Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

As I’ve gotten more into the book community, there are quite a few authors that have popped up on my radar that I didn’t know of before. One of those authors is Rebecca Roanhorse. I remember when a lot of people were talking about Trail of Lightning and thinking I should give it a try. But my TBR is ever-growing and it got lost in the stack. Then, I read Vampires Never Get Old, a short story compilation all about our favorite fanged fiends, and found myself really enjoying the story written by Rebecca Roanhorse. And I knew she was coming out with the first book in her new adult fantasy series, so she quickly got bumped up on the TBR. I’m so glad I picked this one up because it completely knocked it out of the park!

This story is a beautiful mix of four vastly different lives. We have a young man who has been brutally fashioned into a vessel for an old god. We have a sailor whose heritage makes her both feared and sought after. There is a woman who has fought to rise above her humble beginnings to try and make a difference. And there is a son who wishes to protect his clan from outside forces and themselves. All these stories are weaved together over the backdrop of an impending total eclipse in which all of their lives will be changed forever.

I feel like it’s taken me forever to actually sit down and write about this book because how does one describe the feeling of being completely transported by a story? How can I find the appropriate words to articulate how much this story burrowed into my consciousness and now lives there rent free? What can I say that will do justice to this book in an eloquent manner when all I want to do is shout “PLEASE READ THIS NOW” to any and everyone? This books deserves the best of the best writings to capture how stunning it is!

But ya got me, so prepare yourselves for an unabashed, slightly inarticulate gush!

AAAHHHH, THIS BOOK WAS INCREDIBLE! Everything about Black Sun was perfection, from the writing, to the characters, to the immaculate world-building. When they talk about ‘immersive reads’, they mean books like this one. Every single element was crafted in a way that completely sucks you into the story. Let’s talk about our characters, for instance. First, I would die for Xiala. Seriously, she’s amazing and I wanted to fight anyone who so much as looked at her the wrong way in this book 😤 She’s complex and intriguing, with layers that make her the most interesting of the characters you come across over the course of this story (I love the little snippets of her Teek heritage!). And one of those characters may or may not be a literal god! That’s not to say that the other characters are lacking, of course. Serapio, Naranpa, and Okoa, the other main characters in this tale, are all fascinating and you can’t help but want to know more about them. Multiple POVs doesn’t always do it for me, but Rebecca Roanhorse pulls it off flawlessly!

Speaking of ‘flawless’, can we talk about the world-building of this story?? Because… just… *chef’s kiss* This is a beautiful example of creating a world with a lot of background and traditions, but not just dumping all the info on the reader in boring exposition. Rebecca Roanhorse is the best kind of storyteller; one that can craft an intricate world and pull you into it in a manner that is lyrical and smooth. I found myself so immersed within just a few pages and, even as I closed the book, I wished I could stay for just a little bit longer. The world of Black Sun is rich, vibrant, and absolutely captivating! I’m also stoked that we’re getting an adult epic fantasy series that is not set in some fantasy version of medieval Europe. The culture in this book is beautiful to behold, though I, of course, can’t speak to the representation. It’s a setting that I haven’t seen before and I instantly want more of. Thankfully, this is just the first book in the series!

This book has also cemented the fact that I love Rebecca Roanhorse’s writing. As I mentioned, I’ve only ever read a short story from her, but it stuck with me so much that I had to try out one of her novels. I’m glad to see that that story wasn’t just a one-off and this is an author that could easily become a favorite! Being who I am as a person, I find it hard to put into words what I love so much about her writing. There’s just something about it that makes it flow so well that I found myself tearing through the pages. I even found myself enjoying the non-linear timeline, which can often be a stumbling block for me. What can I say, I’m easily confused 😅 But this author made it work! It added a sense of suspense that carries through the entire book as we arrive at the end. I will say that this is definitely a dark and graphic story, so please check trigger warnings before you dive in.

