Book Review - The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
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| Cover image courtesy of Barnes and Noble. |
Author: N.K. Jemisin
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: October 1, 2010
Version I Read: Mass Market Paperback
Rating: 3.75/5
I have mixed feelings about this one. The book is, quite simply, amazingly crafted, but I had a hard time really emotionally liking it. Perhaps this is just one of those titles that I appreciate critically while not liking personally.
I can't really think of a good way to give a quick recap, so you might want to go read the official book description. Also, spoilers.
The cultures (that the book addresses, at least) and mythology of this world are lushly presented. The plotting is also very, very good, with many engaging twists and turns, especially near the end. I like the narrative style and the voice - the way Yeine's narration jumps around feels authentic to real thought. This was one of the few pieces of media I've come across where it actually makes sense why this cruel ruling class is and remains in power: they literally have enslaved gods on their side.
The narrative isn't as vast or expansive as its title suggests, which is fine because the book really does only focus on certain characters. But I think it's a misnomer to call it The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms. It's not really epic fantasy - more like political intrigue low fantasy with a dash of mystery. The focus isn't on the mortal world and its goings-on but the gods: their past, present, and future. Which, fortunately, was well done.
The big problem for me was the characters. The only ones I cared about at all were T'vril, Relad, and, most of the time, Yeine. I genuinely liked T'vril and Relad - they were decent guys and I wanted to take them home and bake them cookies. While I may not have liked him, Viraine was truly a multidimensional character - probably the only one besides Yeine, Dekarta, and, to a lesser extent, Nahadoth and Relad.
Yeine herself is a refreshing heroine in the fantasy genre, just as the author, N.K. Jemisin, is a refreshing voice, being a black woman able to make that too-long-unheard voice heard. Yeine is decidedly human, with flaws and a believable voice. Most of the time, I was completely behind her, wanting her to triumph. I especially admire her desire, even after all the horrors she has seen, to make the world a better place, even if she must die for it. But every now and again, she would really try my patience. My two biggest problems with her are as follows: her choice to kill the two Menchey men and her relationship with Nahadoth.
Whether or not she felt the need to appear strong, killing the Menchey men (especially the second one) was, put simply, a dick move and almost made me not finish the book. It would have actually made a lot more sense for her to allow the first man to die (because he had tried to attack her) while sparing the second one (because all he tried to do was help his comrade). I think that would have sent a more powerful message to Menchey: that if you attack us, we will destroy you, but if you don't, you won't be harmed. This would have sent a two-pronged message of threat and assuredness that's more likely to get what you want. Whether she felt guilty afterward or not is irrelevant; she made the choice and was the direct cause of the innocent death of a pawn who really didn't have much choice to begin with. That turned me off to her hard and fast. (Also, why didn't she bring Relad back to life at the end?)
That moment was both a little hypocritical and, I'd even argue, out of character, as throughout the rest of the book, Yeine proves herself to be a decent, compassionate human being, wanting nothing more than to not be Arameri. And then she goes ahead and does something very Arameri. It's understandable that she wants to protect her homeland, especially seeing as she knows she is going to die, has some power now, and is the former leader of her people. However, when taken along with her wish that the world become a better place, her actions come across as hypocritical. She shows no interest in any nation other than her own Darre, including the ones that she's given responsibility for.
Her relationship with Nahadoth is also problematic for a number of reasons (besides the over-the-top supernatural bed-destroying sex scene). First, it continues to pander to the "girls want bad boys" trope, which I have written about before. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but only if handled exceedingly well. In this case, I couldn't really fathom why Yeine is so drawn to Nahadoth over T'vril, unless it's because 1) she wants to experience a more exciting relationship before she dies (which is problematic because that's hardly the basis for a healthy romantic relationship) or 2) she carries the soul of his beloved sister and she is drawn to him because of Enefa (also problematic, because then she's not wholly herself in choosing him, even if you overlook the squicky fact that Enefa and Nahadoth are siblings). I'm not against sex and romance in fantasy, in fact, I encourage it, but something about the portrayal here felt lacking. He just seemed too inhuman for her to really have any chemistry with. A guy who sleeps with his kids and his brother and sister. Yeah, a real winner. Befitting behavior for a god, certainly, but not something to be admired or sought after by mortal morals.
The ending was fantastic and I want to see where this world goes now that its gods are no longer present. This is a plot I love to see in fantasy and so I will definitely be reading the next book.
The Verdict: Rich mythology, amazing take on the relations between gods and mortals, engaging plot and ending. Problematic romance. Characters largely unlikable or flat.
Neither Karen Lofgren nor Loyalty Press has any affiliation with the author or publisher. This review constitutes Fair Use.
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