I am going to start off this review by warning you that this will just be me screaming about how much I loved this book and how much of an absolute masterpiece it is.

I already knew that I enjoyed Rebecca Roanhorse’s writing as I’ve read Trail of Lightning and Storm of Locusts and adored those two but Black Sun… her writing in this book was phenomenal and blew my mind.

This story was weaved so well. The way each character’s plot line interconnected, the way the magic worked and the world was built, everything about it was sheer perfection.

I loved the fact that this story and the world was inspired by Indigenous history and myths and mythology. It was easy to follow if you’re not familiar with the culture and seeing everything Rebecca brought forth in this novel brought so much joy to my heart.

I loved our main characters but I think Xiala and Serapio are my favourites if I had to choose (and choosing was very difficult!). Their story arcs were so interesting to me, I think even more so because of the magic surrounding both of them and the mystery shrouding them both.

Xiala is Teek which makes her a sort of Siren whilst Serapio we discover is connected to the Crow God. Xiala being openly bisexual was amazing. I adored the fact that her sexuality was just a part of her and that she was so confident within herself. Seeing these stories where LGBTQIA+ characters are themselves and it’s not seen as a bad thing or something to condemn someone for is so nice and refreshing to read about.

We also have a few side characters that use xe/xir pronouns which I have never read in a book before, let alone a fantasy story but I know how much that representation will be appreciated. Not to mention Iktan, one of the characters who uses xe/xir pronouns was an absolute badass. Iktan is the leader of these assassin type people and it is everything.

On the topic of representation, one of our main characters, Serapio is blind. I can’t speak on the rep so please do go check out own voices reviewers!! But I really enjoyed seeing how his disability never was a source of shame or made out to be this bad thing for him. He was blind and that was it, it was just another part of him. Him being blind was never something people saw as a negative in the story and that is so important. I loved him as a character so so much. He’s honestly such a cinnamon roll!!

Naranpa was an absolute icon and I couldn’t get enough of her chapters. She could step on me and I would thank her. There’s still so many questions that I need answered. Book 2 please come faster 😭

~~

I could keep gushing on and on about my love for this story but I’ll end it here.

Read this book. If you like high fantasy stories that involve magic and myths and prophecy and badass characters with the magic to of Song and daughters of the sea, to giant flying crows and insects to shadow magic and political intrigue, with queer characters and morally grey characters and absolute cinnamon rolls– this book has everything you could ever want in a story.

I desperately need the sequel yesterday.

Read this book. You won’t regret it!

5/5 🌟

TW: death, suicide, death of a parent, murder, assault, violence, sexual assault, profanity, mild sexually explicit scenes, blood, beheading, kidnapping, poisoning, gore, animal death.

BLACK SUN is so immersive, I came up fully soaked in awe!

The worldbuilding is vast and vivid. This book is the first in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, wherein the readers are introduced to Meridian, a continent so unique yet also very familiar -from the clothes down to cacao as currency. Although the book is Pre-Columbian Americas inspired, hints of Polynesian culture are present too. Since Polynesians share the same origins as the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, it’s fascinating to see familiar things –seafaring, knife and pole fighting, and the sun-eating bird.

The plot is taut and fast-paced. The storyline kept me engaged throughout, from the propulsive opening to the cliffhanger ending. Every scene awakens and builds emotional connections. And Roanhorse certainly knows her political maneuverings very well. They evoke the primal instinct to react for self-preservation and social justice.

The ensemble is very inclusive –race, gender, status, impairments. Intriguing, social stigma has no place in this book. Each character is fascinating, representing a strategic purpose. Like the plot, they are manifold, continually unfolding to give the reader a broader image of the premise. Here, romance can be abstract, but not unsatisfying, nor less heart-rending.

Every detail of this book reveals in-depth research and rumination. Rebecca Roanhorse wrote a very powerful starter and the best book I have read this year. And kudos to John Picacio for this lovely cover I am shamelessly coveting for my bookshelf. Lastly, I want to point out that this is not “a little closer to great.” THIS IS GREAT, Ms. Rebecca. Congratulations!

Huge thanks to Saga Press and Netgalley for an e-arc of Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Black Sun is one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint!

