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stacey_the_chapter_conundrum's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
My CAWPILE score: 3.93/10 - definitely in the 2 star range.
Things I liked:
-The storytelling/oral history style was great and the writing fit that style very well!
-The audiobook narrators did a great job!
-Some of the lore and atmosphere was interesting and enjoyable.
-A couple of the characters are memorable.
Things that didn't work for me:
-I thought the ending was pretty abrupt and I wanted more falling action!!
-Most of the content was setup for the series overall and ended up not being very relevant to the plot in this book.
-There was a lack of exploration of motivations behind characters actions.
-The plot felt hyperfocused on one event and it ultimately didn't feel satisfying for me due to the ending. We're introduced to some plot threads that end up going completely unexplored, there were missed opportunities in that area, such as: Naranpa's note to Okoa, the death of Okoa's mother, what the Carrion Crow clan actually did.
-There were several elements that were seriously underdeveloped that could have added a lot more intrigue, such as:Okoa's relationship with his sister, clan dynamics, what any of the 4 clans actually stand for & what they do, the magic (including the "witchcraft" & the Teek magic), the other Gods/deities.
-There was the odd moment that was lacking in logic that didn't end up being explored. One example of where this stood out to me was:in chapter 15 when we find out Okoa's mom is dead and his cousin tells him that nobody could have entered her room since the door was guarded BUT we literally just got through learning that 3 of the quarters/clans have aviaries and obviously her room had a window if she supposedly jumped.
-The descriptions were lengthy and got boring in my opinion. I would have preferred if they were sprinkled in throughout the story instead of taking over large chunks at a time.
Things I liked:
-The storytelling/oral history style was great and the writing fit that style very well!
-The audiobook narrators did a great job!
-Some of the lore and atmosphere was interesting and enjoyable.
-A couple of the characters are memorable.
Things that didn't work for me:
-I thought the ending was pretty abrupt and I wanted more falling action!!
-Most of the content was setup for the series overall and ended up not being very relevant to the plot in this book.
-There was a lack of exploration of motivations behind characters actions.
-The plot felt hyperfocused on one event and it ultimately didn't feel satisfying for me due to the ending. We're introduced to some plot threads that end up going completely unexplored, there were missed opportunities in that area, such as:
-There were several elements that were seriously underdeveloped that could have added a lot more intrigue, such as:
-There was the odd moment that was lacking in logic that didn't end up being explored. One example of where this stood out to me was:
-The descriptions were lengthy and got boring in my opinion. I would have preferred if they were sprinkled in throughout the story instead of taking over large chunks at a time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Slavery, Suicide, Vomit, and Trafficking
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
'Black Sun' by Rebecca Roanhorse is the start of an imaginative new fantasy series that explores the lives of four people as their paths draw closer to one fated day.
At the center of 'Black Sun' is the day of convergence, when the winter solstice coincides with a solar eclipse. We follow four characters whose lives all hinge around the events that will take place on the day of convergence. We follow the sun priestess, the son of a recently deceased community elder, a ship captain with a mystical voice, and a blind young man who can communicate with crows. As we move closer to the fated day, we uncover more about each character's past as their futures start to entwine.
Roanhorse does a great job of slowly but enticingly exploring each of her characters as we learn more about the mythology of her world and where those myths step into reality. The pacing is superb, except for one hiccup at the end. Roanhorse gives ample time with each character, though we do get less time with one that is introduced later in the story, as she slowly uncovers their backstories and how they are connected to the day of convergence. At the climax of the book, there is a moment of extremely fast paced action/events that happened so quickly, and in contrast to the rest of the story, that I found it disorienting. Perhaps this is precisely what Roanhorse wants us to feel.
I'm fascinated for where this story will go next though I don't have any concrete guesses on where the next books will take us. What I do know, is that I care for these characters and will happily follow them into their next set of adventures.
At the center of 'Black Sun' is the day of convergence, when the winter solstice coincides with a solar eclipse. We follow four characters whose lives all hinge around the events that will take place on the day of convergence. We follow the sun priestess, the son of a recently deceased community elder, a ship captain with a mystical voice, and a blind young man who can communicate with crows. As we move closer to the fated day, we uncover more about each character's past as their futures start to entwine.
