Black Sun

I struggled to read the first 50 pages. I found the premise to be interesting and different, but I simply could not, without significant struggle, constantly read xe, xi, and other variations meant to engage gender fluidity. I understand that some people want to be referred to by something other than he/she, and perhaps a day will come when society will settle on how to address that desire, but for now that is in flux and the use of arbitrarily chosen substitutes, especially when the reader is left to decipher the substitutions being used, makes for a distracting and difficult read. I gave 2 stars only because I think the story is different and potentially interesting; the book is really more of a 1 star because of the writing. If you can easily deal with the genderless terminology while reading — or can identify with it — you are likely to find the book a 3- or 4-star read; otherwise you will find it frustrating.

Who says that it has to be based on a European model in order to be epic fantasy?

Black Sun is on an epic scale and this fantasy is based on Pre-Columbian America! (That is, the Maya and Aztec before the white people from Europe showed up.)

I like that Ms. Roanhorse both took the expected literary license and also was able to pick and choose which Maya or Aztec customs/culture/etc. she wanted to incorporate. (Black Panther is similarly based loosely on African culture from many tribes across the African continent.)

Plus, she has a bibliography at the back of the book. (You know that warms my heart, as a librarian!)

I think that it is a good thing that in the last number of years we are starting to see more fantasy from cultures OTHER than European.

And space opera. I really enjoy Aliette de Bodard’s space opera based on Vietnamese culture featuring mind ships [yes, human brains operating massive deep space ships] and lately whodunits with the mind ship partnering with the detective!

Recommended for fantasy fans who like exploring new cultures and mythologies!

A story by this author is always going to be good I’ve found. This one does not disappoint. It follows the journeys of a man who is meant to be a god, a sailor woman who controls the sea and a priestess from the wrong family trying to change her world. The world is rich and beautiful, the people vibrant and the culture breathtakingly diverse. It is an amazingly good read and I cannot wait for more.

I grew up reading epic fantasy that was all set in Europe – finding books like this would have been a _dream_ come true for little me. Escaping into a world that is actually foreign, that doesnt have any current life parallels in the US, in a lush landscape filled with diverse and different characters!

We meet gods to be, giant corvids, sea people, sailors, warriors, priests and more. Its well worth a try and if it works better, try the audio book, read by four different voices for the various POV characters, brings it really all to life in a way I couldnt imagine.

This book takes you out of your everyday, pushes you to see a little wider, and yet still feels welcoming. Come on in, the air and water are fine.

This book is literally everything I could ask for in a high fantasy book, and I literally never wanted it to end. This is a book that deserves to be savored! I am waiting with complete anticipation (and patience) for the rest of the trilogy because holy moly was this an adventure. I haven’t felt this excited about a book series since I was a teenager.

The world Roanhorse crafted is unique with gorgeous characters you’ll love if you give yourself the chance.