Fevered Star

Fevered Star continues the epic pre-Columbian fantasy saga that began with Black Sun. In this second installment of the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, the convergence of a rare solar eclipse has unleashed political and supernatural chaos across the continent. Multiple characters navigate the aftermath of dramatic events in the holy city of Tova. The story follows a vessel of the gods, a powerful priestess, a sea captain, and others as they pursue their destinies amid mounting tensions between ancient powers and rival factions. Power structures crumble and alliances shift as magic and prophecy reshape the known world. The narrative moves between perspectives while building toward another celestial event that promises further upheaval. This installment explores themes of destiny versus choice, the cyclical nature of power, and how societies respond to profound change. The story draws from pre-Columbian Indigenous cultures to present questions about faith, governance, and the price of transformation.

Readers note this second book in the series has a slower pace and more political intrigue compared to the action-heavy first installment. Many appreciate the deeper exploration of Mayan-inspired mythology and complex character development. Liked: - Detailed world-building and cultural authenticity - LGBTQ+ representation and relationships - Multiple perspectives showing different sides of conflicts - Vivid descriptions and imagery Disliked: - Slower middle section with less forward plot momentum - Time spent away from favorite characters - Confusion about political alliances and motivations - Ending feels incomplete/cliffhanger Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (850+ ratings) Reader quotes: "The politics and scheming remind me of Game of Thrones but with Mesoamerican mythology" - Goodreads "Too much setup and not enough payoff" - Amazon review "Characters feel more nuanced but the plot barely moves" - StoryGraph

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse A pre-Columbian Americas-inspired fantasy follows four characters whose paths interweave with prophecies and celestial events.

Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa This West African-inspired tale weaves political intrigue with forbidden magic in a world where skin color determines social status.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N. K. Jemisin A woman becomes heir to an empire where enslaved gods serve as weapons in a complex power struggle.

Jade City by Fonda Lee Clan warfare erupts in an Asian-inspired world where jade grants supernatural powers to those who can harness its energy.

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri A nobleman's daughter with magic in her blood must navigate court politics and ancient rituals in a setting inspired by Mughal India.

🌟 Rebecca Roanhorse drew inspiration for the series from pre-Columbian American civilizations, particularly the Aztec and Maya cultures. 🌟 The book is the second installment in the Between Earth and Sky trilogy, following the critically acclaimed "Black Sun." 🌟 The author incorporates authentic Indigenous mythology and celestial navigation techniques into the narrative, reflecting her own Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo heritage. 🌟 "Fevered Star" continues the story's unique magic system based on sacred ceremonies and celestial events, particularly focusing on solar eclipses. 🌟 The novel features a queer-inclusive cast of characters and explores themes of power, destiny, and political intrigue through a non-Western cultural lens.