The first installment of the “Between Earth and Sky” series Black Sun is a high fantasy novel authored by Rebecca Roanhorse. It was published on 13 October 2021 and nominated for multiple awards including the 2021 Locus Award, Nebula Award, and Hugo Award. The setting is pre-Columbian Mesoamerica drawing from the rich indigenous cultures and beliefs of the period comprising prophecies and dark magic.
The book is told from the perspective of four characters namely Captain Xiala, Serapio, Sun Priest Naranpa, and Okoa. Each has their own conflict that all converge in the city of Tova. Xiala is tasked with transporting Serapio, the new living form of the Crow God, to the city. During the voyage, mutiny takes place and the young man beckons crows to massacre the crew. The Sun Priest is on the other hand in the middle of the conflict between the Watchers and the Crow. The political drama within the ruling families and the members of the priesthood escalate as the eclipse approaches. The conflict reaches a climax with the arrival of the Crow god as the perpetual acrimonies among the tribes and cults intensify.
The author reshapes the genre by introducing a unique setting and a tale filled with political intrigue and complex character dynamics. Publishers Weekly wrote “A razor-sharp examination of politics, generational trauma, and the path to redemption...Roanhorse strikes a perfect balance between powerful worldbuilding and rich thematic exploration as the protagonists struggle against their fates.” The worldbuilding and the saga of power and revenge will continue in the series as the sequel titled Fevered Star is set to be released in April 2022.
