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Sumerians #3
Ninshubar
"A god is nothing without a good story."
It has been six months since the fall of the great cities of Ancient Sumer. Six months since war and chaos scattered everyone to the wind.
Ereshkigal, the queen of the underworld, finds herself trapped in the rubble of her realm with only one to rescue the man she loves.
In the realm of light, Harga and Marduk mount a hopeless resistance against the vast Akkadian forces, whilst Gilgamesh, once king of Uruk, travels to Egypt in search of a legend that could save them.
High above them all, in the kingdom of Heaven, a goddess with no memory lies imprisoned and helpless whilst a faint voice on the wind whispers a name . . . Inanna.
And, wandering between the realms, a lost and lonely spirit named Ninshubar desperately tries to find her lost mistress.
But as their search for one another begins to draw them closer, Tiamat, the many-headed dragon-queen of Heaven, is preparing for an assault on the realm of light that could crush all life on Earth.
It has been six months since the fall of the great cities of Ancient Sumer. Six months since war and chaos scattered everyone to the wind.
Ereshkigal, the queen of the underworld, finds herself trapped in the rubble of her realm with only one to rescue the man she loves.
In the realm of light, Harga and Marduk mount a hopeless resistance against the vast Akkadian forces, whilst Gilgamesh, once king of Uruk, travels to Egypt in search of a legend that could save them.
High above them all, in the kingdom of Heaven, a goddess with no memory lies imprisoned and helpless whilst a faint voice on the wind whispers a name . . . Inanna.
And, wandering between the realms, a lost and lonely spirit named Ninshubar desperately tries to find her lost mistress.
But as their search for one another begins to draw them closer, Tiamat, the many-headed dragon-queen of Heaven, is preparing for an assault on the realm of light that could crush all life on Earth.
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First published August 5, 2025
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About the author
Emily H. Wilson
3 books195 followersEmily H. Wilson is the author of the Sumerians trilogy, three historical novels set in Ancient Mesopotamia. She was formerly the editor in chief of New Scientist, and is currently working on her first work of science fiction. She is also writing her first non-fiction book, on prehistoric stone tools and what they tell us about our ancestors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 1, 2025
Ninshubar is a fiery finale to Emily H. Wilson’s *The Sumerians Trilogy*, a masterwork of mythic fantasy, feminist reclamation, and literary brilliance. With this final installment, Wilson doesn’t just conclude a story...she crowns it with purpose, power, and a sacred sense of fullfilment.
Ninshubar, the devoted servant, warrior, and divine messenger, the novel expands the mythology and gives voice to a figure often overlooked in traditional retellings. Wilson's writing pulses with divine (feminine) rage and mortal tenderness. She intertwines prophecy, ritual, and rebellion with poetic elegance. The pacing is deliberate, like a drumbeat that sorts Ninshubar's steps ( One step after the other), building toward a crescendo that is truly redemptive.
Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, gender, and cosmic balance are rendered with a clarity that is at once scholarly and deeply personal. Wilson draws from Mesopotamian myth not just to retell but to reimagine, and in doing so, she creates a space where the ancient feels timely and human.
As a conclusion to the trilogy, Ninshubar is both a satisfying and deeply resonant ending. It will leave readers with a sense of hope, heartbreak and awe for life. The spiritual, emotional, and political stakes are high, and Wilson delivers on every front.
A definitive must read for fans of mythic fiction, fantasy fiction, feminist literature, and anyone who believes in the power of forgotten ( or erased) voices finally being heard. I have to say, this is one of my favorite trilogies and Wilson truly delivered.
Thank you to Emily H. WIlson for giving us a reimagined tale that gives voice to the epic of figures many have forgotten! I could ramble on for days about all of details and easter eggs I found poignant - Thank you!
Thank you to Titan Books and Netgalley for giving Ninshubar (and me) the opportunity to this satisfying conclusion.
Ninshubar, the devoted servant, warrior, and divine messenger, the novel expands the mythology and gives voice to a figure often overlooked in traditional retellings. Wilson's writing pulses with divine (feminine) rage and mortal tenderness. She intertwines prophecy, ritual, and rebellion with poetic elegance. The pacing is deliberate, like a drumbeat that sorts Ninshubar's steps ( One step after the other), building toward a crescendo that is truly redemptive.
Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, gender, and cosmic balance are rendered with a clarity that is at once scholarly and deeply personal. Wilson draws from Mesopotamian myth not just to retell but to reimagine, and in doing so, she creates a space where the ancient feels timely and human.
As a conclusion to the trilogy, Ninshubar is both a satisfying and deeply resonant ending. It will leave readers with a sense of hope, heartbreak and awe for life. The spiritual, emotional, and political stakes are high, and Wilson delivers on every front.
A definitive must read for fans of mythic fiction, fantasy fiction, feminist literature, and anyone who believes in the power of forgotten ( or erased) voices finally being heard. I have to say, this is one of my favorite trilogies and Wilson truly delivered.
Thank you to Emily H. WIlson for giving us a reimagined tale that gives voice to the epic of figures many have forgotten! I could ramble on for days about all of details and easter eggs I found poignant - Thank you!
Thank you to Titan Books and Netgalley for giving Ninshubar (and me) the opportunity to this satisfying conclusion.
