Scan barcode
mariahistryingtoread's review
2.0
One of the people in the SF/F book club I'm in described this as a very long prologue and that is an exceedingly apt descriptor.
Black Sun is a middling book. I wasn't bored, but I was never overly invested either. It piqued my interest enough that I wanted to know what was happening, but I wanted to know because I was curious moreso than I actively cared what occurred - if that makes sense.
There's a rundown at the beginning of all the relevant characters. In hindsight, the entire book was basically just that list as all the facts provided on that page is all that we learn in this book. Outside of Serapio, who at least gets several flashbacks to set up his motivations, no one else gets a similar level of development. And even when the other characters do it's typically confirmation of something previously established or something you didn't need confirmed instead of new, relevant or interesting information.
For example, there's a flashback chapter early on of Nara's background which led to her becoming Sun Priest. This look into Nara's family history is completely useless as this is something that comes up several times naturally as the story progresses. Why waste time on this aside when as the reader I could just use context clues to reason it out? It's not like this flashback gives me any further insight into her character. Nara is a class traitor; that much is clear from the synopsis.
When I think of the events of this novel so much of it was fluff. This book could have easily been only 200 or so pages rather than the near 500 it actually is. I'm struggling to even figure out why it was so long when nothing of consequence was ever going on. It was an endless cycle of the same material regurgitated in a different way. Relevant, plot progressing details were small and buried underneath a ton of extraneous knowledge.
All the characters were shallow because, again, everything you could learn or needed to know about them was a blurb on page one.
I found Nara difficult to care about because her cause was not well explored. My understanding is that she wanted to restore the Sun Priest to its former position of significance in the community, but to me the whole system seemed unnecessary so I couldn't root for her. Yes, it was corrupt so it could use a revamp like she wanted, however, I didn't feel as if it was essential in the first place thus, its devolution felt like a natural progression in their society.
Serapio was supposed to be reserved which made sense considering his background but it harmed the believability of his relationship with Xiala because he was such a stone wall. He never told her anything about himself yet she found herself falling for him. Why? What exactly is appealing about a man whom you can tell is purposely obfuscating his life? She literally didn't know anything about him that wasn't visual until the last quarter of the novel. Serapio has never known kindness so him falling for Xiala is understandable. Her reciprocating with nothing to go on is ridiculous.
The ending was anticlimactic. It was clearly done in such a way as to pave the way towards the sequel giving no regard to the story it was presently communicating. I've read plenty of sequels that manage to function as standalones whilst in the confines of a series so I know it can be done.
I did like the world building for the most part. A lot of effort was clearly put into making the culture and politics of the respective regions make sense. And I always enjoy casual queer representation because I appreciate it becoming more normalized especially in a book of Black and brown characters in a fantasy setting. It's nice that it's becoming more commonplace. Though, I will say that it's not particularly prominent so don't go in expecting too much.
There are also two characters who are part of a third gender and use alternate pronouns which I've only read in one other book before so that was cool to me specifically. It was interesting how I had to recalibrate my perception of characters without the gendered descriptions. I never really thought about how gendered my imagination of a character can be regardless of how the character is described. Going forward I'm going to try to be less rigid in my interpretation of characters unless the book purposely calls for it.
Basically, this book is all build up, no payoff. I'm still interested in the sequel because it's entirely possible the next book will be better since the foundation will have been laid. However, if you don't want to take the chance I certainly wouldn't blame you.
Black Sun is a middling book. I wasn't bored, but I was never overly invested either. It piqued my interest enough that I wanted to know what was happening, but I wanted to know because I was curious moreso than I actively cared what occurred - if that makes sense.
There's a rundown at the beginning of all the relevant characters. In hindsight, the entire book was basically just that list as all the facts provided on that page is all that we learn in this book. Outside of Serapio, who at least gets several flashbacks to set up his motivations, no one else gets a similar level of development. And even when the other characters do it's typically confirmation of something previously established or something you didn't need confirmed instead of new, relevant or interesting information.
For example, there's a flashback chapter early on of Nara's background which led to her becoming Sun Priest. This look into Nara's family history is completely useless as this is something that comes up several times naturally as the story progresses. Why waste time on this aside when as the reader I could just use context clues to reason it out? It's not like this flashback gives me any further insight into her character. Nara is a class traitor; that much is clear from the synopsis.
When I think of the events of this novel so much of it was fluff. This book could have easily been only 200 or so pages rather than the near 500 it actually is. I'm struggling to even figure out why it was so long when nothing of consequence was ever going on. It was an endless cycle of the same material regurgitated in a different way. Relevant, plot progressing details were small and buried underneath a ton of extraneous knowledge.
All the characters were shallow because, again, everything you could learn or needed to know about them was a blurb on page one.
I found Nara difficult to care about because her cause was not well explored. My understanding is that she wanted to restore the Sun Priest to its former position of significance in the community, but to me the whole system seemed unnecessary so I couldn't root for her. Yes, it was corrupt so it could use a revamp like she wanted, however, I didn't feel as if it was essential in the first place thus, its devolution felt like a natural progression in their society.
Serapio was supposed to be reserved which made sense considering his background but it harmed the believability of his relationship with Xiala because he was such a stone wall. He never told her anything about himself yet she found herself falling for him. Why? What exactly is appealing about a man whom you can tell is purposely obfuscating his life? She literally didn't know anything about him that wasn't visual until the last quarter of the novel. Serapio has never known kindness so him falling for Xiala is understandable. Her reciprocating with nothing to go on is ridiculous.
