I’m jotting down a few thoughts on the book, The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin, part of the Dreamblood Duology.

Why did I choose this book?

 I believe I’ve mentioned this elsewhere, but to recap, I stumbled upon The Killing Moon while reading N.K. Jemisin’s How Long ’til Black Future Month? In that collection, one of the short stories was essentially set in the world of this book. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but it’s part of the same narrative. That particular short story became a favorite of mine, and the entire book seemed thoroughly developed and engaging. Long story short, I truly enjoyed it. Later, I discovered that it was initially a concept piece for the Dreamblood Duology. So, I made a mental note to explore the duology when time allowed. Recently, during a library visit, I found The Killing Moon available, and I grabbed it.

The Killing Moon

I believe this was Jemisin’s debut book. She shared her challenges in getting it published, particularly several years ago when publishers and agents were hesitant about a fantasy novel featuring non-white characters in a non-European setting. Even now, it might be one of her lesser-known series, but with the success of her Broken Earth trilogy, including increased attention on her other works, like this duology, hopefully, it’s receiving the recognition it deserves. Personally, I hope it’s garnered the attention it merits. Anyway.

Intriguing Cultural Basis

So far, I think I might be around chapter four or something like that. And it’s been good. What’s intriguing about this book is its basis in ancient Egyptian culture. Though set in a different world, it revolves around a group of people called gatherers who play a crucial role in maintaining peace within their city. They possess special abilities to enter and manipulate people’s dreams, but their primary task is to handle individuals marked for death. They’re not mere mercenaries; rather, they’re often commissioned by relatives to ease the suffering of loved ones.

Complex Responsibilities

When they carry out their duties, they do so with a unique approach. It’s not merely about putting someone to sleep stealthily; there are different layers within the realm of sleep, akin to various dream worlds and purgatory. It requires a specific skill set to guide someone through these realms properly. That’s their responsibility. Sometimes, they’re involved in cases of murder or executions deemed necessary. It’s a complex role. I recall this theme from a short story that was a precursor to this book.

The story begins with a skilled gatherer tasked with a seemingly straightforward mission. However, something goes awry during the process, resulting in the elderly individual’s soul becoming lost in purgatory. As the gatherer left the scene, he noticed a mysterious shadowy figure moving on the rooftops, suggesting someone else was involved in this mishap.

The society of gatherers, however, takes such incidents seriously, putting the gatherer under probation. Yet, it’s not solely the gatherer’s fault; there are mysterious elements at play, suggesting a deeper mystery unfolding. This sets up a mystery from the outset, where even the most skilled gatherer makes an uncharacteristic mistake. It seems we’ll soon uncover what’s truly happening, adding to the intrigue of this fantasy steeped in ancient Egyptian mythology. It sets the stage for a captivating narrative, blending fantasy with ancient Egyptian mythology.

Immersive Dream World

This book immerses readers in a world of dreams and peacekeeping, where sleep carries a sense of tranquility. Despite occasional fight scenes and moments of death, there’s an overarching somberness that defines the book’s tone, lending it a unique and impressive quality. So far, it’s been a captivating read, showcasing the author’s skill in crafting a narrative that resonates with readers.

Original draft written in November 2019