August 1, 2025
****Many thanks to Netgalley and Titan books for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****
One step and then the next..
This book picked right up where Gilgamesh left off, this book had me in its grip the entire time! The author writes so immersive it's like I literally tumbled into ancient Sumer. The gilded palaces, the tiled pools and fountains, the ripe and juicy figs and the oppressive heat and sound of bugs in the marshlands.
There was not a single POV that bored me, everyone had something to add to the story and all the threads weave into a beautiful tapestry. She writes the brutality balanced with kindness in equal measure and it takes skill to write something that makes you feel nauseous one moment and then next chapter you can feel the beauty of the scene speak through the pages.
Inanna has major growth in this book and I was here for it! The blue lightning?? LITERAL QUEEN. Seeing the untapped strength of that power was amazing. I did though like the choice she was given. Something had to give.
Also my FAVORITE character BY FAR is Ninshubar. Greatest of All Time character. She SHONE in this book. Her level-headness, her no nonsense attitude like "yes sir you ARE going to help me with this mission instead of hiding in this rock" attitude made so many of these scenes in this book incredible.
Also Ereshkigal surprisingly I found a great POV as well, she is very blunt and found a few of her lines hilarious.
Tiamat was a great antagonist in this one. All the scenes with her in them made chills go up my spine. The bone aching cold, the beautiful sky, the lava rivers, her husband mummified and tied to a chair... Ninlil displayed the coolness need to survive in such a environment. I also enjoyed a dive in Marduk's lineage and the servitude towards Tiamat. Also had a better understanding between the Anzu and the Annunaki. The storyline grips you and I felt I learned so much more about the ancient Mesopotamian culture and the God's that thrived during that time.
I also have to say I admire the smaller supporting characters like Harga, Lilith and Geshtianna. It proves even the smallest character has the biggest impact on the storyline, the butterfly effect.
I will have to buy the entire series because it was PHENOMENAL. So well researched, the characters were beautifully written, and felt just like living breathing humans and God's. Had flaws, had humor, had anger, rage and confusion and had power.
One step and then the next..
This book picked right up where Gilgamesh left off, this book had me in its grip the entire time! The author writes so immersive it's like I literally tumbled into ancient Sumer. The gilded palaces, the tiled pools and fountains, the ripe and juicy figs and the oppressive heat and sound of bugs in the marshlands.
There was not a single POV that bored me, everyone had something to add to the story and all the threads weave into a beautiful tapestry. She writes the brutality balanced with kindness in equal measure and it takes skill to write something that makes you feel nauseous one moment and then next chapter you can feel the beauty of the scene speak through the pages.
Inanna has major growth in this book and I was here for it! The blue lightning?? LITERAL QUEEN. Seeing the untapped strength of that power was amazing. I did though like the choice she was given. Something had to give.
Also my FAVORITE character BY FAR is Ninshubar. Greatest of All Time character. She SHONE in this book. Her level-headness, her no nonsense attitude like "yes sir you ARE going to help me with this mission instead of hiding in this rock" attitude made so many of these scenes in this book incredible.
Also Ereshkigal surprisingly I found a great POV as well, she is very blunt and found a few of her lines hilarious.
Tiamat was a great antagonist in this one. All the scenes with her in them made chills go up my spine. The bone aching cold, the beautiful sky, the lava rivers, her husband mummified and tied to a chair... Ninlil displayed the coolness need to survive in such a environment. I also enjoyed a dive in Marduk's lineage and the servitude towards Tiamat. Also had a better understanding between the Anzu and the Annunaki. The storyline grips you and I felt I learned so much more about the ancient Mesopotamian culture and the God's that thrived during that time.
I also have to say I admire the smaller supporting characters like Harga, Lilith and Geshtianna. It proves even the smallest character has the biggest impact on the storyline, the butterfly effect.
I will have to buy the entire series because it was PHENOMENAL. So well researched, the characters were beautifully written, and felt just like living breathing humans and God's. Had flaws, had humor, had anger, rage and confusion and had power.
August 22, 2025
I’m glad I finished the series but it wasn’t as good as the first 2 books.
December 6, 2025
I started this book almost the day it came out and I read it so hard desperate to finish this story with these characters I love! There I was at the finish line 100 pages from the end, I stopped. I put this down and refused to pick it back up until I was ready to say goodbye and the wait was worth it. Inanna, goddess of love and war, I am grateful I got to walk behind you one step and then the next.
August 31, 2025
Eindelijk klaar met de serie (en dat bedoel ik niet negatief, ik had gewoon de tijd willen hebben om het sneller uit te lezen). Ik vind het een heel leuke en goede serie. De schrijfstijl is goed en houdt je in de ban. Je krijgt een goed beeld van de Mesopotamische mythen. Een aanrader!
August 18, 2025
The biggest gripe I have with this book is simply a matter of taste. In the author’s own words, she prefers her gods to be grounded in science instead of old fashioned magic – I don’t. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I believe I would have if it stuck with the grounded yet mysterious feeling of the first one. Unfortunately.