Black Sun is out today (October 13th) and I highly recommend picking it up, especially if you have enjoyed her previous work.

Black Sun is a fantasy novel inspired by pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas. Rebecca Roanhorse mixes cultures and mythologies to create a distinct fantasy setting. This is a story of prophecy, deception, and old gods.

In the city of Tova there are four sky made clans: Golden Eagle, Water Strider, Winged Serpent, and Carrion Crow. The priesthood lives in the fortress above them, led by the Sun Priest. While large parts of the story take place outside of Tova, every story converges on Tova and the political machinations of the sky made clans and the priesthood.

Black Sun has four main POV characters, and the story confirms at least two as queer. I didn’t know this book had queer characters when I went into it, so this was a great surprise!

Xiala is a Teek woman whose song can soothe the ocean. She is bi or pan and she has a romantic arc with a man. Xiala is honestly kind of a mess, she has a lot of unresolved trauma from her past and she drinks and fools around to get by. Xiala accepts a contract to captain a ship to Tova.

“Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain.”

Serapio is a man who has known little love throughout his life. His mother bore him into existence for the purpose of fulfilling a prophecy, for which she also blinded him. His only friends are the crows which also serve as his eyes when needed. He has ties to the Carrion Crow clan without ever having met them.

Okoa becomes the shield to the matron of Carrion Crow after his mother dies in mysterious circumstances. Okoa comes into play late in the book, but I’m sure he will play a larger part in the rest of the series. Soon after returning to Tova he faces accusations of attempting to assassinate the Sun Priest.

Naranpa is the Sun Priest. She is likely bi or pan, only one of her past relationships makes it onto the page and it was with a non-binary character. Naranpa is trying to lead her segment of the priesthood back to its former glory. However, the other leaders of the priesthood are unwilling to forget her roots and the fact that she will never be one of them. Segments of the priesthood undermine her every step of the way and the political machinations of the sky made clans haunt her every move.

As always, Rebecca Roanhorse crafts a detailed world with loveable and complicated characters in all shades of grey that leaves you breathless and emotionally devastated in all the best ways. If you've read Trail of Lightning, you will know exactly the type of feeling I am talking about.

Characters who you thought had already fallen too far to break, prove they can break into smaller pieces. They self sacrifice without considering an alternative. They make leaps and bounds to do what they believe is right even when it puts them in danger. But they are also complex and flawed and endlessly realistic because of it.
I love a political story so this fit the bill perfectly. Be warned, the story does start a little slow if you are expecting the prophecy to come into play immediately. However, Black Sun thoroughly develops the world, the characters, and the cultures , paving the way for future books.

Rebecca Roanhorse effectively intertwines each character's story while keeping each story, for the most part, separate. I loved how one character's actions affected another character's story in unexpected, but clearly linked ways. I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Roanhorse is an award winning American author whose previous books include "Race to the Sun" and "The Sixth World" series. This new book is the first in a fantasy series loosely based on the Pre-Columbian American civilizations. The book follows the journey of three main characters. Naranpa is a Sun Priest who faces trouble among her people. Serapio is a member of the crow clan and as a young boy his mother blinds him and carves drawings on his body. He is then taken away to train for years to return one day to become a God. Xiala is a member of the Teek people with special skills with water. When Xiala is paid to captain a ship in order to get a special cargo (Serapio) to the city of Tova in time for the solstice, there stories become merged. While I found this book very difficult to follow at first and actually contemplated giving up, I am glad I stuck with it as I soon became invested in these lives. It would be a great recommendation to fans of the fantasy genre.

Black Sun was an unquestionably phenomenal read.

I’d been intrigued from the start after hearing this was an epic fantasy inspired by Pre-Columbian cultures. I became even more so just hearing all the sorts of delights this would entail: solar eclipses, eerie prophecies, sun priests, bloody cults and clever crows galore.

It quickly became one of my most anticipated reads in recent months. Once I finally had the lucky opportunity to read this, I’d known within only a few chapters that this book was going to become one of my favorites of the year. Every expectation I had going in was happily exceeded.

