The Broken Earth Books in Order
N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy has emerged as a landmark in contemporary science fiction and fantasy, earning widespread acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. While this trilogy marked a significant turning point in Jemisin’s career, it was not her first literary endeavor. However, The Broken Earth propelled her into international recognition, establishing her as one of the most innovative voices in modern speculative fiction. Here’s how to read the Broken Earth books in order:
About N.K. Jemisin and the Broken Earth Series
N.K. Jemisin is an American author and the winner of multiple Hugo Awards, Nebula Awards, and Locus Awards. She is known for her contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genres, particularly her innovative storytelling and exploration of social and political themes in speculative fiction.
One of Jemisin’s most acclaimed works is the Broken Earth series. The series is set in a world plagued by frequent catastrophic events, known as “Fifth Seasons,” which are marked by seismic activities and environmental disasters. The society in this world has adapted to survive these cataclysms, and individuals with the ability to manipulate the earth’s energy, known as orogeny, are both feared and controlled. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, creating a complex and richly layered story.
“The Broken Earth” trilogy received widespread critical acclaim and made history when the third book, “The Stone Sky,” won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2018. N.K. Jemisin became the first author ever to win three consecutive Hugo Awards for Best Novel for each book in a trilogy. Her work has been praised for its originality, complex world-building, and its thought-provoking examination of social issues.
How many the Broken Earth books are there in the series?
The series consists of the triology; “The Fifth Season” (2015), “The Obelisk Gate” (2016) and “The Stone Sky” (2017). However, in addition to the trilogy mentioned, N.K. Jemisin has also written one short story which takes place in the same universe as the Broken Earth. This very short story called “Stone Hunger (2014)” was written before the trilogy was published, giving you the option to read it prior to the first book, “The Fifth Season,” if you prefer.
The Fifth Season
N.K. Jemisin
2015Set in a world prone to catastrophic geological events, it follows the stories of three women with unique abilities to manipulate seismic forces. The narrative explores themes of power, oppression, and survival in a society facing recurring apocalyptic disasters.
The Obelisk Gate
N.K. Jemisin
2016It continues the story of a world plagued by seismic instability and explores the challenges faced by characters with Earth-shaping abilities. The novel delves deeper into the mysteries of the obelisks and the origins of the destructive Fifth Seasons, while addressing themes of survival and identity.
The Stone Sky
N.K. Jemisin
2017It, as the final book of the series, concludes the epic tale of a fractured world grappling with geological catastrophes and the consequences of oppressive power. The story focuses on the resolution of longstanding conflicts and the fate of the characters as they confront the mysteries of their world. Themes of resilience, choice, and the interconnectedness of all things are central to the narrative.
