Reviews

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

vengefuldime's review against another edition

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3.0

I was told to expect a unique and refreshing epic fantasy, and I feel I got a pretty good version of that. The opening with Serapio and his mother was strong, immediately setting up his power and the conflict between the Carrion Crows and the Watchers. The points of view switch between Serapio, Xiala (a captain), Naranpa (the Sun Priest), and a bit from Okoa (a Crow Shield). While the characters could feel a little flat at times, the plots they are wrapped up are compelling enough to make it feel less important. I look forward to more interactions between the characters in the next book, as the real plot feels it is just beginning. The romance is rushed, but there really wasn’t very much time to give to it… not that that is a satisfying reason for me.

The world is very vibrant, with several major cities/civilizations shown. They tend to have a focus, such as spiritual, military, or commercial. There are often detailed mentions of what clothes and jewelry characters are wearing, and I liked hearing these smaller details, as well as the different kinds of buildings and the suggestions of unseen cities. I feel that there was too much going on in Tova in terms of the power structure, and I think that scaling down might have made the story feel more connected to its world. There’s not enough attention to go around, but I feel that so many of the people and groups in the background have more potential. I imagine there will be more expansion coming, but it still feels like part of a book here, and I wish I could feel more immersed.

Now that the inciting incident has happened, I would really like to see the next books. I feel that they can take the time to expand on what they couldn’t here, and connect the plots in a satisfying way.

taylorfields2's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional 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

There is a lot going on in this book and with the different POVs from characters that aren’t directly connected but I loved trying to figure out how it all comes together. The plot and the characters had me invested and I immediately purchased the book in the series and I cannot wait to see where it goes!

crankyfacedknitter's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense

4.0

aminayuy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious 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

4.25

Great fantasy storytelling in a really unique world! 

seba_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

3.0

effervescent_peach's review against another edition

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5.0

Yeah alright Rebecca just carve my heart right out of my chest & keep it forever.

gaia1224's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

montanamomreads's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to Saga Press Books for the gifted e-book.  

When I first laid eyes on this book, I wasn't sure if it was going to be my thing. But as soon as I started reading, I was completely hooked! From the very beginning, the author set up the characters and their stories with incredible skill. 

The way the multiple storylines of Narampa the Sun Priest, Xiala the sea captain, and Serapio the alleged villain were interwoven was nothing short of amazing. Each chapter builds the backstory for these three characters, and the world-building of the different areas and clans of the Meridian is just fantastic. 

The political intrigue and magical aspects only add to the book's overall appeal. The ending is both satisfying and leaves me wanting more. This book is definitely worth checking out! 

This is the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas. I immediately want to read book 2, Fevered Star and book 3, Mirrored Heavens, which will be released on June 4, 2024.

If you love fantasy, I highly recommend this book.

kendler's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • 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? No

4.0

_tara_'s review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0