The story is centered around an upcoming celestial event called the Convergence – a extremely rare occurrence in which a solar eclipse takes place on the same day as the winter solstice. In the Holy City of Tova, the priests of the Watchers are making preparations for sacred celebrations that will mark the date. So, too, are the powerful Sky Made clans who all seem to be watching closely with agendas of their own. The least of these agendas belong to certain members of the Carrion Crow clan, whom have a longstanding grudge against the Watchers. Within their numbers a cult dedicated to a crow god is steadily flourishing as they await their vengeance against the priests. As the Convergence draws nearer these political and personal tensions plaguing Tova only grow ever more pronounced.

These conflicts further reveal themselves within the journeys of four main characters. In Tova itself, there is Naranpa, the woman who rose from humble origins to become the Sun Priest and formal head of the Watchers. She fears the growing irrelevance of the priesthood and attempts to bring the Watchers back in touch with the everyday people, whilst also trying to navigate the plots of fellow wellborn priests that have never quite forgiven her for rising so high. There is also Okoa, a young warrior grieving the loss of his mother and leader of his clan, who is steadily being drawn into an intimate front row seat to the rising tensions between the Watchers and the Crow cult.

Over in Cuecola, there is Xiala, a wayward sea captain and siren-like Teek who has the ability to calm the roar of the waves with her song. She is hired by a powerful noble to sail a mysterious, blind young man all the way to the Tova in a seemingly impossible short period of time. And finally, there is Serapio, the mysterious young man himself and arguably the most important of all. Possessing hidden talents and an affinity for crows, Serapio has a deadly mission that compels him to reach Tova in time for the Convergence. His mother has done the unthinkable to prepare him to become a god, and with his godhood he intends to fulfill the heartfelt wishes of her people.

This entrancing set of characters and the vibrant, breathtaking world both collaborate to captivate your attention and hook you in completely – and it certainly worked on me.

Truly, Black Sun was just perfectly paced from the start. I can’t think of a single moment where the worldbuilding, character development or current events didn’t seem to be essential or well situated within the narrative. I was always craving to know what would happen next – easily convincing myself that I needed to treat myself to just one more chapter over and over again. I genuinely never wanted to put it down.

It also helps that every main character is so compelling and likable both in spite of and because of their flaws. You root for Xiala in all her messy, troubled glory. You root for Naranpa even when there are times she seems to be blinded by naivety. You almost even root for the undeniable darkness that lies beneath Serapio’s polite demeanor and calm poise, if only because you can’t help but anticipate what will happen once it’s finally unleashed.

You don't want to miss this one, trust me. There truly isn’t a moment wasted in this read. If this isn’t a widely acclaimed release for 2020 I will be genuinely surprised. The sequel is definitely going to be high up on my anticipated “must read” list, that’s for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Canada and Saga Press for providing the free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love sci fi/fantasy novels and it takes a lot to impress me. Well, this book was so good. The world building, the characters and the story come together in such a beautiful way. It was so enthralling and it kept me interested. I don't want to spoil anything but if you like new and interesting sci fi that you haven't read before, read this book.

I loved it.

Black Sun‘s cover has a blurb from New York Times describing Rebecca Roanhorse’s fantasy as “deeply satisfying.” I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment. Black Sun makes for a macabre yet satisfying read.

A high fantasy inspired by the pre-Columbian America civilizations, Black Sun centres it story around the rarest Celestial event called the Convergence which happens on the winter solstice of The Year of the Sun’s 325th year. The event, in which the sun, the moon, and the earth will align, is said to dictate a shift of the world balancing from order to chaos then back to order as the sun appears to mark the light prevailing. While this would normally be a time for celebration and renewal, the priests and clans of the holy city of Tova find themselves in fear of a possible reckoning for a past blood-soaked sin following growing rumours of the resurgence of a cult that worships the Crow God.

Throughout all this, Black Sun follows four storylines: a Sun Priest struggling to juggle between re-asserting her power to bring concrete change to the city and numerous threats to both her position and her life, a warrior returning home after learning disturbing news of his mother’s death and finding himself out of his depth in his search for the truth, a strange captain heading a ship towards Tova, and an even stranger passenger on said ship desperate to make it to Tova in time for the solstice. As the four get closer to converge in Tova for the celestial event, dark truths are revealed in a breakneck speed foreboding an ominous turn of events that is to occur on the Convergence.

