I’ve been struggling with review writing lately and decided to give the 5 Ws way a shot because this book/series is too good to not share.
What: Fevered Star, is the second book in Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky series. The first is Black Sun, which I thoroughly enjoyed! It is an epic fantasy tale where Gods seek to regain power in the mortal realm and human power players seek to reshape control of the land and seas.
Who: Naranpa, Sun Priest, who has now become an avatar of the Sun God but must still navigate mortal politics in an effort to save her city. Serapio, failed at resurrecting the Crow God but has become its living avatar instead. Xiala, longing to reconnect with Serapio becomes embedded within enemies and stays to seek information for him. Okoa, believer in Serapio but conflicted by allegiance to his sister, the Crow Matron, and confusion of what a rebirth of the Crow God would mean. Lord Balam begins dreamwalking, makes alliances and maneuvers game pieces on the board.
When: Fevered Star takes place immediately after the ending of Black Sun. The sun in the city of Tova remains partially obscured as the eclipse has not passed on. It is now considered the first Year of the Crow.
Where: Set in The Meridian, a land that surrounds the Crescent Sea on three sides. Which is inspired by the Pre-Columbian Americas. Naranpa and Serapio dance in the great city Tova, where Okoa seeks to prevent all out war amongst the factions. Xiala travels from Tova to Hokaia, home of the war college and a nest of vipers seeking to seize control. Lord Balam travels the Crescent Sea to Hokaia to further his plans.
Why: 300 years ago the Meridian was ruled by Gods that were held in a series of check and balances. But then the War of the Spear occurred and the outcome was magic banished and Gods defanged. All came under the control of the Watchers, led by the Sun Priest. However, there are those who seek the old ways and worship of the old Gods and those who seek to restructure power in the Meridian.
Things I liked: Roanhorse writes complex characters who evolve along with changes in understanding and circumstances. The setting and magics continue to be exciting. We’re heading into an epic war in the third book and Fevered Star has a lot of pieces in motion. Roanhorse deftly handles switching between characters keeping the momentum always going forward. I eagerly look forward to the next volume in the Between the Earth and Sky series.
Things I didn’t like: Why must the couple, Xiala and Serapio, who finally get together in the first book have to spend the second book apart? This trope gets tiresome and is no different here. For a brief moment I thought that might not happen but Roanhorse decided that it was necessary to insert Xiala among the enemy so the reader can know what they are up to. Any recommendations of a fantasy series where that doesn’t happen?