mirificmoxie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
stellagramina's review against another edition
I have so much to say! I liked this one. It's like Isabel Allende and George RR Martin had a baby, and that baby is gay. "The Sun and the Void" by Gabriela Romero Lacruz is a substantial foray into the realm of fantasy, clocking in at 511 pages and a lengthy seventeen-hour audio experience. (I listened on audio, and the narrator is excellent! She does great character voices, has great pronunciation, and finds the perfect balance between reading and acting.) As a reader who isn't typically drawn to the fantasy genre due to its often burdensome world-building and inclination towards extended series, I must admit this novel managed to captivate my attention.
One noteworthy aspect of the book is its unique world-building, which departs from the standard England-inspired high fantasy settings. Instead, it transports readers to a South American-inspired universe, specifically post-revolutionary Venezuela. The intricate creation of this world is indeed commendable, introducing us to a complex society marked by colonization and its consequences. Here, we encounter three distinct humanoid races or species: the now-extinct Yares, the recently liberated Nozariels with their tails and pointy ears, and the powerful Valcos, characterized by their antlers, magical abilities, and strength. This interplay between races leads to clashing alliances, slavery, religious intolerance, exploitation, and intermarriage, serving as a reflection of the author's Venezuelan American heritage and her historical awareness.
Some have pointed out potential criticism regarding anti-indigenous sentiments within the narrative on platforms like TikTok, but I think such interpretations miss the context. It's akin to accusing "Roots" of racism for depicting slavery, as the narrative aims to illuminate the historical complexities of colonization and its consequences rather than promote prejudice.
A delightful aspect of the story is the presence of several sapphic/lesbian characters, weaving their plotlines across generations. The alternating narration, shifting chapters between Eva and Reina, effectively converges as the story progresses, creating a satisfying resolution.
In terms of critique, the magical system of utilizing stones with different properties, labeled as "geomancia," is a novel approach. It's a comprehensible system that is different enough for it to stand out from its peers. However, the nomenclature is not my favorite, considering that geomancy is a real, historical divination practice only tangentially related to stones. This choice of terminology might have been better served by a more fitting and original word.
One more notable criticism revolves around the well-worn trope of the battle between light and dark, good and evil. The dichotomy of Ches, the sun god, as the embodiment of light and goodness, and the demon god Rahmahgut as darkness and evil, falls into the familiar narrative trap of oversimplification. I prefer a more nuanced interpretation of these opposing forces, akin to the yin and yang philosophy. Perhaps the sequel holds a twist or evolution of this concept, but such a change would significantly disrupt the world the author has so meticulously crafted.
Another minor point of contention lies in the colonizer religion, Pentimento, which closely resembles Christianity, complete with a holy virgin and a cross as its symbol. A bit more creativity in this aspect would have been appreciated, as a distinct symbol or doctrine would have contributed to the world's depth.
I have some minor criticism about the word choice: it is sometimes anachronistic, at other times awkward. The word "troubleshoot," for example, jumped out at me. I think "nozarieles" would've worked better than nozariels for the plural. "Spicy sun" and "vulpine" seemed overused. A bit of editing at that level and maybe some with an eye toward reduction in overall length, would enhance the next installment in my opinion.
Still, "The Sun and the Void" is a commendable addition to the fantasy genre. Despite a few minor quibbles, it successfully weaves together complex world-building, LGBTQ+ representation, and the intertwining stories of Eva and Reina. With its intriguing elements and the promise of a sequel, it's a tale worth delving into for any reader seeking a fresh take on the fantasy genre. I would recommend checking out the trigger warnings and content notes; I compared to Martin and Allende for a reason. Please read this book so we can chitchat! I have more to say but don't want to spoil the book.
One noteworthy aspect of the book is its unique world-building, which departs from the standard England-inspired high fantasy settings. Instead, it transports readers to a South American-inspired universe, specifically post-revolutionary Venezuela. The intricate creation of this world is indeed commendable, introducing us to a complex society marked by colonization and its consequences. Here, we encounter three distinct humanoid races or species: the now-extinct Yares, the recently liberated Nozariels with their tails and pointy ears, and the powerful Valcos, characterized by their antlers, magical abilities, and strength. This interplay between races leads to clashing alliances, slavery, religious intolerance, exploitation, and intermarriage, serving as a reflection of the author's Venezuelan American heritage and her historical awareness.
