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Between Earth and Sky #2
Fevered Star
A comet marks the death of a ruler and heralds the rise of a new order. Sea captain Xiala is swept up in the chaos and change as Serapio and Naranpa, both living avatars, struggle for free will.
Audiobook
First published April 19, 2022
About the author
Rebecca Roanhorse
58 books9,650 followersRebecca Roanhorse is a New York Times bestselling and Nebula, Hugo, and Locus Award-winning speculative fiction writer. She has published multiple award-winning short stories and novels, including two novels in The Sixth World Series, Star Wars: Resistance Reborn, Race to the Sun for the Rick Riordan imprint, and the epic fantasy trilogy Between Earth and Sky. She has also written for Marvel Comics and games and for television, including FX’s A Murder at the End of the World, and the Marvel series Echo for Disney+. She has had her own work optioned by Amazon Studios, Netflix, and AMC Studios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,879 reviews
November 12, 2022
I can’t wait to read this but also I hate this cover so much omg
Edit: sometimes you can judge a book by its cover…
Edit: sometimes you can judge a book by its cover…
August 27, 2024
In my pre-review, I wrote, "Not quite sure what a fevered star is...". After reading Fevered Star, I can confirm it's the perfect description: intense, dazzling, and it left me both starstruck and slightly singed around the edges.
Firstly, a huge shoutout to my beloved friend Ivana, who buddy-read this with me. Reading with you is always a joy, and sharing an epic series with an epic person is, well, epic.
Ultimately, Fevered Star didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome. While Black Sun laid the groundwork, Fevered Star took off and soared (like a giant crow). It introduced new characters and revealed deeper backstories, making me even more attached to the original cast. I'm wildly obsessed with Serapio (Crow God dude) and Xiala (exiled mermaid ship captain), and now I adore them even more. This book also made me grow to care for Nara, who I felt neutral towards in the first book. I relished learning more about her past and watching her character grow. Neutral no more!
Two characters really stood out to me, who weren't spotlighted in the first book, but definitely were here: Iktan and Denaochi. Iktan is utterly intriguing and every time xe was on the page I was riveted, and Ochi—what a cinnamon roll.
It’s hard to say more because it'd be too spoilery, also mere words don't do this series justice anyway so I will conclude with this:
I adore this world, this story, and these characters. It’s everything I never knew I needed in an epic fantasy (refreshing diversity, unique magic, giant corvids). I will accept no criticism of this series. It’s possibly now my favourite high fantasy series ever, overtaking icons like Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, and I haven’t even read the third book of this trilogy yet. So take from that what you will.
Obviously, I highly recommend this to anyone who loves an epic fantasy series, but with tonnes more diversity and political equality of the sexes/outside of the binary. I can't wait to BR Mirrored Heavens with Ivana, although it's bittersweet because I don't want the series to end.
1. Black Sun ★★★★★
2. Fevered Star ★★★★★
3. Mirrored Heavens
___
Not quite sure what a fevered star is but I'm here for it, as long as I get more mermaids and corvids.
🌟 BR with irl star, Ivana.
Firstly, a huge shoutout to my beloved friend Ivana, who buddy-read this with me. Reading with you is always a joy, and sharing an epic series with an epic person is, well, epic.
Ultimately, Fevered Star didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome. While Black Sun laid the groundwork, Fevered Star took off and soared (like a giant crow). It introduced new characters and revealed deeper backstories, making me even more attached to the original cast. I'm wildly obsessed with Serapio (Crow God dude) and Xiala (exiled mermaid ship captain), and now I adore them even more. This book also made me grow to care for Nara, who I felt neutral towards in the first book. I relished learning more about her past and watching her character grow. Neutral no more!
Two characters really stood out to me, who weren't spotlighted in the first book, but definitely were here: Iktan and Denaochi. Iktan is utterly intriguing and every time xe was on the page I was riveted, and Ochi—what a cinnamon roll.
It’s hard to say more because it'd be too spoilery, also mere words don't do this series justice anyway so I will conclude with this:
I adore this world, this story, and these characters. It’s everything I never knew I needed in an epic fantasy (refreshing diversity, unique magic, giant corvids). I will accept no criticism of this series. It’s possibly now my favourite high fantasy series ever, overtaking icons like Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, and I haven’t even read the third book of this trilogy yet. So take from that what you will.
Obviously, I highly recommend this to anyone who loves an epic fantasy series, but with tonnes more diversity and political equality of the sexes/outside of the binary. I can't wait to BR Mirrored Heavens with Ivana, although it's bittersweet because I don't want the series to end.
1. Black Sun ★★★★★
2. Fevered Star ★★★★★
3. Mirrored Heavens
___
Not quite sure what a fevered star is but I'm here for it, as long as I get more mermaids and corvids.
🌟 BR with irl star, Ivana.
February 6, 2022
4.5 stars - It should be noted on the front end that BLACK SUN is one of my all time favorite books, period. So I'm kind of in the tank for this book coming into it. I will also concede that the pacing in this one is not as strong the first book. That said... I LOVED THIS SO MUCH AND IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED!! Ugh, I just love Rebecca Roanhorse's imagination and combined with her style of storytelling & the kind of tropes/character types she tends to write. It is so dark and twisty but still has me so invested in the characters. So here are my non-spoiler thoughts on what I loved (can't get into details cuz... it is book 2 of a series so...):
1) I really loved Naranpa's journey in this one! Hers was probably my least favorite POV in the first book, and it was probably my second favorite in this one
2) I enjoyed the themes around complicated sibling dynamics, and the parallels between Naranpa & Okoa's journeys with their siblings who are kind of POSes but are also more nuanced than just bad people
3) I am always a sucker for "the gods walk among us" but that continues to be something I love in this series! I particularly love the exploration of what it means to have faith, and particularly with Serapio's journey, what it means to feel kind of chewed up & spit out by a god/religion you have committed your whole life to
4) Continue to love the political machinations & what we are learning about the overall world/the forces at work
5) This will be a Xiala/Serapio fan girl account forever more. I LOVE THEM AND I CONTINUE TO STAN
6) Xiala is one of my favorite characters in fantasy. Period. Love her backstory/situation, love her journey, love her personality
1) I really loved Naranpa's journey in this one! Hers was probably my least favorite POV in the first book, and it was probably my second favorite in this one
2) I enjoyed the themes around complicated sibling dynamics, and the parallels between Naranpa & Okoa's journeys with their siblings who are kind of POSes but are also more nuanced than just bad people
3) I am always a sucker for "the gods walk among us" but that continues to be something I love in this series! I particularly love the exploration of what it means to have faith, and particularly with Serapio's journey, what it means to feel kind of chewed up & spit out by a god/religion you have committed your whole life to
4) Continue to love the political machinations & what we are learning about the overall world/the forces at work
5) This will be a Xiala/Serapio fan girl account forever more. I LOVE THEM AND I CONTINUE TO STAN
6) Xiala is one of my favorite characters in fantasy. Period. Love her backstory/situation, love her journey, love her personality
May 31, 2024
**4.5-stars**
Fevered Star is the second book in Rebecca Roanhorse's epic Adult Fantasy series, Between Earth and Sky. I believe this is slated to be a trilogy, but holy smokes, would I take more.
