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A review by 27dragons
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Amazing worldbuilding inspired by indigenous American cultures (think Olmec, Mayan) which is an unusual approach that took some brain power to keep track of but was absolutely worth it. Fantastic LGBTQ+ representation, including a bisexual main character, a couple of nonbinary characters (xe/xir pronouns used) and one minor transwoman character. Another main character may have been asexual but it was hard to tell if it was lack of sexual attraction or simply dedication to his cause.
One thing I particularly loved: at the end of this first book of the series, I'm still not entirely sure who the "bad guys" actually are* - there are POV characters on all sides of the central conflict and all of them seem to be doing what they feel is right and important, within the scope of their personalities and positions. (*There are some definite individual villains, but that doesn't necessarily invalidate the purpose of their greater cause.)
One thing I particularly loved: at the end of this first book of the series, I'm still not entirely sure who the "bad guys" actually are* - there are POV characters on all sides of the central conflict and all of them seem to be doing what they feel is right and important, within the scope of their personalities and positions. (*There are some definite individual villains, but that doesn't necessarily invalidate the purpose of their greater cause.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Xenophobia
Minor: Homophobia