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A review by the_bookish_hag
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
4.0
Black Sun: Between Earth and Sky By Rebecca Roanhorse
Black Sun spans 20 days in its current timeline with small dips back in time to give you more nuance. It takes place in a precolonial era with heavy Native American/Indigenous undertones of both South and North America. It follows the journey of multiple peoples' lives leading up to the solstice also known as convergence. Some know this moment will be a very historical moment, some have no clue and some are just along for the ride.
Our main perspectives are that of Sarapio, a boy whose goal it is to reach the holy city of Tova in time for convergence. You have Xiala, a very special woman who helps transport Sarapio along his journey and Naranpa, a priest who resides in Tova. Right off the bat this book reminded me of playing Dungeons and Dragons. It starts off in a way that reminds me of when players are trying to come up with interesting ways the party meets before setting off on adventure and I loved that feeling. Sarapio and Xiala set sail for Tova counting down the days with sun, sea, and a bit of mutiny. We see through Naranpa’s eyes as she shows us the panic, drama and political red tape enveloping the city.
The world building and lore in Rebecca Roanhorse’s tale is stunning and refreshing. It's nice to read something that leans into the Americas with a creative and respectful depiction. Instead of the overused European myths and legends or inaccurate takes made by someone who uses native and indigenous culture as novelty. My one caveat with Black Sun is that I wasn't glued to it until a little over half way through. It's slow moving with a lot to show and tell you and as far as action, there isn't much until much later in the book. It was cozy and enjoyable for me until about ¾’s in when I was fully hooked and feral. The end had me purchasing the next book a day later to know what happened. There is the smallest fragment of spice in this and I personally liked it, I thought it was tasteful and not cringe.
Black Sun spans 20 days in its current timeline with small dips back in time to give you more nuance. It takes place in a precolonial era with heavy Native American/Indigenous undertones of both South and North America. It follows the journey of multiple peoples' lives leading up to the solstice also known as convergence. Some know this moment will be a very historical moment, some have no clue and some are just along for the ride.
Our main perspectives are that of Sarapio, a boy whose goal it is to reach the holy city of Tova in time for convergence. You have Xiala, a very special woman who helps transport Sarapio along his journey and Naranpa, a priest who resides in Tova. Right off the bat this book reminded me of playing Dungeons and Dragons. It starts off in a way that reminds me of when players are trying to come up with interesting ways the party meets before setting off on adventure and I loved that feeling. Sarapio and Xiala set sail for Tova counting down the days with sun, sea, and a bit of mutiny. We see through Naranpa’s eyes as she shows us the panic, drama and political red tape enveloping the city.
The world building and lore in Rebecca Roanhorse’s tale is stunning and refreshing. It's nice to read something that leans into the Americas with a creative and respectful depiction. Instead of the overused European myths and legends or inaccurate takes made by someone who uses native and indigenous culture as novelty. My one caveat with Black Sun is that I wasn't glued to it until a little over half way through. It's slow moving with a lot to show and tell you and as far as action, there isn't much until much later in the book. It was cozy and enjoyable for me until about ¾’s in when I was fully hooked and feral. The end had me purchasing the next book a day later to know what happened. There is the smallest fragment of spice in this and I personally liked it, I thought it was tasteful and not cringe.