This is such a creative and unique fantasy, inspired by pre-Columbian America. The action centers around the convergence (a solar eclipse), and just as the sun and moon embark on a journey to meet in the sky, the Sun Priest and the Crow God are on the same collision course. From the first heart pounding chapter, Roanhorse draws you into this fascinating world and keeps you enthralled throughout.

The story follows four POV characters:
Naranpa has just been made the Sun Priest. She has a canon non-binary ex-lover and is maybe in a bit over her head. Her story is about political intrigue and everyone trying to stab you in the back.
Serapio is just a boy making his way to the city in time for the convergence, to trigger his transformation into the Crow God. He is kind of odd, as perhaps anyone bearing the weight of potential godhood from a young age would be, a little socially awkward, a little quirky.
Xiala is a ship's captain that gets paid a hefty sum to transport some precious cargo across treacherous waters in record time. She also is a former alcoholic and can sing to the sea to bend it to her will.
Okoa is the brother of someone that may have died suspiciously. I expect we will be seeing a lot more of him in book 2.

I love, love, the creativity and diversity of this story. We see queer people, disabled people, immigrants. Roanhorse shows true mastery of her story, weaving a heavy characters driven narratives with dense mythology and a tense plot. It took me a bit to get out of my own expectations and enjoy all of the crazy places this novel was taking me. This book is a little weird, in all of the best ways. I can't wait to read the next installment.

The setting was fabulous. Is so great to read something that' just different to European fantasy. I studied a little bit of Maya Archeology when I was in Uni and I felt all my lessons swim back to me as I was reading through this. It was so satisfying. I also think its funny how in the acknowledgments, Roanhorse mentions reading The Maya by Coe and Houston and that was my favorite text from my Maya Arch. class too. Love that.

The characters are fantastic. I love a good multi-perspective story. We follow a Sun Priest, a hedonistic siren-like ship captain, the chosen one with his pet crows, and a smattering of interesting minor characters as well. I ended up loving Naranpa the Sun Priest so much but really all the characters are so distinct and well done.

The story contains the two things that a lot of fantasy readers look for: a journey and political intrigue. Admittedly I think the political scheming here was much more interesting. The journey storyline was fine and more "action" packed. But I found myself really anxious reading the chapters were Nara had to deal with all these people scheming behind her back.

I guess I'll just sit and stare at blank walls until the next is released.

I thought I knew what I was getting into with Black Sun, and I’m both pleased and sad to say I was wrong. Sad, because I absolutely love Ms. Roanhorse’s Sixth World series and I had sort of kind of just a little bit dovetailed into that setting. Pleased, because this was absolutely the most inventive and original high fantasy setting I think I’ve ever come across.
The world building took a little time to really get into but it was fantastic. The author’s copious research into pre-Colombian history for inspiration is shown off to great advantage. The characters were terrific as well, although my favorite was definitely Xiala. Give me the sarcastic pain in the ass character any day of the week. And make her an actual ship (Water, space, airship, you name it) captain? *chef’s kiss* Perfection.
I’m a little peeved this ended on such a cliffhanger note but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story. I’m just bummed that now I have to wait longer for the sequel.
4.5 stars but happy to round up to 5.

This is a wild and exciting story to say the least and exactly what I expect from Roanhorse based on her previous work. The book spans multiple character POVs and it's filled with intrigue and riveting storytelling. This book has a bit of everything including interesting characters, complex societies, gods, cultists, ethnic cleansing, and magic. Roanhorse delivered epic fantasy at its best with unique POVs, plot twists, and captivating storylines and so much more. If you love epic fantasy you'll love Black Sun.

Long ago, the Sun Priests subsumed all the other gods. But in a city far away, the Crow god has arisen. A young man has been chosen to take down the Skymade clans and restore the Carrion Crow god. He has trained in many arts, both physical and magical. He travels to the holy city of Tova on a ship piloted by a Teek sailor who can charm the water. And the current Sun Priest has been deposed and flees the Tower to survive. Serapio arrives in Tova at the time of the Winter Solstice and chaos reigns. This book was harder to get into than Roanhorse's previous books about the Dine. She has created an interesting world, one that recognizes a third gender and is full of magic. I will be curious to see how far she can take this plotline.

Whereas most fantasy worlds are based on European foundations - medieval, Roman, Celtic, etc. - this book incorporates American indigenous cultures. So there are no elves, dragons, druids, castles, Greek gods, or triremes. Instead Roanhouse gives us a richly imagined world with a vastly different cosmology, a wheel-less technology, and a new set of mythical beasts and magical folk. It's pretty cool.

