Disclaimer: I received two books from the publisher, one for review and one for giveaway. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Seventh Sun

Author: Lani Forbes

Book Series: The Age of the Seventh Sun Book1

Diversity: Inspired by Aztec, Mayan, and Inca cultures

Rating: 4/5

Publication Date: February 18, 2020

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Recommended Age: 16+ (world ending, romance, TW sacrifice and suicide, violence, gore)

Synopsis: Thrust into leadership upon the death of his emperor father, young Prince Ahkin feels completely unready for his new position. Though his royal blood controls the power of the sun, he's now responsible for the lives of all the Chicome people. And despite all Ahkin's efforts, the sun is fading--and the end of the world may be at hand.

For Mayana, the only daughter of the Chicome family whose blood controls the power of water, the old emperor's death may mean that she is next. Prince Ahkin must be married before he can ascend the throne, and Mayana is one of six noble daughters presented to him as a possible wife. Those who are not chosen will be sacrificed to the gods.

Only one girl can become Ahkin's bride. Mayana and Ahkin feel an immediate connection, but the gods themselves may be against them. Both recognize that the ancient rites of blood that keep the gods appeased may be harming the Chicome more than they help. As a bloodred comet and the fading sun bring a growing sense of dread, only two young people may hope to change their world.

Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.

Review: I really loved this look at a mix of Aztec, Mayan, and Inca cultures and I thought the plot was really interesting. I really liked the energy between Mayana and Ahkin and I liked the developed religion in the book. The book was also well paced and well wrote.

However, the book, in my opinion, focused a lot on the romance aspect and it felt really bachelor-esque with the choosing of the new wife and stuff. I didn't much care for that but I really did like Mayana and Ahkin, although they're kinda niche characters. I also liked and disliked how devoted the followers were, it was also cult-ish to an extent but I just have some other thoughts about religion as a whole.

Verdict: Overall though, I finished this super quickly and it was a great read.