Let's begin this review with the obvious - the cover of this book is absolutely GORGEOUS! It says a lot about a publisher's faith in an author's work when so much care has been invested in the design as opposed to those with stock images and fonts. Luckily, I was correct in judging the beginning of this new trilogy by it's cover. Black Sun is my first Rebecca Roanhorse, but I now intend to add her backlist to my 2021 reading after consuming this so quickly.

This high fantasy tale, inspired by the civilizations of pre-Columbian Americas, unfolds through four central characters during the time leading up to the winter solstice. A time of celebration in the holy city of Tova, this year's festivities coincides with a rare solar eclipse making this a time for the unbalancing of worlds. Xiala is a rakish woman who lives life from one drink (and bed) to the next. After being bailed out of jail by a rich merchant, she is appointed as captain of a ship and tasked with the delivery of Serapio, a blind and frail man, to the city in time for the Convergence. A good chunk of the story takes place during their journey on the seas with some flashback chapters that delve into Serapio's past. Roanhorse does a fantastic job of building the relationship between the two outcasts who have yet to find their true place in society.

Naranpa and Okoa, the son of a prominent clan's dead matron, are the other 2 POVs that fill out the story. Naranpa has been bestowed the position of Sun Priest after the death of the former priest in the role. As someone who rose from a lower station in life, much of her tale revolves around her struggles to lead without truly being accepted and fighting her enemies, both known and hidden. While these two weren't as "interesting" to follow as Xiala and Serapio, Roanhorse invests enough in their development to pave the way for bigger story arcs in the following two novels.

Overall, Black Sun hit all the marks for me in terms of what I enjoy in fantasy stories. Roanhorse confidently bridges the gap between YA and high fantasy genres in a way that is truly accessible to a variety of readers. She builds a world without bogging down the plot with pages of details and exposition, which I greatly appreciated and believe that makes this an excellent recommendation for readers who want to dip their toes into fantasy without being overwhelmed. This novel is full of political intrigue, mystery, revenge, destiny, and finding one's place in society. I'm anxiously awaiting the next entry in the series...highly recommend!

Black Sun is a very different sort of story than the two Sixth World novels, as it leans much more towards traditional fantasy/scifi, based in a completely made-up world, and not a post-apocalyptic, speculative-but-clearly-Earth world. I am going to just copy and paste the Goodreads blurb for this one here, because I think it does a solid job and also, honestly, I am struggling to give it a quick overview in my own words rights now and don’t feel like struggling through that if someone has already done a passable job: “In the holy city of Tova, the winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event proscribed by the Sun Priest (current incarnation: a young woman named Naranpa attempting, with marginal success, to buck religious traditions) as an unbalancing of the world. Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man’s mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain.”

So, where to start with my thoughts about this epic-ish fantasy? First things first, I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this. There was, as with all fantasy, the requisite “I’m so lost” feelings of the first few chapters as I got used to the world, the language and the characters. This was not necessarily made easier by the fact that there are multiple POVs (one of which is told both in present day and in the past). Each section is marked with dates, of course, but they’re not “typical” days/years, because this is fantasy, so for the first little bit, that definitely didn’t help either. Basically, be prepared to really have to “try” when you first start reading. However, as I settled in and got accustomed to everything, I started to really fall for this book. First, the characters. I always love a rough-talking, aware, smart and competent lady protagonist. And in this case, I was particularly into Xiala, as she was very clearly and naturally bisexual. Woot! (Side note, the overall gender/sexuality rep in this novel was well done: there was a third gender/pronouns used throughout, flouting our ridiculous binary situation, and there were a number of fairly primary characters that showed flexibility of gender and sexual desire, all written casually in stride.) Plus, her “Teek” heritage, that sort of makes her sound like an Indigenous siren, was super cool. If you are a lover of mermaid-fantasy, you will love Xiala. The other primary character that was really interesting was Serapio. I was super into the way his destiny was not fated but created, which is contrary to many chosen-one stories. I was horrified and also totally into the things his mother did to set him down his path towards (potential) god-hood and hopeful vengeance. The other narrators, the Sun Priest Naranpa and Carrion Crow warrior Okoa, were a little less compelling for me. Naranpa seemed uncomfortably naïve and tunnel-visioned and helpless, considering her backstory. And Okoa just wasn’t as central, so I don’t feel like I know enough about him yet. However, the way the novel ends makes it clear his larger role(s) is coming. So I’m excited to see where they both go/how they grow.

