The Stone Sky _ GUSH
**Article: A Deep Dive into Sam's Review of "The Stone Sky" by N.K. Jemisin**
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In this article, we will explore the full transcription of Sam's spoilery review of *The Stone Sky* by N.K. Jemisin. This article is not a summary but rather an adaptation of the entire text, ensuring that every part of the transcription is fully developed into readable sections.
### Introduction to Sam's Review
Sam begins the video with a spoilery gush about *The Stone Sky*, the final book in N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy. From the start, it's clear that Sam was completely unprepared for what this book would bring. They mention that they had no theories or expectations going into the series, which they believe is a good thing because it prevented any possibility of disappointment. However, *The Stone Sky* ended up being more than just a surprise—it was an emotional journey that tugged at Sam’s heartstrings throughout.
### Character Development: The Growth of Soon
One of the key aspects of the book that Sam highlights is the character development of Soon (the main character). Sam explains how the story begins with Soon realizing she can no longer continue her lone wolf ways. She has to find a community, and this realization is something that resonates deeply with Sam. The idea that Soon needs to stop isolating herself and start building connections with others is portrayed beautifully in the book.
Throughout the first part of the book, Soon is questioned by everyone around her about her inability to let go of her anger and her tendency to "tear the world down." Sam loved seeing this character development because it showed growth and vulnerability. However, this journey doesn't come without its struggles. Sam points out that soon learns she can’t continue on her old path and must find a way to balance her anger with a more constructive approach.
### Emotional Impact: The Harsh Realities of Loss
As the story progresses, the emotional impact on Sam becomes evident. They mention how the book deals with loss in ways they never expected. One of the most poignant moments is when Soon loses parts of her body—first her arm and then her breasts. Sam admits that this part of the story hit them hard because they work with cancer patients and women who have undergone mastectomies. The emotional weight of these losses was overwhelming, and Sam couldn’t help but feel for Soon as she navigates these traumas.
The way in which Hawaa (one of the stone eaters) lovingly cares for Soon despite not knowing everything about her adds another layer to the story. Their relationship is complex and beautiful, and Sam found it fascinating how the backstory of the stone eaters was revealed. The fact that they all knew each other and had a shared history made the sciency aspects of the story even more intriguing.
### Relationships and Backstory: Awe-Inspiring Dynamics
Sam also touches on their evolving relationship with Shafa, another character who starts off as someone they feel ambivalent about. However, through the story, Sam begins to develop empathy for him, which is something they never expected. The dynamics between Soon and Shafa are explored in depth, with Soon viewing him almost as a father figure because she couldn’t be a loving mother herself. This adds another layer of complexity to her character arc.
The absence of traditional villains in the story is another point Sam highlights. While there are antagonistic forces at play (such as "Father Earth"), the lack of a clear-cut villain makes the story more nuanced and thought-provoking. Instead, the focus is on the internal struggles and growth of the characters, which Sam found to be one of the book's greatest strengths.
### The Ending: A Perfectly Executed Conclusion
The ending of *The Stone Sky* is described as "perfectly executed" by Sam. They mention how the story ties everything together in a way that feels inevitable yet stunning. One of the most emotional moments is when Soon realizes her daughter loves her, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion where she turns into stone. Sam admits they knew this moment would be emotional but were still unprepared for just how deeply it would move them.
The book also deals with the loss of loved ones as Soon and her companions travel through the earth. These losses are significant because they mirror the repeated traumas Soon has experienced throughout the series, particularly regarding her children being killed or manipulated into horrific situations. This adds a layer of poignancy to her struggles and makes her ultimate growth all the more impactful.
### The Emotional Journey: A Millennia-Long Process
Sam emphasizes that *The Stone Sky* is not just a standalone story but part of a millennia-long process. The way the series builds over time, with each book adding depth and layers to the world and its characters, is something Sam deeply appreciated. The ending feels like a culmination of everything that has come before, making it all the more satisfying.
### Romantic Relationships: A Minor but Beautiful Element
While romantic relationships are a minor part of the story, Sam still found them to be a beautiful aspect of the book. They express a strong connection between certain characters and wish there were more fan art depicting these moments or the stunning landscapes of Jemisin’s world. As it stands, Sam feels that the series doesn’t get enough visual representation, which is a source of frustration for them.
### The Call to Read More N.K. Jemisin
Finally, Sam expresses their eagerness to dive into Jemisin’s other works, specifically *The Dreambloodilogy*. They mention that they don’t currently own it but plan to prioritize acquiring it soon. For anyone looking to continue their journey through Jemisin’s world, Sam highly recommends exploring her other works.
### Conclusion: A Book That Leaves a Lasting Impression
In conclusion, Sam’s review of *The Stone Sky* is a heartfelt and emotional exploration of a book that left them deeply moved. From the character development of Soon to the beautifully executed ending, this final installment of the Broken Earth Trilogy is a testament to Jemisin’s ability to weave together complex themes, relationships, and world-building in a way that resonates with readers on a profound level.
If you haven’t read *The Stone Sky* yet, Sam urges you to check out their spoiler-free review first. But if you’ve already experienced the book, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Thank you all for watching, and stay tuned for more content.