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Book series · 2 books

The Great Cities

by N. K. Jemisin

The Great Cities series by N. K. Jemisin is an epic fantasy series exploring powerful ancient cities, political intrigue, and magic. The stories follow morally complex characters as they navigate ambition, conflict, and survival in a richly imagined, high-stakes world.

Start the series here · book 1

The City We Became

The Great Cities Reading Order

2 books in series order

About the series

The Great Cities series by N. K. Jemisin is an epic fantasy saga set in a world dominated by legendary, powerful cities, where magic, politics, and ambition intertwine. The series follows diverse characters navigating complex social hierarchies, political intrigue, and personal ambition, often facing morally grey choices and difficult ethical dilemmas.

Jemisin’s storytelling is renowned for its immersive world-building, compelling character arcs, and intricate plots. Each city has its own culture, power struggles, and secrets, providing a rich tapestry for exploring themes of loyalty, revenge, identity, and the consequences of wielding power.

The series blends high-stakes adventure with emotional depth. Characters form alliances, rivalries, and romances that shape their journeys and influence the fate of their cities. Jemisin explores the costs of ambition, the weight of leadership, and the resilience required to survive in a politically charged, magical society.

The Great Cities series incorporates popular epic fantasy tropes, including city-based political intrigue, morally grey protagonists, magical conflicts, rebellion against authority, and complex interpersonal dynamics. Jemisin’s work stands out for its layered storytelling, character-driven narratives, and morally complex world-building that challenges traditional fantasy archetypes.

The series is recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven epic fantasy, political machinations, morally complex heroes, and intricate magical worlds. The Great Cities series solidifies N. K. Jemisin’s reputation as a leading voice in contemporary fantasy, offering an immersive, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant reading experience.

About N. K. Jemisin

N. K. Jemisin is a groundbreaking American author who revolutionised fantasy literature with her award-winning Broken Earth trilogy. Known for innovative narratives, diverse worlds, and unflinching examination of oppression, power, and systemic injustice.

Books, series and tropes by N. K. Jemisin

The Great Cities Series FAQs

What is the The Great Cities series about?
The Great Cities series by N. K. Jemisin is an epic fantasy series exploring powerful ancient cities, political intrigue, and magic. The stories follow morally complex characters as they navigate ambition, conflict, and survival in a richly imagined, high-stakes world.
What order should I read the The Great Cities series?
Start with The City We Became and read in series order: 1. The City We Became, 2. The World We Make.
How many books are in the The Great Cities series?
The The Great Cities series contains 2 books so far.
Who wrote the The Great Cities series?
The The Great Cities series was written by N. K. Jemisin.
What tropes are in the The Great Cities series?
The The Great Cities series features the Found Family, Multiple POV, City as Sentient Being and Political and Social Commentary tropes.
Is the The Great Cities series complete?
The The Great Cities series is ongoing with more books planned or in progress.

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