The Obelisk Gate (The Broken Earth, #2)

by N.K. Jemisin

(It is surprising how refreshing this feels. Being judged by what you do, and not what you are.)

“I don’t think it’s what they’re made of that makes stone eaters so different. I think it’s that no one can live that long and not become something entirely alien.”

But allies are needed for specific tasks, and they are not the same thing as friends.

It’s all so understandable, really, when she thinks about it. The way of the world isn’t the strong devouring the weak, but the weak deceiving and poisoning and whispering in the ears of the strong until they become weak, too.