Reviews with content warning for Slavery - The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

After having N.K. Jemisin's books recommended to me multiple times, I was thrilled when my book club chose The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms as our next read. I was not disappointed—this book was both unique and deeply intriguing. While it’s definitely a slow-burn, I found myself fully engaged in the world Jemisin built. The blend of gods, demigods, and mortals creates a fascinating backdrop for the story, and I loved following Yeine, the protagonist, as she navigates the dangerous dynamics of her world.

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6jessicad9's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I enjoyed this book. It has an original story line. There’s politics, racism, slavery, religion and romance. Each character was very well thought out. I loved the plot twists. This is a book you need to give your full attention and it deserves it. The only thing I wish was that this book had illustrations.

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saobuddette's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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electrachet's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I wish we were given a world map or other world building elements to help better define some of the countries outside of Sky. The city itself was beautifully written, but some of the minor godlings fell flat. I think I generally expected more from this book. I'm not sure yet if I will continue the trilogy.

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_rowantree_'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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mlkai's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

5.0

flew through! going right into the second one 😁

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finickyreader's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Here's me starting my N.K Jemisin journey, working my way up to the Broken Earth Trilogy.

First, let me say that I understand. I understand why N.K Jemisin is lauded to be such an amazing writer and storyteller. I was completely absorbed into this story from the very first chapter. Immediately noticing that there would be no info dumping (as is per the course of a new fantasy series) I was wary about not connecting with the story but the way Jemisin weaved her words did not leave me confused at all. I don't know how she did it but she did. I literally listened to 50% of the story in under 3 hours which shocked me because I've never done that before. A testament to her skill.

The second half of the story is what really sold it to me, I found myself openly exclaiming while listening to the audio book especially during the climax. I did not see those two twists coming and I loved it. In terms of the characters, I can't say I'm all for the characters - I like them for what they are as a part of the story and that's it. I'm neutral but that neutrality towards the characters didn't make me dislike the story in anyway.

I for one will definitely continue this series, especially after seeing it's more of an interconnected set of stories that will come to together in the last book. If this continues, if the rest of this series is amazing you will catch me buying physical copies.

fyi: the audio book I would highly recommend the narrator is phenomenal.

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trizk's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

It is important to appreciate beauty, even when it is evil.

I'm unsure if I'll keep my rating the same, but I just want to say that the summary for the book doesn't really match the reading experience.

The "power struggle" with her cousins is not a huge part of this book imo. Especially if you thought the political machinations were going to be similar to other political fantasy novels.

The romantic relationship that forms between the MC and her love interest isn't believable to me. Because of circumstances, you have to sift through so many layers of the LI that by the time you figure out his true nature/personality, it feels like the book is damn near over.

Now onto the things I enjoyed. I liked seeing how even early on, Jemisin played around with POV. I liked how it felt like I needed to get to the very end of the book to fully understand where things were going. The writing kept me engaged from the first page, especially by 30% when things felt like they sped up a bit more. The setting of Sky itself was incredibly interesting with its presentation as a pristine building that contradicts the happenings going on within it. I also really adored Sieh and Yeine, both as characters, and their relationship with one another which was incredibly sweet.

I liked that the novel touched on colonialism, however things felt a little too on the nose for me. I probably would've thought the book was better if I hadn't read a bit of Fifth Season way before. I'd recommend people to start there first because the author has truly improved since this debut!

P.S. For any of my fellow sexual trauma survivors, there is a scene where

the characters very casually discuss the rape of the mc that triggered me, so if you might be sensitive to this, I'd recommend skipping this one or just being cautious.

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