As this is the second book of the series, I really don't want to delve into the finer points of the plot in too much detail.
I definitely wouldn't want to spoil anything about this wonderful story for anyone; so I will stick mainly to what you can discover via the publisher's synopsis.
We do continue to follow our four mains from the first book, who are all scrambling to figure out the directions their lives are to take after the fall of the great city of Tova.
Serepio and Naranpa have both risen to a higher state of being, now the living embodiments of Gods at odds with one another. Even though they realize this is their fate, they both struggle to hold onto their humanity.
Xiala, my favorite character, has been swept up in the tide of change as well. True to her nature, she's on the move, but everything in her being is still tied to the strange and enchanting boy she befriended on her last journey, Serepio. Is he lost to her forever?
You know the opening credits of Game of Thrones, where you are flying over a map of all the different areas in the world and watching cities rise, gears turning, an evolution of an empire happening before your eyes?
That's what this book is like. The game pieces are moving and I can't wait to see what's next for the characters I have come to know and love.
This is such an impressive work of fiction. I love how Roanhorse has incorporated Indigenous myths and Pre-Columbian culture into this story. It's like nothing I have ever read before.
The world is beautifully displayed within these pages and continues to be built out in epic proportions. I definitely recommend the audibooks. I have listen to both and have been completely swept up in the narrative both times; absolutely transported.
I'm really looking forward to the third book in this series and may actually reread the first two just prior to its release. I love them both that much. It would be a piece of cake.
If you love Epic Fantasy stories with intricate world-building and tons of political maneuverings, I would definitely recommend picking this series up!
Fevered Star is the second book in Rebecca Roanhorse's epic Adult Fantasy series, Between Earth and Sky. I believe this is slated to be a trilogy, but holy smokes, would I take more.
As this is the second book of the series, I really don't want to delve into the finer points of the plot in too much detail.
I definitely wouldn't want to spoil anything about this wonderful story for anyone; so I will stick mainly to what you can discover via the publisher's synopsis.
We do continue to follow our four mains from the first book, who are all scrambling to figure out the directions their lives are to take after the fall of the great city of Tova.
Serepio and Naranpa have both risen to a higher state of being, now the living embodiments of Gods at odds with one another. Even though they realize this is their fate, they both struggle to hold onto their humanity.
Xiala, my favorite character, has been swept up in the tide of change as well. True to her nature, she's on the move, but everything in her being is still tied to the strange and enchanting boy she befriended on her last journey, Serepio. Is he lost to her forever?
You know the opening credits of Game of Thrones, where you are flying over a map of all the different areas in the world and watching cities rise, gears turning, an evolution of an empire happening before your eyes?
That's what this book is like. The game pieces are moving and I can't wait to see what's next for the characters I have come to know and love.
This is such an impressive work of fiction. I love how Roanhorse has incorporated Indigenous myths and Pre-Columbian culture into this story. It's like nothing I have ever read before.
The world is beautifully displayed within these pages and continues to be built out in epic proportions. I definitely recommend the audibooks. I have listen to both and have been completely swept up in the narrative both times; absolutely transported.
I'm really looking forward to the third book in this series and may actually reread the first two just prior to its release. I love them both that much. It would be a piece of cake.
If you love Epic Fantasy stories with intricate world-building and tons of political maneuverings, I would definitely recommend picking this series up!
April 26, 2022
My thanks to Gallery/Saga Press, the fantabulous Rebecca Roanhorse and Netgalley.
I've been sitting on this review and just thinking about the story for days. Simply, days!
This is not a review. Anyone who reads my mumblings knows that I never review! I give thoughts or feelings.
My first thought is that this second book doesn't suffer from the dreaded "middle book syndrome!"
Heck! I loved this one as much as I did the first book.
There are many character's to love, hate or feel ambiguous about. I actually like that in a story!
This book moves along so quickly that "much like the first" I didn't want it to ever end!
But,..
Even though I know that I will have to wait at least a year for the final book, this one has a definitive ending. Everyone in their place! All set to go and knock me for a loop at the end of this trilogy!
Quite honestly? I just can't freaking wait!
This is probably one of the best fantasy books that I've read in the last 5 years. I've come across some good stuff, and this is right up there with the best!
Highly recommended!
I've been sitting on this review and just thinking about the story for days. Simply, days!
This is not a review. Anyone who reads my mumblings knows that I never review! I give thoughts or feelings.
My first thought is that this second book doesn't suffer from the dreaded "middle book syndrome!"
Heck! I loved this one as much as I did the first book.
There are many character's to love, hate or feel ambiguous about. I actually like that in a story!
This book moves along so quickly that "much like the first" I didn't want it to ever end!
But,..
Even though I know that I will have to wait at least a year for the final book, this one has a definitive ending. Everyone in their place! All set to go and knock me for a loop at the end of this trilogy!
Quite honestly? I just can't freaking wait!
This is probably one of the best fantasy books that I've read in the last 5 years. I've come across some good stuff, and this is right up there with the best!
Highly recommended!
June 21, 2024
What strange creatures humans are, to dream so much and achieve so little.
—From The Manual of the Dreamwalkers,
by Seuq, a spearmaiden.
The three centuries of peace in the continent of Meridian marked by the Year of the Sun has come to a bloody end. It is Year 1 of the Crow; the sun has neither fallen nor risen since, throwing the holy city of Tova into an eerie perpetual twilight, and the Convergence is past and everything lies in ruins.
As the fickle gods of old gain more foothold in the continent of Meridian, will the people of Tova find the strength to persevere and build anew or would it be the start of total doom and the beginning of an apocalypse?
The avatar of the crow god, the Odo Sedoh - Grandfather Crow, lies broken and in search of a new destiny after the massacre he enacted to the Watchers on Sun Rock. The radically progressive avatar of the Sun, Naranpa - the Sun Priest, awakens from death after plunging herself into the Tovasheh, in an underground catacomb with new powers and more questions. The Celestial Holy city of Tova and its magi priests shattered. The eclipse has come and refuses to go, the dawn of a new age and a new world order approaches.
So begins the second installment of the excellent Between the Earth and Sky series, and we're treated to an amazing dive into a fantasmagoric world of magic, gods and prophecies, dark omens and fate, politics, love, hate and treachery.
Just like the first book, the writing and prose is fluid containing meticulously detailed world-building and characterisations, and an extremely gripping plot.
I highly recommend both books.
2023 Read
2024 Read II
—From The Manual of the Dreamwalkers,
by Seuq, a spearmaiden.
The three centuries of peace in the continent of Meridian marked by the Year of the Sun has come to a bloody end. It is Year 1 of the Crow; the sun has neither fallen nor risen since, throwing the holy city of Tova into an eerie perpetual twilight, and the Convergence is past and everything lies in ruins.
As the fickle gods of old gain more foothold in the continent of Meridian, will the people of Tova find the strength to persevere and build anew or would it be the start of total doom and the beginning of an apocalypse?
The avatar of the crow god, the Odo Sedoh - Grandfather Crow, lies broken and in search of a new destiny after the massacre he enacted to the Watchers on Sun Rock. The radically progressive avatar of the Sun, Naranpa - the Sun Priest, awakens from death after plunging herself into the Tovasheh, in an underground catacomb with new powers and more questions. The Celestial Holy city of Tova and its magi priests shattered. The eclipse has come and refuses to go, the dawn of a new age and a new world order approaches.