I also loved the world itself. It was based on pre-Columbian society/civilization and there were many aspects of that, from the large things, like the conflicting religious beliefs that pit light against dark and form the major conflict of the novel, to the small details, like the use of cacao as currency, that were really well developed. It felt lush and real as I read about it all: the prejudices and ancient feuds and traditions and foods and business. This feeling of depth is definitely enhanced by the little sections at the beginning of each chapter from various cultural works and sayings, etc. I always have a soft spot for those as a device (as you may recall from my reviews of A Memory Called Empire and The Philosopher’s Flight). As complex as the world was though, it was interesting that the plot itself, the political and religious intrigues, felt pretty basic. Not that it wasn’t interesting or unique or compelling, just that…it wasn’t particularly advanced or intricate. There is intrigue of many kinds, but it felt very straightforward (possibly predictable?) to me – I don’t necessarily mean this as a critique, just an observation of how I felt about it. I do want to say here that I did like the way Roanhorse writes in a way that shows an insightful critique/calling-out of the hypocrisy in many belief systems: that each believes they are the “one true” option, that one is divine and all others are blasphemous/witchcraft/fake, when in fact much of it comes down to the perspective and experiences that a person has lived within. With so many POVs in this novel, she was able to show this from many angles and did a nice job with it, especially because our protagonist/chosen one/(anti?)hero is from the “night/dark side of things, that which usually cast as the nameless evil, the antagonist. So that was super cool.

Last, the plot. Wow I was into the story. Roanhorse is so good with pacing and building tension/developing relationships and creating a gripping story. In fact, my only critique here is the cliffhanger ending. This is a very personal preference, but I freaking hate major cliffhangers. It is SO possible to give the reader a reasonably wrapped up ending that still leaves room for more story. When it’s all written well enough (which Roanhorse more than does) I will still pick up the next one because I want to know more about the world and the people. I don’t need an edge-of-your-seat, will-they-live-or-will-they-die ending to make me want to keep reading. A good writer/story does that on its own. I know I may be in the minority here, but it’s a literary pet peeve that just really eats at me. Ugh. So, I’m disappointed by that here. However, I did love that this is the clear start to a story arc that is meant to span multiple installations. I appreciate that Roanhorse recognizes this story, to be told right, needs more time/space, and she hasn’t rushed to get to a “stopping point” here. I just…there is some type of midpoint that I wish had been found.

Overall, this was a great start to a new fantasy series. I loved the pre-Columbian inspired setting, the magics and beliefs and mythologies, the budding relationships that are resolving and the promise for more amongst them all, the backstories of our characters, and was pulled along by great writing and smooth pacing. A great, unique take on a number of common fantasy-genre aspects.

I really enjoy Rebecca Roanhorse's books, so I was very excited to see that she was starting a new fantasy series that takes place in the pre-columbian America. I had never read a fantasy book that takes place during that time and setting.
I will admit that this book did take me a while to get into just because of the hierarchy systems that are in place are a bit complicated. However, once I understood who the characters were and how they fit into the world, it was really easy to get swept away in this book.
There are multiple persepctives so you get to meet a few different characters and understand their motivation. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys fantasy.

Black Sun!! What did you do to me?? I loved this strange new world with the priests and crows. The Sky-Made and the Earth people. The siren mermaid badass protagonist who is the captain of the ship. The first chapter of this book! I hope it's not too spoilery-- The Mom is doing a coming of age type ritual to her son. She has scarred or tattooed him the evening before. Now she gives him a potion to drink for the final parts of the ritual. His father, from a different culture who doesn't approve, is beating on the locked door. The Mother ties her son down to a chair and sews his eyes shut. She says a prayer and proceeds to jump out of the balcony window. Chapter One!! I admit, it took a little longer to normal to finish this book for me, but I started over the holidays. I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for more!!

