One-line Summary:

In “The Stone Sky,” the final installment of N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy, Essun and her daughter Nassun navigate a dying world while confronting their own complicated relationship.

The Broken Earth Trilogy:

“The Stone Sky” is the concluding book in the Broken Earth trilogy, a series set in a world plagued by catastrophic geological events known as Fifth Seasons. These Seasons are marked by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters that threaten the survival of humanity. The trilogy explores themes of oppression, power, and the consequences of human actions.

The Dying Earth:

In “The Stone Sky,” the world is on the brink of destruction as the Seasons continue to intensify. Essun, a powerful orogene who can manipulate the earth’s energy, is determined to find her daughter Nassun and save what remains of humanity. Nassun, on the other hand, has been manipulated by Schaffa, a Guardian who seeks to control orogenes and their powers.

As Essun and Nassun journey separately, their paths converge in the city of Corepoint, where the Obelisk Gate, a powerful artifact, holds the key to stopping the Seasons. Along the way, they encounter various factions and individuals with their own agendas, including Alabaster, Essun’s former mentor, and Hoa, a stone eater who has been guiding Essun throughout her journey.

A Mother-Daughter Relationship:

One of the central themes in “The Stone Sky” is the complex relationship between Essun and Nassun. Essun, haunted by her past and the loss of her son, struggles to connect with Nassun, who has been taught to fear and suppress her powers. As they confront their own traumas and resentments, they must learn to trust and understand each other in order to save the world.

The Power of Oppression:

Throughout the trilogy, Jemisin explores the dynamics of power and oppression. The orogenes, individuals with the ability to control the earth’s energy, are feared and subjugated by the ruling class known as the Stillness. The Stone Sky delves deeper into the origins of this oppression, revealing the true nature of the Guardians and the sacrifices made to maintain control.

The Consequences of Human Actions:

“The Stone Sky” also delves into the consequences of human actions and the impact they have on the world. The Seasons themselves are a result of the misuse of orogeny and the manipulation of the earth’s energy. As Essun and Nassun confront the choices made by previous generations, they must grapple with the responsibility of shaping the future.

Key Takeaways:

• The Broken Earth trilogy explores themes of oppression, power, and the consequences of human actions.
• The complex relationship between Essun and Nassun is a central focus of “The Stone Sky.”
• The power dynamics and oppression of orogenes are central to the trilogy.
• The consequences of human actions and the impact on the world are explored throughout the book.

“We do what we do because there’s something we can do about it. Even if that something is small and stupid and doomed to failure.” – N.K. Jemisin, The Stone Sky

In “The Stone Sky,” N.K. Jemisin masterfully concludes the Broken Earth trilogy, weaving together themes of oppression, power, and the consequences of human actions. Through the complex relationship between Essun and Nassun, the power dynamics of orogenes, and the exploration of a dying world, Jemisin delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant conclusion. The book serves as a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is always something we can do to make a difference, no matter how small or futile it may seem.