The actual story and characters are, on the other hand, firmly rooted in the epic fantasy tradition: heroes discover their Fated Destiny and Quests are undertaken. The book is well constructed; Roanhouse pulls off the difficult task of weaving in the exposition of this new world into the back stories of four protagonists while still keeping the plot moving toward a cosmos-altering climax.

This is not a self-contained story, but rather the first volume of several.. There are a number of loose ends, and all four main characters' fates are unresolved. But it's a great kick-off to a fascinating new series, and I am looking forward to seeing where it goes.

Black Sun is the first book in the ‘Between Earth and Sky Trilogy’ by Rebecca Roanhorse. Inspired by the Pre-Columbian civilizations of the Americas, this story is full of political intrigue, celestial prophecies, and dazzling magic. But beneath the captivating descriptions and intricate plot, lies a gritty and dark tale with an ending that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

I finished this book at midnight on Sunday/Monday, and I’ve spent my whole day thinking about it. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for this eARC. I screamed when I received the email with the “read now” link. I’ve been anticipating this book since last November as I loved Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse (as well as the sequel Storm of Locusts).

I feel like there is something for every reader in Black Sun, whether you love books that are character driven or ones with an intricate plot or you’re in it for the ~aesthetic~ this book has it all! That being said, there are many trigger/content warnings to be aware of while reading: disfigurement, some scenes that may be a bit gorey for some, suicide, loss of a parent, loss of a loved one, parental neglect, physical abuse from a mentor, alcohol/drunkeness, graphic violence, murder, cult activity, mentions of a genocide, mass murder, trauma, mentions of rape/sexual assault, drowning. I think that is it, but if I remember more, I will add them.

The story begins in Serapio’s point of view when he is a child. The reader sees flashes of his life up until the “current day” of this story. I loved being able to see the changes and growth in his character throughout his life and during the days leading up to the Convergence. Helping Serapio make it to Tova for the Convergence, we meet tough and tumble pirate, Xiala. She has a swagger about her that is both annoying and compelling. I really appreciated her growth throughout this book in letting herself be vulnerable and let down some of her walls.

Our two other PoV characters are in Tova, where much of the political intrigue happens. Naranpa is the Sun Priest in Tova, the highest and most exalted position in both the political and religious sphere. While she attempts to make some more progressive changes, Naranpa is surrounded by danger both outside the temple and from within. Our last PoV character comes in late in the story, but is important to both Naranpa and Serapio’s characters. Okoa is an important member of the Carrion Crow clan who has been away at a training school and is suddenly called back to Tova.

I don’t want to go too deep into the plot of this book because I am keeping this review spoiler free. However, I will say, each character has their own arc and those arcs are very relevant to the overall plot. Though we are told from the jump what is supposed to happen, Roanhorse has an amazing ability to immerse you into the story in a way that you still end up being shocked and surprised at the outcome.

One of the strongest points of Black Sun is the world building and the description. There is a beautiful meld between the creation of the world, from the cities to the treacherous waters of the sea, and the establishment of culture. Every clan has their physical characteristics and their traditional dress, food, weapons, etc. The descriptions are lush and gorgeous and had me taking a second to just picture the scene in my head before continuing my read.

I was not exaggerating when I tweeted that Black Sun is the best fantasy book of the year. From the characters to the plot to the atmosphere and aesthetic, Black Sun blows every other fantasy I’ve read this year right out of the water.

Black Sun is a highly original story of prophecy, honor, revenge and power. Told from the view point of several pivotal characters, the story weaves through a timeline, back and forth. The chapters are each headed with an indicator how long before (or after) the convergence.

The convergence is an eclipse. The mythology surrounding an eclipse in pre-Columbian America native cultures plays heavily in the story, making this fantasy stand out from the typical Euro-based fantasies. The crow is a symbol used in this society. There are also giant crows, or corvids, that people fly on. Corvids are smart and loyal.

Intelligence and steadfastness are present in some of the characters too. But in Black Sun, no character has the moral high ground. This almost made me wish I had not started reading it. (I later changed my mind.) While I like to sympathize with a deserving hero or heroine, these characters are neither good, nor evil. And they are both good and evil. There are likeable characters that do terrible things. This makes them more approachable and keeps the reader interested in their fate.

Black Sun features a matriarchal society though, for the most part women and men are treated equally. The imposition of a religious order, the Watchers, maintains a balance between earth and sky, but the Watchers grip is weakening and threatened.