So begins the second installment of the excellent Between the Earth and Sky series, and we're treated to an amazing dive into a fantasmagoric world of magic, gods and prophecies, dark omens and fate, politics, love, hate and treachery.
Just like the first book, the writing and prose is fluid containing meticulously detailed world-building and characterisations, and an extremely gripping plot.
I highly recommend both books.
2023 Read
2024 Read II
Read
June 8, 2022I was blown away by the first book in this series, but that was a while ago and I remembered very little of the highly complex world. building and interwoven plot strands except that it was complex. (Not the book's fault, I have the memory of a, you know, thingy these days.) So I was a bit daunted to embark on #2.
Wow, did the author handle that. This is a masterclass in picking up a story. By 10% in I was pretty much completely clued in to the world again, remembered who everyone was and what had happened, and had all that fed to me so deftly that there was zero sense of infodumping or 'Previously on...'. This is a genuinely remarkable achievement and I kind of need to reread just to see how the author did it.
As before the world (alt meso America) is strongly engaging and well developed, with fascinating characters and culture and a great complex story, one where heroes and villains are very much a matter of perspective. This installment is possibly a bit short on plot--we're mostly moving the characters around to get them in place for book 3--but the world and characters are so compelling that I was happy to spend my time there with them. Tremendously done, an outstanding series.
Wow, did the author handle that. This is a masterclass in picking up a story. By 10% in I was pretty much completely clued in to the world again, remembered who everyone was and what had happened, and had all that fed to me so deftly that there was zero sense of infodumping or 'Previously on...'. This is a genuinely remarkable achievement and I kind of need to reread just to see how the author did it.
As before the world (alt meso America) is strongly engaging and well developed, with fascinating characters and culture and a great complex story, one where heroes and villains are very much a matter of perspective. This installment is possibly a bit short on plot--we're mostly moving the characters around to get them in place for book 3--but the world and characters are so compelling that I was happy to spend my time there with them. Tremendously done, an outstanding series.
November 12, 2022
just like with black sun, i have extremely mixed feelings for fevered star - some things i liked and others...not so much.
pros:
- the worldbuilding is as incredible as ever and i like the way it expands in this book - we get more insight into places outside of tova, namely cuecola and hokaia, and a more detailed history of what ties them all together, which i found fascinating. i'm especially intrigued by the spearmaidens of hokaia and i hope we get to see more of them in the future.
- the political schemes are well done - i enjoyed the power struggles, the clan meetings and betrayals, all the different moving pieces, and the set up for some explosive upcoming conflicts.
- naranpa's development was excellent here and propelled her from being my most disliked character to my favorite. the fact that she literally had to claw her way up from rock bottom, her sheer will and determination to survive, making tough choices that would change her life forever - i loved it all.
- the ending was badass!! i can see some people being let down by it since it's not the big dramatic action climax that the book was seemingly building up to - but i liked that the author did something unusual and different. it made me love serapio even more and got me excited for the third book.
cons:
- not a fan of xiala's character arc - just like in black sun, she's simply going with the flow of the plot and being dragged along by different characters. her goals/motivations almost completely revolve around serapio and it's so frustrating to see. i really enjoyed their relationship in black sun but now seeing serapio take control of his destiny while xiala's role is reduced to being a spectator has soured me on their romance. i'm desperate for the author to give xiala more agency and something to connect her with the main plot outside of serapio.
- similarly, okoa's character is mostly being an observer as well and i found him pretty boring. even though he's one of the main members of carrion crow, it felt like he was on the fringes of the plot and barely had anything to do. honestly, the only characters with depth and meaningful development are naranpa and serapio.
- lack of strong character relationships - i love political intrigue but the fact that there isn't a single genuine well-developed relationship in this book is so irritating to me. the one interesting relationship with emotional depth gets cut off before it could develop to its full potential and i'm bitter about it. there are a couple of potentially compelling dynamics being set up towards the end but as of now, it's not enough for me.
- once again, this book is pure build-up with barely anything significant happening in the plot. it's a surprisingly quick read but two entire books of just build-up is too much for me; i need some actual drama and major events and resolutions to feel fully invested. also, with such a massive amount of build-up, the expectations for book 3 are too high and i'm really hoping it can live up to them.
pros:
- the worldbuilding is as incredible as ever and i like the way it expands in this book - we get more insight into places outside of tova, namely cuecola and hokaia, and a more detailed history of what ties them all together, which i found fascinating. i'm especially intrigued by the spearmaidens of hokaia and i hope we get to see more of them in the future.
- the political schemes are well done - i enjoyed the power struggles, the clan meetings and betrayals, all the different moving pieces, and the set up for some explosive upcoming conflicts.
- naranpa's development was excellent here and propelled her from being my most disliked character to my favorite. the fact that she literally had to claw her way up from rock bottom, her sheer will and determination to survive, making tough choices that would change her life forever - i loved it all.
- the ending was badass!! i can see some people being let down by it since it's not the big dramatic action climax that the book was seemingly building up to - but i liked that the author did something unusual and different. it made me love serapio even more and got me excited for the third book.
cons:
- not a fan of xiala's character arc - just like in black sun, she's simply going with the flow of the plot and being dragged along by different characters. her goals/motivations almost completely revolve around serapio and it's so frustrating to see. i really enjoyed their relationship in black sun but now seeing serapio take control of his destiny while xiala's role is reduced to being a spectator has soured me on their romance. i'm desperate for the author to give xiala more agency and something to connect her with the main plot outside of serapio.
- similarly, okoa's character is mostly being an observer as well and i found him pretty boring. even though he's one of the main members of carrion crow, it felt like he was on the fringes of the plot and barely had anything to do. honestly, the only characters with depth and meaningful development are naranpa and serapio.
- lack of strong character relationships - i love political intrigue but the fact that there isn't a single genuine well-developed relationship in this book is so irritating to me. the one interesting relationship with emotional depth gets cut off before it could develop to its full potential and i'm bitter about it. there are a couple of potentially compelling dynamics being set up towards the end but as of now, it's not enough for me.
- once again, this book is pure build-up with barely anything significant happening in the plot. it's a surprisingly quick read but two entire books of just build-up is too much for me; i need some actual drama and major events and resolutions to feel fully invested. also, with such a massive amount of build-up, the expectations for book 3 are too high and i'm really hoping it can live up to them.
May 4, 2022
3.5
Man, I’m sad. I didn’t love this.
Black Sun ends so abruptly and this picks up where it ends. I wish that the beginning parts of Fevered Star were the end of Black Sun. Fevered Star really is just moving characters into place for book 3. Lines are being drawn, alliances formed, and people traveling to different places. It was fine. Not enough Serapio or Xiala. Too much Narampa. Sigh, I wonder if this is a trilogy ?
Man, I’m sad. I didn’t love this.
Black Sun ends so abruptly and this picks up where it ends. I wish that the beginning parts of Fevered Star were the end of Black Sun. Fevered Star really is just moving characters into place for book 3. Lines are being drawn, alliances formed, and people traveling to different places. It was fine. Not enough Serapio or Xiala. Too much Narampa. Sigh, I wonder if this is a trilogy ?
