds and characters. :)  
  
What are your recommendations for good fantasy books?