The Fifth Season

by NK Jemisin, N.K. Jemisin, N. K. Jemisin
The Fifth Season cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 660
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780316229302
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-08-04
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 4

The Fifth Season introduces readers to a world where catastrophic events are a way of life, and the power to control the earth is both a gift and a curse. The story is set in the Stillness, a continent plagued by frequent environmental disasters, where the orogenes, individuals with the ability to manipulate the earth, are both revered and feared. The narrative follows Essun, a woman who must conceal her own orogene abilities while searching for her daughter, who has been taken by her husband. The novel explores themes of oppression, revolution, and the personal cost of power, all while building a richly detailed world that has captivated readers and critics alike. The book is the first in a critically acclaimed trilogy that has won multiple Hugo Awards, showcasing N. K. Jemisin's mastery of world-building and complex storytelling.

Reviews
Shelf Promotion · 2024-08-23
extraordinary 4.50

The Fifth Season is an extraordinary novel that pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction.

This reviewer describes The Fifth Season as an extraordinary novel that pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction. They praise Jemisin's world-building and storytelling, noting that the book is both epic in scope and deeply personal. The reviewer also highlights the book's themes of power, oppression, and resistance, which they believe make it a relevant and important read.

Quick quotes

    The Fifth Season is an extraordinary novel that pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction.

    NK Jemisin has created a world and story that are both epic in scope and deeply personal.

    The themes of power, oppression, and resistance are particularly relevant and important.

Words About Books · Ben · 2023-09-03
Must-read 4.00

The book is highly recommended for sci-fi/fantasy fans, despite its heavy themes. The reviewer finds it a must-read but notes it can be challenging.

Ben strongly recommends 'The Fifth Season' to sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts, calling it a must-read. They acknowledge that the book delves into some heavy and challenging themes, but they believe it's worth the effort. Ben appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    I really think this is a must read for sci-fi/fantasy fans

    It does get into some really heavy themes

    This is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished it.

DeeDi Reads · 2020-05-30
masterful 4.50

The reviewer finds the novel both entertaining and masterful, emphasizing its unflinching racial allegory. They believe it is a must-read for its depth and impact.

The reviewer at DeeDi Reads describes The Fifth Season as not just entertaining but masterful. They particularly appreciate the unflinching racial allegory and the way it adds layers of depth to the story. The reviewer believes that the novel is a must-read for its impactful themes and the way it pushes the boundaries of speculative fiction. They highlight the richness of the world-building and the emotional resonance of the characters' journeys.

Quick quotes

    The Fifth Season is not just entertaining, it's masterful.

    Between that and the unflinching racial allegory, it is not to be missed.

    The Fifth Season isn't a straightforward book any more than it's an upbeat one, but it's stronger for that.

CSFF Anglia · Victoria Hoyle · 2017-03-09
captivating 4.00

The book's unique narrative perspective and rich storytelling make it a standout in the genre. The characters are well-developed and their journeys are captivating.

Victoria Hoyle highlights the unique narrative perspective of the book, particularly the use of second person, which initially feels unusual but ultimately enhances the reading experience. The storytelling is rich and immersive, with a world that feels both strange and harrowing. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are captivating, drawing readers in and making them invested in the outcomes. The book's themes and narrative techniques make it a standout in the genre, worthy of its critical acclaim.

Quick quotes

    N. K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season casts a long shadow on the Clarke submissions list.

    Having won the Hugo Award for Best Novel last year, it is a testament to Jemisin's skill.

    The characters are well-developed and their journeys are captivating.

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