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barda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
It was a broadly enjoyable book, though with some issues with pacing and characterisation, and a very slow start.
I loved the indigenous Americas-inspired setting, and the worldbuilding was fascinating. It offered up enough hints to form a relatively complete picture of the world, but holds back when it needs to to build up a sense of mystery. In particular I loved the Carrion Crows and how their culture and religion was portrayed, I really hope that the giant crows and the people that ride them are put more into the spotlight as the series goes on.
In terms of characters, I really enjoyed Xiala and found Serapio to be a really interesting character. Their journey together was heartwarming and tragic and I found them to be the best part of the book. However, felt like the other POV's in the book really contributed much to the overall story. Nara could have been a fascinating character, but she didn't do anything meaningful over the course of the book and from the ending it seems like the main bulk of her characterisation and actions may be saved for the second book. Okoa was simply boring, and he had so little screen time that I'm not quite sure why he was a POV in the book instead of being a secondary character (perhaps from the perspective of Nara).
The book also suffered from some very uneven pacing, with the beginning being quite slow with the action suddenly ramping up to be almost too fast in the last third of the book. I did quite enjoy the ending, however; it was a very grim ending with some huge implications for the world as a whole which I look forward to being explored in the next book.
Overall, the book was sometimes a too-slow read that could have benefitted with a change in who the POV characters were, but the worldbuilding made it a generally interesting read.
I loved the indigenous Americas-inspired setting, and the worldbuilding was fascinating. It offered up enough hints to form a relatively complete picture of the world, but holds back when it needs to to build up a sense of mystery. In particular I loved the Carrion Crows and how their culture and religion was portrayed, I really hope that the giant crows and the people that ride them are put more into the spotlight as the series goes on.
In terms of characters, I really enjoyed Xiala and found Serapio to be a really interesting character. Their journey together was heartwarming and tragic and I found them to be the best part of the book. However, felt like the other POV's in the book really contributed much to the overall story. Nara could have been a fascinating character, but she didn't do anything meaningful over the course of the book and from the ending it seems like the main bulk of her characterisation and actions may be saved for the second book. Okoa was simply boring, and he had so little screen time that I'm not quite sure why he was a POV in the book instead of being a secondary character (perhaps from the perspective of Nara).
The book also suffered from some very uneven pacing, with the beginning being quite slow with the action suddenly ramping up to be almost too fast in the last third of the book. I did quite enjoy the ending, however; it was a very grim ending with some huge implications for the world as a whole which I look forward to being explored in the next book.
Overall, the book was sometimes a too-slow read that could have benefitted with a change in who the POV characters were, but the worldbuilding made it a generally interesting read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Blood
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Sexism, and Xenophobia
discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was utterly phenomenal, holy cow. Gripping from beginning to end, and I cared so deeply for each of the characters. Serapio and Xiala’s story arc especially just ripped at my heart. I cannot wait to find out what happens in the second book, even if I am moderately terrified it’s going to be painful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism and Classism
Minor: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, and Trafficking
tinysierra's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Today he would become a god. His mother had told him so.” pg 1
An amazing epic fantasy with intriguing diverse characters. Wow. Also… mermaids! Giant crows!
There was a mix of character driven and plot driven moments. I felt like there was a lot of slow/medium paced moments where there was more focus on character development/interactions but it did pick up in some places with more plot related aspects. It kept my attention either way.
The timeline hopped around a bit, jumping back into the past and then forward into the present. Slowly putting the pieces together. The chapters had the date along with experts from in world media (like journal entries), which really added to my immersion.
I liked Xiala and Serapio’s chapters the most. It was nice to see the story through a blind characters perspective. I hope to see more about Xiala’s powers in the next book.
In this book, queer characters are accepted in some of the societies but not others. There are characters that use neopronouns (xe/xir)! Xiala mentions that she takes pleasure with “men, women, and other genders” which I assume means that she’s bi or pan.
The ending was fast and admittedly a little anticlimactic but I don’t find myself feeling disappointed. I’m curious about where the story is going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Biphobia, Confinement, Drug use, Homophobia, Suicide, Lesbophobia, and War
Minor: Animal death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Vomit, and Abandonment
catsy2022's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual content, Suicide, and Death of parent
acopytopy's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
(This is not a sci-fi book. If you see it tagged as that, don't believe it.)
This book has LGTBQ+ representation and a fantasy setting based off of non-European countries. I wanted to like it so badly, but unfortunately, I didn't.
Off the top of my head, I recall a scene near the beginning of the book that is told twice through 2 different perspectives in 2 subsequent chapters. Immediately, not a good sign.
