A tad too confusing for me. I don’t think I am the targeted audience.

I even tried again with this one on audiobook and am still missing the mark.

Black Sun is extraordinary! At the very beginning it grabs hold of the reader and refuses to let go until the shocking conclusion. Rebecca Roanhorse is a powerful writer with a flair for telling very creative stories, stories which in this case are inspired by the cultures of pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas.

In the first chapter we meet the boy Serapio. He is in the process of being transformed into a god. His mother has accessed the magic, has prepared her son as well as she could, and the culmination of her efforts is drawing near. To complete the first phase of his transformation she must blind him, sewing his eyes permanently shut. The boy is not (too) afraid. As intense as this opening is, it builds from there.

Xiala is captain of a ship. She is a rare person in many ways: a “Teek” (a mysterious tribe of only women who live on a floating island in the sea), she is at least bisexual, and she is a captain in an environment dominated by men. Teek have access to certain magic which helps them on the ocean. They can read the waves and navigate flawlessly, they can use their songs to calm fears, and even to calm waves (though major storms are impervious to their gifts). Xiala wakes up in jail, not really remembering what she had done this time to end up there. Before she is even charged, a wealthy benefactor frees her and gives her a job: deliver a passenger to the city of Tova before the solstice. She will need all of her gifts and more than a little luck to succeed in time, but given the choice between jail – and possible execution – and striking out across the sea far away from her troubles the decision is rather easily made.

Naranpa is not dead, despite her enemies’ efforts. She is the high priest of the Sun God, living and ruling in Tova. Born in poverty in the city’s “Maw,” she has risen to her position through hard work from the time she was sent to live with the priests as a ten-year-old girl. One does not get to her position, though, without accumulating a few enemies. Those enemies are hoping to arrange for her death. Who those enemies are, though, is hard to discover.

And Okoa is the son of the Crow matron. Having trained in the war college for many years, he is forced to return home after his mother’s sudden death. He soon finds that the intrigue and machinations of his home city will thoroughly test the training he has completed. Not every battle is fought in the open.

Weaving back and forth between these characters, shifting in time to fill in backstory for the characters, we find them all coming together for the solstice in Tova. This solstice is unique, unprecedented, an event called “The Convergence.” Few realize just how memorable it will be.

Roanhorse has written previous books that won awards. This one may be her best yet. It has already been purchased by a studio and plans for a major production are underway. Now with a second jaw-dropping series in progress, Roanhorse is taking her place among the leaders of modern fantasy and carving out a place of her own by taking inspiration from the rich cultures that inhabited the Americas before the arrival of Europeans.

Fantasy is a genre built upon the fact that almost every new series or standalone has been inspired by another one - and that’s how most fantasy fans (myself included) prefer it. Building upon and expanding ideas from older series is just what’s done within the genre, and it’s worked for so many decades. Especially in the 21st century, there’s not much “new” or “original” left that one can write - so to find something bringing truly new ideas to the table is always astounding, and it makes one want to shout said book’s praises from the rooftops. Black Sun? Black Sun is one of those that has taken the concept of “new” and ran with it, leading the reader into a land inspired by Mesoamerican and Native mythology and legends that is unlike any other fantasy series. While many of the themes explored within Black Sun’s world aren’t new to the genre (power, corruption, cults, forbidden love, etc), the way that Roanhorse has constructed them around a world that is so deeply centered in Mesoamerican and Native traditions is. Execution is what matters when it comes to fantasy, and this storyline nails it, with the alternating POV chapters showing more and more of the world. And on top of that, the characters still manage to be likable, interesting people who I was rooting for by the end of the book (I especially love Serapis and Xiala, and their dynamic that I hope is expanded upon). The only thing I’d like more of is more detail and explanation to the world building and magic of Tova. It’s a shame that it took so long for a book like this to capture the attention of the publishing world and fantasy lovers (and I’m sure other writers have pulled this off, just without the hype and press), but damn, is this one well written, well plotted and well built. The first page sucked me in, but the ending, and what the reader learns between the pages, is what has made the second book one of my most eagerly anticipated 2022 reads.

Absolutely as amazing as everyone said it would be. This has quickly become a book I recommend to many folks in the library. We purchased several copies.

BLACK SUN is quite frankly one of the most unique and utterly absorbing fantasies I have read in a while. The richness of the world Roanhorse created is only surpassed by the eloquence exhibited in her writing.

This book is so vivid it's like watching a movie play out.
Black Sun sucks you in to a world that is just a step to the left of ours and makes it so you never want to come back. It's plot and world building and characters, oh the characters.
Everything is spoken of and described with the same care, from the greatest plot points, to passing details, so that you're not sure what matters and what won't until you're putting the pieces together in the aftermath of the story.
And guess what? There's going to be more than just one book, and I cannot wait. These characters burrow their way into your heart and you're going to want so much more time with them.

