N. K. Jemisin: Shades in Shadow

[bibliogramma]

N. K. Jemisin's Shades in Shadow is a modest collection - three stories set in the universe of her Inheritance trilogy - but a welcome one. In a sense, these small gems are almost sidebars to the main story told in the trilogy, scenes that were not essential to the overall narrative, but enhance our understanding of some of the characters.

"The Wild Boy" is a prequel, set in the early days of Nahadoth's confinement, and tells a story of his relationship with a mortal determined to avenge himself against those who enslaved him.

In "The God without a Name," a new god born from the body used by Nahadoth during his enslavement searches for his nature and for a reason to continue living.

And in "The Third Why," Glee Oree, demon daughter of Itempas, seeks out her father in the hopes that through him she will find answers to questions she scarcely knows how to ask.

All three tales deal in some fashion with finding meaning in life and reason for living, even if the answers are not always the most productive. They are about understanding one's nature and one's self - and if even gods have trouble with these things, then perhaps in reading these stories we mortals can learn to take it easy on ourselves when we too lack all the answers.

I hope that Jemisin will continue to visit this universe from time to time and bring back more tales to inform and delight us.