Although N K Jemisin may not be a household name yet, her contributions to the fantasy genre are noteworthy, especially with her recent Hugo Award-winning novel, The Fifth Season. For those who enjoy immersive stories akin to Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings, this book presents a unique, intense experience that demands to be explored.
The narrative unfolds in an alternate version of Earth, where specific individuals, known as orogenes, hold the extraordinary ability to control tectonic movements and manipulate the earth itself. This ability, akin to the earthbending featured in Avatar: The Last Airbender, occurs in a society deeply fearful of orogenes. The dire consequences of such powers can lead to extreme actions, including the execution of children who show signs of these dangerous abilities. Those fortunate enough to be spared may find themselves incarcerated until a custodian, the effective enforcers of societal order, arrives to subdue them.
This power dynamic intensifies the overarching themes of injustice and oppression present from the outset of The Fifth Season, the inaugural installment in the Broken Earth trilogy. The story compels readers to question the reasons behind society’s fear of orogenes and their suppression, revealing startling truths that challenge initial assumptions.
Jemisin’s narrative approach is particularly striking, beginning with a second-person point of view that might take some readers a while to embrace. Rather than using the conventional third-person “she” or first-person “I” to describe the protagonist, Essun, Jemisin opts for “you,” which creates a unique and engaging reading experience.
The story kicks off with a shocking murder, coupled with the second-person perspective that draws readers deeper into the narrative from the very first pages. The setting features a single, massive landmass that abruptly transforms as the plot develops, leading to catastrophic volcanic eruptions and a new epoch known as the fifth season, characterized by disastrous extinction events.
This cyclical devastation has occurred many times before in the novel’s world, with each surviving generation documenting aspects of survival in a form known as stonelore. When the fifth season commences, the societal laws undergo significant changes, escalating the tension throughout the storyline.
Jemisin’s writing style is commendable for its brisk pacing, avoiding extensive exposition. The rapid shifts in societal norms, the transformation of domestic animals into wild beasts, and the overarching sense of impending collapse unfold naturally as the narrative progresses. This style resonates with elements found in works like The Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson, in which questions are answered in due course, providing a satisfying reading experience.
While delving into the novel, readers will encounter various terms, including orogenes and sessing, which are typical for the fantasy genre’s lexicon. However, these unique phrases enhance rather than detract from the narrative, as they are introduced organically through character interactions and narration.
The characters within The Fifth Season are multi-faceted and relatable. Essun, for example, embodies grief without succumbing to it entirely. Her determination to persevere and aid others shines through her struggles, presenting a compelling portrayal of resilience. Alabaster, another key figure, subverts the typical archetype of archetypal male heroes; despite his immense power, he grapples with a complex past that adds depth to his character.
One of the standout aspects of The Fifth Season is its departure from conventional young-adult fantasy. In a genre increasingly oriented towards teenage audiences, Jemisin’s narrative focuses on a more mature exploration of themes without falling into the clichés of superficial character aesthetics or trivial concerns. The story advances briskly with unexpected twists and culminates in a notably abrupt conclusion that will leave readers eager for the follow-up book, The Obelisk Gate.
The Fifth Season by N K Jemisin is available for purchase on Amazon India for approximately Rs. 675, on Flipkart for around Rs. 900, and at various other bookstores.
