This second book in the series is beautiful.

(To me) this story eloquently traverses growth through the lens of learning or the learner. However, learning—or the learner—was not linear; nor was growth. Book two was about agency and ownership while overlapping with—or possibly adjacent to—trauma and dialogue. I really appreciated this book. Off to book three. Favorite quote: “Denying what you are didn’t keep people from knowing what you are.”

I love the world and character development of this series. Essuns chapters were engaging and I loved learning about her new comm and discovering the magic within the earth. I also enjoyed Nassuns development even though it was so frustrating how she blamed every bad thing on her mother. I’m excited and nervous to read the final book as I know Essun and Nassun are going to be in conflict.

So delicious to fall into this story. Interesting characters. Fascinating author-methods. I need to learn to pace myself, staying up too late to devour the next page, and the next, and the next.

Excellent writing and story!

Wow!

N.K Jemisin has yet again shown us what horrors humanity is willing to commit to the aliens of society. ‘The Obelisk Gate’ shows xenophobia at its worst and the beings who were once enslaved and oppressed now free to do whatever they want. While some of the previously enslaved want to live peaceful lives, others want revenge for what was done to them