The Seventh Sun (The Age of the Seventh Sun #1)
By Lani Forbes
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended For: Ages 16+ (contains animal sacrifices), those craving fantasies set in worlds inspired by different cultures, readers who also love Mayan and Aztec history and legends.
Thrust into leadership upon the death of his emperor father, young Prince Ahkin feels completely unready for his new position. Though his royal blood controls the power of the sun, he’s now responsible for the lives of all the Chicome people. And despite all Ahkin’s efforts, the sun is fading–and the end of the world may be at hand.
For Mayana, the only daughter of the Chicome family whose blood controls the power of water, the old emperor’s death may mean that she is next. Prince Ahkin must be married before he can ascend the throne, and Mayana is one of six noble daughters presented to him as a possible wife. Those who are not chosen will be sacrificed to the gods.
Only one girl can become Ahkin’s bride. Mayana and Ahkin feel an immediate connection, but the gods themselves may be against them. Both recognize that the ancient rites of blood that keep the gods appeased may be harming the Chicome more than they help. As a bloodred comet and the fading sun bring a growing sense of dread, only two young people may hope to change their world.
Luna’s Top Thoughts:
- Inspired by ancient Aztec and Mayan mythology and culture
- Some of the most beautiful world building I’ve seen
- Characters with real and relatable internal struggles
- Cute romance, though a little bit insta-love
- Intriguing end the inspired curiosity to learn more
The Review:
I was very excited to read The Seventh Sun because I have read very very few fantasy books based on Mesoamerican cultures, in the case and combination of Aztec and Mayan legends and mythology. If you are looking for fantasy rich in a different culture that is beautiful and vivid in its descriptions and plot, this is the next book you’re going to want to read.
The Seventh Sun is the story of a young girl forced into a situation she doesn’t want to be in, while at the same time questioning everything her society and family has taught her. The main POV is Mayana, but we see similar internal struggles from the other POV character, Ahkin, who reluctantly becomes leader of the Chicome empire after the unexpected death of his father. The two meet when Mayana is brought to the palace as a potential bride. Their stories weave together beautifully and I loved how their struggles unknowingly brought them together and helped them understand each other.
One of the strong suits of this book were the two main characters. They both had well developed internal struggles that were the motivation behind their actions and led to them discovering an inner strength and who they really are. I appreciated how even though the world these characters live in is very different from my own, the idea of feeling alone or questioning things that are a part of everyday life are very relatable no matter who you are or where you live. I have to admit, it took me a while to like Ahkin just because he seemed like a really passive character at first, but he grew into his own as the story continued. The side characters however weren’t quite as exciting. Well, some of them were, but they didn’t feel like they were a contributing part of the story in many ways.
One other tiny criticism I had with this book was the romance. I actually didn’t mind most of it, but, it felt a little list insta-love which can kick me out of a romance subplot real quick.
The aspect of this book I loved the most and that kept me turning pages was the world building. Being based in an ancient culture I’m not familiar with and never see in books made every part of it feel fresh and unique, from the descriptions of outfits, cities and palaces, to the explanation through story of the religion, gods and ceremonies. Also, the magic and culture and customs were just as fascinating. All of it felt so far from what I’m used to reading in YA fantasy that it made my reading experience thrilling. It truly was beautiful, expertly described and brilliantly woven into the story.
The ending has a big twist and really sets up the different direction the rest of the series will be taking. As mentioned above, there were some pet peeves of mine present in the book that kept me from LOVING it, but the world building really saves it, as well as my intrigue in what might happen. I haven’t read book two yet, but I am excited to dive back into this world and see what happens.
Luna’s Lucky Rating: 3.5/5 Lunas