Another issue I have (although I’ve come sort of underfoot with it) is placing it in 4000 B.C.E. Gilgamesh – if indeed real – is dated to 2700 B.C.E. as king of Uruk. The author herself acknowledges this, yet pushes it back anyway. From the ending of this book, I have to assume that the reason is to explain how Sumer came to be the way it was when it enters the written record in circa 3500 B.C.E., with the rebuilding of Uruk and the founding of Girsu, (and the deifying of ningirsu) for example.
Obviously it’s not an historical novel, and I didn’t expect it to be, but i would have preferred it to be grounded in something when it was not grounded in mythology. Leading me onto my next point.
I don’t know anything about Sumerian mythology except for this series and a few scattered google searches based upon confusion from this series. I will credit it with piquing my interest in a civilization I, again, know next to nothing about. But I quickly understood that it’s very inaccurate. The problem that I have with the fact that it’s inaccurate is that the author’s inexperience at writing plot really shows.
Since this third book is only very (VERY) loosely based on the Enuma Elish, while the first and second books at least had some foundation to stand on. I got the impression that she knew the endpoint but not how to get there, because most of the book really felt like trying to get each character into position for an (unfortunately) anticlimactic end. The characters, while being diverse and engaging, felt a little stuck on two notes.
Now, my personal upset. Tiamat was not eldritch enough. In a series where the main character has to be literally stitched together, where one character consumes her husband’s head, where another is torn apart and scattered, I expected something much more brooding and uncomfortable than a fully comprehensible dragon turning into a simply tall woman (although the transformation being the dragon giving birth to the woman was pretty cool).
The message of the overall series is very beautiful, and the scene of the titular literally climbing out of her own grave (it’s the hope that kills you) felt very powerful. The motif of hope and endurance, while sometimes a little too slapping-you-on-the-nose, is really poignant. Marduk literally cleaving his chains –making her hero a man who has walked as a slave, as a soldier, as a prince – is a thousand times more powerful than most “feminist” retellings that would probably just victimize Tiamat.
I’m gonna reread the first one eventually, and see if my feelings on it have changed. Would I recommend it to a friend? If said friend had an express interest in science fiction and also a bit of a conspiracist streak? Absolutely.
Another issue I have (although I’ve come sort of underfoot with it) is placing it in 4000 B.C.E. Gilgamesh – if indeed real – is dated to 2700 B.C.E. as king of Uruk. The author herself acknowledges this, yet pushes it back anyway. From the ending of this book, I have to assume that the reason is to explain how Sumer came to be the way it was when it enters the written record in circa 3500 B.C.E., with the rebuilding of Uruk and the founding of Girsu, (and the deifying of ningirsu) for example.
Obviously it’s not an historical novel, and I didn’t expect it to be, but i would have preferred it to be grounded in something when it was not grounded in mythology. Leading me onto my next point.
I don’t know anything about Sumerian mythology except for this series and a few scattered google searches based upon confusion from this series. I will credit it with piquing my interest in a civilization I, again, know next to nothing about. But I quickly understood that it’s very inaccurate. The problem that I have with the fact that it’s inaccurate is that the author’s inexperience at writing plot really shows.
Since this third book is only very (VERY) loosely based on the Enuma Elish, while the first and second books at least had some foundation to stand on. I got the impression that she knew the endpoint but not how to get there, because most of the book really felt like trying to get each character into position for an (unfortunately) anticlimactic end. The characters, while being diverse and engaging, felt a little stuck on two notes.
Now, my personal upset. Tiamat was not eldritch enough. In a series where the main character has to be literally stitched together, where one character consumes her husband’s head, where another is torn apart and scattered, I expected something much more brooding and uncomfortable than a fully comprehensible dragon turning into a simply tall woman (although the transformation being the dragon giving birth to the woman was pretty cool).
The message of the overall series is very beautiful, and the scene of the titular literally climbing out of her own grave (it’s the hope that kills you) felt very powerful. The motif of hope and endurance, while sometimes a little too slapping-you-on-the-nose, is really poignant. Marduk literally cleaving his chains –making her hero a man who has walked as a slave, as a soldier, as a prince – is a thousand times more powerful than most “feminist” retellings that would probably just victimize Tiamat.
I’m gonna reread the first one eventually, and see if my feelings on it have changed. Would I recommend it to a friend? If said friend had an express interest in science fiction and also a bit of a conspiracist streak? Absolutely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2025
Ninshubar is the finale in the Sumerians trilogy and wow, this was my favourite out of the 3! It was so good to be back with these characters and I was torn between wanting to devour it and taking my time savouring it (I devoured it because I’m incapable of doing anything else)
Sumerians is a vibrant trilogy of novels set in the lost world of Ancient Sumer, the world’s first civilisation. It’s an epic retelling of the oldest myths ever recorded including the Epic of Gilgamesh and myths about the goddess Inanna. I was singing its praises after reading the first 2 earlier in the year and was thrilled to be able to request an early copy of the final book, thank you so much @titanbooks.
I love how the characters have developed yet their voices have remained familiar and distinct throughout the series. Their interactions and dynamics are such a highlight, with Emily portraying gods and their mercurial nature so well. If you’re a fantasy reader that wants to delve into mythology retellings, this would be the perfect place to start as by the nature of the myths it’s inspired by it leans heavily into the fantastical (dragons!) and the action and battle scenes are written to perfection. It’s violent yet moving and just weird, wacky and wonderful - a delight to read. I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite character because I love them all, even the horrible ones!