Thank you #NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! I loved every minute of this book, and I'm happy to say I've already purchased a copy for my library.

Thank you so much to net galley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book! I didn’t finish this book or the last Rebecca roanhorse book I read. I fall in love with the descriptions of their books but just don’t really enjoy their books which it so sad because I want to so bad!

I received this book as an ARC copy before it released and I am very sad to say that I sat on it until this month. I started to see early reviews on how amazing it was and then started feeling twitchy and anxious about reading it because what if I didn't love it like everyone else?

Well, that was just dumb because I loved this book. Rebecca Roanhorse took the fantasy genre and turned it on its own head in my opinion. Most fantasy books that you read are so heavily bogged down by world building and the writing. This book did not do that. I found the writing to be fluid and easily digestible while still receiving unique descriptions of the characters and the lands. Serapio and Xiala are both two of my new favorite characters and I cannot wait to read book 2 next year.

I had purchased a hard copy when it first came out so I have it for my collection just waiting for the next title release in 2022. I also picked this title up for a few of my friends as Christmas presents this year.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books and Rebecca Roanhorse for allowing me to read a copy of this book!

Not by going to lie, it took me a while to read it. I started it, and left it unread after the first section. A year later, I actually decided it to read it again — this time I actually finished it.

I will admit, it got confusing at times, but overall I enjoyed it.

All the MCs were well characterized, the imagery was good. I just got the arc for the sequel 🤞🏼

This book was fantastic. I really enjoyed the writing style and the diverse group of characters who relate the story; the audiobook narration was especially good. While the world-building took a bit to get fully into due to how complex the mythology and societies were, but once I got the hang of things the story flowed really well. I especially liked Xiala's wicked sense of humor and Naranpa's guide to do better by the people of Tova. The political intrigue within Tova and especially within the Watchers was also fascinating and gave the story some shades of a political thriller. I'm excited to see what the sequel holds, especially in terms of Serapio and Naranpa's fates. This book is great for anyone who loves fantasy but wants something a little different and unexpected, especially in terms of setting and characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lush book with beautiful descriptions of landscapes and equally well drawn characters. I can still, after a year, visualize some of the events on mountain tops or in the ship with one of the interesting and unusual characters. I’ve read other stories by Roanhorse and this one is by far the best. I’m truly looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a digital ARC though all thoughts are my own.

This was one of my most anticipated reads and wow did it pack quite the punch. I found myself caught up in this world from beginning to end and wondering how it would all connect.

I ship Serapio and Xiala and my heart ached towards the end of the book and I was rather hoping things would turn out differently for them but I'm still holding out hope with that ending!

Can't wait to read the sequel and there's so much that I hope will be revealed in the next book.

Trigger warnings: childhood mutilation, forced drug used, drug use, suicide, murder, death of animals as well as people, violence, sacrifice, abuse

In the city of Tova, the priests and leaders of the Sky Made clans are preparing to celebrate the winter solstice. Sun Priest Naranpa has finally ascended to the position she has worked towards for years, but her new role allows her to see all of the cracks in their system. Far away from the glamour and prestige of the city, a sailor named Xiala is asked to transport a strange passenger to Tova. The man on her ship is Serapio, who has great power and great anger towards the priests. He is on a mission to make them pay for their sins against the Crow people.
This story takes place on the Meridian, inspired by the Incans and Puebloans before European colonizers arrived. The world created on these pages is beautiful and sweeping, and you will feel like you are on the cliffs of Tova or sailing the dangerous seas with Xiala. There is a perfect balance here between an expansive world and a focus on the characters. Each one of them is grappling with finding their place in a system and culture they did not create, as well as the ways they are perceived by the people around them.

Rebecca Roanhorse has nimbly walked the line between giving readers all the information they need while preparing them for a second book where all these storylines will converge. Black Sun is a book you won't want to put down, and I can't wait to find out what happens to Naranpa, Xiala, and Serapio in the sequel (expected in April 2022).



Black Sun
(Between Earth and Sky #1)
By Rebecca Roanhorse
Gallery/Saga Press October 2020
461 pages
Read via Netgalley

A creative, immersive, imaginative SFF novel that brings Native American lore to life in a spectacular way

This was a good first book. I enjoyed the story and plot. I felt the pacing was a bit slow at times which caused me to zone out every now and then. I enjoyed the action and romance. Loved the inclusion of a non-binary character and a bisexual character. This was a good start.

Serapio was definitely my favorite character of them all. He was such a sweet innocent boy given a hard task. I loved how genuine he was, but also how ruthless he could become. It made me swoon over him. I loved how swift he was and how he processed things before reacting.