Final thoughts: This book is absolutely phenomenal! Every aspect is well-crafted, from the richly imagined world, to the complex and fascinating characters. Every bit of this book is designed to make you forget about the outside world while you become invested in everything that is happening in the story. This is a dark story that is written masterfully and in such a way that I’m still thinking about it a week later. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with dark themes, multiple POVs, non-linear timelines, and with a unique setting, I think you would enjoy Black Sun!

I was bit hesitant reading this book. The size of the book is overwhelming. However, I enjoyed every chapter. The world-building and the unique plot really sold me. I’ve never read Rebecca Roanhorse books before, so I was hesitant.

This book is perfect for an high fantasy readers. I am looking forward to continuing the series.

I adore this book & pre-ordered it before I was even halfway through. I'm super excited for the sequel!

Black Sun is a compelling narrative with a diverse cast of morally grey characters that drive the plot forward.

Engaging Plot Line
It is said that Black Sun l is inspired by pre-Columbian America’s and it shows in the writing and the world-building.

It is always wonderful to pick up a book and be engaged in world-building from the very beginning because it gives the reader a solid foundation to grasp. It is easier to imagine and see from the details to the intricate politics and culture.

Admittedly, the opening was a bit slow. However, while it might have a slow pace, it focuses on building up those dynamics, the culture, the fantasy, and the politics. Again, this is a very intricate story, but it is written and easy to follow.

Again, the reader sees the influence of Native American culture in the story. There is some argument as to whether or not the author officially belongs to the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo tribe. However, it says a lot that her memories as a child, her appreciation of her culture, and her husband’s culture, who is Navajo, shines in the novel. When reading, the reader sees Native American individuals portrayed in a way that is not stereotypical.

Character-Driven Story
What also helps Black Sun move forward are the characters. There are three central characters, Sun Priest, Xiala, and Serapio. What makes them attractive is how they are all different and how their fates are tied together.

First off, it is great to see such a diverse cast of characters. However, what makes them more engaging out the level of layers that go into their personalities.

The Sun Priest has to face her trials. Being from the Deep Earth, the Maw, she is considered other and lesser than by the Sky Made people around her. These are people who seek to undermine her, who want her gone because she is different. Despite this, however, she continues to be resilient and deals with morally questionable people to stop a war.

Xiala is Teek which automatically makes her an outsider. As a Teek, she is similar to a siren. Xiala can sing music to the ocean and, in a way, calm the seas. She faces her challenges as a woman with power. Again, she is considered other, but her origins only fuel men to dislike her because she has a power they do not and skills that allow her to rise above them in ranks. Xiala is, by far, one of the more interesting characters in the novel.

Finally, there is Serapio. Blinded as a child by his mother to be a vessel for the Crow God, Serapio is willing to die and kill for his people. He is soft-spoken but intimidating. His narrative goes back on time, building up the present, unlike the others, to give him more depth and create this idea of vengeance versus justice. He was raised to be a vessel, so a part of him is sad that his life was never his own, and it resonates with the reader.

Final Thoughts
Black Sun is such an incredible novel. As a start to a new series, it gives readers a fresh and inventive new fantasy with complex characters and an intriguing blend of mythology and politics.

A very good fantasy and great set up for a series.

This book is full of world building and prepping for what looks to be a great fantasy series. It is a very interesting era and society, so interest is mildly kept.

The hype for this book was real, I was pulled in and ready to GO when I got this eARC, however, sometimes the public hype really lets me down. I need to remember what others view as epic isn't always the case for me.

That said, I did enjoy the book at parts and some just fell really really flat for me. At this point, I'm not eagerly awaiting book 2 but I may pick up in the future.

This book follows 4 characters, each on a journey to stop and start a disaster that is bound to happen in the City of Tova. I truly enjoyed this book. The characters were amazing the plot was very well written. My only fault I think is I wanted to learn more about the history of the Skymade because there isn’t much info into why they came to Tova or why they decide to replace the old gods. I also wanted to see more Teek mythology, hopefully in book 2, which I will be buying!

