The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin
(Book #1 of the Inheritance trilogy)
Rating: 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
What can I say about this novel? I absolutely loved it. So often fantasy/urban fantasy tends to fall into one of two categories: the dry, cerebral epic metanarrative with its emphasis on world-building and detail, or the quick, emotionally character-driven story that lacks a lot of substance. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is one of the rare books that blends the best of both worlds, while avoiding most of the pitfalls.
I loved the world, filled with fascinatingly flawed and beautiful characters. I loved the descriptions of Sky, and of the political reality of imperialism for those both inside and outside the ruling power. I loved the racial diversity, and the strong female protagonist who manages to be heroic and weak and wonderfully human. I loved the secondary characters, human or god-archetype. I loved the narrative style, which made it feel like I was being told a story rather than just reading a book. I loved the sense that the events were a minor part of larger story - one that stretched back to the beginning of the universe and was still being lived out - but no less important for their minor status.
I could keep going, but I think you get the idea. In fact, I can't really think of anything I didn't like.
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