Step into the breathtaking world of the Broken Earth series, where the ground shakes with secrets and every choice could reshape a shattered world! Penned by N.K. Jemisin, this science fiction and fantasy trilogy blends heart-pounding adventure with deep reflections on power, survival, and identity. It’s a journey you won’t forget, filled with characters who feel like friends and a world that’s as alive as it is dangerous.
With each book in the trilogy snagging the Hugo Award for Best Novel, Broken Earth isn’t just a story—it’s a cultural milestone. Whether you’re a fantasy fan or new to the genre, this series invites you to explore a planet on the brink and the people fighting to save it.
How Broken Earth Began
N.K. Jemisin, a trailblazing voice in speculative fiction, crafted the Broken Earth series inspired by dreams of a woman wielding earth-shaking power and real-world issues like systemic oppression and environmental collapse. Starting with The Fifth Season in 2015, Jemisin wove a narrative that challenges fantasy norms, blending science, magic, and raw human emotion. Her vision was to create a world where geology itself is a character, unpredictable and alive.
The Heart of Broken Earth
The trilogy kicks off with The Fifth Season, where Essun, a mother hiding her earth-manipulating powers, faces a world torn by cataclysmic ‘Seasons.’ As she searches for her daughter, secrets unravel about the Stillness, a continent plagued by quakes. The Obelisk Gate deepens the stakes, introducing floating obelisks and a looming apocalypse, while The Stone Sky delivers a heart-wrenching finale, tying together Essun’s journey and the planet’s fate.
Jemisin’s themes—oppression, resilience, and environmental justice—shine through a unique second-person narrative that pulls you into Essun’s mind. The Stillness, with its fractured landscapes and rigid caste systems, mirrors our world’s struggles, making every page resonate. The series’ blend of magic (orogeny) and science (geomancy) creates a setting that’s both fantastical and hauntingly plausible.
Why Broken Earth Resonates
Broken Earth redefined fantasy by centering marginalized voices and tackling issues like systemic inequality and climate change. Its Hugo sweep—three consecutive wins from 2016 to 2018—cemented Jemisin as a genre titan. Fans adore its rich world-building and emotional depth, while critics praise its bold narrative choices. The series’ legacy lies in its ability to challenge readers to rethink power and survival, inspiring new voices in speculative fiction.
- About Broken Earth
- Number of books: 3
- Publication years: 2015–2017
- Awards: Hugo Award for Best Novel (2016, 2017, 2018)
- Author: N.K. Jemisin
Ready to feel the earth move? Grab The Fifth Season and dive into the Broken Earth’s epic, heart-stirring world!