summary

Summary

The Fifth Season is the first book in the Broken Earth trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. Set in a world where catastrophic seismic events are commonplace, the story follows the protagonist, Essun, who lives in a small town when a devastating earthquake marks the onset of the Fifth Season—a period of extreme climate change. Essun discovers that her husband has killed their son and fled, kidnapping their daughter. She embarks on a perilous journey to find her daughter, facing various threats and uncovering the mysteries of her world and her own power. Parallel to her story are the tales of two other women, Damaya and Syenite, whose destinies intertwine with Essun's. The book explores themes of survival, motherhood, betrayal, and strength in the face of constant danger.