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locdbooktician 's review for:

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
5.0

This book was very interesting for me to read. I re-started this book a few times because I was confused. I often get confused by multiple POV but I also prefer multiple POV (it's the Gemini sun in me). Duality, hey sis! I also re-listened to some parts in the middle. Lol. AND, I had to slow down my normal pace of listening to this book from 2 speed to 1.5 speed. It was a journey, but a great journey.

It was the setting, the Teek people, Serapio, and the crows for me.

This story is set in Tova, where the sun priest resides and godlike beings who govern the people. The first chapter really sets you up for the tone of the book. I hope that it sets you up for the tone of the series as well. I am so happy that I added this book to my #indigathon TBR (link below).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftI5aJuShmY&t=366s

My favorite point of views in this book was by Naranpa, Xiala, and Serapio. Although we got some information about the Teek, I wanted more information. I loved the mermaid-ish vibe of the Teek people, their relationship with water, and the sky. It seemed very balanced and circular, which I find to be true amongst most indigenous nations. Here, you can really see the author's personal influence comes through. I repeatedly saw the themes of pre-Columbian times in the book and compared it to today’s world; which made Serapio character and his belief system (more like mission) most intriguing to me. In this story, you learn about the struggles that Naranpa went through, her dedication to her position, and her people. You learn about... what I would call the childhood trauma that Serapio experienced that made him a vessel for something that was much bigger than himself. Although, I doubt that Serapio would identify his experience as trauma.

Also, you learn about Xiala will to LIVE and SURVIVE. Her song is powerful and deep within her something that I admired. While reading this, it is clear that Xiala believes she is alone in the world and has every right to think so. However, I am interested to see how her character changes and if her morals will change as well. In conclusion, one of my favorite things about this book is that the characters were older and not in their teens.

Each chapter title is a chronological countdown to the day of convergence. I won't lie to you, every time I heard the chapter title, I kept thinking "It's about to go down." I was always hyped for the next chapter.

TW: Violence, death, and manipulation

Things I loved:
- Introduction of a third gender
- Magic systems
- Gods
- Teek people
- Protagonist bisexuality
- Shades of brown characters
- Blind Rep