Book: The Awakened Kingdom by N.K. Jemisin
Reviewed by plotdrunk
Rating: 5/5
Another easy five star read from the master N.K. Jemisin! This novella is set several centuries after the third book of The Inheritance Trilogy, and returns from the perspective of a new godling named Shill who was created to help fill the void that Sieh left. Even though it is quite short, Jemisin made this book feel rich and new while providing a continuation of the story that left off at the end of the trilogy. She continues to explore the same themes of power dynamics between the mortals, gods, and demons that defined the original series, which made it an absolute joy to slip back into this world, if only briefly.
The most compelling element of this story was Shill’s evolving voice. Jemisin fully committed to her growth, allowing her perspective to mature from distinctly childlike to something more thoughtful and self-aware by the end. This progression deepened our understanding of her identity, her place among the Three and her Siblings, and her complicated relationship with mortals and demons. It made her arc feel both intimate and expansive in a very short space.
The ending of the novella was SO satisfying. It stayed true to the tone of the original series and the rules Jemisin had already built into the world while still offering something new. Shill learning her nature and remaking the rules of the world felt surprising but also inevitable, which was influenced both by the character reactions and the plot leading up to the climax. I will read anything I can get my hands on if it's set in this world!