Damon’s Reviews > The Fifth Season > Status Update

Hey Damon, I’m curious what do you think the book is trying to say about power or survival?

And is there a character you’ve found yourself most interested in yet?

Hi Anna, you have asked some great questions.

I think one of the main ideas so far is that power isn’t just about having strength or control it’s also about who gets to define the rules and who is forced to live by them. The way orogenes are treated despite being incredibly powerful says a lot about fear, prejudice, and how societies try to control what they don’t understand.

As for survival, it seems like the book is suggesting that surviving isn’t just about staying alive. It’s also about what you’re willing to sacrifice, emotionally and morally, to keep going in such a harsh world.

The character I’ve found most interesting so far is Essun. There’s clearly a lot more going on with her and I’m really interested to see how her story unfolds and connects with everything else.

Thanks, Damon! I really like your point about power being tied to who gets to make the rules rather than just who has the most strength. Your thoughts on survival being about the emotional and moral choices people make are really interesting too. Essun has definitely made a strong impression so far. Do you think she’s changed the way you view the world of the Stillness, or has another character or perspective challenged your assumptions more?