The main issue with the plot is well summed-up by an editor's comment that was mentioned in the author's note: "It's okay, but not great." (Apparently, the author completely rewrote the book because of this comment. It feels mean to write this, but that was not enough.) The plot of this book felt aimless the second I opened it. Scenes and characters appear and disappear, constantly jumping through time and switching POVs. On a surface level, this seems to lend complexity, but in reality, it makes the characters harder to be invested in and the plot simpler by necessity.
I understand that this is the first book in a series, but there isn't nearly enough in this 1st book. I would've liked to see a satisfying conclusion to any of the character arcs... Or, you know, a satisfying conclusion.
At the end, the event that is mentioned at the beginning of every single chapter happens...
and everything happened nearly exactly the way it was said it would. Needless to say, I won't be continuing this series.
This book has LGTBQ+ representation and a fantasy setting based off of non-European countries. I wanted to like it so badly, but unfortunately, I didn't.
Off the top of my head, I recall a scene near the beginning of the book that is told twice through 2 different perspectives in 2 subsequent chapters. Immediately, not a good sign.
The main issue with the plot is well summed-up by an editor's comment that was mentioned in the author's note: "It's okay, but not great." (Apparently, the author completely rewrote the book because of this comment. It feels mean to write this, but that was not enough.) The plot of this book felt aimless the second I opened it. Scenes and characters appear and disappear, constantly jumping through time and switching POVs. On a surface level, this seems to lend complexity, but in reality, it makes the characters harder to be invested in and the plot simpler by necessity.
I understand that this is the first book in a series, but there isn't nearly enough in this 1st book. I would've liked to see a satisfying conclusion to any of the character arcs... Or, you know, a satisfying conclusion.
At the end, the event that is mentioned at the beginning of every single chapter happens...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
char42's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
I wanted to finish Black Sun in one sitting. Roanhorse has depicted a world I’ve never seen in fantasy fiction before with characters I always wanted to see more of. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. There are dark themes but always balanced against a wonder for the beauty, both grand and simple, of the universe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Sexual content, and Violence
devlev7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
This book was so much fun! It starts slow, and with a lot of characters to keep track of, but by the end it will have you on the edge of your seat. A wonderful example of diverse, creative fantasy, with excellent and unique world-building. This book will satisfy a fantasy lover who has been looking for a world of clan rivalry, mysterious powers, and bold flawed adventurers, not based on a Western/European history. The colors, the landscapes, the foods, the beasts, and the characters are so entertaining to imagine. The plot is dark and mysterious and interesting - it will keep you speculating as to what will
happen next, or who will betray whom. If you’ve read any of Roanhorse’s other series, The Sixth World, you’ll find Black Sun has similar complicated but endearing characters, thoughtful themes with references to indigenous history and folklore, and far more diversity than most fantasy, in terms of not only race/culture, but gender and sexuality, in a way that feels incorporated completely into the world and story without being forced. However, Black Sun takes these commonalities to a different, exciting place, by weaving not a post-apocalyptic world, but a wonderfully fantastical alternative imagination of a world outside our own. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
happen next, or who will betray whom. If you’ve read any of Roanhorse’s other series, The Sixth World, you’ll find Black Sun has similar complicated but endearing characters, thoughtful themes with references to indigenous history and folklore, and far more diversity than most fantasy, in terms of not only race/culture, but gender and sexuality, in a way that feels incorporated completely into the world and story without being forced. However, Black Sun takes these commonalities to a different, exciting place, by weaving not a post-apocalyptic world, but a wonderfully fantastical alternative imagination of a world outside our own. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Sexual content
takarakei's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- 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
If you are looking for an immersive, epic, non-Eurocentric fantasy adventure with some romance, and with characters that you are rooting for then please read Black Sun! This is also a fantastic audiobook! I did a combo of listening while reading a physical copy. Full cast narration is well done.
A joy to read. I truly loved the world Rebecca Roanhorse has created. I think my favorite thing is that with the multiple POVs you are really getting attached to all these characters because they are complex and interesting, but they are (seemingly) on opposing sides so you're just wondering how it's going to play out. I love the inclusion of a character list, and maps! the only thing that would've pushed it over the top was a little glossary since this is a high fantasy (I found myself a bit confused mainly on the hierarchy of The Watchers and The Sky Made Clans).
As always check content warnings - there are some pretty dark things that happen, in particular with Serapio's backstory. The backdrop of the plot is political/religious tensions and power struggles.
This book also has fantastic LGBTQ+ and specifically nonbinary rep. There are unique non-gendered pronouns aside from she/her and he/him. Several of the characters are queer, and Xiala is definitely bi or pansexual.
It's definitely written as the first book in a series, so the ending is very unresolved, but in a way that you are just so excited to read the next books and find out what happens.
