Black Sun

Black Sun is everything I love about new-age fantasy epics. It's diverse, it's speculative, it's smart, and it's a big fuck you to colonization! Based in the pre-columbian (aka pre-colonized) Americas, Black Sun highlights the vibrancy and beauty of cultures that are often overlooked. Everything from the world-building to the characters and magic was so VISUAL. I truly felt like I was right there alongside Xiala and Serapio. Roanhorse beautifully introduces the reader to a world/society that is INCREDIBLY complex in a way that is (For the most part) super accessible! I did feel at sometimes there were characters or groups mentioned where I was a bit confused, but I honestly think that was more an error on my part.

This book pretty much checked all of the boxes for my ideal fantasy epic— the cast was incredibly diverse and used inclusive language throughout. Sexuality and gender were fluid in a way that felt to me educational and important to the story. I know a lot of times people feel like inclusive language feels “preachy” but I did not feel that at all (nor do I ever really, though). The characters had clear motivations and grew a lot throughout the story.

The magic system (my favorite part) was definitely VERY interesting and complex; I'm excited to see where Roanhorse takes it. It did feel like some characters had seemingness limitless potential, whereas others barely had any ability at all, which is usually a red flag to me in world-building (re: HP). The magic itself also seemed to play a bit of an odd role in society. For example, MAGIC magic is forbidden (i.e. raising the dead, gods, etc.), but like, “fake” magic governs their entire society (astrology, reading the starts)? But, all of this to say, the magic felt really intentional to me, like Roanhorse was prepping us to really DIVE in in future books— so I can't wait!

I could literally go on and on about the world-building and writing, but I will let you all read and decide for yourselves! If you've read it, let me know your thoughts below!