A World of Apocalyptic Cycles

The fifth season in N.K. Jemisin's "The Broken Earth" series refers to a periodic apocalypse that occurs every few hundred years in the Stillness, a Pangea-like world. These apocalyptic events are caused by the planet itself, known as Father Earth, retaliating against humanity for exploiting its resources. The story follows three main characters: Asoon, a mother searching for her missing daughter amidst chaos; Demaiah, a young girl taken from her family to be trained as a powerful magic user; and Cyanite, a woman navigating the oppressive system of slavery as an Earth magic wielder. As the characters grapple with their struggles and identities, they encounter stone eaters, humanoid creatures tied to the geology of the world, adding further intrigue and mystery to the evolving narrative.