Roanhorse does a great job of slowly but enticingly exploring each of her characters as we learn more about the mythology of her world and where those myths step into reality. The pacing is superb, except for one hiccup at the end. Roanhorse gives ample time with each character, though we do get less time with one that is introduced later in the story, as she slowly uncovers their backstories and how they are connected to the day of convergence. At the climax of the book, there is a moment of extremely fast paced action/events that happened so quickly, and in contrast to the rest of the story, that I found it disorienting. Perhaps this is precisely what Roanhorse wants us to feel.
I'm fascinated for where this story will go next though I don't have any concrete guesses on where the next books will take us. What I do know, is that I care for these characters and will happily follow them into their next set of adventures.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Blood
Minor: Sexual content and Suicide
melsmagicalreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Body horror, Death, Homophobia, Suicide, and Violence
perditorian's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Suicide
mezzarella's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Black Sun separates itself from other novels in its genre through its bold reclassifying of what fantasy is supposed to look like. Instead of European castles or gritty cities, Roanhorse looks to pre-Columbian American cultures and civilizations for inspiration. From an outside perspective, each of the fantastical tribes are respectful of their source material and are portrayed with beauty, nuance, and depth.
I was drawn to a reimaging of what fantasy could be, and was rejuvenated by concepts which were foreign to me. I was a visitor in Roanhorse's world, and it was easy to be sucked in within it. Multiple main characters and a shifting perspective between the past and present provided a deep understanding of the world and what was occurring from many different perspectives. While action is not as frequent as other examples of the genre, it makes up for it in deep characterization and complex relationships which grow naturally throughout the story. The prose is beautiful. The story, although predictable, was enjoyable and engaging.
Roanhorse is Native American and an "Own Voices" author, but it is important to consider she there are tribes which she is not related to by blood represented in the novel. Additionally, her reviews have been mixed in indigenous circles, including reviews for Black Sun and earlier work highlighting Navajo cultures. It is important to mention that while Roanhorse is Native American by blood, she is not a citizen of the nationally recognized tribe she belongs to. Additionally, she has appropriated and represented herself as an Own Voices author for Navajo nations in novels such as The Trail of Lightning and Race to the Sun. To date, she still has not written a book about her own people or culture (Ohkay Owingeh of New Mexico). In addition to the already present controversies, Black Sun is rich with outsiders, rather than loved participants of the culture they reside in. This may also add to the tension between this particular "Own Voices" author and "Own Voices" reviewers.
Due to the mixed reviews of authentic representation written by Roanhorse's work, it feels odd to call Black Sun an Own Voices narrative. And although the book is thrilling and beautiful, the controversy mars this inclusive story with a problem which has long been ingrained in fantasy: cultural appropriation. Readers specifically looking for an authentic Own Voices fantasy may want to look through the TBR list a little more before choosing this one to read and learn from.
I was drawn to a reimaging of what fantasy could be, and was rejuvenated by concepts which were foreign to me. I was a visitor in Roanhorse's world, and it was easy to be sucked in within it. Multiple main characters and a shifting perspective between the past and present provided a deep understanding of the world and what was occurring from many different perspectives. While action is not as frequent as other examples of the genre, it makes up for it in deep characterization and complex relationships which grow naturally throughout the story. The prose is beautiful. The story, although predictable, was enjoyable and engaging.
Roanhorse is Native American and an "Own Voices" author, but it is important to consider she there are tribes which she is not related to by blood represented in the novel. Additionally, her reviews have been mixed in indigenous circles, including reviews for Black Sun and earlier work highlighting Navajo cultures. It is important to mention that while Roanhorse is Native American by blood, she is not a citizen of the nationally recognized tribe she belongs to. Additionally, she has appropriated and represented herself as an Own Voices author for Navajo nations in novels such as The Trail of Lightning and Race to the Sun. To date, she still has not written a book about her own people or culture (Ohkay Owingeh of New Mexico). In addition to the already present controversies, Black Sun is rich with outsiders, rather than loved participants of the culture they reside in. This may also add to the tension between this particular "Own Voices" author and "Own Voices" reviewers.
Due to the mixed reviews of authentic representation written by Roanhorse's work, it feels odd to call Black Sun an Own Voices narrative. And although the book is thrilling and beautiful, the controversy mars this inclusive story with a problem which has long been ingrained in fantasy: cultural appropriation. Readers specifically looking for an authentic Own Voices fantasy may want to look through the TBR list a little more before choosing this one to read and learn from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Suicide, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, and Self harm
This story's most central main character is a man who as a boy was created and trained to be a holy figure for his nation. Child abuse: His motherazrah786's review against another edition
4.5
**I was gifted a copy by Rebellion Publishing in exchange for an honest review**
CW: blood, violence, physical abuse, self harm, body mutilation, torture, murder, suicide
I originally listened to the audiobook of this which was absolutely FANTASTIC!!