Some have pointed out potential criticism regarding anti-indigenous sentiments within the narrative on platforms like TikTok, but I think such interpretations miss the context. It's akin to accusing "Roots" of racism for depicting slavery, as the narrative aims to illuminate the historical complexities of colonization and its consequences rather than promote prejudice.
A delightful aspect of the story is the presence of several sapphic/lesbian characters, weaving their plotlines across generations. The alternating narration, shifting chapters between Eva and Reina, effectively converges as the story progresses, creating a satisfying resolution.
In terms of critique, the magical system of utilizing stones with different properties, labeled as "geomancia," is a novel approach. It's a comprehensible system that is different enough for it to stand out from its peers. However, the nomenclature is not my favorite, considering that geomancy is a real, historical divination practice only tangentially related to stones. This choice of terminology might have been better served by a more fitting and original word.
One more notable criticism revolves around the well-worn trope of the battle between light and dark, good and evil. The dichotomy of Ches, the sun god, as the embodiment of light and goodness, and the demon god Rahmahgut as darkness and evil, falls into the familiar narrative trap of oversimplification. I prefer a more nuanced interpretation of these opposing forces, akin to the yin and yang philosophy. Perhaps the sequel holds a twist or evolution of this concept, but such a change would significantly disrupt the world the author has so meticulously crafted.
Another minor point of contention lies in the colonizer religion, Pentimento, which closely resembles Christianity, complete with a holy virgin and a cross as its symbol. A bit more creativity in this aspect would have been appreciated, as a distinct symbol or doctrine would have contributed to the world's depth.
I have some minor criticism about the word choice: it is sometimes anachronistic, at other times awkward. The word "troubleshoot," for example, jumped out at me. I think "nozarieles" would've worked better than nozariels for the plural. "Spicy sun" and "vulpine" seemed overused. A bit of editing at that level and maybe some with an eye toward reduction in overall length, would enhance the next installment in my opinion.
Still, "The Sun and the Void" is a commendable addition to the fantasy genre. Despite a few minor quibbles, it successfully weaves together complex world-building, LGBTQ+ representation, and the intertwining stories of Eva and Reina. With its intriguing elements and the promise of a sequel, it's a tale worth delving into for any reader seeking a fresh take on the fantasy genre. I would recommend checking out the trigger warnings and content notes; I compared to Martin and Allende for a reason. Please read this book so we can chitchat! I have more to say but don't want to spoil the book.
clettura_'s review
3.0
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to preview this book in exchange for an honest review.
“The Sun and the Void” is a novel that encapsulates many tropes that fascinate me. It is a fantasy that mixes Venezuelan folklore with Colombia-inspired landscapes, unique creatures, ancient gods, dark magic, and a sapphic love story. What more could you want?
The plot follows the story of Reina, a young marginalized woman who receives a mysterious invitation from her unknown grandmother, an event that could be her salvation. However, the journey turns out to be dangerous and turns into a nightmare when it is attacked by scary creatures. Just when her life is on the edge of the precipice, her grandmother, a witch with powerful dark arts, steps in to save her. But the magic that grandma uses is considered forbidden by some. Meanwhile, Eva, a young woman marginalized because of her mixed origins, hides a secret: she is attracted to magic. Despite being aware that the use of magic is liable to death, Eve embarks on a dangerous path that becomes more and more strange every day, turning it into something she never imagined.
This is the author’s first novel and it is noticeable. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing, but there are several things that could have been cut or handled differently and that, in my opinion, have excessively slowed down the pace of the book. It deals with important issues such as colonialism, cultural appropriation and the rich culture of South America, presenting them from two interesting points of view but which, unfortunately, have not completely convinced me. I couldn’t develop an attachment to the characters or get attached to their journey and story.
“The Sun and the Void” is a novel that encapsulates many tropes that fascinate me. It is a fantasy that mixes Venezuelan folklore with Colombia-inspired landscapes, unique creatures, ancient gods, dark magic, and a sapphic love story. What more could you want?