I felt everything in this final instalment, laughing out loud one moment and in tears the next. Ninshubar really stuck the landing and I’m in awe of the ancient world and figures that Emily has so vividly brought to life, I’m going to miss them and can see myself rereading this time and again.
Sumerians is a vibrant trilogy of novels set in the lost world of Ancient Sumer, the world’s first civilisation. It’s an epic retelling of the oldest myths ever recorded including the Epic of Gilgamesh and myths about the goddess Inanna. I was singing its praises after reading the first 2 earlier in the year and was thrilled to be able to request an early copy of the final book, thank you so much @titanbooks.
I love how the characters have developed yet their voices have remained familiar and distinct throughout the series. Their interactions and dynamics are such a highlight, with Emily portraying gods and their mercurial nature so well. If you’re a fantasy reader that wants to delve into mythology retellings, this would be the perfect place to start as by the nature of the myths it’s inspired by it leans heavily into the fantastical (dragons!) and the action and battle scenes are written to perfection. It’s violent yet moving and just weird, wacky and wonderful - a delight to read. I honestly couldn’t pick a favourite character because I love them all, even the horrible ones!
I felt everything in this final instalment, laughing out loud one moment and in tears the next. Ninshubar really stuck the landing and I’m in awe of the ancient world and figures that Emily has so vividly brought to life, I’m going to miss them and can see myself rereading this time and again.
August 2, 2025
I am heartbroken that this book concludes the phenomenal Sumerian Trilogy. Well, on with the review. One step and then the next...
Emily H. Wilson’s Ninshubar is a stunning, soul-deep finale to the Sumerians trilogy; a lyrical, gripping reimagining of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Six months after the fall of Sumer, gods and mortals alike are scattered: Ereshkigal fights to save the man she loves, Gilgamesh seeks salvation in Egypt, and loyal Ninshubar searches for her lost mistress as Tiamat’s shadow looms.
Richly human characters, heart-stopping stakes, and prose that dances between brutality and enchantment make this a masterpiece of mythic fantasy. A must-read for fans of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, feminist literature, and epic tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and hope.
I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator, Zehra Jane Naqvi gives a masterful performance; nuanced, well paced, and dynamic.
"A god is nothing without a good story."
⭐ More than five stars. Unforgettable.
Thank you, Emily H. Wilson, Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
Available Aug 5, 2025
Categories
Historical Fiction, Sci Fi & Fantasy, General Fiction (Adult)
Emily H. Wilson’s Ninshubar is a stunning, soul-deep finale to the Sumerians trilogy; a lyrical, gripping reimagining of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Six months after the fall of Sumer, gods and mortals alike are scattered: Ereshkigal fights to save the man she loves, Gilgamesh seeks salvation in Egypt, and loyal Ninshubar searches for her lost mistress as Tiamat’s shadow looms.
Richly human characters, heart-stopping stakes, and prose that dances between brutality and enchantment make this a masterpiece of mythic fantasy. A must-read for fans of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint, feminist literature, and epic tales of loyalty, sacrifice, and hope.
I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator, Zehra Jane Naqvi gives a masterful performance; nuanced, well paced, and dynamic.
"A god is nothing without a good story."
⭐ More than five stars. Unforgettable.
Thank you, Emily H. Wilson, Tantor Audio and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own
Available Aug 5, 2025
Categories
Historical Fiction, Sci Fi & Fantasy, General Fiction (Adult)
August 4, 2025
A lyrical finish to the trilogy. I didn’t reread the other two before this (similar to my approach to Gilgamesh) - and it still holds up, although sometimes I had to think a little to make the connections. It is enjoyable seeing the character growth (as well as the lack of it) - and I think the most growth, in each book, takes place in the titular character. That being said, shout out to Ereshkigal, who continues to gaslight gatekeep girlgoddessboss herself and everyone else around her.
Whilst there continues to be family dramatics and tension, including one particularly fraught battle scene, the focus is rarely on the action but on the character perspective, and the ending is a quiet one rather than a climactic one, the thread of story going on and on. I enjoyed this trilogy - there’s really very little out there like it.
November 9, 2025
A decent ending to a beautifully constructed story. When I tell you this book has been my crack for the past three months I am not joking. Wilson’s storytelling and ability to weave so many distant myths and stories is quite impressive, and it is concluded well in this last series.
My favorite writing of a character has to be ereshkigal, despite her craze. Her narrative and perspectives were always so interesting to read and Wilson shows that she is not simply an evil queen that rules the underworld.
Wilson’s overall character writing (especially with the female characters) is unique and refreshing to see. I feel that she worked pretty well on being aware many of the biases that we modernly have towards sex, gender, etc. That being said, I would need to do further readings on what is known from the myths to see how much interpretation she did, since it seems at time she was trying to emphasize modern arguments in her story. Again, need to do further reading and probably reread the whole series to get deeper.
As much as I loved this series, I still question how much interpretation we should be doing of the Sumerian myths and whether or not stories like these help or hinder our image of ancient Mesopotamian belief.
