The Sun and the Void is a lush start to an epic fantasy series featuring South American folklore and a Sapphic romance.
Synopsis
Eva Kesare has an aptitude for magic but cannot use it openly because it is viewed with suspicion by everyone around her. She is viewed with suspicion and barely tolerated by her family due to her mixed heritage.
Reina is similarly an outcast. When her grandmother invites her to Aguila Manor, she leaves everything behind without a backward glance. But monstrous creatures attack Reina in the forest, and her grandmother, a powerful sorceress, is the only one who can save her. Now her life depends on the Doña’s magic, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep her favour.
Review of The Sun and the Void
This book is slowly paced; it does not rush getting to know the characters and the world. It is richly detailed, and nearly every character is fully realized. The world-building is complex and encompasses religion, politics and the land’s colonial history. It also looks at gender dynamics and prejudices.
If not for the slow pacing, this would have been a five-star read. For me, the pacing suffered from explaining every last detail of the setting. It took me twice as long to read this as it normally would for a fantasy of this length.
As I mentioned, the characters were well-drawn. They’re all mostly morally ambiguous or plain evil. They’ll do whatever is asked of them without thinking about it too deeply. Maior was a late entry into the book, but she might be my favourite character.
I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store. Overall, this a terrific start to a new fantasy series.
My Rating: 3.75/5
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Thank you to Orbit for sending a physical copy to review.
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