February 23, 2022
It was so great to be back in the world! I don't think Fevered Star is quite as strong a book as Black Sun, but I also think a lot of that has to do with how much this book is setting us up for book 3. A good chunk of the plot is moving pieces into place, both politically and in terms of physical location. It's more of a slow burn than book 1, and the pacing isn't ideal.
HOWEVER, it's also a dark, twisty narrative that delivers excellent world-building and character development. All your favorite characters from book 1 are back, in addition to others. There is magic, betrayal, violence, pining, gods walking among us, and political traps. Not my favorite book in the series so far, but very good and one that leaves me anxious to see what might happen in book 3! I received an advance copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
HOWEVER, it's also a dark, twisty narrative that delivers excellent world-building and character development. All your favorite characters from book 1 are back, in addition to others. There is magic, betrayal, violence, pining, gods walking among us, and political traps. Not my favorite book in the series so far, but very good and one that leaves me anxious to see what might happen in book 3! I received an advance copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
September 16, 2022
2,5*
Unnaturally excited or active is actually the perfect way to describe this book.
Black Sun finished with Convergence and the world as our charactera knew it seized to exist.
There is a new God in the city of Tova.
An eternal twilight outside and low-hanging, red-tinged sun on the sky.
It's Year One of the Age of the Crow.
Bare bones - City of Tova is in disarray. Serapio is confused he is still alive, but quickly realizes that Crow God has another purpose for him. Okoa and his sister, the new matriarch of Crow Clan, are having this Odo Sedoh in flesh with them, but they are not comfortable with the number of followers gathering outside. Narampa is trying to come to grips with the new situation and powers of Sun God awakening in her. Xiala didn't manage to get to Searpio before Iktan made her go with xe and Golden Eagle assembly to Hokaia to discuss their failed coop and newly emerged god with their co-conspirators. Lord Balan, one of Seven Merchant Lords is travelling to Hokaia as well and even if Serapio didn't do what he set him up to do, Balan is ever adaptable to a new situation because his plans transcend power plays of Tova.
I guess I enjoyed the accelerating plot of Black Sun more because it actually had a purpose. All the different plot threads were building toward a single point, like a crescendo, to end on a huge, world-impacting event: a Convergence. But the book still had enough of scenes of respite where our characters would remise or reflect on their past. These were the scenes that allowed me to get attached enough to care what happens to them. They were not only plot-vehicles, they actually had a personality and emotions outside of this huge event heavens prophetized and power players want to use. But Fevered Star simply didn't let our characters (and reader) to breathe. The plot is still accelerating, things are changing from chapter to chapter and I didn't get to digest one thing before something else would happen. Apparently there is a comet that's important for some reason and I don't know what to think about it because we just had a Convergence and now I am expecting the Eclipse in next book. And all this haste is what detached me quite a bit from characters AND, to my surprise, from the setting. I am a lore freak who wants to dwell on huge Water Striders and their role in river transportation, I want to know all about Teek reproduction culture and if Winged Serpents are faster than huge birds of Crow and Golden Eagle Skymade Clans. And I didn't get that, because the story moved so fast. Reading this book felt like you are on train and it goes so fast you can't enjoy the countryside even though you put your damn glasses on and want to take some pictures.
Anyway, this also affected my favourite characters from the first book: Serapio and Xiala. The thing that actually made me like Serapio is the fact that despite his role of being a vessel for the Crow God, in those small scenes of interaction with Xiala you realize there is more to him than his purpose and you want for him a different fate. Serapio in this book is kinda lost if he isn't directed by his God and when he is, he is not Serapio we got to know. He is caught in some eternal fight, destiny-type of mumbo jumbo which I never enjoy as a plot explanation in fantasy novel (when the answer to something happening is ~it's destiny). Narampa's story promised to go in much more interesting direction, but it's like she did one cool thing and then immediately left that and went to a different thing. But the biggest offender is Xiala. How can this awesome character be made into a passive character that didn't get to decide a single thing in this novel and is simply led by others? Where was her agency? Lost in the Sea? Well, I am offended on behalf of her big, blue Mother and I'd be angry as well. I was really disappointed she let herself being wrapped up in other people's plans and that there was a twist about her we could all predict. :(
But, not all was lost.
The greatest character of them all was Iktan and xe has a firm grip on my heart. The snark and the poise and the deadly allure... ::chef's kiss::
Also, Balan, but I liked him in first novel as well. The appeal of him is, of course, in his enigmatic nature, because everyone is playing checkers while he's playing chess.
Anyway, this was one of my most anticipated books and maybe I expected too much from it. Still going to read third one when it's released and hopefully Roanhorse will manage to bewitch me once again with this world.
____________________________
YESSS! Let the AGE OF THE CROW begin!
Looking forward to Xiala and Serapio being cute badasses.
__________________
The blurb in short:
-The comet cometh!
-Xiala and xe will get along just fine, I presume.
-"How will Serapio stay human when he is steeped in prophecy..." - well, remember how love challenged his thoughts about his predetermined role?
fevered adj. - unnaturally excited or active
Unnaturally excited or active is actually the perfect way to describe this book.
Black Sun finished with Convergence and the world as our charactera knew it seized to exist.
There is a new God in the city of Tova.
An eternal twilight outside and low-hanging, red-tinged sun on the sky.
It's Year One of the Age of the Crow.
Bare bones - City of Tova is in disarray. Serapio is confused he is still alive, but quickly realizes that Crow God has another purpose for him. Okoa and his sister, the new matriarch of Crow Clan, are having this Odo Sedoh in flesh with them, but they are not comfortable with the number of followers gathering outside. Narampa is trying to come to grips with the new situation and powers of Sun God awakening in her. Xiala didn't manage to get to Searpio before Iktan made her go with xe and Golden Eagle assembly to Hokaia to discuss their failed coop and newly emerged god with their co-conspirators. Lord Balan, one of Seven Merchant Lords is travelling to Hokaia as well and even if Serapio didn't do what he set him up to do, Balan is ever adaptable to a new situation because his plans transcend power plays of Tova.
I guess I enjoyed the accelerating plot of Black Sun more because it actually had a purpose. All the different plot threads were building toward a single point, like a crescendo, to end on a huge, world-impacting event: a Convergence. But the book still had enough of scenes of respite where our characters would remise or reflect on their past. These were the scenes that allowed me to get attached enough to care what happens to them. They were not only plot-vehicles, they actually had a personality and emotions outside of this huge event heavens prophetized and power players want to use. But Fevered Star simply didn't let our characters (and reader) to breathe. The plot is still accelerating, things are changing from chapter to chapter and I didn't get to digest one thing before something else would happen. Apparently there is a comet that's important for some reason and I don't know what to think about it because we just had a Convergence and now I am expecting the Eclipse in next book. And all this haste is what detached me quite a bit from characters AND, to my surprise, from the setting. I am a lore freak who wants to dwell on huge Water Striders and their role in river transportation, I want to know all about Teek reproduction culture and if Winged Serpents are faster than huge birds of Crow and Golden Eagle Skymade Clans. And I didn't get that, because the story moved so fast. Reading this book felt like you are on train and it goes so fast you can't enjoy the countryside even though you put your damn glasses on and want to take some pictures.