The worldbuilding in this book is inspired by pre-Columbian American civilizations. I admit that I have very little knowledge of these cultures – hence I am entirely unfamiliar with. I was told that Roanhorse’s setting was essentially a melting pot taking facets from a myriad of cultures (e.g. Yutatec Maya, Tewan, and Aztec cultures among others). With my unfamiliarity, I found Roanhorse’s world to be rich in detail, atmosphere, and life. Coupled with the complex political machineries in Tova, I found myself fascinated and eager to explore more of this wonderful world Roanhorse has created.

As the Convergence approaches, Black Sun develops its pieces of the chessboard as the characters unveil the mystery of what is to occur on the fateful day. The Sun Priest Naranpa and the warrior Okoa’s storylines cover the more political aspects of Black Sun‘s story, and more context to what have happened to drive the ominous gears of fate that awaits everyone on the fateful day.

Through Naranpa’s eyes we see the class division and prejudices that run deep in Tova. Even though Nara has risen to one of the highest ranks of order, she realises that she will never truly accepted by the people around her due to the low place of her birth. Instead, she constantly has to prove herself and assert her power to retain her position, an endeavour that slowly taxes her as she also has to deal with threats to her life related to growing rumours of the Crow God cult’s resurgence. While her situation grows uglier along with the darker truths she discovers, she is forced to reckon with her roots and confront her less altruistic nature that comes from a place of wanting a better life for herself. Her desperation resonates deeply as she also struggles between putting her faith in others and defensively trusting no one but herself.

To be honest I found Okoa’s storyline to be overshadowed by Naranpa’s since his storyline was more plot-driven in that the sole focus is to investigate the truth of his mother the Crow Matron’s death; but the plot segued to provide the bigger picture of Tova’s past sin given that Okoa comes from the clan that had been wronged in an act that left hundreds of the clan dead. Nonetheless I was intrigued with his situation: stuck in an impossible situation, and having a great deal of expectation put into him following his mother’s death with no certainty as to who to trust. He comes into the fray in the fallout of Black Sun‘s climax and I’m looking forward to see how his involvement develops in the sequels.

Serapio and Xiala’s storylines explore more of Black Sun‘s more supernatural and fantastical elements, ranging from mermaids and giant birds to gods and crow mythology. Xiala is a sailor and a sea creature whose song gravitates some power over the sea. She is by the most generic sense an audience surrogate slowly learning of the happenings in Tova and just why the mysterious stranger she carries needs to arrive before the Convergence occurs; but Black Sun also takes the time to slowly unveil layers of her own character and backstory beyond that. Exploring her mysterious Teek heritage was one of the exhilarating parts of the book, but I can sense that there is a lot more to unpack from her background here than just her heritage – I’m hoping we’ll learn more about her as we go on in the series.

I’m not going to lie, Serapio’s storyline captivated me the most in this book. Being a primed candidate for the Crow God’s awaited retribution to the Sun, Roanhorse peppers in a LOT of crow imageries in Black Sun – and they’re not pretty to say the least. The incredibly macabre imageries across the story absolutely won me over, and played a huge part in setting up the tone of the story, which is pretty gruesome. The opening chapter in which he is introduced is one of the most visceral and gruesome I’ve ever read. Through flashbacks we see the cruel upbringing flung on the young and trusting boy, and in the present we see him as a mysterious and adept young man ready to dive into his predestined fate.

I also wasn’t expecting Serapio and Xiala to have the chemistry they did. While they initially connect over their shared identity of people with powers that alienate them from others, their relationship evolved to a genuine one with great emotional depth I couldn’t help but root for despite all odds.

All these topped with ominous foreshadowing and characterization, I couldn’t help but instinctively recognise the direction Black Sun was going and that there was just no way to prevent the events from happening around mid-way through the book. By the time everything is out in the open, decisions have been made and whatever happens, happens. Once the pieces of the chessboard are clearly developed, the climax of Black Sun absolutely stunned me and left me anticipating the fallout from the dramatic turn of events.

