Book Review: N. K. Jemisin - The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth Trilogy, Book 1)

N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season, published in 2015, is a groundbreaking work of speculative fiction that masterfully blends elements of science fiction and fantasy. As the first installment in the Broken Earth Trilogy, this novel sets the stage for a unique and captivating narrative that explores a world on the brink of destruction, where both the planet and its inhabitants are deeply affected by cataclysmic events.

Book Review: N. K. Jemisin - The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth Trilogy)

The book’s accolades speak for themselves: The Fifth Season won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novel, making Jemisin the first African American author to win the award. Impressively, each subsequent book in the trilogy also won the Hugo Award, establishing Jemisin as a monumental figure in contemporary speculative fiction.

Read more: Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (Empyrean Series Book 1)

A World of Constant Upheaval

Set in the land of the Stillness, a single supercontinent constantly ravaged by seismic disasters known as “Fifth Seasons,” the novel introduces readers to a society where survival hinges on the ability to endure and adapt to these recurring apocalypses. At the heart of this world are the Orogenes—people with the ability to control seismic energy. However, rather than being revered, Orogenes are feared and oppressed, their powers seen as both a curse and a potential weapon.

The story unfolds through three interwoven narratives, each centered on a different female character: Essun, a mother seeking revenge after her husband murders their child upon discovering the child’s orogenic abilities; Damaya, a young girl whose powers have just emerged, leading to her imprisonment by her family; and Syenite, a skilled Orogene on a mission that will reveal much about the world's ancient and hidden truths.

Science Fiction Meets Fantasy

Jemisin’s The Fifth Season is a rare gem that successfully merges the scientific with the fantastical. The Orogenes’ abilities, while mystical, are grounded in the scientific concept of tectonics, giving the story a unique edge that blurs the lines between genres. This fusion is further emphasized by the existence of advanced technologies and enigmatic relics from a forgotten past, such as the mysterious “obelisks” that play a crucial role in the narrative.

A Unique Narrative Voice

One of the most striking aspects of The Fifth Season is Jemisin’s narrative style. The novel alternates between second-person and third-person perspectives, a choice that not only sets it apart from other works but also creates an intimate connection between the reader and the protagonist, Essun. This unusual approach might take some getting used to, but it ultimately enriches the reading experience, drawing readers deeper into the story.

More: The Best Book Series of All Time: From Asimov to Jemisin, and Beyond

Conclusion

N. K. Jemisin’s The Fifth Season is a must-read for fans of both science fiction and fantasy. Its richly imagined world, complex characters, and innovative narrative structure make it a standout in the genre. As the first book in the Broken Earth Trilogy, it sets the stage for an epic saga that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Whether you’re new to Jemisin’s work or a longtime fan, The Fifth Season is a novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Title: The Fifth Season

Author: N. K. Jemisin

Series: The Broken Earth Trilogy, Book 1

First Published: 2015, Orbit Books

Pages: 512