The Stone Sky

Unlike most other readers, I was intrigued by [b:The Fifth Season 19161852 The Fifth Season (The Broken Earth, #1) N.K. Jemisin https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386803701l/19161852.SY75.jpg 26115977] but not blown away. However, the last two books accomplished what the first book failed to do. The Stone Sky in particular, is such a wonderful examination of generational trauma and conflicted motherhood. During that final showdown, I couldn't help but cry. Jemisin wrote Essun and Nassun's grief and other conflicting emotions so well, that like Hoa, I couldn't help but feel for both of them in those final moments .I've seen other reviewers complain about Essun's character and I just don't get where they are coming from. Essun's resilience strength and kindness, in spite of all she has gone through is nothing short of awe-inspiring. By the end, Jemisin reminds us again (as she has done throughout the series) of the importance of community and a strong support system.The history and lore of the Stillness are fascinating and I will definitely be rereading this to catch all the details and nuances I missed this time around.My fantasy reads this year have been so much better than my romance reads. Almost every fantasy series I have touched this year has been gold but most of the romance I read fell flat. I may have to skew towards more fantasy next year as it seems like that is what I am craving ( or maybe romance authors just had an off year