I usually do not lean towards sci-fi, but this book was an amazing read! I may be a bit biased, since I love Rebecca Roanhorse's other books, but I still think this is a great introductory book for her! There are so many moving parts to this novel that I often found myself taking breaks in order to really invest myself in all that the story had to offer. With that being said, I thought the pacing was great for the type of novel it is and I loved all the characters!

Wow, this book was great! Roanhorse has honed her craft and it shows. Her characters were rich and complex, her plot full of intrigue, mythology, humor and marvelous world building. I really can't say enough about the world building. I look forward to the next book in this series (though I hope she finishes the Trail of Lightning series first because she kills me with cliffhangers).

What a thrilling and captivating fantasy! The characters that Rebecca Roanhorse writes are both complex and relatable. The journeys they undertake winding and interesting. One of my favorite books to handsell right now!

I received a digital ARC of Black Sun from Netgalley, so I want to thank them, Rebecca Roanhorse and Saga Press for presenting me with the opportunity to indulge in a really good book.

I am not a huge fantasy reader. I honestly do not remember the last fantasy novel that I read….and liked. However, Black Sun has really turned it around for me.

Serapio is a young man with a destiny: one of blood and vengeance for the wrongs done to his people so many years ago. Naranpa is the new Sun Priest, hoping to fulfill her role with wisdom and insight, but finds herself thwarted by those she is meant to serve as well as her own priesthood. Xiala, a sea captain, has a few secrets that she keeps close and several that she is just finding out. Together with a most imaginative cast of seafarers, warriors, and magnificent beasts, Black Sun opens up a brand new world that has truly never been seen before IMO.

The world building of Black Sun is top-notch. Roanhorse is extraordinarily adept at creating such a mystical, magical world of priests, trained assassins, godly sacrifices and vengeance, bloody bloody vengeance. The battle between light and dark is not so simple and Roanhorse easily entwines her readers into the intrigue, the suspense, her characters, the inevitable showdown between the Sun Priest and Crow God. And (!) I believe that this is the first fantasy book that I’ve read that recognizes non-gender conformity. The inspirations from indigenous peoples is clear and I highly appreciate the different perspective on the fantasy slant.

I admit to finding this book nothing short of amazing. I am wanting more of Xiala’s history, Serapio and his people, Naranpa’s journey and the potential survival of a certain Knife, Ah, Ms. Roanhorse, give me more please! In the meantime, I'll read Trail of Lightning as I wait.

I have yet to find a Rebecca Roanhorse title that I would not recommend. This is a great title that will attract fans of all genres.

It is a book that has a unique, magical world. This book is definitely a great world builder with the various cultures It has an amazing set of plot threads which you know will all converge. Everyone is traveling to the capital city for the winter solstice festival. Each of the characters has a portion of the prophecy. Ms. Roanhorse has set up a great story line that sets up for a sequel.

This book was awesome. I loved the characters back stories and the plot. I am guessing there is going to be a second book because a lot of things were lady up in the air at the end.

This novel was my introduction to the work of Rebecca Roanhorse, of whom I had heard a great deal. From the beginning, I was struck by the originality of her world and cultures that were at once relatable and quite different from the typical Western-European-derived canon. Set in a fantasy pre-Columbian (or non-Columbian?) Central America, the story weaves together the lives of disparate characters, who will all come together at “the Convergence,” a predicted eclipse. The story is told from multiple points of view, jumping back and forth in time. This is often a recipe for reader confusion and disengagement, but I found the characters compelling enough to hold my interest and to welcome each new section. I found the jumps in time distracting and largely unnecessary, but I admit to a personal preference for chronologically linear stories. In the end, though, it was the novelty and richness of the world that enchanted me.

