The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

Jemisin is a 5 star author in my book. The Broken Earth Trilogy is one of the most daring, thought-provoking and well-written series I've come across. So I may have had high expectations for The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms.

So why only 2 stars?
The worldbuilding is...like a photo slightly out of focus. Not quite clear enough to feel at home in it. That's my only way to explain it.

But most importantly, I was greatly disappointed in the characterisation of Yeine. You are introduced to her, a chieftain of a clan of outcast barbarians, a strong warrior, and she is driven by her need to avenge her mother's death. But the Yeine we follow throughout the story is a young woman who lusts so hard for this dark and dangerous God of night it overrides the warrior in her. It felt mostly like she was just a pawn, and the story developed around her, not through her actions.

I don't know... Not my cup of tea. Sadly. I almost didn't finish it, and I can't recommend it unless you're extremely curious about Jemisin's debut novel.