Perhaps my favorite character is Xiala Teek. She appears to be in over her head in her friendship with the blind man Serapio. The book blurb says “As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain.” It seems portentous. Having read the book, I can say that it is…..and is not.

There are dark moments in this book. Serapio is an agent of change and change often breeds violence. Or is it the other way around? Serapio’s journey is both tragic and heroic.

Good/evil, tragic/heroic, likeable/terrible. Black Sun is full of contradictory characters, long-reaching intrigue and fascinating mythology. The expertly written story managed to convince me not to down-star my rating because of the frustrating cliff-hanger ending. Black Sun will appeal to fantasy readers looking for a fresh treatment of the genre.

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another great read by Rebecca Roanhorse!
This book has great world building. These indigenous people are members of different clans. The book follows the stories of two characters, Serapio, a young man who has been prepared to become a god of his people, and Naranpa, a woman of meager beginnings, who has become the Sun priest. Their paths are destined to cross and adventure and intrigue abounds. A very enjoyable story and the first book in a new series. Be prepared for the cliffhanger! Happy reading!

This book blew me away. From the very intense beginning to that cliffhanger ending my attention was grabbed by this story. The world building was amazing and I enjoyed the different POVs. The bad side to getting to read this early is now I have even longer to wait for the next book. If you enjoy fantasy then you need to read this book now!

OH GOODNESS BUCKLE UP FOR THIS BOOK. Having read some of Roanhorse's other work, I knew I'd be in for a wild ride. What I wasn't expecting was the depth of high-level societal intrigue, primarily centered in Tova. This book is told through numerous characters and through many years, with everything leading up to the climactic events at the "Convergence" - literally everything is referenced to that date. The cast spans portions of a wide-reaching empire, from journeying sailors to priests in their tower. I was totally riveted to the story, constantly wondering who I'd hear from next and how things would go. I've honestly never read a high fantasy quite like this before and it's to my detriment. Weird cultists, women who are maybe sirens (?), crow gods, a city dealing with the ramifications of a past ethnic cleansing, and complex societies that may or may not be actively practicing magic - this book has it all. If you like epic fantasy with multiple story lines and unique points of view, grab this as soon as possible.

“Black Sun” contains all the elements one could hope to find in a good, solid read. It is a fantasy, though at times it felt more like a historical fiction (if there was a history to base it upon). Personally, I was content to acknowledge it as excellent tale, one of those stories that has multiple characters and threads and causes author Rebecca Roanhorse to be on her toes the entire time.

It was easy to identify each character, even to the point of becoming a cheerleader for each of them. They’ve all been through a hard life so far, yet somehow found the drive to battle adversity and triumph. This unofficial training will serve them all well as they travel their individual path toward certain collision. One has to like the characters of Naranpa and Xiala, both young and yet strong female characters. Serapio is male, yet has experienced more pain and sorrow than most. These three tell their tales while outlining the motivations of the groups and larger populace. There are problems that are coming to a head, issues that will affect everyone in the world greatly.

The worldbuilding is an impressive part of this book. Ms. Roanhorse explains everything in such a manner that the fictional world appears real to all of us yet the details are handled in such a way that I don’t question any aspects of the people and culture. It is as if I already knew, so it is not a surprise.

I did find the use of neutral pronouns to a distraction. Naranpa uses them for a former lover while Serapio began using them when a new teacher admitted he was bayeki (a third gender). While one could make sense of the reasoning for Serapio to use the neutral pronouns, there seemed to be no reason for Naranpa to apply these pronouns to Iktan.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, even with the abrupt ending. One can only hope that Ms. Roanhorse does not take too long in writing the next book in this series. Four-and-a-half stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery/Saga Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this title.

I sat here trying to start this review for like 30 minutes and had no idea what to say. Mostly because I was stuck thinking about how the book itself started, and how my review will pale in comparison to the impact of that first chapter.

I’ll start with the obvious, and the basics. Black Sun is a brutal, intense, and immersive novel set in a high fantasy world inspired by cultures of the pre-Columbian Americas. That alone should honestly make you want to read it, since we all know that high fantasy is oversaturated with worlds inspired by medieval Europe. DIVERSIFY YOUR READING!!!

I had two favorite parts of this story. No, three? Maybe four? Idk y’all this was just really good. There are so many things to love. Let’s start with the cast of characters, which ties in to how the story is told. There are the two main characters that are introduced in the synopsis – Serapio and Xiala. The novel also follows a woman named Naranpa, who is the Sun Priest, and Okoa, the son of the matron of the clan Carrion Crow.

