TheIndianBookworm

Rebecca Roanhorse’s Black Sun, the first book in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, is a stunning foray into a world inspired by Pre-Columbian Americas, where celestial prophecies, political intrigue, and forbidden magic take center stage. From the very first page, Roanhorse pulls readers into a vibrant, meticulously crafted universe filled with complex characters and a narrative that is as intricate as it is captivating.

The story primarily unfolds in the holy city of Tova, where the upcoming winter solstice is anything but ordinary. This year, it coincides with a solar eclipse, an event foreseen by the Sun Priest to signal an imbalance in the world. As tension builds in Tova, a mysterious ship is en route from a distant city, captained by Xiala, a Teek woman with the unique ability to manipulate water and minds through her songs. Her passenger, Serapio, is far from ordinary himself—a blind, scarred young man marked by destiny. What starts as an innocuous voyage quickly reveals itself to be a journey fraught with foreboding.

One of the novel’s standout elements is its characters. Xiala, with her complicated past and deeply ingrained mistrust, is a dynamic protagonist, navigating both external challenges and her inner turmoil. Serapio, mysterious and enigmatic, is a character whose unfolding destiny is both tragic and enthralling. The chemistry and tension between them make for a fascinating dynamic that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

The world-building in Black Sun is rich and immersive. Roanhorse’s background research into Pre-Columbian civilizations shines through in the intricate political and religious systems she weaves into the fabric of this story. The interplay between celestial events and the fates of nations and individuals creates an epic scale to the narrative, while the personal journeys of the characters ground it in human experience—one of struggle, ambition, and redemption.

Roanhorse’s prose is sharp and evocative, effortlessly shifting between grand, sweeping descriptions of a universe on the brink of upheaval and the intimate thoughts of characters burdened by past traumas and future uncertainties. The pacing is tight, with each chapter peeling back more layers of the mystery surrounding Serapio’s fate and the prophecy of the returning god.

Black Sun is more than just a tale of adventure and prophecy—it’s a meditation on power, destiny, and the consequences of living in a world shaped by both. Readers looking for a story that breaks free from traditional fantasy tropes will find Roanhorse’s debut in this series refreshing and deeply engaging.

If you enjoy epic fantasy infused with fresh cultural perspectives, complex characters, and a plot that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, Black Sun is an absolute must-read. With two more books to come in the trilogy, the future of Between Earth and Sky looks incredibly promising.