Xiala was freaking amazing. A bisexual female captain with a sassiness to her and a mouth that has no filter. Yes please. She made me laugh the most. I adored her to pieces.

The romance between Serapio and Xiala was both unexpected and swoon worthy. I lived for it and personally wanted more between them.

Naranpa was a bit boring until she had to protect herself towards the end. I hated the way people treated her, especially Abah -- I wanted to knock that woman silly. Okoa was extremely interesting to me. I liked how he moves silently without a big show compared to other characters. I wouldn't be upset about a romance between Naranpa and Okoa.

The whole battle between the Sun priest and the Crow god was interesting to me. I do want to learn more about the other groups involved, especially concerning Naranpa's brother.

Overall I am excited for the sequel and have high hopes for it!

Black Sun cemented Rebecca Roanhorse as one of my top favorite fantasy authors, despite being only the second book of hers I’ve read. Even though it’s been eight months since I read it, many of the scenes and characters still feel incredibly vivid to me. I could rave about the characters, world-building, plot, themes, and more, but really the entire package is phenomenal and, unlike much epic fantasy, felt like something I hadn’t read before. So here are just a few of the things I loved:

- the time jumps between past and present are masterfully handled, allowing us to come to know the characters and their histories more deeply over time
- the characters are queer!! unapologetically so, but it’s not a plot point
- Roanhorse doesn’t shy away from explicit gore and violence but it doesn’t become gratuitous
- it’s not all that often you find fantasy book with a disabled protagonist whose disability isn’t completely rectified by their magic. and I daresay he’s my favorite character, though truly it’s hard to choose

The sequel, Fevered Star, is without a doubt one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2022.

A god will return
When the earth and sky converge
Under the black sun

Black Sun is an epic fantasy with beautiful storytelling. The story had some great qualities, including the fantastical world building and the diversity of the characters. The setting was fabulous, and I would love to learn more about this world and see it continued, but for me, the book fell a little short in the development of the characters. Nothing really engaged me and made me want to read more about them.

Overall, this book was entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone who loves Fantasy.

Black Sun is a refreshing take on fantasy. It explores mythologies that are less often touched upon. Rather than medieval Europe, its a story shaped by the influences of the tribes of Central and South America. The world is rich and well defined, and the characters that move within it are loveable, hateable, and relatable. If you’re looking for fantasy series with a new perspective, but still offering all the enjoyment of a world apart this book might scratch that itch, and leave you wanting more.

#NetGalley

Despite the big buzz, numerous accolades, and my accidentally dillydallying until the paperback came out, I managed to go into this one knowing almost nothing about it except "epic fantasy with a sort of pre-Columbian setting." I usually dig a little deeper before picking up a 450-page series opener, but I'm glad I didn't — walking nearly blindly into this world perfectly matched the casually immersive writing that turns this tale into an experience instead of just a story. I'm not going to tell you much about the world-building. Jump in and experience it. (I will say, however, that I found it immediately immersive, but not immediately engaging. It took me a while after the shocking opener and brief tour of our main characters before I was sold on continuing the experience. I'm obviously glad I did.)

The basic story itself is about a convergence: of cultures, of prophesies, of political machinations, of collective trauma, of celestial bodies, of insecurities and prejudices, and of a diverse cast of principal characters. Serapio is a sheltered young man, raised and trained to the dark destiny of a dark god. Naranpa is a former guttersnipe now idealistic priest, raised to the highest position of Sun Priest. Xiala is a magical Teek, far from home and generally unwelcomed elsewhere, with hopes now raised to that of independent ship's captain. The narrative counts down to the convergence of the winter solstice and a solar eclipse while we watch — uneasy, fascinated, devastated, hopeful, enthralled — the convergence of plans all but irrevocably set into motion and people set toward destruction.

It's a skillfully written, gorgeously described, powerfully imagined series opener with layers of integrated diversity (of cultures, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexualities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, etc.) and an intense, epic fantasy story.

<b>Topics, tropes and themes:</b> sophisticated pre-Columbian societies, family, purpose, bigotry, superstition, magic, political intrigue, generational trauma, prophecy, chosen one trope
<b>Content notes:</b> ritual mutilation and scarification, sudden gruesome slaughter, blood magic, strong language, sacrificial suicide, drinking in excess, substance use for magic/altered state, bigotry, death by drowning, near death experience, banishment, reference to forced prostitution (back story), poverty (backstory),

My thanks to #NetGalley and #GalleryBooks #SagaPress for a digital ARC.

This book is a compelling, detailed, vivid read. I was drawn in by the expertly crafted characters, mythology, and worldbuilding. Every single character left me wanting to read more. I especially loved Xiala.

The story rewarded attention to detail, and made me eager for the next installment. The book is epic in scope, and deserves to capture many readers.