Black Sun aptly sets the tone of the Between Earth and Sky series as it prepares for a pivotal moment that will change the world order. Dark truths are brought to light, and past sins are brutally paid for in Black Sun. To drive the knife in further, there is nothing anyone can do about it since decisions have been made and everyone makes choices that dig themselves deeper to fate’s ominous tidings. Roanhorse’s bold and shocking choice of storytelling left me horrified, yet enamoured and desperate to witness what’s to come throughout the two books Roanhorse has left to tell. Offering dark prophesies, dark magic, powerful and dangerous women, macabre imageries, and beautifully constructed settings, Black Sun is a strong start to what is to be an unforgettable new entry in the high fantasy/epic genre. Between Earth and Sky is going to be a dramatic, macabre rollercoaster of a series, and there’s nothing left possible to do but strap in for the ride.

And what a ride it will be.

It's always a welcome surprise when a book includes non-binary and two-spirit characters without ever making a big deal about it. It's so refreshing when these characters are just there, and accepted for who they are instead of their identity being a plot point. The use of Xe/Xir pronouns is something I am glad to see more often in popular fantasy as I hope it begins to normalize their use for people.

While I'm not the biggest fan of the way the story is structured with the narrative jumping backwards and forwards through time, this series definitely holds promise for me and I will definitely be checking out the next book when it is released.

*I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. A big thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for giving me the opportunity to read Black Sun early!

You ever finish a book that leaves you with such a book hangover that you actually have a headache? That was me after finishing Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. This book left me so hungry for more that I started panicking every time I looked at how few pages I had left and how much still needed to be resolved. After finishing Black Sun, I had to just sit and do nothing for a bit before realizing that it was 3 PM and I still hadn’t eaten, or really done anything on my to-do list for the day. It’s now been three days since I’ve finished it and I’m still struggling to pick up another book!

Synopsis: As the priests and clans of Tova prepare for the winter solstice celebrations, rumors have been growing of the resurgence of a cult that worships the Crow God. While struggling to re-assert power and bring change to the city, the Sun Priest must also deal with threats to her life, which appear to be coming from that very cult. Nearby, a warrior learns disturbing news of his mother’s death, and returns home to Tova only to find himself stuck between two groups in his search for the truth. Meanwhile, a ship heads towards Tova with a strange captain, and even stranger passenger, desperate to make it to the holy city in time for the solstice. As they approach the city, both are quickly revealed to be a lot more than meets the eye.

Black Sun is told through four different perspectives in a non-chronological order, which can sometimes be a little challenging to keep track of if you’re someone like me who often forgets numbers and dates. These four characters all come from diverse backgrounds and lead vastly distinct lives, but their stories soon converge on one city for a rare celestial event. It is set in a fantasy world inspired by the Americas prior to the arrival of Europeans and THIS WORLD IS INCREDIBLE. I loved reading about the different cities and the cultures of the people that inhabit them.

There are so many moving parts in Black Sun that keep you on your toes, but I found myself especially eager to read chapters told from Xiala’s perspective. Literally from her first chapter I fell in love with her and was so eager to learn more about her and her past. I love how easily she was able to adapt to her situation, no matter how dire they got. Another character I adored, but I find a lot of reviews don’t even mention, was Okoa. Though he doesn’t have too much of a presence in Black Sun, I have no doubt that he’ll be playing a much bigger role in future installments and I can’t wait to read more about him.

This book definitely has it all: a doomed slow-burn romance that you can’t help but root for anyway, powerful and dangerous women, dark prophesies, and beautifully constructed settings. Seriously, I don’t think I’m even capable of writing a review that properly encompasses how much I loved this book- and did I mention how desperate I am for more?

Black Sun comes out on October 13, 2020 and can be pre-ordered from Indigo, Amazon, or your local independent bookstore. Anyone looking for signed editions can order one here, but if you’re Canada-based like me, the shipping costs are pretty high right now ( I’m SO thankful I have an address in the US I can ship things to!). These editions also come with an exclusive enamel pin and temporary tattoo!

Black Sun is a high fantasy story set in a secondary world inspired by the Pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas. It is a tale of revenge, sacrifice, destiny, prophecy, politics, betrayal, magic, love, and much more.

Despite the gruesome tone the first chapter sets, in which we read the violent body modification of a child, the majority of the book is not as violent or dark as that. Though it is, indeed, still violent and several content warnings apply.