Following multiple storylines tends to be something that you either love or hate (from talking with friends) but I implore you to read this book even if you think you don’t like multiple perspectives. The stories all weave in with one another quite quickly, and it never feels like one is unimportant or useless. The characters themselves are all complex and interesting, and it feels like there are very few clear cut good guys and bad guys. I like that, at it seems so much more realistic – everyone has their own view on things and nothing is ever that easy. Also!! We love to see casual queer characters! We have canon trans, nonbinary, third gender, and generally non-heterosexual characters everywhere – as it SHOULD be.

I mentioned that the story follows a few different characters, which is one of the main narrative structures, but the other is that the story has interspersed flashback chapters. I like this way of learning about the characters (mostly Serapio) as it kept me on the edge of my seat and it helps to reveal the complexity of his personality.

Roanhorse’s writing style is clear and beautiful, and it makes it so easy to picture what is happening. The descriptions are perfect, and I never found them to be over the top. I am also impressed with the research she has done to craft her fantasy world. It is easy to see how inspiration from different cultures was woven in. One example is that at sea, Xiala uses navigation by stars, just as the Polynesian indigenous cultures have done. I haven’t read her other novels, but after this one I am definitely going to be buying them.

Anyway, as usual, this review is just me rambling about a bunch of stuff that I love. This book is great!! GO get it, and read it. And support indigenous authors.

I will note that I am not indigenous, blind, or LGBT+ so I cannot speak to the rep of those.

Review will be live on blog 10/20/2020, is currently live on Goodreads.

Black Sun is the first epic fantasy foray of Rebecca Roanhorse after dominating in Urban Fantasy and even releasing a Middle Grade Fantasy through the Rick Riordan line. I have not tried her Urban Fantasy series (though I've heard no end of praise) but enjoyed her middle grade enough that this was on my radar. I strongly recommend you put it on yours.
This follows a slew of characters, though only two are named in the synopsis available online. Xiala and Serapio are tied closely, their portion of the story a sea voyage to an inevitable meeting. Yet a great deal of the book is focused not only on them but on a rich and varied cast in the city to which they travel. For me, besides Serapio, this was the best part of the story. The sea voyage itself could be confining, and at times it's almost lackluster. But the intermingled chapters set in Tova, their destination, give the world real flesh and blood.
This city is where you see the strength of Rebecca Roanhorse's creative muscles. She's done reading, research, and then gone into the wonderful world that is her writer's brain and brought us a fantasy world whole unique and broken and beautiful. I cannot stress enough how much I loved the world, but in addition to that I loved our characters.
The writing is simple, direct, and consumable but you're not lacking for growth or interest in the cast. I loved even the nastier characters though for me Serapio took my heart. I cannot wait to return, the ending of this coming at me like freight train. I read the last line and let loose a breath like I'd been punched.
I can't recommend this enough, and it's definitely making my top books of the year - if it isn't the top book of the year for me. Read this, it's fantastic and I genuinely think there is something for everyone here.

I must admit, it took me a couple of days to get into this newest fantasy novel inspired by civilizations of pre-Columbian Americas. But once I got pulled into the story, there was no turning back. I just finished the book a few minutes ago and boy, do I wish I had the sequel to dive into! Luckily for me, this is the first book in a series but I'll have to wait a while, since book 1 is only just coming out tomorrow.
But let's look at the story. Our main hero Serapio from the early age was groomed to become a vessel for the Crow God. Powerful rituals, mutilation, blood sacrifice and grueling training were all part of his upbringing and path towards fulfillment of his destiny - vengeance for his clan and destruction of the Sun Priest. If you like anti-hero origin stories, this might be the one for you.

Overall, the story has an expansive and fascinating world with complex religious and political structures, occultism, magical creatures, witches and powerful beings. I am by no means an expert on the fantasy genre, but as someone who reads voraciously across genres, I can confidently say I have never read anything like this book before. Not only is the world unique, the author also took special pains to avoid familiar tropes often used in fantasy. The reader might think where the story is going or might expect a particular twist in the plot, just to have their expectations shatter and be swept by the story anew.

5 out of 5 stars. A truly epic tale, unforgettable cast of characters and a unique and amazing world.

An e-ARC was provided by NetGalley.com

Right under the wire, a wonderfully creative turn from Rebecca Roanhorse. Thanks for granting the wish!

