Reviews with content warning for Torture - Black Sun

Black Sun kicks off a fantasy trilogy set in a fantasy-analog of the indigenous Americas. The prose delivers on the familiar story beats of many modern scifi/fantasy series, evidencing Roanhorse's experience in the genre.

The intermingling plot threads of Serapio's determined journey of annihilation, Xiala's aimlessness-turned-purpose, and the fragile balance of power's scales being tipped in Tova dance around one another until the pivotal climax that sets up Fevered Star, the sequel. For all of the exciting build-up to that climax, these books would be nothing without their characters. Serapio, Xiala, and Naranpa feel distinct and deserving each of the screen time they get. Even the supporting cast oozes originality and subverts expectations more than once.

A great start to a trilogy that promises to be a breath of fresh air!

Content Warnings

theasbookworld's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

in_love_with_bookish's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Black Sun is unlike any other fantasy book I read and that’s definitely a great thing. There are definitely some familiar elements like prophecies, political intrigue, and warring clans but the execution, the world-building and the writing of characters make this book an unforgettable story.

I am the only storm that matters now, and there is no shelter from what I bring.

The story focuses on four main characters that are linked together with prophecies, massacres, and vengeance. And even though some of these characters don’t interact at all in this book, I can’t help but feel a sense of connection between them as the author takes time to establish the dynamics between all the characters with care and complexity.

The world-building is engaging and done really well. I was a little confused at the beginning but by the end of the book, I felt capable of envisioning the world and feel its history.

There are only two kinds of men: ones who betray you sooner and ones who betray you later

But I think we spend a lot of time where nothing happens plot-wise and I didn’t mind that because we had the chance to really know the characters, understand their motivations, and dig deeper into who they are and what are they capable of.

I also appreciated the balance between the fantastical elements of the book and the political intrigue as well as these two elements clash together to create a story that’s equally phenomenal and disturbing. Forbidden magic from one side and political intrigue from another, as all the characters converge to the same destination, we understand that things will turn out gruesome and bloody for them. It’s that sense of dread that keeps you from putting the book down.

A man with a destiny is a man who fears nothing

The only thing that I can complain about is that some of the characters felt sidelined and underutilized. They didn’t do much or offer much to the plot and they didn’t feel as incorporated in the conflict as well as the others but I think this could definitely be fixed in the next book. I also find the ending to be a little bit underwhelming but I guess it certainly opens up a lot of possibilities to the sequel.

The costliest mistake one can make is to underestemite one’s opponent through low expectations

All in all, this was an exhilarating experience filled with all the elements that make a great fantasy read, a great world-building, engaging plot, and well-written characters that have complex and fascinating dynamics. This is a unique story told in an engaging way and executed nearly perfectly.

Violence should only be used in defense, and even then, it corrupts. If you must kill your enemy, do it quickly and be done. To linger only invites humiliation of both the victim and the self, and there is no honor there.

Content Warnings

enbygolem's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense 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

Content Warnings

melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark tense 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

Thank you to LibroFm for the ALC of this book.
This is a fantasy of absolutely epic proportions. I loved every single bit of it. Xiala is one of my new favorite characters of all time. I was immediately hooked on her storyline and character development.

I also loved Serapio and his story. There is so much going on there, and he is such an interesting character.

The plot of this book really took me by surprise. There was so much going on, from political rivalries, to religious sects, to sirens and villains and cults and everything, but it all flowed together really well.

Roanhorse's writing is delightful and accessible. I absolutely love how well she incorporates so much world-building in without making it feel like exposition drops or overly explanatory writing.

Honestly this book was incredible and I can't wait for the sequel.

Content Warnings

whysomanysams's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

azrah786's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

Content Warnings

More...