The fantasy elements of the story really helped bring the world to life, ranging from mermaids and giant birds to gods and crow mythology. Though the history and worldbuilding are masterfully crafted, the true heart of the book is its characters.

The story follows four main characters: a god, a priest, a captain, and a scion.

Serapio and Xiala handle the adventure aspect of the book and Naranpa and Okoa handle the political aspect of the book. Serapio and Xiala stole the show, as I tend to prefer politics over adventure in books, it was a surprise to see this happen. The chemistry between the characters was just so captivating that, although their story takes place on a ship for most of the book, it was more interesting than the two characters who were in the city.

The story takes place in a span of 20 days, counting down to a winter solstice that’s occurring at the same time as an eclipse. It follows non-linear story telling but it’s not confusing as there are ‘time stamps’ at the beginning of each chapter.

It was an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise to see multiple non-binary characters and transgender characters. The use of Xe/Xir pronouns is a first for me in a high fantasy book.

This book was especially important to me as a Central American indigenous reader and lover of fantasy. As someone who doesn’t often see myself in the books I like to read, Black Sun was a joy to read. Something as simple as the characters drinking cacao was enough for me to feel familiar with the setting. Cacao beans can always be found in my household, whether it is to eat them as they are or make them into a hot drink, I am quite familiar and enamoured with the bitter but addictive taste.

I can’t wait to read more from Rebecca Roanhorse. She has proven to be an amazing author with her series The Sixth World and has now, with Black Sun, cemented my belief that she is a name to look out for, and look forward to, in the world of epic/high fantasy.

Black Sun will probably be featured in my top books of 2020 list at the end of the year. Roanhorse is proving herself to be a powerhouse writer in the fantasy genre.

Black Sun is a multiple perspective fantasy novel inspired by pre-Columbian cultures of America. Roanhorse pulls from Yutatec Maya, Tewan, and Aztec cultures among others. Through this blending of cultures, Roanhorse created a world rich in detail and atmosphere. Her world feels lived in and real.

The three main perspectives are Xiala, Serapio, and Nara. Each of these perspectives highlights a different aspect of the typical fantasy novel.

Xiala is easily my favourite character. Her introduction in the first few chapters describe her perfectly. She’s a ship captain, bisexual, and is from the mysterious Teek culture. Learning about her heritage is some of the most exhilarating parts of the novel.

Serapio epitomizes the magical aspect of the novel. His introduction is brutal and lets readers know Black Sun is not for the faint of heart. Serapio is mysterious, educated, and competent beyond what you could imagine.

Nara is the character through which readers experience the political aspect of this world. Being the Sun Priest in an institution that is loosing respect leaves Nara is a vulnerable position. Though Nara may not be as adept at the political games as those around her, I still very much enjoyed her chapters. They expand the world in ways Xiala and Serapio are not able to as they are limited by their plots.

Black Sun builds up to a showdown of epic proportions. As Roanhorse starts connecting the pieces for readers, it’s clear that the end of the novel is a game changer that will leave the world forever changed.

I wasn’t expecting Black Sun to be as emotional as it was. The relationship that developed between certain characters was thoroughly explored and genuine.

Overall, Black Sun is an incredible beginning to what is going to be an epic fantasy series. Rich in detail and atmosphere, Black Sun will keep you reading into the night.

Rebecca has indeed written an epic fantasy with all the scope and scale one could muster, and its only book one!

In her words this is inspired by a pre-Columbian American melting pot, taking facets from a myriad of cultures to shape a story that is surprising relevant in its message. Fear, anxiety, betrayal, demagoguery, political and religious dogmatism, all draped in a stunningly prophetic world vision.

Using unmatched worldbuilding, magic and sorcery inspired by the elements, and gregarious character work, this first of three books sets the stage better than most. If the opening scene represented the best this book had to offer, it alone would be the worth the price, fortunately for us it only serves as the appetizer.

Black Sun will leave you wanting more…a lot more.

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I feel vindicated. Rebecca Roanhorse writes a fine, fine epic fantasy.

I knew she could do good UF, but we all know that epic fantasy requires a huge amount of worldbuilding to do it right. And this is evident in Black Sun. :)

One strong point: the opening worked REALLY, REALLY well for me. I haven't read such a strong start of a book in a long time. Visceral, scary, making me ask tons of questions and freaking OUT. Very good stuff.