This was so good!

I loved the exploration of Pre-Columbian culture, I loved the characters, I loved the world Roanhorse created.
The dual POV was a nice touch, the reader was able to view the classism and racism of the community from both an exalted and valuable position, and a marginalized one. The way the story line unfolded was great, the switch between viewpoints was not jarring, and the plot flowed well. I was apprehensive about the length given all the background, language, and world building information one needs to start a series this epic, but the author handled it well and kept the reader engaged.

Overall, 4.5 stars and highly recommend.

Another great young adult book. I wish I had more options geared like this towards my age growing up. I would love to see more books like this for adults as well in the future.

The author has constructed a very interesting magical pre-colombian world. I felt, however that this book was a setup for bigger and better stories and it ended right as the "big event" happened...leaving us to wonder what the fallout is and what's going to happen next. Hopefully a tease for a sequel, but ultimately unsatisfying as it ends just as our heroes mark big changes in the world.

This book blew my mind. It's epic fantasy at its best, plus female-centric and based on ancient civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas. The characters are complex, unique, and mesmerizing. I couldn't decide which of them I loved the most and finally decided that I loved all of them equally with perhaps a slight lean toward the people who can mind-bond with crows and ride giant Carrion crows as their steeds.

Listen, you have to get this book! If the siren ship captain who calms the waters with her song, but also has a slight drinking problem and sleeps around with anyone in port doesn't intrigue you, then surely the man whose eyes were sewed shut by his mother to trap the god's soul that she put inside him will. Layer this with Ms. Roahnhorse's beautiful prose, describing a spell-binding world and cultures that you loath to leave by the end of the book. Please write faster, Ms. Roanhorse! I need the second book in the series now!

The beautiful cover drew me in, but the story kept me engaged. I can't wait for more stories set in this world.

Chapter 1 ends and I'm completely hooked. What a way to setup a story! This is s masterfully crafted and unique world - the rich lore in this book is so completely transportive it breathes life into the cultures, the sceneries, and the characters with ease.

This is absolutely a must read for epic fantasy lovers.

Slow-paced but in a way that is deliberate, tantalizing, teasing to the reader that promises these loose ends will eventually come together and blow your socks off.

4 stars instead of 5 because there was one particular POV that I connected with far less than the others. The religious undertones of the Sun priestess story arc just didn't capture my interest as much as Serapio and Xiala's seafaring journey. Their relationship felt real and grounded and rooted in such impending tragedy it was hard to look away. They were the kinds of characters you just want to pluck off the pages and keep in a safe place. A good book has you rooting for the hero, but only a great book has you cheering for the villain.

Highly anticipating the sequel! Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Everything I've ready by Rebecca Roanhorse has been really great, and this is no exception. The story is full of wonderful characters with their own mythology in a richly constructed and diverse world. This book is high fantasy at its best. Black Sun is an incredibly enjoyable read and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

(4.75 rounded up)

This book was definitely not what I expected but it has me so excited for the rest of the series!

If you are looking for a heavily plot driven novel, this is not it. That aside, this was a strong beginning to an epic series that will definitely leave you wanting more (especially with that ending.)

I would describe this as a prolouge to what will undoubtedly be an amazing series.

While there is an overall plot, it is very slow moving(which isn't a bad thing!). We may follow a trio of characters and learn about what parts they play in the story.

I loved everything about this book and I'm definitely picking up more by Rebecca Roanhorse.

*thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an Arc in exchange for my honest review*

**What I loved about this book**
- Prose: Snappy, sharp, unique, concise. Can't ask for much better.
- Worldbuilding: Sensory and colorful. Could smell and touch everything.
- Characters: Likable and easily distinguishable from one another in terms of motivations, narrative voices, visuals, personalities, etc. Super distinctive.
- Plot: Steady and efficient, doesn't lag at all. Very exciting.
- Setup: Overall, author did perfect job of pulling the reader in from the start.