But… It is a really great series and I think a very refreshing read from other fictional stories with complex character and world-building writing. If you keep in mind that many things from the myths had to be adjusted to fit the storyline in a certain way (as Wilson expresses in each book), it is a very good read. I probably have many more thoughts on this series which will be written once I reread them all, but that should signify that this is a worthy read.
My favorite writing of a character has to be ereshkigal, despite her craze. Her narrative and perspectives were always so interesting to read and Wilson shows that she is not simply an evil queen that rules the underworld.
Wilson’s overall character writing (especially with the female characters) is unique and refreshing to see. I feel that she worked pretty well on being aware many of the biases that we modernly have towards sex, gender, etc. That being said, I would need to do further readings on what is known from the myths to see how much interpretation she did, since it seems at time she was trying to emphasize modern arguments in her story. Again, need to do further reading and probably reread the whole series to get deeper.
As much as I loved this series, I still question how much interpretation we should be doing of the Sumerian myths and whether or not stories like these help or hinder our image of ancient Mesopotamian belief.
But… It is a really great series and I think a very refreshing read from other fictional stories with complex character and world-building writing. If you keep in mind that many things from the myths had to be adjusted to fit the storyline in a certain way (as Wilson expresses in each book), it is a very good read. I probably have many more thoughts on this series which will be written once I reread them all, but that should signify that this is a worthy read.
September 12, 2025
Solid conclusion, very slightly underwhelming. I was struck by the feeling in the first half that it was bringing real "second book" vibes -- you know, how the middle books in a trilogy are often a little slower or sadder because they're all about moving the pieces into place for the conclusion?
Then once things are locking into place, boom, resolved. Nothing came out of nowhere (though several moments were awfully convenient), but it still felt like more could have been explored here and there. The stakes are high, but .
I'm glad we got some wrap-up past the climax, but I would have loved to see a little time skip to Inanna's next incarnation. Oh well. Still very satisfied, and now hopefully I can buy a proper set!
Then once things are locking into place, boom, resolved. Nothing came out of nowhere (though several moments were awfully convenient), but it still felt like more could have been explored here and there. The stakes are high, but .
I'm glad we got some wrap-up past the climax, but I would have loved to see a little time skip to Inanna's next incarnation. Oh well. Still very satisfied, and now hopefully I can buy a proper set!
December 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ - 3.5 stars, rounded up
-------------------------
"What kind of god are you?" the oldest woman asked me.
"A god of war," I said.
I did not mention love. That part of me was dead.
-------------------------
(aka the one where Inanna goes mad with power)
I'll keep this brief, because my whole opinion is pretty similar to what i thought of the first two books. I liked this one better than the second, there's more of an end goal that the characters are working towards. That being said, the ending was very unsatisfying for me. I'm rating books on personal enjoyment and as a whole this series kept me entertained. But the world building and plot could have used a little more care. A lot of things didn't really make sense to me and basically nothing was explained. Wtf is up with the different god races, where do they take their powers from, why does Inanna insist on inhaling the earth's energy or whatever? If they're aliens (which to me seems strongly implied), why are they basically humans? I'm just left confused.
-------------------------
"What kind of god are you?" the oldest woman asked me.
"A god of war," I said.
I did not mention love. That part of me was dead.
-------------------------
(aka the one where Inanna goes mad with power)
I'll keep this brief, because my whole opinion is pretty similar to what i thought of the first two books. I liked this one better than the second, there's more of an end goal that the characters are working towards. That being said, the ending was very unsatisfying for me. I'm rating books on personal enjoyment and as a whole this series kept me entertained. But the world building and plot could have used a little more care. A lot of things didn't really make sense to me and basically nothing was explained. Wtf is up with the different god races, where do they take their powers from, why does Inanna insist on inhaling the earth's energy or whatever? If they're aliens (which to me seems strongly implied), why are they basically humans? I'm just left confused.
August 20, 2025
Soooo I really enjoyed this trilogy. Or shall I say, first and last book, as I couldn't get the second on time. Pro tip - it makes it easier to know what's what if you don't skip the second book..
Full of action, complex enough mythology lesson in the format of a goo book. Best read/listened to in fewer times as possible. This helps not to loose a thread.
Very engaging and I thoroughly recommend. But yeah, read all three books in a row, don't be like me :)
Full of action, complex enough mythology lesson in the format of a goo book. Best read/listened to in fewer times as possible. This helps not to loose a thread.
Very engaging and I thoroughly recommend. But yeah, read all three books in a row, don't be like me :)
Read
September 12, 20256 out of 10 overall for the series.
I audited Emily Wilson’s Sumerians trilogy over the course of the last year or so. She brings together Sumerian and Babylonian myths along with a dash of Egyptian and a soupçon of Ancient Alien and Zecharia Sitchin pseudo-science. And the resulting stew is…fine.
I make no claim that this is good literature. It’s brain candy but it’s good brain candy – Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups vs. Reese’s peanut butter cups. A good way to depressurize after a heavy read (say, a recent reread of The Brothers Karamazov).
With that in mind, recommended.
I audited Emily Wilson’s Sumerians trilogy over the course of the last year or so. She brings together Sumerian and Babylonian myths along with a dash of Egyptian and a soupçon of Ancient Alien and Zecharia Sitchin pseudo-science. And the resulting stew is…fine.