Let me begin by saying I've never read about Rebecca Roanhorse before. Having said that, I was blown away! I normally don't read books in this genre but the cover drew my attention and when I read the synopsis I knew I had to request it. It was a little strange to me at first but as I got further in to the story I couldn't put it down. The characters were so well developed and this story is absolutely fascinating!

Thank you to the author, Gallery Safe and NetGalley for giving me t the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The review I am submitting is my own and independent of the free to I was given.

Rebecca Roanhorse is back, and this time with an all-new series, Between Earth and Sky. The first novel in this series is Black Sun, and it is not a novel you want to skip.

Serapio has known his destiny since he was a young child. Now, with the solar eclipse looming ever closer, it is nearing the time where his destiny will rise up. All he has to do is get to Tova.

Xiala is a Teek, one who has fought and struggled to make a place for herself in a world that is far less than accepting of her gender and race. Yet she's not one for giving up either. Naturally, when opportunity knocks, that means she'll answer. Even if the job is for her to carry a strange man across dangerous waters.

“As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain.”

Wow. I'm honestly not even sure where to start. Black Sun is, simply put, phenomenal. It is wonderfully written, with rich details, depicting a society far from harmonious. The sheer amount of human nature portrayed within these pages is breathtaking.

Black Sun is a world full of magic, settling into place in a time of our past. It feels both familiar and foreign, and for all the right reasons. Roanhorse's characters flesh out the world, portraying the good and bad that comes with humanity.

It is a powerful read, one that is going to be worth multiple read-throughs in the future (especially as new additions to the series near release). And I truly do mean that. It has been three days since I finished Black Sun (I needed time to contemplate the novel before writing my review), and I still cannot get it out of my head.

Xiala and Serapio are but two of the characters portrayed within the pages. There are several other perspectives given highlight, each one making the world feel even more alive. I don't want to say much about the others, because I don't want to spoil their stories (which is why they're not mentioned in my description up above). I can tell you that all the perspectives quickly lent towards a complex story, with no right or wrong answer.

It's wonderful, actually. The more you think about it, the more intense and complicated it really is. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next novel (which has no title yet, to my knowledge), especially in regards to some of my favorite characters. After all, it would be impossible to read Black Sun and not become strongly attached to those within.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC of this book!

This is one of the strongest series openers I think I've ever read.

The winter solstice is upon the city of Tova, an event that's cause for celebration. But this year, this occasion is also a time of a rare eclipse and the unbalancing of the world. Xiala is Teek, which means she has the power to control the currents with song and warp a man's mind. Disgraced from her heritage, she's tasked with taking a scarred, blind, and supposedly harmless man named Serapio to Tova. Xiala, however, suspects he may not be so harmless.

This book is inspired by the pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas, and the influence gives the entire book a really immersive feel. The imagery even in the most mundane of scenes (of which there aren't many) is so well done, I wasn't bored once this entire book.

The characters are interesting and well fleshed out. There are 4 main POVs in this story, and while I definitely had my favorites, I was engaged with each one. Their stories are painful and sobering, but they're also captivating. The world-building in this book is fantastic, and we see some of it via flashback. There's no info-dumping here that makes a book drag.

I can't say enough good things. This book is queer, disabled, and indigenous. Honestly, it's fantastic and I hope everyone reads it!

I apologize in advance, this is one of those 5 star book reviews were I can’t fully articulate how much I loved it and instead just flail around gesturing wildly. Buy this book! It was awesome!!!

It’s not lost on me how appropriate it is that I am writing this book review for this author on Indigenous People’s Day. I am so excited to have such a wonderful native author to boost today. I’m so very proud, as a Native American, to read this fantastic book. Especially one so vivid and engrossing, who treats Indigenous people as a whole, and not just in their relationship to white people/colonizers.

The first chapter of this book immediately plunges you into this story. A mother subjects her young son to rituals intended to turn him into a god. It is at once horrifying and fascinating. From here you are on a ride that never lets up.

The world building is wonderful. So many belief systems and cultures, are brilliantly depicted, creating a layered, complex world. The characters are compelling. Among them, a young man, god-like but strangely sympathetic. A young woman, a sea captain hides siren-like abilities. A woman with in high position struggles to maneuver and retain political power. All three people are being led toward the same eventuality, the foretold end of the world. This is a book that is fierce and touching, easy to visualize and rich in content.

Ms. Roanhorse’s considerable imagination energized me and I can’t wait for the next book in the series. It kills me that I have no idea when the next one is scheduled, but when it comes I will be hovering over the Netgalley website like a bookish ghost. I can’t recommend this book more strongly.