The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin is a masterful blend of fantasy, mythology, politics, and human emotions. This trilogy transports readers into a world where gods walk among mortals, magic is wielded for both good and evil, and political intrigue abounds.
The trilogy includes The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, which won the Locus Award for Best First Novel and was nominated for the World Fantasy Award. It was followed by The Broken Kingdoms and The Kingdom of Gods. The trilogy explores themes of power, identity, love, and betrayal, all set against a richly imagined world full of magic, myth, and political machinations.
The books follow the story of Yeine Darr, a young woman who is thrust into the midst of political intrigue and familial betrayal after she is summoned to the city of Sky. There, she learns that she is the granddaughter of the ruling god, but also the target of a plot to usurp the throne. As Yeine navigates the dangerous world of the gods, she must also grapple with her own identity and the secrets of her family's past.
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
The first book in the trilogy introduces us to Yeine Darr, a young woman who is summoned to the city of Sky by her estranged grandfather, the ruler of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. Yeine soon learns that her grandfather has chosen her as his heir, much to the chagrin of his other two heirs. As Yeine navigates the treacherous political landscape of Sky, she discovers that the gods themselves are involved in the power struggles of mortals.
The Broken Kingdoms
The second book in the trilogy follows the story of Oree Shoth, a blind artist living in the city of Shadow. When Oree discovers a murdered god in her apartment, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens both mortals and gods. As she investigates the murder, Oree must also confront her own past and the secrets she has been keeping from herself.
The Kingdom of Gods
The final book in the trilogy focuses on Sieh, a trickster god who has lived for centuries but is still considered a child by his peers. When Sieh is betrayed by those he trusts, he sets out to seek revenge and uncover the secrets of his own past. Along the way, he confronts the consequences of his actions and learns the true meaning of sacrifice.
With vivid world-building and a diverse cast of characters, The Inheritance Trilogy is a triumph of world-building and character development. Jemisin’s prose is lyrical and her descriptions of the world of the gods and mortals are both beautiful and terrifying. The trilogy tackles themes of power, identity, and love, and explores the complex relationships between mortals and gods. Jemisin’s writing is both accessible and complex, and her characters are unforgettable.