I make no claim that this is good literature. It’s brain candy but it’s good brain candy – Trader Joe’s peanut butter cups vs. Reese’s peanut butter cups. A good way to depressurize after a heavy read (say, a recent reread of The Brothers Karamazov).
With that in mind, recommended.
November 15, 2025
Thank goodness this series is over! Will I stop buying the full series before reading the first book? No. Will I power through because I refuse to dnf? Yes, every time.
This series, despite the plot being very interesting and unique, was boring and uninspired. I enjoyed learning about ancient Sumerian mythology, and the characters (especially in this book) developed overtime. However, there were many times in the book where I was left confused and frustrated honestly, with how things were not explained. I think that this series has lacked good descriptions, many sentences read the same and are fairly rudimentary in nature. This final book was significantly better than the previous two, but this failure to describe in detail means the book lacked the depth and complexity I enjoy in a book. Thus I thought the entire series was boring and uninspiring.
This series has also glossed over some pretty crazy things without properly acknowledging it, perhaps this is down to the source material and the culture of the time, but it often left me feeling uncomfortable? Even in times where that wasn’t the intention? Regardless, I am relieved to be finished with this series and glad that at least the books look pretty on my shelf.
3⭐️
This series, despite the plot being very interesting and unique, was boring and uninspired. I enjoyed learning about ancient Sumerian mythology, and the characters (especially in this book) developed overtime. However, there were many times in the book where I was left confused and frustrated honestly, with how things were not explained. I think that this series has lacked good descriptions, many sentences read the same and are fairly rudimentary in nature. This final book was significantly better than the previous two, but this failure to describe in detail means the book lacked the depth and complexity I enjoy in a book. Thus I thought the entire series was boring and uninspiring.
This series has also glossed over some pretty crazy things without properly acknowledging it, perhaps this is down to the source material and the culture of the time, but it often left me feeling uncomfortable? Even in times where that wasn’t the intention? Regardless, I am relieved to be finished with this series and glad that at least the books look pretty on my shelf.
3⭐️
November 6, 2025
It wasn't great. It dragged on to long. All the characters could have come together so much sooner. And in the end, Inanna's character made no difference to the whole story. She didn't do anything. If you going to change mythology of Isis and Osiris then you can change more to make Inanna more relevant towards the end of the story.
August 29, 2025
A disappointment. It wasn't a bad book, but it didn't measure up to the previous ones.
This series had many strengths. The first being that there aren't many retellings of sumerian mythology. The characters were compelling and the "ancient aliens" approach to the Gods was an interesting one.
The beginning of this book dragged so much. Nothing significant happened until the second half. The repetitive short chapters almost made me loose my interest.
The treatment of female characters annoyed me: Inanna accomplished little in the end. For the most part, she was nothing like the awe-inspiring figures of the myths. I would have liked her to find Ninshubar sooner. All the women can't help but swoon at Gilgamesh (though it was satisfying when Inanna told him how much of a piece of shit he was). Ereshkigal was only defined by Nergal and her child.
And then there was the omnipresence of sexual abuse.
This series had many strengths. The first being that there aren't many retellings of sumerian mythology. The characters were compelling and the "ancient aliens" approach to the Gods was an interesting one.
The beginning of this book dragged so much. Nothing significant happened until the second half. The repetitive short chapters almost made me loose my interest.
The treatment of female characters annoyed me: Inanna accomplished little in the end. For the most part, she was nothing like the awe-inspiring figures of the myths. I would have liked her to find Ninshubar sooner. All the women can't help but swoon at Gilgamesh (though it was satisfying when Inanna told him how much of a piece of shit he was). Ereshkigal was only defined by Nergal and her child.
And then there was the omnipresence of sexual abuse.
October 10, 2025
This series has been such a delight! Emily H. Wilson's take on not only the epic of Gilgamesh, but the ancient tales of Inanna and Ninshubar, comes to a close with this final book. Inanna is trapped in the world of the Anzu as Ereshkigal is trying to find her way into it, Ninlil is struggling with her mother Tiamat's determination to invade earth, Gilgamesh and Enki set out for Egypt to meet the gods there and seek another gate into the Kur, and Harga, Lilith, and Marduk are fighting to keep the Sumerian rebellion against the Akkadians alive. Meanwhile, Ninshubar wakes up in the world of the dead, and is determined to get out.
All the threads come together in this final volume. Wilson is good at evoking the visceral element of these early gods, especially when it comes to the demon queen Tiamat. Our characters go through rushes of feeling and struggle. Daringly, we visit the gods of Egypt, and the uninhabited far north, and Wilson makes implications that these original Annunaki are the source of those places' myths. The inhumanity of many of the gods, Ninshubar's unique voice, and Harga's practical one, continue to all be well-characterized and convincing. Overall, this was a fun fantasy series and I hope we get a lot more fantasy rooted in these, the oldest stories on earth.
Content warnings for sexual assault, violence, body horror.
