Reviews

Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman

labrynthofsuns's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hesanka's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

selenajean's review

3.0

If this book had focused entirely on The Hunter it would have been 5 stars. I really liked the world building, it was impressive and fascinating. The whiny priest drove me crazy though and it was a drag to get through some of his parts. Most of the story is from his POV. I didn't care for the damsel in distress either and the quest to save her seemed a bit far fetched. At least when it came to the Hunter joining in. He shouldn't have cared. The end really hooked me though and I'm tempted to read the next book. I don't know if I can handle more whiny priest.

mrbear's review

5.0

This book was pretty sweet (though if I were able to, I'd probably give it 4.5 stars because it wasn't quite as enjoyable as Mistborn), and definitely worth a read. The writing is occasionally too blunt, but generally the plot is pretty good, and some of the characters are extremely interesting (mostly just Tarrant and the Priest, since Ciani and Senzei are both quite boring/one dimensional). I never had trouble getting through this book, and am definitely looking forward to the next 2 in the series.

hidodey's review

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

bucketsjen's review

adventurous dark inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

The Coldfire Trilogy is a classic science fantasy series -  with a developed magical system, solid plot, and characters who can feel typical to those familiar with the genre but who are easy to get attached to nonetheless (even if there are times I wanted to reach through the book to smack them upside the head). 

joshhall13's review

5.0

This epic fantasy does something few books of this genre can. It held my attention through every page of the massive volume.

I really want to continue the series, but damn the book is so long... hmm.

pronkbaggins's review

4.0

3.75/5 stars

Well. I picked up this book because it was one of the top sci-fi series to start, apparently. When I started it, I was confused as to how this could be considered sci-fi, as it seemed like an epic dark fantasy. Well, it's both.

The book is filled with a rich world and lots of great imagery. I would say it is more of an epic fantasy with science fiction elements. The story is intriguing enough for me to move forward to the second book in the trilogy.

That being said, I wish that I connected to some of the characters a little bit more. Some of the main characters were interesting, but I just did not connect to them.

Spoiler

I wish I could have connected to Ciani more, but I did not really feel much for the character. She seemed really cool, but I could not understand why everyone was so moved by her, because as the reader I did not get that connection. I felt more connected to Hesseth than Ciani. Moreover, I know that the characters were surviving and traumatized at every corner, but I was shocked that Ciani did not grieve Senzei's death more. They had such a strong bond of friendship. There was a lot accomplished by the book, but I think it lacked some depth in character development

The epilogue was one of my favorite parts, which is rare. It was an entertaining read!

ngreads's review

5.0

First off, Gerald. I feel like that is enough reason to love this book. Terrible person, wonderful character. Loved him.

On a more in-depth note...

So glad I found this gem at a used bookstore. This book was different from anything I’ve read before. The world building was detailed and unique, the characters compelling and complex, and the writing absolutely fantastic. The way that the book’s structure itself is used for pacing and the way that the writing itself feels is just an experience in and of itself.

Absolutely wonderful. What else can I say?

(As an aside, that cover. Michael Whelan does it again. Period.)

elllljayyyy's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75