Anyway, this also affected my favourite characters from the first book: Serapio and Xiala. The thing that actually made me like Serapio is the fact that despite his role of being a vessel for the Crow God, in those small scenes of interaction with Xiala you realize there is more to him than his purpose and you want for him a different fate. Serapio in this book is kinda lost if he isn't directed by his God and when he is, he is not Serapio we got to know. He is caught in some eternal fight, destiny-type of mumbo jumbo which I never enjoy as a plot explanation in fantasy novel (when the answer to something happening is ~it's destiny). Narampa's story promised to go in much more interesting direction, but it's like she did one cool thing and then immediately left that and went to a different thing. But the biggest offender is Xiala. How can this awesome character be made into a passive character that didn't get to decide a single thing in this novel and is simply led by others? Where was her agency? Lost in the Sea? Well, I am offended on behalf of her big, blue Mother and I'd be angry as well. I was really disappointed she let herself being wrapped up in other people's plans and that there was a twist about her we could all predict. :(
But, not all was lost.
The greatest character of them all was Iktan and xe has a firm grip on my heart. The snark and the poise and the deadly allure... ::chef's kiss::
Also, Balan, but I liked him in first novel as well. The appeal of him is, of course, in his enigmatic nature, because everyone is playing checkers while he's playing chess.
Anyway, this was one of my most anticipated books and maybe I expected too much from it. Still going to read third one when it's released and hopefully Roanhorse will manage to bewitch me once again with this world.
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YESSS! Let the AGE OF THE CROW begin!
Looking forward to Xiala and Serapio being cute badasses.
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The blurb in short:
-The comet cometh!
-Xiala and xe will get along just fine, I presume.
-"How will Serapio stay human when he is steeped in prophecy..." - well, remember how love challenged his thoughts about his predetermined role?
July 1, 2022
“We are but fevered stars,” he intoned. “Here a little while, bright with promise, before we burn away.”
4.5 stars!
After the events from the last book, Xiala, a sea captain, meets new allies and enemies. Serapio struggles with the cost of power and loneliness and learns that most people he meets only want to use him as a weapon. Naranpa struggles with her new power and who she is without her power.
"There are no tides more treacherous than those of the heart."
This was a dark and engaging fantasy about power, politics, greed, the cost of greatness and loss. This book was so good! The pacing in the beginning was a little slow, but it picked up quickly and then I was fully invested in the intrigue world the author created. The world-building is great, but the world was a little complicated at times. This book has everything you could want in fantasy epic battle scenes, magic, witches, mermaids, gods, pirates and giant crows. This book is told from the point of view of Xiala, Naranpa, Serapio, Okoa and Balam. I loved seeing the different sides of the characters and learning more about their past. I love Xiala, she is brave, stubborn, powerful, and strong. I really like Naranpa, she is ambitious, kind, smart, stubborn and brave. I also like Iktan, they are cunning, smart, strong, and badass. There are several sides that are very intriguing and have their own purpose in the story. I really appreciated the bi representation, gender-neutral representation and the diversity of the characters. I can't wait for the next book!
4.5 stars!
After the events from the last book, Xiala, a sea captain, meets new allies and enemies. Serapio struggles with the cost of power and loneliness and learns that most people he meets only want to use him as a weapon. Naranpa struggles with her new power and who she is without her power.
"There are no tides more treacherous than those of the heart."
This was a dark and engaging fantasy about power, politics, greed, the cost of greatness and loss. This book was so good! The pacing in the beginning was a little slow, but it picked up quickly and then I was fully invested in the intrigue world the author created. The world-building is great, but the world was a little complicated at times. This book has everything you could want in fantasy epic battle scenes, magic, witches, mermaids, gods, pirates and giant crows. This book is told from the point of view of Xiala, Naranpa, Serapio, Okoa and Balam. I loved seeing the different sides of the characters and learning more about their past. I love Xiala, she is brave, stubborn, powerful, and strong. I really like Naranpa, she is ambitious, kind, smart, stubborn and brave. I also like Iktan, they are cunning, smart, strong, and badass. There are several sides that are very intriguing and have their own purpose in the story. I really appreciated the bi representation, gender-neutral representation and the diversity of the characters. I can't wait for the next book!
June 26, 2024
2nd Read: June '24
This was extraordinarily brilliant and a million times better than my first read through. Thank you to my superstar Esta for making this series extremely rad! Proper RTC when i get my thoughts in order!
✨💖Buddy (Re)Read with mega babe Esta ! Thanks for making this journey a wild one, darling!💖✨
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1st Read: April '22
This was extraordinarily brilliant and a million times better than my first read through. Thank you to my superstar Esta for making this series extremely rad! Proper RTC when i get my thoughts in order!
✨💖Buddy (Re)Read with mega babe Esta ! Thanks for making this journey a wild one, darling!💖✨
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1st Read: April '22
September 6, 2022
“There is no question that the stars cannot answer save the one that goes unasked.”
Black Sun ★★★★
Fevered Star ★★★ 1/2
Last year I read Black Sun with a book club and the general consensus was that we did enjoy it. I suddenly had an urge to continue the series this month and got on it immediately. Although this book was more simple to read, I did not enjoy it as much as I did with the first book.
Writing wise it is good but it unfortunately fells to the middle book syndrome where it is slow, a bit boring and mostly builds up for the next book. On one hand, the book was easier to follow than the first once since the time line is linear rather than jumping all the time like the first book and the quotes at the beginning of each chapter are great! On the other hand, there was something cathartic about the first book and the mental exercise made it more interesting. (Also why is the first book cover much better than the second one???)
The book focuses very much on the characters and specially the secondary characters but I can’t find myself caring about them just the same. I think the four main characters are interesting and the story should have focused more on them.
I am thinking what to say about the events but the problem is that there were not much events in this book and I know I will be forgetting them very soon while I still vividly recall scenes from the first book. I know that the wrap up and the major events will happen in the next book but I find it hard to care as much at this point. I just hope by the time the third book comes out that I haven’t lost interest in the series.
“Only a fool builds her home on a turtle’s back and complains when it swims away.”
July 29, 2023
Middle chapters in trilogies can be hard, especially after a first entry as spellbinding as Black Sun. That was a book that came so close to perfection, all the while setting a new standard of possibility for the fantasy genre.
In her follow-up book Fevered Star, author Rebecca Roanhorse certainly didn't fumble, but, like a middle child, this middle book has some growing pains.
After the truly epic conclusion of Black Sun, the atmosphere of Fevered Sun is very "Now what?" Compared to the ticking clock that was Blac Sun, the head of each chapter a reminder, a warning of how many days until that momentous contact, Fevered Sun lacks a level of intrigue and urgency. It instead tells a bit of a quieter story, but one still written as deftly.
Rebuilding and healing must occur, as well as reorganization of the world's religious and cultural heads. These are not topics Roanhorse treats lightly, and she explores them and their implications in a very conscientious and reasonable way. This results in several POV characters from the first book assuming new roles and partnerships here. These new pairings made sense for where the story went, and I appreciate the responsibility and logic of Roanhorse's characters. They don't interrupt major socio-political events to chase their own whims...