All the threads come together in this final volume. Wilson is good at evoking the visceral element of these early gods, especially when it comes to the demon queen Tiamat. Our characters go through rushes of feeling and struggle. Daringly, we visit the gods of Egypt, and the uninhabited far north, and Wilson makes implications that these original Annunaki are the source of those places' myths. The inhumanity of many of the gods, Ninshubar's unique voice, and Harga's practical one, continue to all be well-characterized and convincing. Overall, this was a fun fantasy series and I hope we get a lot more fantasy rooted in these, the oldest stories on earth.
Content warnings for sexual assault, violence, body horror.
August 12, 2025
This was such a satisfying ending to the series! It was just as good as the last two books, and did not disappoint with the ending. I listened to the audiobooks for all three books in this series, and the narrator was amazing. They really put their soul into the characters, and it absolutely helped me to lose myself in the story. I loved this series. Going in to it I was slightly familiar with the Epic of Gilgamesh, but after reading this series I can say there was a lot that I did not know- and that was part of why I loved this series so much. I also loved reading a retelling of a myth that wasn’t a Greek myth. Don’t get me wrong, I love a Greek myth, but it feels like those are everywhere right now. I enjoyed that I got to explore a completely different culture from a different part of the world with this series. The characters are vivid and dynamic, and will have you completely invested in their journey through the books. There are those that you’ll love, those you’ll hate, and those you love to hate. To me this really showcases how well-written the series is, the characters show a full range of human emotions and representations of personalities. I would recommend this one if you like myth retellings, character driven stories, and lyrical prose.
August 9, 2025
Outstanding
Wilson has stepped up to the plate for this final book of her Sumerians trilogy.
Her characters are all very loveable, apart from the ones who aren't supposed to be. There are an awful lot of them, with fairly similar names so it took me a while to pick up from the last two books who was who and what they were up to in this one.
It seems the Tiamat lady wishes to conquer the Earth and stands a more than reasonable chance of doing so quite easily.
It might have been nice to step behind the various "gods" stories about themselves and veer in a more sci-fi direction but on the other hand that might not actually be as nice as not doing that and leaving such things as murky hints shadows.
I would have like Ereshikal to have played a larger role in this book as she was one of my favourite characters in the previous books. You can't have everything though and on balance I have really, really enjoyed the quirky, loveable characters and great plot of these books.
I hope Wilson continues to write more books of this type. I, for one, will certainly read them.
Wilson has stepped up to the plate for this final book of her Sumerians trilogy.
Her characters are all very loveable, apart from the ones who aren't supposed to be. There are an awful lot of them, with fairly similar names so it took me a while to pick up from the last two books who was who and what they were up to in this one.
It seems the Tiamat lady wishes to conquer the Earth and stands a more than reasonable chance of doing so quite easily.
It might have been nice to step behind the various "gods" stories about themselves and veer in a more sci-fi direction but on the other hand that might not actually be as nice as not doing that and leaving such things as murky hints shadows.
I would have like Ereshikal to have played a larger role in this book as she was one of my favourite characters in the previous books. You can't have everything though and on balance I have really, really enjoyed the quirky, loveable characters and great plot of these books.
I hope Wilson continues to write more books of this type. I, for one, will certainly read them.
December 15, 2025
I've rated this 5* as with the other Sumerians books, but really the first is 6* and the later two are 5*. It's a thrilling read for the most part, although I did have a few niggles:
Overall I would say that I tend to prefer more "human-level" stories (I guess in this case "god-level") and I tend to like stories less when the stakes grow too big, hence my decreasing enjoyment as the stories continued.
Having said that! This was overall another wonderful weaving together of myths, and the many POVs are well-handled. I loved the characters she invented and reinvented, especially Ninshubar and Harga. I'm so happy to have discovered this series, and still stand in awe of Emily H. Wilson's imagination and interpretive abilities.
Overall I would say that I tend to prefer more "human-level" stories (I guess in this case "god-level") and I tend to like stories less when the stakes grow too big, hence my decreasing enjoyment as the stories continued.
Having said that! This was overall another wonderful weaving together of myths, and the many POVs are well-handled. I loved the characters she invented and reinvented, especially Ninshubar and Harga. I'm so happy to have discovered this series, and still stand in awe of Emily H. Wilson's imagination and interpretive abilities.
October 13, 2025
I originally chose this third installment to The Sumerians series, because I thought oh, Emily Wilson, I enjoyed her translations of The Iliad and the Odyssey, but boy was I completely wrong. Emily R Wilson did those translations, and because I was careless enough to mistake Emily H Wilson for her, I was introduced to Emily H Wilson's exquisite series reimagining the Gilgamesh story.
This final installment to the Sumerian's series, Ninshbuar (book cover is in image), is a triumphant conclusion to this series. She has a tremendous talent for worldbuilding immersing the reader into this story. In addition, the narration by Zehra Jane Naqvi was very well done, brining this world and the characters to life. I cannot wait to see what Emily H Wilson brings us next.
Thank you to @tantoraudio, @titanbooks, and @netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and read this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 12 2025
@titanbooks
@tantoraudio
@emilyhwilson1
#Ninshbuar
#SumerianSeries
#Fantasy
#MythsRetold
#yarisbooknook
#netgalley
This final installment to the Sumerian's series, Ninshbuar (book cover is in image), is a triumphant conclusion to this series. She has a tremendous talent for worldbuilding immersing the reader into this story. In addition, the narration by Zehra Jane Naqvi was very well done, brining this world and the characters to life. I cannot wait to see what Emily H Wilson brings us next.
