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Cover of The Obelisk Gate

Fantasy · Science fiction · Dystopian

The Obelisk Gate

by N. K. Jemisin

4.3 out of 5, from 1,399 ratings from Hardcover readers

Second in a trilogy set on a planet wrecked by regular apocalyptic upheavals. A woman who can command the earth and her young daughter, who has the same gift, each look for a place of safety in a hostile world.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2016
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
407
Format
Book 2 of 3 in The Broken Earth
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Read this if you like layered, angry fantasy with a harsh world and a strong focus on mothers and daughters.

Skip this if you haven't read The Fifth Season, because this novel continues directly from it.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Grief
  • Child death
  • Prejudice

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Cannibalism
  • Child abuse
  • Dementia
  • Terminal illness
  • Gore

Quick answers about The Obelisk Gate

What is The Obelisk Gate about?
Second in a trilogy set on a planet wrecked by regular apocalyptic upheavals. A woman who can command the earth and her young daughter, who has the same gift, each look for a place of safety in a hostile world.
Who should read The Obelisk Gate?
Read it if you like layered, angry fantasy with a harsh world and a strong focus on mothers and daughters. Skip it if you haven't read The Fifth Season, because this novel continues directly from it.
How long and how fast is The Obelisk Gate?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 407 pages, first published in 2016.
Does The Obelisk Gate have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Grief, Child death, Prejudice.
Can I borrow The Obelisk Gate for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Obelisk Gate; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Obelisk Gate?
Readers who liked it often move on to Parable of the Sower, The Road, Kindred.

Where to get it

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