Essun is the main character of N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy. She is an orogene, able to control seismic energy, in a society that fears and controls people with that ability. At the start of The Fifth Season, she is living under an assumed identity in a small community.
When her family is torn apart and a new Fifth Season begins, Essun sets out to find her daughter. The trilogy gradually connects this journey with earlier periods of her life and the history of the Stillness.
Reading Order#
See the complete Broken Earth reading order for all books in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Essun?
Essun is a middle-aged orogene (someone who can control seismic activity) and the protagonist of the Broken Earth trilogy. The story begins when her husband kills their son and kidnaps their daughter.
What are Essun's powers?
Essun is an orogene, able to sense and manipulate seismic energy. She can cause or prevent earthquakes, sense movement through the earth, and draw heat from her surroundings.
Where should I start Essun's story?
Start with The Fifth Season. The three Broken Earth novels tell one continuing story and reveal Essun’s history over the course of the trilogy.