Thank you to @tantoraudio, @titanbooks, and @netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this ALC and read this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 12 2025
@titanbooks
@tantoraudio
@emilyhwilson1
#Ninshbuar
#SumerianSeries
#Fantasy
#MythsRetold
#yarisbooknook
#netgalley
August 25, 2025
Ninshubar delivers a compelling and lyrical conclusion to Emily H. Wilson’s Sumerians trilogy. I've loved this series and its refreshing to read a myth retelling that isn't Greek. Don't get me wrong I haven't fallen out of love with love the Greek Myths, it's just nice to read something a little different.
Wilson brings myth and history alive through Ninshubar’s unforgettable voice, weaving loyalty, loss, and cosmic stakes into a richly imagined tale. The balance between scholarly myth making and deeply human story telling is flawless.
The ending for me was deeply rewarding. I think this is my favourite book of the series. It was riveting, full of heart and power.
Thank you to Titan Books for granting me a complimentary copy for review purposes.
Wilson brings myth and history alive through Ninshubar’s unforgettable voice, weaving loyalty, loss, and cosmic stakes into a richly imagined tale. The balance between scholarly myth making and deeply human story telling is flawless.
The ending for me was deeply rewarding. I think this is my favourite book of the series. It was riveting, full of heart and power.
Thank you to Titan Books for granting me a complimentary copy for review purposes.
September 18, 2025
Ninshubar is the final volume in Emily Wilson’s Sumerians trilogy. The devastation wrought on Sumer by the Akkadian invasion is now doubled by a new threat—Tiamat, Queen of Heaven, is set to invade the Earth. And where are the heroes to stop her? All have to dig themselves out of deep holes. Inanna is a prisoner and has lost her memory. Gilgamesh is crippled by a war wound. And Ninshubar, worst of all, is dead. These setbacks do not stop the trio and their comrades from engaging in the battle of the ages.
I do have a particular fondness for Tiamat, the Sumerian Mother of All Things. But as Wilson’s raving psychopath, she makes a great villain..
I do have a particular fondness for Tiamat, the Sumerian Mother of All Things. But as Wilson’s raving psychopath, she makes a great villain..
October 8, 2025
The third book in the Sumerians trilogy finished strong, but the story definitely dragged from the second half of Gilgamesh through the midpoint of this book. Maybe that’s typical of trilogies, I don’t know? Mostly I loved the blending of all the various ancient myths into this epic tale, but there were SO MANY gods and goddesses to keep up with! Anyway, I’m a sucker for mythology of all kinds and particularly when the focus is on feminine sovereignty. Loved that Inanna’s friendship with Ninshubar was integral to this retelling and that her lions were also part of this lore. If you’ve ever been curious about the origins of Venus/Aphrodite/Ishtar/Inanna, read this interesting trilogy.
October 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book, though I’d say it’s the weakest of the trilogy. The second book, Gilgamesh, is the strongest in my opinion (despite my lack of fondness for the titular character), which pleasantly defies the usual expectation that middle installments are the weakest in a series.
I do, however, question the choice of title for this one. Ninshubar is certainly a compelling character, but no more so than several others in the series, and she wasn’t given greater prominence here than they were. That said, Inanna remains the true central figure across all three books, regardless of their individual titles.
The ending, unfortunately, felt anticlimactic.
I do, however, question the choice of title for this one. Ninshubar is certainly a compelling character, but no more so than several others in the series, and she wasn’t given greater prominence here than they were. That said, Inanna remains the true central figure across all three books, regardless of their individual titles.
The ending, unfortunately, felt anticlimactic.
August 17, 2025
Soooo I waited for this to be available on Audible, as I have a very monotonous and mind-numbing job, and these books average about 18 hours listening time. They get me through my day. With both Inanna and Gilgamesh, I took about 5 days to get through each book as I only listened to them at work.
I downloaded Ninshubar yesterday and I have 3 hours left. I have been sitting in my quiet room, staring at the wall as I listen to this book because I cannot “put it down.”
I will be so heartbroken when I finish this book, as this is a series I have come back to NUMEROUS times.
I downloaded Ninshubar yesterday and I have 3 hours left. I have been sitting in my quiet room, staring at the wall as I listen to this book because I cannot “put it down.”
I will be so heartbroken when I finish this book, as this is a series I have come back to NUMEROUS times.
August 27, 2025
I loved this sweeping trilogy so much. The third book I felt was all over the place with so many characters’ points of view, in that it lost some of its rawness of our main three characters. However, I loved how the story ended and the interpretation of how these gods once walked among us not just in the lost Sumerian culture, but throughout history in Greece and Rome etc. I look forward to what Emily Wilson does next
November 14, 2025
Loved this trilogy. I've always been into ancient civilizations and I felt like Sumeria never got the love it deserved. So reading this trilogy was a joy, especially that it was written so well. I love when side characters steal the scene in a book. Loved every time Harga or Eriskigal were on the page. Hope this series blows up in popularity. One of these books would be my book of the year if I didn't read Comanche Moon a few months back.
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