I really wanted to like this trilogy, but it took me months to listen to the first book (had to renew my library book for The Fifth Season three times, and The Obelisk Gate twice) and I just couldn’t get through the second book. I know that not every book is for everyone, but all three books won the Hugo and I felt like I should read them.
In the end, they are too much fantasy and not enough science fiction for me. I knew this going in, and tried to read outside my genre. I really like the writing, and the mixed narration between first, second, and third. The characters felt real, with problems, issues, conflict. Not flat. All signs of good quality writing. The world and world building is great; it felt real, and not heavy handed. I can see why Jemisin is such a popular author.
In the end, I just couldn’t get into the story. I really tried. Life is short. I decided to give up.