"The Stone Sky"

 

Three Hugos in a row!
What are the odds?

 

"The Stone Sky" is the final installment in N. K. Jemisin's fantasy trilogy, preceded by "The Fifth Season" and "The Obelisk Gate" (also featured on this blog).¹ I originally discovered the series on a list of recommended dystopian novels, and the first two books are fascinating examples of worldbuilding. The story takes place during an eponymous fifth season, or climate apocalypse, and the characters struggle to survive while their dystopian society denigrates into a collection of warring city-states. In this final volume, the society's origins are revealed, and the main characters must choose which ancient wrongs to right and which to let stand.

Brief thematic discussion below.

The trilogy explores the idea of oppression in various contexts with different characters in different times. I found this book's take particularly compelling. We see glimpses of the previous civilization, before fifth seasons began, from a first-person narrative viewpoint. We learn alongside the narrator that his city is built on a dark secret, and this truth frays the fabric of society even for those who remain ignorant.

The book also raised several other interesting questions. What makes a society worth saving? Also, if people exploit the earth's resources, does that make the earth a victim? Does it have a right to restitution?

Verdict: "The Stone Sky" is a strong conclusion to the trilogy, closing each character arc in a satisfying way. I liked it best of the three. Recommended if you enjoyed the previous books.

1 Previously reviewed here: "The Fifth Season" and "The Obelisk Gate" (back)