The plot follows the story of Reina, a young marginalized woman who receives a mysterious invitation from her unknown grandmother, an event that could be her salvation. However, the journey turns out to be dangerous and turns into a nightmare when it is attacked by scary creatures. Just when her life is on the edge of the precipice, her grandmother, a witch with powerful dark arts, steps in to save her. But the magic that grandma uses is considered forbidden by some. Meanwhile, Eva, a young woman marginalized because of her mixed origins, hides a secret: she is attracted to magic. Despite being aware that the use of magic is liable to death, Eve embarks on a dangerous path that becomes more and more strange every day, turning it into something she never imagined.
This is the author’s first novel and it is noticeable. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing, but there are several things that could have been cut or handled differently and that, in my opinion, have excessively slowed down the pace of the book. It deals with important issues such as colonialism, cultural appropriation and the rich culture of South America, presenting them from two interesting points of view but which, unfortunately, have not completely convinced me. I couldn’t develop an attachment to the characters or get attached to their journey and story.
oliviasfantasyreads's review against another edition
3.0
I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am very torn on this book. There are aspects I enjoyed, some that are confusing, and some I do not like.
The beginning pace is very slow. I do find this is common though when trying to establish world building often. The world building is good. I just thought it was tedious.
I didn't connect very well with the characters. I found a lot of telling instead of showing. I didn't feel anything for them beyond cheering for the romance between Eva and Reina, but I think that's just the hopeless romantic in me.
The magic system is very interesting as far as a concept. I would have liked to have the book delve more into it. I felt like it left a bit to be desired.
Overall I love the concept. I just would have liked some parts shortened and others delved into more deeply to really grab my attention.
I am very torn on this book. There are aspects I enjoyed, some that are confusing, and some I do not like.
The beginning pace is very slow. I do find this is common though when trying to establish world building often. The world building is good. I just thought it was tedious.
I didn't connect very well with the characters. I found a lot of telling instead of showing. I didn't feel anything for them beyond cheering for the romance between Eva and Reina, but I think that's just the hopeless romantic in me.
The magic system is very interesting as far as a concept. I would have liked to have the book delve more into it. I felt like it left a bit to be desired.
Overall I love the concept. I just would have liked some parts shortened and others delved into more deeply to really grab my attention.
beelovesreading's review against another edition
3.0
3.5*
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an arc.
The Sun and the Void follows Reina and Eva, two girls who are both thrust into entirely new lives. I didn't particularly like either girl, though Eva grew on me more than Reina did. I found Reina to be quite childish and also selfish, though I knew it was more out of desperation than anything and her wanting approval from her grandmother, a woman who would do anything to get what she wants.
I preferred Eva's chapters and seeing her go through her adventure with Javier who harbors a deep secret of his own. I didn't particularly like him either, although events towards the end of the book made my feelings change somewhat.
My favorite characters were Celeste and Maior. I feel like if they weren't there I wouldn't have enjoyed the book half as much.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me an arc.
The Sun and the Void follows Reina and Eva, two girls who are both thrust into entirely new lives. I didn't particularly like either girl, though Eva grew on me more than Reina did. I found Reina to be quite childish and also selfish, though I knew it was more out of desperation than anything and her wanting approval from her grandmother, a woman who would do anything to get what she wants.
I preferred Eva's chapters and seeing her go through her adventure with Javier who harbors a deep secret of his own. I didn't particularly like him either, although events towards the end of the book made my feelings change somewhat.
My favorite characters were Celeste and Maior. I feel like if they weren't there I wouldn't have enjoyed the book half as much.
ailarum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lanid's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, Body horror, Xenophobia, Blood, Death, Gore, Grief, and Kidnapping
Minor: Pregnancy and Slavery
bogwitchreads's review against another edition
4.0
It took me more time to fully get into this than I would have expected since I am not a terribly plot-driven reader and this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, but the beginning felt really slow for me, particularly since I couldn't figure out where the plot was going. However, I loved the last chunk of it, and I feel like the next book will work better for me because of that. Overall, I enjoyed the characters, and I thought the relationships were interesting, so I do look forward to continuing with the series and seeing where we go from here.
oviiione's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
manicpixl's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Racism, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Homophobia