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Book Review
Feb. 1st, 2018 06:24 pmThe Killing Moon
by N.K. Jemisin
This inventive fantasy novel is set in the city of Gujaareh, which is heavily inspired by ancient Egypt. This city worships Hananja, goddess of dreams, and is governed by her law of peace. Her priesthood uses the humors generated by dreams to effect healing and other magic. The Gatherers, the highest order of priest, harvest the most potent of these humors, typically via the final dreams of the dying, a process that brings on death but also eases it. When Gatherer Ehiru has one of these harvests go terribly awry, he questions his faith, which leads him onto the trail of dangerous secrets.
The Killing Moon was amazing. It is a very thoughtful novel with a lot of texture to it. The world-building is beautifully done. The Egyptian influence is very palpable, but it is not just imitation - it's a meaningful influence, done not just for set decoration, but because of its resonances with the story Jemisin wants to tell and the themes she wants to tackle. All of the main characters - Ehiru, his apprentice Nijiri, and the ambassador Sunandi - all think deeply about what they are doing and what will happen or not happen as a result. The character development is also fantastic - each of the three main characters changes over the course of the book in ways that are natural and real-feeling, never overly dramatic or contrived.
Jemisin also tackles some serious, and seriously fascinating themes with a deft touch. The Killing Moon looks at the nature of faith and calling, the interaction of religion and politics, how religion can dictate the way we perceive our actions, and what happens when all of this comes to a crisis point.
by N.K. Jemisin
This inventive fantasy novel is set in the city of Gujaareh, which is heavily inspired by ancient Egypt. This city worships Hananja, goddess of dreams, and is governed by her law of peace. Her priesthood uses the humors generated by dreams to effect healing and other magic. The Gatherers, the highest order of priest, harvest the most potent of these humors, typically via the final dreams of the dying, a process that brings on death but also eases it. When Gatherer Ehiru has one of these harvests go terribly awry, he questions his faith, which leads him onto the trail of dangerous secrets.
The Killing Moon was amazing. It is a very thoughtful novel with a lot of texture to it. The world-building is beautifully done. The Egyptian influence is very palpable, but it is not just imitation - it's a meaningful influence, done not just for set decoration, but because of its resonances with the story Jemisin wants to tell and the themes she wants to tackle. All of the main characters - Ehiru, his apprentice Nijiri, and the ambassador Sunandi - all think deeply about what they are doing and what will happen or not happen as a result. The character development is also fantastic - each of the three main characters changes over the course of the book in ways that are natural and real-feeling, never overly dramatic or contrived.
Jemisin also tackles some serious, and seriously fascinating themes with a deft touch. The Killing Moon looks at the nature of faith and calling, the interaction of religion and politics, how religion can dictate the way we perceive our actions, and what happens when all of this comes to a crisis point.
