Reviews

4.5 stars
I loved this book. The pacing was impeccable, the world is engaging, and the cast of characters feel unique and interesting.

The story of Xiala and Serapio is where this book truly shines. It was a pleasure to read about their interactions, and seeing their similarities and differences. The book explores different cultures, gender norms and sexuality. Truly, a breath of fresh air.

So why not 5 stars?
Unfortunately, I feel like the book suffers from being part of a story that was brutally cut in half. Only one of the three POV characters get any kind of resolution, which to me makes the ending feel a bit rushed.

Naranpa's story was sometimes painful to read. That girl gets so much shit. Constantly. And instead of doing something about it, she is pushed around, merely reacting to everything instead of acting of her own accord.

Wait, did I say 3 POV characters? There is, in fact one more! Unfortunately his part is completely unnecessary to the story, and it seemed like he was only introduced in order to play a larger role in the next book. Oh well.

nikkicthebookworm's review against another edition

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4.0

The book mostly follows the stories of Serapio, a man who was scarred and blinded when he was younger but his future is as mysterious as he is; Xiala, a disgraced ship captain who has her own baggage and; Naranpa, the Sun Priest of Tova. Their stories are intertwined as their world moves towards a rare winter solstice in which an eclipse will occur. There has already been unrest but this solstice promises to possibly be their complete undoing.

Listen you guys the quickness in which I finished this book is crazy. It was really good I didn’t want to put it down. There was a lot of world building. But the author didn’t sacrifice the story in anyway. If you get a chance you NEED to check this out immediately!!!

camilliant's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

zazzyreads's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

sodium_flares's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

samanne's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

I'm not a big fantasy reader. Others will love this more than me, and I'm unlikely to continue the trilogy. But the worldbuilding is excellent, story engaging, and it's wonderful to see indigenous authors writing in the fantasy genre (as well as horror and science fiction).

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