The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

There is a wonderful dreamlike quality to Jemisin's prose which really comes through in this tale of mad gods and the corruption of power. Here we are introduced to an empire in the height of its power - a world of peace and prosperity maintained through the emperor's enslavement of the gods. The mythology created here is one of the greatest strengths. The gods are both relatable and ineffable at the same time. The main character is a minor offshoot from the ruling family, summoned to court and named one of the potential heirs. We follow her trying to navigate the politics both of the ruling class and the enslaved gods.

Jemisin has a remarkable ability to build innovative worlds which create new and interesting motivations for the characters. The cultural references are very different from the standard European medieval ones as well - Jemisin's own heritage helps to inform the world she builds. This is innovative, creative fantasy, dreamlike in its execution with a beautiful prose and fascinating world and mythology