The writing is impeccable, the characters are well-developed, the metaphors are subtle, nuanced, thought provoking - just take the word orogeny that Jemisin seems to have coined (it's actually an obscure geologic term), which sounds exactly like erogeny, which suggests origins or aboriginals, which seems like it could be an etymological construct that means golden people, all relevant to the themes she tackles. Jemisin builds her world through the process of developing character, slowly and patiently, in a manner strongly reminiscent of similar stories of environmental disaster by Hugh Howey (Wool, Sand) and Paolo Bacigalupi (Windup Girl, Ship Breaker), as well as John Scalzi's Human Division (minus the action sequences).

The third follows an aging orogene trying to track down her husband after he kills their son and kidnaps their daughter. Another follows a young woman at the height of her powers as she is sent on a mission. One thread follows a girl with orogenic power as she is taken from her village to the big city to learn how to control her skill. Jemisin's vision of Earth that allows control of seismic, volcanic, and other geologic events, and the social and political structures built around this critical skill in a world wracked by earthquakes, eruptions, and tsunamis. Three threads tell the intertwined story of Orogeny, a form of magic in N.K. Non-traditionally sexy - so if you are one of the 'traditional family values' crowd, this is probably not for you. I suspect more will be revealed in subsequent books. Lots of hints, but nothing specific enough to use as evidence. It could as easily be before now or anytime in the future. A breath of fresh air after a long run of Tolkien wannabe tales. This is the first book I've read in quite a while that has not been derivative of someone else's foundation story. No elves, wizards, or other standard fantasy elements. Not traditional magic or traditional magicians. It sound depressing, but it isn't, not at all.

I will be very happy to recommend this one to everyone who likes speculative fiction and very interested to read the next episodes! The description is a bit deceptive. Robin Miles is one of those great narrators who becomes the book so that you don't notice her at all because she is the characters, she is the story. Very well performed and beautifully - poetically - written. It wanders far and then comes back to tie up loose ends.

The fifth season book