...but two characters who shared a very close bond in Black Sun do not get reunited in this book. If you know what two I mean and you, like me, crave their reunion, you can't help but feel a measure of disappointment.
At the same time, I love yearning-longing-aching-pining and know a book's worth of separation will only make the reunion in a future book deeply, painfully satisfying.
My appetite is whetted and I can hardly wait.
Fevered Sun continues to show Roanhorse's powerful ability as a writer. Even if Fevered Sun wasn't as blindingly beautiful as the first, it's still a great addition to the series. Once all books are out - the series complete - I have a feeling hidden gems in this one will shine so bright.
In her follow-up book Fevered Star, author Rebecca Roanhorse certainly didn't fumble, but, like a middle child, this middle book has some growing pains.
After the truly epic conclusion of Black Sun, the atmosphere of Fevered Sun is very "Now what?" Compared to the ticking clock that was Blac Sun, the head of each chapter a reminder, a warning of how many days until that momentous contact, Fevered Sun lacks a level of intrigue and urgency. It instead tells a bit of a quieter story, but one still written as deftly.
Rebuilding and healing must occur, as well as reorganization of the world's religious and cultural heads. These are not topics Roanhorse treats lightly, and she explores them and their implications in a very conscientious and reasonable way. This results in several POV characters from the first book assuming new roles and partnerships here. These new pairings made sense for where the story went, and I appreciate the responsibility and logic of Roanhorse's characters. They don't interrupt major socio-political events to chase their own whims...
...but two characters who shared a very close bond in Black Sun do not get reunited in this book. If you know what two I mean and you, like me, crave their reunion, you can't help but feel a measure of disappointment.
At the same time, I love yearning-longing-aching-pining and know a book's worth of separation will only make the reunion in a future book deeply, painfully satisfying.
My appetite is whetted and I can hardly wait.
Fevered Sun continues to show Roanhorse's powerful ability as a writer. Even if Fevered Sun wasn't as blindingly beautiful as the first, it's still a great addition to the series. Once all books are out - the series complete - I have a feeling hidden gems in this one will shine so bright.
May 23, 2022
It's rare enough that I give the second book 5 stars but even more rare that I loved the audiobook on the second when I struggled with the audiobook on the first. But this one had me hooked. It was so emersive and I just wanted more. The characters where so well told and I never lost my interest in the plot.
May 1, 2022
4.0 Stars
This was an engaging sequel with strong worldbuilding, character work and exciting plot developments. I did not love this quite as much as the first book, but still a strong continuation. I'm looking forward to the next book.
This was an engaging sequel with strong worldbuilding, character work and exciting plot developments. I did not love this quite as much as the first book, but still a strong continuation. I'm looking forward to the next book.
December 25, 2021
second book syndrome? we do not know that bitch and we don’t associate with her here.
black sun was dark brilliance — a heady rush into this fantastical, magnificent, and immersive world of old gods and strange power whilst knowing something terrible was coming. and this one was more of a steady, forward march towards inevitable, difficult outcomes with clear eyes. the plot twists made me lose my mind. people can say all they want about this one, but i fucking loved it. sorry (not sorry) if you didn’t!
this was a surprise! arc physically delivered to me that almost caused me a heart attack. i did not expect to get an arc at all? i don’t even remember requesting one? but does that diminish my excitement at all? nope! i’m still on cloud 9 and forever grateful i got to read this book before it was published because wow did this book break my heart and shatter my mind (in all the best ways). beyond 5 stars if you haven’t guessed yet.
the combination of characters coupled with the fast-paced plot was the most satisfying thing to read. the way they clashed together to weave the deepening complexities and dynamics of the story met and exceeded my expectations. you yearn for certain characters to see each other again, yet the author knows when the perfect timing is and provides you with an unexpected pairing you never knew you needed. i love it when stories mix and mash different characters together, so you get to see where the edges of their personalities fit and how they work together as a team. and i am so fucking lucky i got it in this book.
even though the settings and character dynamics are new, the same dark tone is still present throughout the book and it still keeps me on my toes. even though xiala’s journey was my favorite to read about, i still adored the other povs. serapio’s journey was heartbreaking, groundbreaking, and dark. he taught me how closely connected reputation and fate were. how it’s human to want others to see you as human. naranpa’s journey was admirable, honest, and sad. she taught me grace in the aftermath of tragedy. how that’s when it’s most critical to ask for help and you must allow vulnerability to make you stronger. xiala’s journey was hysterical, shocking, and tragic. she taught me that there’s a difference between being a coward and being weak. how being at your lowest is the opportunity for greatest change. iktan’s journey was melancholic, devastating, and hilarious. xe taught me to keep going, despite everything. and how that is one of the purest forms of strength.
the plot was fucking brilliant. no matter how much i tried to predict plot twists and developments, this book laughed in my face and threw me into another plot line that left no room in my head to analyze — it told me to enjoy the ride and i did, from beginning to end. i have no complaints. truly none. and even if i did try to, i don’t want to. i had the best reading experience with this book. i can’t wait for others to be there with me.
thank you to the publishing company for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of this phenomenal, intense book!
black sun was dark brilliance — a heady rush into this fantastical, magnificent, and immersive world of old gods and strange power whilst knowing something terrible was coming. and this one was more of a steady, forward march towards inevitable, difficult outcomes with clear eyes. the plot twists made me lose my mind. people can say all they want about this one, but i fucking loved it. sorry (not sorry) if you didn’t!
this was a surprise! arc physically delivered to me that almost caused me a heart attack. i did not expect to get an arc at all? i don’t even remember requesting one? but does that diminish my excitement at all? nope! i’m still on cloud 9 and forever grateful i got to read this book before it was published because wow did this book break my heart and shatter my mind (in all the best ways). beyond 5 stars if you haven’t guessed yet.
the combination of characters coupled with the fast-paced plot was the most satisfying thing to read. the way they clashed together to weave the deepening complexities and dynamics of the story met and exceeded my expectations. you yearn for certain characters to see each other again, yet the author knows when the perfect timing is and provides you with an unexpected pairing you never knew you needed. i love it when stories mix and mash different characters together, so you get to see where the edges of their personalities fit and how they work together as a team. and i am so fucking lucky i got it in this book.
even though the settings and character dynamics are new, the same dark tone is still present throughout the book and it still keeps me on my toes. even though xiala’s journey was my favorite to read about, i still adored the other povs. serapio’s journey was heartbreaking, groundbreaking, and dark. he taught me how closely connected reputation and fate were. how it’s human to want others to see you as human. naranpa’s journey was admirable, honest, and sad. she taught me grace in the aftermath of tragedy. how that’s when it’s most critical to ask for help and you must allow vulnerability to make you stronger. xiala’s journey was hysterical, shocking, and tragic. she taught me that there’s a difference between being a coward and being weak. how being at your lowest is the opportunity for greatest change. iktan’s journey was melancholic, devastating, and hilarious. xe taught me to keep going, despite everything. and how that is one of the purest forms of strength.
the plot was fucking brilliant. no matter how much i tried to predict plot twists and developments, this book laughed in my face and threw me into another plot line that left no room in my head to analyze — it told me to enjoy the ride and i did, from beginning to end. i have no complaints. truly none. and even if i did try to, i don’t want to. i had the best reading experience with this book. i can’t wait for others to be there with me.
thank you to the publishing company for giving me an advanced reader’s copy of this phenomenal, intense book!