As for the epic stuff? Gorgeous backdrop, lots of fascinating PoVs, and enough sea action to make any captain proud.

For those of you who aren't already familiar with Roanhorse, just trust me. This is an excellent example of the genre. For those of us who ARE familiar with Roanhorse, this one kicks serious butt.

Important note: There's lots of inclusiveness in this novel. The disabled, this time. I thought it was done very well. It sure as hell made him VERY interesting.

And that end?

Well... No spoilers. :) I'll definitely be looking forward to the full trilogy.

Aug 01, 2020  ·  edit


it was amazing

bookshelves: july20, netgalley-to-review, sci-fi-fantasy


oh my goodness, I do love the way Rebecca Roanhorse tells a story. I was so grateful to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for one of my favourite authors.
The way these stories intertwine and coalesce is fantastic. I want more Teeks, U want more Carrion Crow, and holy Cliffhanger, Batman!!! When is the next book out :)

I wasn’t sure if this would be my thing or not, it’s pre-coloumbian inspired which sometimes is a little darker and bloodier than I generally go for (hard to believe I know, with my taste for violence) but I was a huge fan of Rebecca Roanhorse’s Trail of Lightning and knew she was capable of bringing this setting to life, while giving us characters that I could love. On a side note- this wasn’t as bloody and dark as a few other stories I have read in this time-set but, Roanhorse, definitely knows how to damage our characters, which is apparent right from the guaranteed to hook you first chapter… it was a doozy and the story never lets up for long after.
There are three povs characters, their stories working forward to the day of The Convergence (a culturally significant time when the moon eclipses the sun), with occasional jaunts to the past to fill in backstories. Each character has nice allotment of time before it shifts, letting us get to know them and a get good feel of their individual cultures.
The epigraphs at the beginning of the chapters also help to fill in any details that don’t get covered; tying any loose ends that might have arisen along the way. (I am huge fan of epigraphs for this reason alone.)

Xiala- A sailor and tough as nails, her song can calm the seas but she will always make people nervous because of her Teek magic. She is hired to deliver an important cargo to Tova before the Convergence.
I liked her a lot and I enjoyed her sections the most because of the time spent on the ship, and the magic. She also has some deep scars that keep her from connecting easily with others at least on an emotional level that is- she has no problems on a sexual one.
She may be tough on the outside but as the story progresses, we see some of her vulnerabilities especially as she and Serapio, become closer.


Narampa- from Tova- she has climbed her way through the order to become the Sun Priestess. She will never truly be accepted by the people around her though because of the low place of her birth. She is full of ideas and plans to make Tova a better place but, there are some that don’t agree and wish the celestial tower reformed to their liking.
I liked Nara well enough, especially her interactions with Ichtan- the Priest of knives (Xe and Nara, at one time were lovers). But I enjoyed her the most when she met with her brother and we see more of who she was before she became a Sun Priest.


Serapio- his cruel and lonely upbringing, was to prepare him for his destiny of carrying the Crow God.
We meet him as child- young and trusting but, on his return as an adult, there is an air of mystery about him. He feels Godlike- dangerous and dark. But as we get to know him, we see him as almost innocent to things like love and to the wonders of the world, and just lonely. I have to admit I have soft spot for Serapio.



The cultures are colourful, brought to life with touches of music, food, costumes etc. and I said it in my review of Trail of Lightning- Rebecca Roanhorse has a knack for breathing life into the lore and legends in a story, and doing it in a way that makes them feel as if they may spring from the pages.
It’s one of favourite parts of her writing and what keeps me coming back for more.

Great story, great characters, and worth checking out.


Other notes-
The women in this have good strong roles and personalities and its nice to see this but, especially nice that they have are strong with all their vulnerabilities still intact.

Serapio’s disability was handled well (I feel I can say this with fairness, as there are a lot of sight-impaired in my family) the magic does allow for the boundaries to be pushed a bit, while not letting it get too handwavy.

This story was a nice breath of fresh air when it come to something outside the box and it also has quite a bit of representation of LGBTQ.



4.5