Iain
@feaelin.bsky.social
Avid reader, devoted fan of storytelling. I use software engineering to provide software solutions to problems. Sometimes found playing a board game or video game.
StoryGraph Profile: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/feaelin
StoryGraph Profile: https://app.thestorygraph.com/profile/feaelin
I’ve on occasion, gotten to that moment of “Oh that’s why” and in that moment I remember to remind myself “Trust the author, they’ll take you to amazing places!”
August 13, 2025 at 3:40 AM
I’ve on occasion, gotten to that moment of “Oh that’s why” and in that moment I remember to remind myself “Trust the author, they’ll take you to amazing places!”
I've not used one -- is there a way to specify up front topics you'd be interested in chatting about? Seems like that'd be a way to narrow the the selection process.
June 16, 2025 at 1:36 PM
I've not used one -- is there a way to specify up front topics you'd be interested in chatting about? Seems like that'd be a way to narrow the the selection process.
That's definitely the case with the Dingilliad. I think I'll need to add some of his other works to my to-be-read list, this run through has reminded me how much I like the combination of elements he's chosen.
June 15, 2025 at 11:42 PM
That's definitely the case with the Dingilliad. I think I'll need to add some of his other works to my to-be-read list, this run through has reminded me how much I like the combination of elements he's chosen.
I have to say, though...when a story holds both plot and deep characters in balance together, it's amazing to see. I'm trying to think of examples but drawing a blank...perhaps later. :)
June 13, 2025 at 1:30 AM
I have to say, though...when a story holds both plot and deep characters in balance together, it's amazing to see. I'm trying to think of examples but drawing a blank...perhaps later. :)
But, characters matter to me more. Their depth and their verisimilitude is very important to me. I'll lose interest in a story if I don't feel invested in at least one character; and character behavior that breaks plausibility will pull me out of a story...
June 13, 2025 at 1:30 AM
But, characters matter to me more. Their depth and their verisimilitude is very important to me. I'll lose interest in a story if I don't feel invested in at least one character; and character behavior that breaks plausibility will pull me out of a story...
That's an intriguing question.
I appreciate a great plot, where you reach a moment of revelation where the plot ties together is an amazing moment.
I appreciate a great plot, where you reach a moment of revelation where the plot ties together is an amazing moment.
June 13, 2025 at 1:30 AM
That's an intriguing question.
I appreciate a great plot, where you reach a moment of revelation where the plot ties together is an amazing moment.
I appreciate a great plot, where you reach a moment of revelation where the plot ties together is an amazing moment.
However, for me at least, I loved this story, despite the flaws. The economic and political theory is interesting to me; and in some ways, Jumping off the Planet has some of the same things I loved about Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle In Time -- real people in extraordinary circumstances.
June 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
However, for me at least, I loved this story, despite the flaws. The economic and political theory is interesting to me; and in some ways, Jumping off the Planet has some of the same things I loved about Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle In Time -- real people in extraordinary circumstances.
Second, issue is that the primary characters are three brothers which results in female characters only in secondary roles. They're cast in both positive & negative roles but those roles lacking in depth. If a book like this were published today, I'd hope to read more compelling female characters.
June 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Second, issue is that the primary characters are three brothers which results in female characters only in secondary roles. They're cast in both positive & negative roles but those roles lacking in depth. If a book like this were published today, I'd hope to read more compelling female characters.
First, If one wants just an SF adventure, Jumping off the Planet isn't going to fulfill that role. The story is primarily about family, economics, and surviving in a heavily corporate world. There's times when there's long commentary of the economics and politics, which some may find uninteresting.
June 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
First, If one wants just an SF adventure, Jumping off the Planet isn't going to fulfill that role. The story is primarily about family, economics, and surviving in a heavily corporate world. There's times when there's long commentary of the economics and politics, which some may find uninteresting.
The science fiction elements are interesting but they definitely take a back burner to the main character's relationship with his siblings and parents. While this is something I love about the trilogy it also may not be enjoyable for some readers for two reasons.
June 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
The science fiction elements are interesting but they definitely take a back burner to the main character's relationship with his siblings and parents. While this is something I love about the trilogy it also may not be enjoyable for some readers for two reasons.
Finished rereading Jumping off the Planet (the first book) today. I've a deep fondness for this book (and the others) because of the presentation of a ordinary every day dysfunctional family is personally relatable for me & having that in a science fiction adventure setting is perfect for me.
June 12, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Finished rereading Jumping off the Planet (the first book) today. I've a deep fondness for this book (and the others) because of the presentation of a ordinary every day dysfunctional family is personally relatable for me & having that in a science fiction adventure setting is perfect for me.
I look forward to hearing what you love about it!
June 12, 2025 at 7:02 PM
I look forward to hearing what you love about it!
Overall, it's an amazing trilogy and I look forward to reading more by N.K. Jemisin!
June 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Overall, it's an amazing trilogy and I look forward to reading more by N.K. Jemisin!
One more thing I loved about the books is the way that Jemisin handles time and person, particularly in The Fifth Season. The way the story plays out in Fifth Season was amazing to see come together.
June 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
One more thing I loved about the books is the way that Jemisin handles time and person, particularly in The Fifth Season. The way the story plays out in Fifth Season was amazing to see come together.
I had but one difficulty with the trilogy -- it felt a little too long for its story. There was a point I reached during The Stone Sky where I felt impatient for the story "to get on with it". The build up to the final confrontation felt a little too long for my taste (or perhaps my mood).
June 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
I had but one difficulty with the trilogy -- it felt a little too long for its story. There was a point I reached during The Stone Sky where I felt impatient for the story "to get on with it". The build up to the final confrontation felt a little too long for my taste (or perhaps my mood).
The world-building and character development is excellent. Be prepared to cry for and with the characters, especially Essun. Jemisin made their heartbreaks believable and my own. All the beats are there for me to be angry on Essun's behalf and sad on Essun's behalf when I should be.
June 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
The world-building and character development is excellent. Be prepared to cry for and with the characters, especially Essun. Jemisin made their heartbreaks believable and my own. All the beats are there for me to be angry on Essun's behalf and sad on Essun's behalf when I should be.
Some books are a journey in the sense that they take us through geography we've never been to. While others take us on a journey through feelings and ideas we haven't before. The Broken Earth trilogy fulfills both.
June 11, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Some books are a journey in the sense that they take us through geography we've never been to. While others take us on a journey through feelings and ideas we haven't before. The Broken Earth trilogy fulfills both.
I feel the same way about my reviews. I'm being careful to not spoil things but at the same time it always feels vague and nonspecific. I've thought about two versions...but that's a lot of effort! :)
April 12, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I feel the same way about my reviews. I'm being careful to not spoil things but at the same time it always feels vague and nonspecific. I've thought about two versions...but that's a lot of effort! :)
I loved this one when I read it. Such an amazing journey
April 12, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I loved this one when I read it. Such an amazing journey
My childhood homes no longer exist; erased by a combination of incompetence and greed. Even if they still existed, returning would end my self-imposed exile.
April 5, 2025 at 1:25 PM
My childhood homes no longer exist; erased by a combination of incompetence and greed. Even if they still existed, returning would end my self-imposed exile.