A joy to read. I truly loved the world Rebecca Roanhorse has created. I think my favorite thing is that with the multiple POVs you are really getting attached to all these characters because they are complex and interesting, but they are (seemingly) on opposing sides so you're just wondering how it's going to play out. I love the inclusion of a character list, and maps! the only thing that would've pushed it over the top was a little glossary since this is a high fantasy (I found myself a bit confused mainly on the hierarchy of The Watchers and The Sky Made Clans).
As always check content warnings - there are some pretty dark things that happen, in particular with Serapio's backstory. The backdrop of the plot is political/religious tensions and power struggles.
This book also has fantastic LGBTQ+ and specifically nonbinary rep. There are unique non-gendered pronouns aside from she/her and he/him. Several of the characters are queer, and Xiala is definitely bi or pansexual.
It's definitely written as the first book in a series, so the ending is very unresolved, but in a way that you are just so excited to read the next books and find out what happens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Drug use, Gore, Sexual content, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Religious bigotry
mutilation/scarring (of a child)ameliabee33's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Easily this is going to become my new high fantasy obsession. There is depth to the characters that we get pov chapters from, Xiala, Serapio, Okoa, and Naranpa. I would literally protect all of them with my life, like oh my God the author makes all of their individual life struggles and goals easy to root for. This book is great if you're looking for a new take on high fantasy, as the author states in the author's note the setting for fantasy is typically a rendition of England and various western European countries. It is another book that has multiple pov's in chapters- which I have always liked having more than one character tell a story because you can get more depth about the world and context the book is set in (I think it's a remnant of my Warrior Cats days 😋).
Xiala, I would die for Xiala. She is a boat captain, a lover of beautiful things and people, and with a hidden past that readers just get a glimpse of. She is also a Teek, legendary women known to use their Song to manipulate the sea and men alike. She was such a strong, resilient chatacter throughout the book that I just kept wanting more and more chapters about her.
Serapio is the avatar for the crow god. Grandfather Crow. Blinded by his mother at a young age, he has grown up and taught that his purpose is to be the vessel for the crow god, which will emerge during the Convergence. I just wanted to protect Serapio this entire time 😭 He wanted human connection and love and so much was standing in his way. I will support him always.
Naranpa is the Sun Priest from the wrong side of the tracks, for lack of a better phrase. As a part and leader of the religious order of Watchers, Naranpa tries to implement institutional change in the order, which has a bloody past and prejudice riddled everywhere. I was left wanting more from her chapters, just more history of her ascension to Sun Priest as well as a more in depth description of her tried and failed changes.
Okoa is the head of the Shied for the matron of clan Carrion Crow. He is a fighter and rider of a raven named Benunda. While he grieves the murder of his mother he gets involved with Grandfather Crow cultists, which want the Watchers killed and their power stripped from them. We had the least amount of chapters from this character, but I have a feeling he will play a more important role in the upcoming books.
Overall there was rich storytelling and great world building inspired by cultures in the pre-Columbian Americas as well as Polynesian. I am so glad I picked this one up for Native American Heritage Month 😊
Xiala, I would die for Xiala. She is a boat captain, a lover of beautiful things and people, and with a hidden past that readers just get a glimpse of. She is also a Teek, legendary women known to use their Song to manipulate the sea and men alike. She was such a strong, resilient chatacter throughout the book that I just kept wanting more and more chapters about her.
Serapio is the avatar for the crow god. Grandfather Crow. Blinded by his mother at a young age, he has grown up and taught that his purpose is to be the vessel for the crow god, which will emerge during the Convergence. I just wanted to protect Serapio this entire time 😭 He wanted human connection and love and so much was standing in his way. I will support him always.
Naranpa is the Sun Priest from the wrong side of the tracks, for lack of a better phrase. As a part and leader of the religious order of Watchers, Naranpa tries to implement institutional change in the order, which has a bloody past and prejudice riddled everywhere. I was left wanting more from her chapters, just more history of her ascension to Sun Priest as well as a more in depth description of her tried and failed changes.
Okoa is the head of the Shied for the matron of clan Carrion Crow. He is a fighter and rider of a raven named Benunda. While he grieves the murder of his mother he gets involved with Grandfather Crow cultists, which want the Watchers killed and their power stripped from them. We had the least amount of chapters from this character, but I have a feeling he will play a more important role in the upcoming books.
Overall there was rich storytelling and great world building inspired by cultures in the pre-Columbian Americas as well as Polynesian. I am so glad I picked this one up for Native American Heritage Month 😊
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Sexual content and War
ishtar_n's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicide, and Xenophobia
Minor: Child abuse