Black sun is mult POV fantasy story that takes place in a pre Columbia’s society. All the characters were unique and fun and interesting. The world building was charming and fun if interesting lore. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series

This was such a cool story! It started out a bit rough for me, but once I got into it, I absolutely loved this dark, fascinating world! The characters were well-developed, the world and history was rich, and the writing was so powerful. I'm so glad I read this book!

One of the reasons I had a harder time with Black Sun at first was because of the multiple perspectives. There are a lot of different POVs in this book and at first, while I was still trying to understand the world and plot, the myriad of characters made it a little harder to keep track of what was happening. It got better once I started understanding what was going on more, but at first I had a little bit of a difficult time. But, I also did love getting the perspectives of different characters! So I didn't mind the shifts, even when I got a little confused.

The characters were absolutely wonderful. I mentioned that I liked having multiple perspectives, and that really did help get to know the characters better. There were so many strong characters in this book and I loved getting to know them so well! I felt such a deep connection to many of them.

Overall I loved this book! The worldbuilding and characters were phenomenal, and I like how unique this felt. The plot and pacing were great. The only complaint I have is that the ending was a bit too abrupt for my taste. However, I still highly recommend this book!

This was a stunning work! This book has it all. The world building is one unlike I have ever read. If your a fan of SFF looking for something a bit different this is it. Yes, this is a story in ways that are familiar and yes thiers intrigue, political strategizing, power gone awry, but it's told like nothing I have read before and that makes it totally refreshing.

Fabulous. I love the world-building and the characters. This one will stick with me and I can't wait for the next installment.

This was phenomenal, and very queer, which is not what I initially expected going into a Pre-Columbian American-inspired fantasy. I think it was perhaps the first time I've read a non-binary character using xe/xir pronouns, which feels like a queer milestone that I'm frankly surprised I hadn't hit yet - definitely a sign I need to expand what I'm reading.

It has gained some comparisons to The Fifth Season, which I don't think is totally amiss, but I'm not really getting the comparison to Game of Thrones. The "political machinations" in Black Sun are not nearly as complex or interesting as the three main characters, whereas in GoT I feel like the characters are just window dressing for the plot. This, for me, is a point in Black Sun's favor! All three are interesting in very different ways, and again - two of the three are queer or in queer relationships. Black Sun's plot is more of a boulder rolling down a hill to an inevitable (literally fated?) conclusion, picking up speed as it goes and goes, until the smashing end.

Excellent world-building as well, though it did take me a bit to piece together the geography.

REALLY excited for this series and I'm so happy to see it picking up accolades.

The ARC was provided to me by NetGalley.

I try to stay away from reviews and descriptions before I read a book, so I had no idea this was epic fantasy and expected urban fantasy, which would have been fine. But what a great surprise, because epic fantasy is my very favorite genre. We follow four major characters, and I liked each point of view a lot (thank goodness, because I hate when a book switches to a PoV that I just want to skip!)
Serapio starts out the story as a young boy, who is maimed by his mother and trained that he has a destiny. We also have a hard drinking, hard living sea captain with magic of her own, a girl who has risen from the slums to become the Sun Priest (and who is having some political issues), and (not as visible as the others) a warrior who needs to figure out what is happening with his family and his people.

The world building was interesting - it was pretty seamless, yet complex, and I'd like to learn more.

I felt like the book ended at a good spot; however, I'll sure be looking for the next one!

This book was amazing. It sucked me in right from the get go and now I find myself wondering when I can get my hands on the next book.
World building- Great
Characters- Great
Story- superb
Told via multiple points of view, the story takes place in a world inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas. As the winter solstice descends upon the holy city of Tova a once in a great while solar event is taking place., all the members of the Sky Made clans under the newly appointed Sun Priest would normally be preparing for the upcoming celebrations. Carrion Crow, disgraced among the clans, with a fanatical splinter group of renegades believe that it is a sign of the imminent return of their god who will take vengeance upon those who stripped them of their power generations ago.
One of my top books from 2020