Broken Earth trilogy

Pros

• Unique and immersive world-building centered on geological instability and 'orogeny' magic.
• Features a mature, non-traditional protagonist who is an older mother with a complex history.
• Subverts standard fantasy tropes with a dark, 'angry,' and mature tone.
• Highly decorated series, notably winning three consecutive Hugo Awards.
• Innovative 'hard magic' system where overuse can physically transform the user into stone.

Cons

• The second-person present-tense narration can be difficult for some readers to adjust to.
• Perceived decline in quality after the first book, with some finding the sequels merely 'okay.'
• The final book is criticized by some for containing excessive exposition.
• Can be difficult to get into or 'get back into' compared to more traditional fantasy.

Caveats

• The series deals with very heavy themes including trauma, abuse, and the death of children.
• The narrative style is a 'bold move' that requires patience and may not appeal to all readers.
• Expect significant emotional stress throughout the reading experience.

Best for

• Readers seeking dark, mature fantasy that breaks away from standard genre conventions.
• Fans of complex world-building and 'hard' magic systems.
• Those looking for diverse protagonists with lived-in experiences.

Avoid if

• You strongly dislike second-person narration.
• You are looking for lighthearted or 'easy' escapist reading.
• You prefer fast-paced conclusions with minimal exposition.