Audacity Book Club: November Read

By Nic Daniels

Hello, audacious readers!

I’m back! And while the break was much needed, I have to admit that I missed you guys this spooky season. While the book for this month isn’t a horror story, it will have you on the edge of your seat. This month, we’re exploring a world inspired by Pre-Columbian Americas in the fantasy novel, Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse.

Winter solstice is always a time of celebration in the holy city of Tova. However, as an eclipse nears, three lives are about to change the course of history.

When sea captain, Xiala, gets an offer to carry one man across the sea, it strikes her as a bit odd. Winter is the worst time to sail, especially on the open ocean and her unique ancestry, people tend to be wary of her. Still, there are worse deals than a ton of gold for one “harmless” man.

Raised with the promise of great power, Serapio is young, blind, scarred, and possesses abilities that will change the course of Tova and its people forever. He has lived his life with the understanding that the promise will be fulfilled on the Winter Eclipse. All he has to do is survive and not get distracted by an intriguing sea captain that can calm the seas with a single song.

Meanwhile, Sun Priest Naranpa is being threatened from all angles as political opponents look for opportunities to undermine her power. Despite clawing her way to the top, many are ready to send her back to the poverty-ridden streets that she grew up in. Her ultimate goal is to bring together the priesthood and the people, but as the universe aligns, the dream may be cut short.

Epic, intriguing, and mesmerizing, Black Sun is about power and how the past mistakes of those who have it decide the future. This book is available wherever books are sold as well as in your local library. I hope you enjoy it, and I will see you at the end of the month for the full review.

Until then, don’t forget to read audaciously!