Black Sun centres on the Day of Convergence, when the Winter Solstice is coinciding with a Solar Eclipse – an event seen as a bad omen.
We follow 4 perspectives through which Roanhorse has woven a tale full of adventure and magic – a blind man whose destiny lies in reaching the city of Tova on the solstice; a Teek sea captain who has the power to calm the waters with her song hired to take him there; the newly appointed Sun Priest of Tova who is trying to hold on to her power in a society prejudiced against her; and the son of the matron of Tova’s Carrion Crow clan.
The world building, inspired by Pre-Columbian Americas is rich with culture and history that immerses you right into this incredible story. It has both beautifully complex and diverse characters that will embed themselves in your heart and an intricate plot full of prophecies, twists and political machinations, all ingeniously coming together. Roanhorse’s writing masterfully creates this tense atmosphere as the story spirals towards the main event and the pacing and intrigue will keep you hooked.
This is an epic fantasy tale that you do not want to miss out on!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars
CW: blood, violence, physical abuse, self harm, body mutilation, torture, murder, suicide
I originally listened to the audiobook of this which was absolutely FANTASTIC!!
Black Sun centres on the Day of Convergence, when the Winter Solstice is coinciding with a Solar Eclipse – an event seen as a bad omen.
We follow 4 perspectives through which Roanhorse has woven a tale full of adventure and magic – a blind man whose destiny lies in reaching the city of Tova on the solstice; a Teek sea captain who has the power to calm the waters with her song hired to take him there; the newly appointed Sun Priest of Tova who is trying to hold on to her power in a society prejudiced against her; and the son of the matron of Tova’s Carrion Crow clan.
The world building, inspired by Pre-Columbian Americas is rich with culture and history that immerses you right into this incredible story. It has both beautifully complex and diverse characters that will embed themselves in your heart and an intricate plot full of prophecies, twists and political machinations, all ingeniously coming together. Roanhorse’s writing masterfully creates this tense atmosphere as the story spirals towards the main event and the pacing and intrigue will keep you hooked.
This is an epic fantasy tale that you do not want to miss out on!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Physical abuse, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Murder
maddiehansen's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Blood
Moderate: Suicide
stephbakerbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas, this book starts off a new fantasy series by introducing you to a cast of characters dealing with celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic. There are also mermaids and giant crows—what more do you need??
It took me a while to get into this story, but once I was in, y’all, I was hooked! The audiobook has four different narrators, and they each were excellent. I really liked the different POVs, as it allowed the world to be fully fleshed out—these characters don’t all agree with each other. This also came with a pdf file of the character list, which I found very helpful as I was listening.
The world building in this is stunning, but I really fell in love with the characters. I just want them to all get along! There’s nice development too that I’m looking forward to seeing more fleshed out as the series continues. Did I mention book two isn’t out yet? It’s been rough y’all 😩
Thank you to Libro.fm, Simon Audio, and the author for my copy!
Read if you like: high-fantasy, morally gray characters, ancient religions.
CW: violence, abuse, suicide, sexual assault, child abuse, gore.
It took me a while to get into this story, but once I was in, y’all, I was hooked! The audiobook has four different narrators, and they each were excellent. I really liked the different POVs, as it allowed the world to be fully fleshed out—these characters don’t all agree with each other. This also came with a pdf file of the character list, which I found very helpful as I was listening.
The world building in this is stunning, but I really fell in love with the characters. I just want them to all get along! There’s nice development too that I’m looking forward to seeing more fleshed out as the series continues. Did I mention book two isn’t out yet? It’s been rough y’all 😩
Thank you to Libro.fm, Simon Audio, and the author for my copy!
Read if you like: high-fantasy, morally gray characters, ancient religions.
CW: violence, abuse, suicide, sexual assault, child abuse, gore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, and Suicide
Minor: Confinement
kelseyland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An intriguing fantasy with a richly imagined world inspired by pre-Columbian America. This book has it all: badass characters, compelling quests, and even a healthy dose of political scheming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide
It's the first book of a series and there are lots of loose ends, so if you're looking for a self-contained/standalone story, this might not be the novel to go with.hardcoverhaven's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wonderful! absolutely wonderful!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Suicide, and Violence