by N.K. Jemisin

The first time I read this I hadn't read much fantasy. Having read and enjoyed a bunch now this still stands out. I also hadn't read The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas. Having that context - that the conversation about "who are you willing to sacrifice" has this history of being explored through sci-fi - added another layer.

The standout things for me are the world-building and the main character.

The world-building has such texture to it. Actual texture in terms of rock and dirt and minerals, and texture in terms of feeling like the world order is built on layers of action and reaction.

The main character stands out in terms of being clear-eyed about her actions. Reporting her mistakes and her doubts but having the strength to keep moving and working outside of despair.

The system that enslaves the Orogenes is deeply unfair. In a lesser book that would be the extent of it - but this one makes clear that there is a real danger to their power - a danger that could and does cause innocent-ish (though complicit in the larger system) deaths. I think it frames the need to treat orogenes fairly as a matter of courage. There are not simple answers, but you also don't get to use that fact as an out - you have to watch what the current system does to the main characters. And the monstrosity of that drives you back towards the courage that it can't continue like this.