 | Fevered Star is even more enjoyable and engaging than Black Sun, the first installment in this adult fantasy series. The political intrigue is fascinating, the sorcery intriguing, the characters complex and human. The sun is still hiding since the winter solstice, when Serapio fulfilled his destiny and ascended as the Crow God. He wasn't supposed to survive the ordeal and even Crow Clan isn't sure what to make of him now. Meanwhile, the two other main point-of-view characters from the first book are also struggling: Sun Priest Naranpa with how to oppose Serpaio and bring back the sun, and sea captain Xiala with how to resolve her mysterious connection with the Sea—and reconnect with Serapio. |
I found all of the viewpoint characters equally compelling:
If you like your books to have a definitive ending, this one may have too many loose ends. The narrative moves all of the characters to new places, but it’s a bit like a chess game with everyone lined up for a final confrontation. Small threads are tied off with Xiala, Naranpa, and Serapio, but the overall arc remains open for the sequel.
- Balam the dreamwalker is equal parts creepy, powerful, and flawed by his hubris.
- Serapio, the broken tool of his god, is heart-wrenchingly human in his desire for love and connection.
- Xiala, the grounded Teek sea captain, is less spunky in this installment, but her backstory is well handled, as is her longing for reunion with her beloved Serapio.
- Okoa, the conflicted Carrion Crow warrior, may be the least intriguing character, but his simple values and desire to do what’s right lend a moral center to the narrative.
- Naranpa the deposed Sun Priest was annoyingly naive in Black Sun, so it was a joy to watch her metal being tested in Fevered Star. Naranpa has a lot more grit in this book, and moved from my least to most favorite character.
If you like your books to have a definitive ending, this one may have too many loose ends. The narrative moves all of the characters to new places, but it’s a bit like a chess game with everyone lined up for a final confrontation. Small threads are tied off with Xiala, Naranpa, and Serapio, but the overall arc remains open for the sequel.
More Indigenous (young adult) fiction: The Bone Marrow Thieves and A Snake Falls to Earth
Other epic fantasies with active gods: The Unspoken Name, The Thousand Eyes,
and The Spear Cuts through Water
Other epic fantasies with active gods: The Unspoken Name, The Thousand Eyes,
and The Spear Cuts through Water
