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  • The Fifth Season

  • The Broken Earth, Book 1
  • Written by: N. K. Jemisin
  • Narrated by: Robin Miles
  • Length: 15 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (959 ratings)

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The Fifth Season cover art

The Fifth Season

Written by: N. K. Jemisin
Narrated by: Robin Miles
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Publisher's Summary

This is the way the world ends. For the last time.

A season of endings has begun.

It starts with the great, red rift across the heart of the world's sole continent, spewing ash that blots out the sun.

It starts with death, with a murdered son and a missing daughter.

It starts with betrayal,and long dormant wounds rising up to fester.

This is the Stillness, a land long familiar with catastrophe, where the power of the Earth is wielded as a weapon. And where there is no mercy.

A new fantasy trilogy by Hugo, Nebula & World Fantasy Award-nominated author N. K. Jemisin.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 N.K. Jemisin (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Featured Article: 10 Books Like The Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin’s epic series A Song of Ice and Fire was already a big name in the fantasy world prior to its television adaptation, after which it became a worldwide phenomenon and one of the most-watched shows in history. The TV series inspired a new wave of interest and love for the original works, but with the show well and truly finished and just two titles left to release in the series, fantasy fans are asking: What’s next? Whether you’re a longtime fan of A Song of Ice and Fire or a newcomer to the fantasy genre who fell in love with its HBO adaptation, these books like Game of Thrones are sure to enthrall, thrill, and delight.

What listeners say about The Fifth Season

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excellent

I am glad I kept at it... it was really worth it. glad the second book it out haha

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Amazing

An excellent story, amazing performance. Can't wait to start the next book in the series.

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Devoured

So very, very good. An auspicious beginning of a trilogy that traces three parallel stories in a world far, far from here, reflecting on service, servitude and freedom. Maybe not so far from our world, afterall.

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Riveting, Fascinating, Unique!

I plan to read / listen to a lot more books in 2022, but this may hold the title for favourite fantasy book for the next 10 months regardless.

First off, this was amazing. And for the audiobook, the narrator is stellar.

The storytelling method in this book is unique, I LOVE the revelation about the protagonists and how one POV is written in the “you” format, ex: you look up, you know better, you sigh. Etc. I found it utterly fascinating and immersive.

The prose is gorgeous, I found myself pausing over sentences, appreciating the new way of describing things, the beauty of metaphors.

The world building is superb, what a stunning, yet scary and dark place. The systems of governance, community gathering, planet cycles and magic/powers are a lovely, yet violent blend of high fantasy and raw, apocalyptic, dystopian hell. The characters are robust, vibrant, sarcastic, flawed and intriguing. It’s a story and world I need to know more about.

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Good Book!!

Highly enjoyable and I am jumping right into the next book. I didn't want this one to end! Plus it's a trilogy so it's not a 10 year endevour like Wheel of Time (loved WOT but it is long).

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Headline not optional

An entertaining read. Jemisin does a good job of world and character building.
Multiple perspectives draw the listener in.
Looking forward to the next book.
#Audible1

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There is a lot going on with this story!

I enjoyed TFS. I enjoyed the varied introduction of characters and at times feeling like I was reading 3 different stories. I can see how this might rub people the wrong way. There is a certain self-absorption in each of the characters that I believe is hinged on the uncertain and difficult times in which they live. If you believe that the planet hates you and wants to kill you, how empathetic can you be? I enjoyed book one and I felt the strong effort that went into narrating this story. I hear Robin's voice when I read the printed version too. I have started and am enjoying the second part of the trilogy.

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takes a bit to get going but delivers.

takes a bit to get going but delivers. probably not worth it unless you plan to finish the series.

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awesome

the story was great. had some funny areas. i would like to listen to more

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Great worldbuilding and a fantastic performance!

Jemisin's worldbuilding is what makes this piece stand out. The Stillness is a world impacted so intensely by geography that it becomes the central point of its culture. It's smart, immersive, and more approachable than a lot of fantasy.

The story is captivating, emotional, and highly relevant. I felt for every character and was amazed at the depth of every character. This is a story that will stay in my mind for my whole life.

Finally, I can't say enough about the powerful performance by the narrator. The vocal intonation and style added to the story's tone in a way that I truly enjoyed. This one's definitely worth the listen!

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