September 27, 2022
i wouldn't have minded if this book were 300 pages longer. it's an unexpectedly quick read!
i love the characters so much idc what they do they're perfect to me. tbh one character gets a whole star just for existing. aside from my beloved charming characters, the ambitious political set up and atmospheric setting make for a good sequel. the worldbuilding is excellent, as expected, and i really enjoyed reading more about this world.
it honestly couLd be a better sequel, but hey as long as i get to read about my favorite characters, i'm good! it was just over too soon :(
i love the characters so much idc what they do they're perfect to me. tbh one character gets a whole star just for existing. aside from my beloved charming characters, the ambitious political set up and atmospheric setting make for a good sequel. the worldbuilding is excellent, as expected, and i really enjoyed reading more about this world.
it honestly couLd be a better sequel, but hey as long as i get to read about my favorite characters, i'm good! it was just over too soon :(
June 24, 2022
The middle book of the between earth and sky series. I will admit i spent most of the Black sun novel enthralled with trying to figure out what was going on. Well After reading fevered star which was mostly background worldbuilding. I feel well set to go into the last book where battle will breakout between the city of Tova clans' and the other Meridian cities.
May 11, 2022
I love the world in which Between Earth and Sky is set. It's so colourful and it truly sweeps the reader along. The pacing wasn't quite as strong in this one but it sets up the last of the trilogy excellently. Characters have great arcs and there is a lot of satisfaction between the pages.
Want to read
July 3, 202103.07.2021 i loved black sun so much, someone please get me to april next year right now, please.
March 3, 2022
This book has quite a different feel to it than the first book; it is less dark, much more character focused and is mostly based around the political scene. It really helps you get to know all of the major players better and sets the world up for what I'm predicting will be an explosive third book. Fingers crossed!! I ended up feeling for and understanding the characters so much more by the end.
The only character that I liked less in this book was Xiala; she did start to get better at the very end, but for most of the book she seemed to lose her personality completely. She lost all of her interesting characteristics and became nothing but a girl who cannot stop thinking about a boy. It was literally all she thought about or based all of her decisions on. It got old fast. I don't mind some romance, but I don't like when the female character totally loses herself in the process. I wish that wouldn't have happened but like I said, it did get better at the end so hopefully she will be back in book three.
In my opinion this was not near as good as the first book, but, I did still really enjoy it and appreciate what it is hopefully doing for book three. I cannot wait for the next one!!!! Will 100% be reading it!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The only character that I liked less in this book was Xiala; she did start to get better at the very end, but for most of the book she seemed to lose her personality completely. She lost all of her interesting characteristics and became nothing but a girl who cannot stop thinking about a boy. It was literally all she thought about or based all of her decisions on. It got old fast. I don't mind some romance, but I don't like when the female character totally loses herself in the process. I wish that wouldn't have happened but like I said, it did get better at the end so hopefully she will be back in book three.
In my opinion this was not near as good as the first book, but, I did still really enjoy it and appreciate what it is hopefully doing for book three. I cannot wait for the next one!!!! Will 100% be reading it!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2024
Well, my body was not expecting that at all. I didn't like FEVERED STAR as much as its predecessor--there was so much going on and, I felt, not enough time spent on most of the things that needed time. I also think introducing new points of view bogged down the explosive pacing from the first book. But you bet I'll be there to see how it ends!
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MY. BODY. IS. READY.
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MY. BODY. IS. READY.
May 4, 2022
“Peace cannot last forever. Time change, and it is better to be on top than to be crushed at the bottom”
*Clutch my heart* now i finished the book the realization came: i need to wait for probably more than a year for the next installment aka the final book T___T
Now let me start this review by saying “Black Sun” is one of my favorite read this year! Handsdown a 5 STARS quality read for me…. I love it from page 1 until the end, this sequel didn’t disappointed me but it feels like it suffers book 2 syndrom
Fevered Star followed exactly the event that happened in the end of Black Sun, the book is still in the same POVs (plus Lord Balam) like in the Black Sun: Serapio, Xiala, Okoa & Naranpa and the story felt a bit slower than the first book, it’a still very enjoyable and easy to read and i literally flew through my read however i must tell i feel a bit bitter with the character development of my 2 favorite characters from book 1 Serapio and Xiala, i honestly scared and don’t like the direction of the story for them… but hey, that is just my personal opinion. Naranpa the only character i didn’t like in book 1 surprisingly got the most interesting story line in here, i’m glad to see she grew out from her naivete and became more stronger as a character. Xiala in this story is the most disappointing, like where is my strong sailor teek girlllll goooo ????
Like i said the book 2 felt suffered a bit of book 2 syndrom… you know the type of story that only became “the bridge” for the final book, all the characters and story line basically is just like a chess piece going on their places for a grander story which is completely understandable but also felt like this type of story did not create the tension and excitement i always craving for from an epic fantasy story, however i love i get to know more about the world building, the deeper political scheme and of course character development including some of the side characters i knew from book 1 (love IKTAN! So i happy i got more story from this nonbinary character)
Fevered Star is still a great sequel of an epic fantasy story and i just canot wait for the final book cause man oh man i know it will be amazing
*Clutch my heart* now i finished the book the realization came: i need to wait for probably more than a year for the next installment aka the final book T___T
Now let me start this review by saying “Black Sun” is one of my favorite read this year! Handsdown a 5 STARS quality read for me…. I love it from page 1 until the end, this sequel didn’t disappointed me but it feels like it suffers book 2 syndrom
Fevered Star followed exactly the event that happened in the end of Black Sun, the book is still in the same POVs (plus Lord Balam) like in the Black Sun: Serapio, Xiala, Okoa & Naranpa and the story felt a bit slower than the first book, it’a still very enjoyable and easy to read and i literally flew through my read however i must tell i feel a bit bitter with the character development of my 2 favorite characters from book 1 Serapio and Xiala, i honestly scared and don’t like the direction of the story for them… but hey, that is just my personal opinion. Naranpa the only character i didn’t like in book 1 surprisingly got the most interesting story line in here, i’m glad to see she grew out from her naivete and became more stronger as a character. Xiala in this story is the most disappointing, like where is my strong sailor teek girlllll goooo ????
Like i said the book 2 felt suffered a bit of book 2 syndrom… you know the type of story that only became “the bridge” for the final book, all the characters and story line basically is just like a chess piece going on their places for a grander story which is completely understandable but also felt like this type of story did not create the tension and excitement i always craving for from an epic fantasy story, however i love i get to know more about the world building, the deeper political scheme and of course character development including some of the side characters i knew from book 1 (love IKTAN! So i happy i got more story from this nonbinary character)
Fevered Star is still a great sequel of an epic fantasy story and i just canot wait for the final book cause man oh man i know it will be amazing
August 6, 2022
I always get a little nervous about reading middle books. They are tricky things that can sometimes make or break a series. As it turns out, I had no reason to be nervous. Rebecca Roanhorse has delivered a solid sequel to Black Sun.
