The Broken Kingdoms

N.K. Jemisin is fast becoming one of my favorite fantasy authors. Her books are rich, intense, and utterly unique. The Broken Kingdoms picks up the story after The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, but while the original cast make a few cameos, the bulk of the story is an entirely new set of characters. We follow Oree, a woman who is blind except where magic is concerned, and learn of her adventures in the land created by Yeine's ascension.

I think what I enjoy most about Jemisin's work is how she deals with relationships. She recognizes the complexity of caring for another being, both in a romantic and platonic sense. She isn't afraid to show relationships evolving, and even though she has a female and a male protagonist, the story never devolves into the trite “will they or won't they” storyline. In this sense, the book is even more intriguing than HTK.

I'm also a sucker for any story which takes the mystery out of faith. So much of religion in our world in based on “This is what I believe.” In Jemisin's world, Gods are a fact. There's one right there. It's how they interact and deal with the mortal world that makes it interesting. The stories are similar to Greek Myths in that, but their content is modern and fresh. I also like the way Jemisin subtly addresses issues of race and prejudice without ever feeling preachy, just honest. One of my favorite parts is when Lady Serymn first realizes Shiny is Itempas, and her first comment is "He's Maro." That's what you took from this, lady?.

The Inheritance Trilogy is so far right up there on my list of Fantasy favorites. I just ordered the third installment and can't wait to read it. If you like HTK, it definitely is worth continuing on to The Broken Kingdoms.