The Broken Earth series is a trilogy of epic fantasy novels written by N.K. Jemisin. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world called the Stillness, where frequent cataclysmic events known as "Fifth Seasons" threaten the existence of humanity.
The first book in the series is called "The Fifth Season" and was published in 2015. It introduces readers to the world of the Stillness and follows the story of three main characters: Essun, Damaya, and Syenite. The narrative alternates between their perspectives as they navigate a world plagued by seismic activities, societal unrest, and a deeply ingrained system of oppression. The book won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2016, making Jemisin the first black author to win the prestigious award.
The second book, "The Obelisk Gate," was published in 2016 and continues the story from the first book. It delves deeper into the origins of the Stillness and explores the powers of the Orogenes, individuals with the ability to control and manipulate seismic energy. The book also delves into themes of family, motherhood, and survival against overwhelming odds. "The Obelisk Gate" won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2017, making Jemisin the first author ever to win the award for consecutive books in a series.
The final book in the trilogy, "The Stone Sky," was published in 2017. It concludes the story of Essun and her quest to save the world from destruction. The book explores themes of power, oppression, and the consequences of human actions. "The Stone Sky" won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2018, completing Jemisin's historic three-year Hugo sweep.
The Broken Earth series is lauded for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking exploration of social issues such as race, power dynamics, and climate change. N.K. Jemisin's writing has been widely praised for its lyrical prose and the series has garnered critical acclaim, making it one of the most celebrated and influential works in contemporary fantasy literature.