Fevered Star kept me engrossed from start to finish. I enjoyed learning more about the world and seeing growth and development in the characters. I was especially impressed with Naranpa in this book. She was my least favorite POV to follow in Black Sun, but this book made me appreciate her character so much more. I'm also glad we got a little more time with Okoa in this book.
I think my one complaint would be Xiala's storyline. I adore her, but I don't feel she was given much to do in this book. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with Fevered Star. There was less action in this book and that may bother some readers. I personally enjoyed the focus on the world building, characters, and political intrigue. I think Roanhorse has set us up for an explosive ending and I can't wait for book 3.
Fevered Star kept me engrossed from start to finish. I enjoyed learning more about the world and seeing growth and development in the characters. I was especially impressed with Naranpa in this book. She was my least favorite POV to follow in Black Sun, but this book made me appreciate her character so much more. I'm also glad we got a little more time with Okoa in this book.
I think my one complaint would be Xiala's storyline. I adore her, but I don't feel she was given much to do in this book. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with Fevered Star. There was less action in this book and that may bother some readers. I personally enjoyed the focus on the world building, characters, and political intrigue. I think Roanhorse has set us up for an explosive ending and I can't wait for book 3.
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February 21, 2022
Ooof this was a slog. I'm disappointed, since Black Sun was one of my favorite reads of 2020.
This felt more like an elaborate set up for book 3, as characters are maneuvered or maneuvering into position instead of completing their own arcs within the book. The worldbuilding was truly spectacular, as was the opening of the world to show the aftermath of the Ending and what comes next, but again, the plotline was mostly a movement of people into various positions and them trying to figure out what comes next, and it was kinda...boring?
But I still think I might stick around for book 3.
This felt more like an elaborate set up for book 3, as characters are maneuvered or maneuvering into position instead of completing their own arcs within the book. The worldbuilding was truly spectacular, as was the opening of the world to show the aftermath of the Ending and what comes next, but again, the plotline was mostly a movement of people into various positions and them trying to figure out what comes next, and it was kinda...boring?
But I still think I might stick around for book 3.
February 12, 2022
There's been a lot of discussion of whether this novel suffers from second book syndrome. To me, second book syndrome comes from a weakness in plot, character, and pacing that result from a lack of advance planning. Fevered Star struggled with none of these things. In reality, this book represents a genre and tone shift that might not be for everyone, but to me is just as compelling and emotional as Black Sun. Black Sun was based in action and anticipation: Fevered Star introduces politics and consequences. In the hands of another author, the events of Black Sun could have been a trilogy in of themselves, culminating in Serapio's prophesied destiny. Roanhoarse takes a crafty approach to revising this typical hero narrative, asking not how things can be brought to resolution, but how one person's "destiny" can be the first in a chain of dominoes leading to an even larger, ominous outcome.
Separating Xiala and Serapio was emotionally tough for me, but really gave the characters room to breathe independent of each other. We see Serapio's complicated relationship with Okoa and the Odohaa, and Xiala's wary friendship was Iktan as she searches for new direction. To be honest, her narrative felt the most aimless of the three, guided more by circumstance than by personal growth (compared to Naranapa's journey to confidence and agency, and Serapio's unsteady adjustment godhood). I loved Naranapa's story the most, particularly how she learned to connect with her brother and her Maw roots outside of her sheltered life in the tower. I also LOVED getting to see outside of Tova: we only really caught a glimpse of Teek and Hokaia near the end but I look forward to understanding more about their society and politics as the narrative draws to a head in the next and final installment.
Separating Xiala and Serapio was emotionally tough for me, but really gave the characters room to breathe independent of each other. We see Serapio's complicated relationship with Okoa and the Odohaa, and Xiala's wary friendship was Iktan as she searches for new direction. To be honest, her narrative felt the most aimless of the three, guided more by circumstance than by personal growth (compared to Naranapa's journey to confidence and agency, and Serapio's unsteady adjustment godhood). I loved Naranapa's story the most, particularly how she learned to connect with her brother and her Maw roots outside of her sheltered life in the tower. I also LOVED getting to see outside of Tova: we only really caught a glimpse of Teek and Hokaia near the end but I look forward to understanding more about their society and politics as the narrative draws to a head in the next and final installment.
September 10, 2024
After falling in love with Black Sun I couldn't wait for Fevered Sky, although I did like this book but it didn't blow me away like the first in the series, I was debating on a three star rating but I think it's just because of the expectations I had.
Black Sun specifically the ending was a big ambitious book with a huge plot line whereas this instalment was a little more subtle and subdued. It did have that middle book feeling unfortunately and I felt less connected to the characters. The connection between certain characters was missing as they didn't interact in this book which was a real shame.
The chapters about Serapio trying to find his new place in the world were really beautifully done, the expectations people have of him and his need to prove himself carries on from the last book and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with his characters. There is a lot of politics in this book which slows things done significantly, but most of it is pretty interesting. RR managers to confuse the reader into no knowing who to side with, there is no real villain vs hero both sides have done horrific things and now the young 'chosen ones' in this book are left with picking up the pieces.
Not everyone survives in this worlds and I appreciate that, sometimes fantasy can seem too low stakes for me, but I never feel like anyone is safe in this world. The exerts from texts from history are still really enjoyable I practically liked the Teek sayings. I enjoyed getting to know each 'clan' in more detail and why they fight. There were a few fun little reveals too. Overall this was still a really good read but I was underwhelmed just because of how much a loved the first book, I hope the final book steps it up a little.
Black Sun specifically the ending was a big ambitious book with a huge plot line whereas this instalment was a little more subtle and subdued. It did have that middle book feeling unfortunately and I felt less connected to the characters. The connection between certain characters was missing as they didn't interact in this book which was a real shame.
The chapters about Serapio trying to find his new place in the world were really beautifully done, the expectations people have of him and his need to prove himself carries on from the last book and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with his characters. There is a lot of politics in this book which slows things done significantly, but most of it is pretty interesting. RR managers to confuse the reader into no knowing who to side with, there is no real villain vs hero both sides have done horrific things and now the young 'chosen ones' in this book are left with picking up the pieces.
Not everyone survives in this worlds and I appreciate that, sometimes fantasy can seem too low stakes for me, but I never feel like anyone is safe in this world. The exerts from texts from history are still really enjoyable I practically liked the Teek sayings. I enjoyed getting to know each 'clan' in more detail and why they fight. There were a few fun little reveals too. Overall this was still a really good read but I was underwhelmed just because of how much a loved the first book, I hope the final book steps it up a little.
April 26, 2022
I didn’t find this one as captivating as Black Sun, which by the way I can’t believe it already came out two years ago lol
The world building is fantastic just like the first book and a lot of development with a few of characters I enjoyed. Some of the changes and development made me not care for some characters I had previously liked so I’m a little salty on that. A lot of this just felt like filler and build up for the next book. I needed something more so I feel like book three better be amazing. I still enjoyed this and look forward to the final chapter!
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery books/Saga Press for an advanced copy of this book!
The world building is fantastic just like the first book and a lot of development with a few of characters I enjoyed. Some of the changes and development made me not care for some characters I had previously liked so I’m a little salty on that. A lot of this just felt like filler and build up for the next book. I needed something more so I feel like book three better be amazing. I still enjoyed this and look forward to the final chapter!
Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery books/Saga Press for an advanced copy of this book!
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