**What could've been improved**
- Pacing is almost too efficient. There should've been more pauses taken for important moments like the climax, but author gives such key scenes as much importance as the generic moments, which made the brutality of the finale (via Serapio) fall flat and not as impactful as the book was gearing it up to be.
- Political sabotages. Naranpa as the Sun priestess seems lacking in authority, which makes it hard to believe why she was ever given that position. Also, the political sabotages at the end were rather obvious and convenient imo.
- Naranpa and Iktan's dynamic. Loved their banter and unspoken tension at first, but then Iktan is moved to the sidelines as though xe's scheming for/against Naranpa, but nothing really comes of it by the end, romantically nor politically. Wish we'd seen more closure to this.
- Serapio and Xiala's romance. Why do I get the feeling they're gonna move on to other love interests later on? Felt this romance escalated a tad quickly, and Serapio doesn't seem that into Xiala. This dynamic became the least compelling by the end.


**What I actively disliked**
- Naranpa and Denaochi's reunion. This should've been THE emotional high of this book, but these siblings proceed to converse openly as though they haven't been apart for decades. Not to mention, it was super unnatural that Ochi would disclose his past struggles (i.e. prostitution) and his sexual preferences to such a degree before even addressing the elephant in the room lol (i.e. his resentment of his sister). Kinda forced.
- Serapio as a character. His fixation on avenging his mother was fine, but it was dissonant how he fluctuated from being an empathetic & self-aware human being to a cold killing machine. He doesn't have moments of introspection or moral doubt in regards to his goal, so I couldn't marry the fact that he was so warm AND callous at the same time. He was simply told to become an assassin...so didn't he ever have a moment of doubt that he was being told a lie?!


**Bottom line**
This book is brilliant, but I was not fully satisfied when it came to certain arcs (i.e., the sibling reunion, Naranpa and Iktan's dynamic, Serapio's actions in the finale). The author seems hesitant to truly milk key moments for emotional satisfaction, which is a shame because I would've given this beyond 5 stars if she had. Regardless, this is a great series starter and can't wait to jump into the sequel.


Thank you to the publishers for sending an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated here are solely my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Rebecca Roanhorse is a revelation to the science fiction and fantasy genre. The highly anticipated Black Sun offers a pre-Columbian mythology that is engrossing and beautifully written. And if you’re looking for an Indigineous horror film to pair with it, Blood Quantum could be a good fit — and with fantastic, compelling premises, you’re sure to be thinking about both of these long after you’re done reading and watching them!

I am absolutely in love with this book. Rebecca Roanhorse’s writing is masterful. The world building was interesting and the character development was really good. Every character that got a pov I truly cared about, and there aren’t many authors who do that for me. The build up in this story is so good and had me turning pages and not wanting to put it down. My only disappointment in the whole book is having to wait for the next one. We do get left on a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m dying to know what happens next. Everyone who loves fantasy should give this one a try. Five stars from me!

This book is PHENOMENAL. The lore and characterizations are so perfect, rich, and enthralling. The ending is impeccable, and I cannot wait to devour the next book in the series.

This is the first in a new series. I really loved the world building of this book. We get an untraditional approach to the world, not basing it off of medieval Europe, but on precolonial America. I have entranced by that world, it was so rich and diverse, the lore was spot on, and I absolutely was engrossed by it. My only complaint is that there are a ton of characters, and a bunch of them have nothing to do. Kind of made me feel like....what's the point of these chapters. I enjoyed the plot, of the Crow God coming to devour the Sun, and how we get to that point. However the book itself is left on a cliff hanger that doesn't really get resolved, and that often irks me in the first of a multi-book series.

Overall it's worth the read.

I LOVE love loved this book. I was hooked from the very start. Absolute epic fantasy, that contains magic, prophesies, political intrigue, sea travel, romance, and so much more. Set in a mystical land in the pre-columbian americas, it is such a refreshing medieval fantasy. Everyone read this book!