The ending was anticlimactic. It was clearly done in such a way as to pave the way towards the sequel giving no regard to the story it was presently communicating. I've read plenty of sequels that manage to function as standalones whilst in the confines of a series so I know it can be done.
I did like the world building for the most part. A lot of effort was clearly put into making the culture and politics of the respective regions make sense. And I always enjoy casual queer representation because I appreciate it becoming more normalized especially in a book of Black and brown characters in a fantasy setting. It's nice that it's becoming more commonplace. Though, I will say that it's not particularly prominent so don't go in expecting too much.
There are also two characters who are part of a third gender and use alternate pronouns which I've only read in one other book before so that was cool to me specifically. It was interesting how I had to recalibrate my perception of characters without the gendered descriptions. I never really thought about how gendered my imagination of a character can be regardless of how the character is described. Going forward I'm going to try to be less rigid in my interpretation of characters unless the book purposely calls for it.
Basically, this book is all build up, no payoff. I'm still interested in the sequel because it's entirely possible the next book will be better since the foundation will have been laid. However, if you don't want to take the chance I certainly wouldn't blame you.
valelee's review
3.0
I felt blue balled, I need answers but I also don’t care enough. I love the concept, don’t love the execution. 3.5
vengefuldime's review
3.0
I was told to expect a unique and refreshing epic fantasy, and I feel I got a pretty good version of that. The opening with Serapio and his mother was strong, immediately setting up his power and the conflict between the Carrion Crows and the Watchers. The points of view switch between Serapio, Xiala (a captain), Naranpa (the Sun Priest), and a bit from Okoa (a Crow Shield). While the characters could feel a little flat at times, the plots they are wrapped up are compelling enough to make it feel less important. I look forward to more interactions between the characters in the next book, as the real plot feels it is just beginning. The romance is rushed, but there really wasn’t very much time to give to it… not that that is a satisfying reason for me.
The world is very vibrant, with several major cities/civilizations shown. They tend to have a focus, such as spiritual, military, or commercial. There are often detailed mentions of what clothes and jewelry characters are wearing, and I liked hearing these smaller details, as well as the different kinds of buildings and the suggestions of unseen cities. I feel that there was too much going on in Tova in terms of the power structure, and I think that scaling down might have made the story feel more connected to its world. There’s not enough attention to go around, but I feel that so many of the people and groups in the background have more potential. I imagine there will be more expansion coming, but it still feels like part of a book here, and I wish I could feel more immersed.
Now that the inciting incident has happened, I would really like to see the next books. I feel that they can take the time to expand on what they couldn’t here, and connect the plots in a satisfying way.
The world is very vibrant, with several major cities/civilizations shown. They tend to have a focus, such as spiritual, military, or commercial. There are often detailed mentions of what clothes and jewelry characters are wearing, and I liked hearing these smaller details, as well as the different kinds of buildings and the suggestions of unseen cities. I feel that there was too much going on in Tova in terms of the power structure, and I think that scaling down might have made the story feel more connected to its world. There’s not enough attention to go around, but I feel that so many of the people and groups in the background have more potential. I imagine there will be more expansion coming, but it still feels like part of a book here, and I wish I could feel more immersed.
Now that the inciting incident has happened, I would really like to see the next books. I feel that they can take the time to expand on what they couldn’t here, and connect the plots in a satisfying way.
taylorfields2's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There is a lot going on in this book and with the different POVs from characters that aren’t directly connected but I loved trying to figure out how it all comes together. The plot and the characters had me invested and I immediately purchased the book in the series and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
aminayuy's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Great fantasy storytelling in a really unique world!
effervescent_peach's review
5.0
Yeah alright Rebecca just carve my heart right out of my chest & keep it forever.
montanamomreads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to Saga Press Books for the gifted e-book.
When I first laid eyes on this book, I wasn't sure if it was going to be my thing. But as soon as I started reading, I was completely hooked! From the very beginning, the author set up the characters and their stories with incredible skill.
The way the multiple storylines of Narampa the Sun Priest, Xiala the sea captain, and Serapio the alleged villain were interwoven was nothing short of amazing. Each chapter builds the backstory for these three characters, and the world-building of the different areas and clans of the Meridian is just fantastic.
The political intrigue and magical aspects only add to the book's overall appeal. The ending is both satisfying and leaves me wanting more. This book is definitely worth checking out!
This is the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas. I immediately want to read book 2, Fevered Star and book 3, Mirrored Heavens, which will be released on June 4, 2024.
If you love fantasy, I highly recommend this book.
When I first laid eyes on this book, I wasn't sure if it was going to be my thing. But as soon as I started reading, I was completely hooked! From the very beginning, the author set up the characters and their stories with incredible skill.
The way the multiple storylines of Narampa the Sun Priest, Xiala the sea captain, and Serapio the alleged villain were interwoven was nothing short of amazing. Each chapter builds the backstory for these three characters, and the world-building of the different areas and clans of the Meridian is just fantastic.
The political intrigue and magical aspects only add to the book's overall appeal. The ending is both satisfying and leaves me wanting more. This book is definitely worth checking out!
This is the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy inspired by the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas. I immediately want to read book 2, Fevered Star and book 3, Mirrored Heavens, which will be released on June 4, 2024.
If you love fantasy, I highly recommend this book.