I was gifted a copy of this book by Saga Press. All thoughts contained in this review are my own.

Let the celebration begin! I finally found a fantasy series that didn’t take me half the book to figure out who was who and what was happening. I tore through this one and can’t wait to read the next in the series. I found this to be a mesmerizing and spellbinding tale that weaves together intricate world-building, complex characters, and a gripping plot without being bogged down in the beginning by too many details.

Immersed in the civilizations of the Pre-Columbian Americas, the book unfolds in the distinct and vividly crafted world of Tova. The narrative plays out against the backdrop of an upcoming solar eclipse, a rare celestial event that promises significant change and upheaval. I mean, what fantasy book is complete without friction between clans and political intrigue? Especially when we know it’s about to get real during a major solar event?

At the heart of the story are the amazing characters of Xiala, Serapio, Narampa, and Okoa. Xiala was by far my favorite. She is this fierce and unpredictable Teek captain, and a force to be reckoned with. The Teek are water people, and Xiala has a siren-like song that can either entrance or kill (sometimes both when necessary). Her powers are both a gift and a curse, and Roanhorse does a fantastic job of exploring the complexities of her character. Serapio was my next favorite and probably the most tragic. He was purposefully blinded by his mother in order to act as a conduit for the Sun God. He has grown to be an enigmatic young man shrouded in mystery. He knows his fate, but when he meets Xiala, we feel him finally wake up to a life that could have been, even though he knows he has a destiny to fulfill. I really wanted him to find a way out of the mess his mother put him in, but had that happened, we wouldn’t have the book that we got.

Rounding out the main cast are Narampa, the female Sun Priest who rose from poverty to leadership and fears her life is in danger, and Okoa, the prince of the Carrion Crow Clan who rides a giant crow and is out to figure out the truth behind his mother’s death.

As the narrative unfolds, alliances are forged, betrayals are revealed, and secrets are uncovered. Roanhorse expertly builds tension and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The chapters jump between characters, and the book isn’t told in a linear fashion. The pacing is relentless, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. Despite all of this, I never felt lost, and I can’t imagine the book working as well without this format. The reveals were perfectly placed, and the time jumps – even though we bounced between past and present – felt practical when all was said and done.

As I mentioned earlier, the world of Black Sun is a tapestry of mythology, magic, and political intrigue. Roanhorse draws on Mesoamerican influences to create a vibrant and immersive setting that feels both familiar and fantastical. The cultural nuances and religious beliefs add depth and authenticity to the story, making it feel grounded in a reality that is all its own. I don’t know a lot about indigenous mythology, and I found this to be very fascinating. I ate it up!

In addition to its compelling plot and well-developed characters, Black Sun also tackles themes of power, destiny, and identity. Xiala, Serapio, Okoa, and Narampa each grapple with their destinies and must confront their pasts in order to shape their futures.

Overall, Black Sun is a dark and thrilling fantasy that held me captive until I turned the last page. Rebecca Roanhorse has crafted a masterpiece that is both epic in scope and intimate in its exploration of human nature. If you’re a fantasy and mythology lover and you’re looking for a riveting read that will transport you to another world, look no further. This is a book that demands to be devoured. I can’t wait to check out the next installment.