Black Sun (Between Earth and Sky)

I had a lot of fun listening to this - but I think this is one that I need to physically read in order to LOVE it. I will be picked it up from the library soon for a reread. I love how different this story is - it was nothing like I have ever read - which is hard to do! The writing is beautiful.

I received an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review - this does not affect my thoughts or content of review

I love that Black Sun brings fantasy to indigenous cultures and also represents different voices, but I struggled to care about most of the characters. I wasn't particularly concerned when they were in danger and felt like the book, as a whole, was too long. However, the characters all seemed to be unique and while this wasn't necessarily a good fit for me, it was well-written and fresh. I see why it has the loyal following it has.

4.5 stars. Inventive magic system. I enjoyed it

Worth the hype. Great epic fantasy, characters you root for, plenty of unfolding mystery, unique world-building, and an ease with diversity that greatly shows the lack of it felt in other stories. It’s refreshing to see a pre-Columbian setting for an epic fantasy, and the whole book is done sooooo well. I have had problems with brain fog, concentration, and chronic pain, but I was still absorbed by this book. It felt easy to get lost in. I do not have a huge knowledge base of the American cultures and peoples pre-colonization, especially South and Central Americas. I also have never been blind, so I cannot speak accurately to that representation in the books. My enjoyment and not finding fault with those aspects should be taken with a grain of salt. So I encourage you to seek out First Nation / native reviewers and blind reviewers for better color on those aspects of the narrative. However, I would like to note that the acknowledgment section includes research and inspiration that the author did, including cited reading materials. The only reasons I think someone would not enjoy Black Sun are personal reading preferences, not faults in the storytelling. The novel has multiple 3rd person POVs, including some not introduced until late in the story. I think each perspective served the story at the right time. Also, the narrative jumps around in time, but is clearly marked at the beginning of each chapter. Following epic fantasy tropes, the book is plot-driven and has a wider story to tell beyond a single, dynamic character arc. The world-building isn’t info-dumpy, but this is a complete fantasy world. If you hate reading books in general with these types of content, this novel will not make you a convert. But if you enjoy these aspects or are open-minded to them, this book is easily a 10/10 read.

***THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*** Powagdeh (sp) should have been introduced earlier. It made ALOT more sense understanding gender identity is denounced upon initiation to the Knives. I may be completely off the mark with this correlation, but believe the xe xir pronouns are to emphasize the abolishment of sexuality when reaching a certain rank in the order. Saddened Xiala’s transformation wasn’t touched on more. Am hopeful it will play a key part in future books… possibly the revival of other old gods through vessel rituals. The last few chapters shown immense growth in Xiala; setting aside her debauchery indulgences in favor of genuine love for Serapio. I love how the beginning of Naranpa’s story was the end in the book. The full circle was executed beautifully and reminded the reader that YES Naranpa is alive, albeit an mentally aware comatose state. Strong suggestions that she is also a vessel for the Sun God, and her self-sacrifice awoke it, much like a Phoenix rebirth. I REALLY want to be rooting for Iktan. I hope he doesn’t betray Naranpa. My gut tells me xir has been conspiring with Abah this whole time. The slaughtering by Odo Sedoh, and the vague details of the Healer priest make me believe that Abah is still alive too. If Iktan and Abah truly are conspiring, lovers even, it would make sense that she was pulled out last minute. Things are about to get interesting between the earth dwellers and sky born. Once the witch returns with Naranpa to her brother, all hell is going to break loose. I picture her revival happening after her burial (or burning, if the Phoenix theory holds). I speculate Esa will become a major player in future books. Though Okoa is the main character, he is the Shield to Esa and the matron for Carrion Crow. Serapio will likely seek succor in their house and the restitution of Odohahh fully realized. Water Strider matron (Iueyoue?) seems to also be a conspirator. Suspect she’s harboring Iktan and Abah, her plans revealed in due time. She’s much too cunning to play one side, and keeping her at the Water Strider house for so long was outright suspicious. The final pages of the book felt lackluster and rushed, particularly the final paragraph. I get the whole contextual setup of long sentences followed by an abrupt one for impact… but did not feel this part had that effect. It left me wanting more like the cliffhanger wasn’t complete. Books should end in a BANG and leave you with a profound omg-what-will-happen-next. This didn’t do that for me.