Black Sun

Bookseller recommendation

“October, the month to read mysteries, horror, and suspense... but how about a fantasy novel with a little bit of all of the above? That is definitely my preference and New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Resistance Reborn, Rebecca Roanhorse, wrote just the right book. If you are a fan of fantasy you shouldn't let this one pass. It has a great and original storyline, compelling characters, and the world building was done really well. It is also a great read for this time of the year if horror is not something you can stomach but you still want a book with an edge this Halloween.”

— Anne • Inklings Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“An epic high fantasy that follows several different characters, throughout different points in time as they are all set to converge on the day of a solar eclipse. On this day, the fate of their world will be altered. An incredible story and great listen on Libro.fm, but definitely something you have to pay attention too or you will miss important details!”

— Amy • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“AHHHH!! READ THIS BOOK!! This is wonderfully written and epic with world building. From a swashbuckling sea woman to a harbinger of death (and crows) and a glorified sun priestess—this book has it all! I want to get lost in this book. More importantly, I want Serapio and Xiala to have a happy ending... Where is book two??”

— Anna Rose • The Well-Read Moose

Bookseller recommendation

“A slow burn and long build up leads to a big pay off and leaves you wanting for more! I enjoyed this as an audiobook for the pronunciation of words and names as well as the multicast narration. It is perfect for those who love their fantasy based on mythology, enjoy Hero’s Journey and Chosen One story arcs, and like political intrigue and maneuvering. We are introduced to a full array of complex, morally gray characters whose lives are moving toward intersection on the day of Convergence. In particular, I liked the running theme showcasing how each main character faces loneliness and alienation based on their past, present place in the world, and the expectations placed upon them. The world building is detailed and imaginative without overtaking character development, and we are provided with a diverse cast of characters where queerness and being non-binary are matter of fact.”

— Cori • Bright Side Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“This is a whirlwind of a first installment and I am equally psyched and disappointed that I have to wait for the others to come out. I am a huge huge fan of the audio edition of this book, it is so beautifully done with a full cast and the image of each character is so complete and vivid. A total dream to listen to; I found myself just sitting in my car to finish chapters and find out what was next. It feels sci-fi-esque so anyone who is into space fantasy I think would really enjoy this with its otherworldly-ness. The story definitely keeps you hungry as each character's ambition and intention develop at breakneck speed and all come crashing together at the same moment. Truly just a fun story to get into!”

— Katie • McLean & Eakin Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“‘Today he would become a god.’ From the first line, Black Sun pulls you in and keeps you enthralled until the very end. Roanhorse submerges the reader into a cinematic world full of adventure, lore, magic, mystery, destiny, culture, political maneuvering, and a touch of romance. Her world building is complex, detailed, and beautiful springing off the page and into the mind....I found myself rooting for all of the characters despite potentially not all being on the same side. Set in a world inspired by mythos from pre-colonial Americas, this is a must read for any epic fantasy lover. Black Sun will keep you engaged until the last page and jumping up and down for the next book in the trilogy (Spring 2022!).”

— Emma • Content

Bookseller recommendation

“Rebecca Roanhorse brings us into a fantasy world of magic and warring clans and an over-reaching spiritual elite who think they control the others. Told through multiple voices, I sped through this story, with excitement and betrayal and passion and magic at each turn of the chapter. This is part one of an adventure I cannot wait to pick back up. Bonus: the author tells these stories from a North American Indigenous perspective with all the spirituality from a wide range of Native backgrounds.”

— Jessica • BookBar

Bookseller recommendation

“Black Sun is so much more than simply a book, it is an experience. An audiobook I've returned to multiple times. Inspired by pre-Columbian Americas, Black Sun is lush, lived in, and full of political intrigue and magical mystery. When I think about Black Sun, I find myself sighing nostalgically for the time I've spent reading it. Xiala and Serapio are such rich characters, the kinds of book characters that you do anything for. All I want for them is happiness, and trust me, you'll want the same after reading this book! Black Sun is truly one of the most exciting books I've read in a long time, instantly becoming one of my favorite books of all time. A must-read for epic fantasy fans and those who love long journeys and all the kinds of people one meets on the way.”

— Sarah • Anderson's Bookshop