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norspider's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Black Sun has a deep, rich world that is explored more deeply in each chapter. The pre-Columbian inspiration for the setting is utilized expertly; each faction and sub-faction is given their due.
The pace, dialogue, and plot all kept me wanting to read.
I found myself cheering for each of our POV characters, which is very rare for me. I want Xiala to live rich and well. I want Naranpa to bring honor back to her station. I want Okoa to avenge his mother. And I want Serapio to fulfill his destiny.
There is wonderful LGBTQIA2S+ representation! Not caricatures or jokes, just people living in the world as part of the story. Beautifully done.
The only reason I didn't give Black Sun a full 5/5 is because none of its plots conclude; this is an incomplete book. But I knew this was the start of a series when I picked it up so I can (mostly)look beyond that. And Roanhorse has found a passionate new fan in me!
I can't wait to read book 2!
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Drug use, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Excrement
moonytoast's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Gore, Sexism, and Vomit
lavenderhimbo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Self harm, Suicide, and Xenophobia
Minor: Homophobia, Sexism, and Sexual content
jemms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Characters: 1
Fascinating characters each with their own flaws, hopes, and desires that made them relatable and sympathetic, but not always in the ways you'd expect.
Plot: 1
Cunningly simple, the plot revolves around how decades of machinations converge on one day--with world changing consequences.
Pacing: 0.75
Personally, I like books that slowly build on themselves, revealing bits of information that come together to reveal a larger, complex picture. Black Sun did this well, however, the ending was lightning fast compared to the rest the book and thus a little disappointing.
Writing style: 1
Captivating and immersive. The voice of a true story teller.
Vibes: 1
This is the first fantasy book I've ever read that felt like it could be real, a forgotten bit of history from a world ruled by gods.
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
camrich's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Now for a bit of the negative points of this book for me. The main one was that the book spent all its time building up to this major event only for it to actually happen across 2, maybe 3 pages; I was obviously disappointed. That being said, I did think that it was cool to read about the effects of this event from the different character perspectives which softened the blow a bit. Another was how underdeveloped one of the main character’s story was, especially in comparison to another character who got lots of page time but had very little development (
Overall a solid start to the trilogy, will definitely be picking up Fevered Star and Mirrored Heavens to see how everything plays out!
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Suicide, Xenophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Genocide, Sexual content, and Alcohol
effingunicorns's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
Fortunately, I persevered. Partially, of course, this was because I was still so hopeful about that third book. Partially, though, the more I read, the more it felt like the storyline I was struggling with was one that had to unfold somehow, and the more obvious it became just how limited those somehows were. And then things finally came to a head, that third storyline dripping with irony, and now I'm ready to start the second book this weekend in full sickos.jpg mode.
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual content
avacadosocks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Suicide
ivereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Mental illness, Suicide, Torture, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Grief, and War
readersbutterfly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gore, Sexual content, Suicide, War, and Injury/Injury detail
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
- 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? No
5.0
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, and Torture
Minor: Sexual content