Black Sun

Black Sun is a pre-Columbian Americas-inspired fantasy novel that follows multiple characters on converging paths as a prophesied celestial event approaches. The story takes place in a world based on the civilizations and mythologies of the Indigenous Americas, particularly those of the American Southwest. The narrative centers on Serapio, a man marked by destiny since childhood; Xiala, a captain with supernatural powers; and Naranpa, a Sun Priest from humble origins who rises to lead a powerful religious order. Their stories intersect in Tova, a holy city preparing for a winter solstice ceremony that coincides with a solar eclipse. The world-building draws from Mesoamerican, Ancestral Puebloan, and other Indigenous American cultures to create a unique fantasy setting with original magic systems, social structures, and spiritual beliefs. Sacred powers, political intrigue, and personal loyalties drive the main characters toward an inevitable confrontation. The novel explores themes of colonialism, power structures, and the tension between destiny and free will, while challenging traditional fantasy tropes through its non-Western perspective and cultural framework.

Readers highlight the Pre-Columbian American-inspired world building and fresh take on fantasy outside typical European settings. Many note the complex political intrigue and diverse representation of gender, sexuality, and disability. Readers liked: - Multiple viewpoint characters with distinct personalities - Detailed mythology and cultural elements - LGBTQ+ characters integrated naturally into the story - Fast-paced plot with strong momentum Common criticisms: - Character development feels rushed in places - World building can be overwhelming initially - Some plot threads left unresolved for sequel - Difficulty keeping track of names and terms Ratings: Goodreads: 4.07/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Reader quote: "The world-building is incredible but never gets in the way of the story or characters. Each POV character is distinct and compelling." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Rebecca Roanhorse drew inspiration from pre-Columbian American civilizations, particularly the Mayans and Aztecs, rather than the more common European medieval settings found in fantasy. 🏔️ The city of Tova, a central location in the book, was inspired by the ancient city of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, which was a major cultural center for ancestral Pueblo peoples. 🌙 The book's title "Black Sun" refers to a solar eclipse that plays a crucial role in the story and is based on real astronomical events that were significant in pre-Columbian cultures. 🦅 The author incorporated indigenous themes and mythology while deliberately avoiding the "mystical Native" trope common in many contemporary works about indigenous peoples. 📚 The novel won the 2021 Alex Award, which recognizes adult books with special appeal to young adult readers, and was a finalist for both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel.