The Sun and the Void

Author: Gabriela Romero Lacruz

Genre: Fantasy

Format: Digital ARC

Publish Date: August 2023

Read: May 2023

Favorite Quote: The world is changing, and the more penitent humans there are, the less it’s “socially acceptable” to acknowledge the existence of magic.

Story Synopsis: The Sun and The Void is a beautifully written fantasy novel telling the story of magic in a world where colonial beliefs are becoming increasingly common. Readers first meet Reina, a nozariel and the granddaughter of the most famous witch in the country, Ursulina. Reina’s journey to meet her grandmother begins with a horrifying attack crossing a mountain, and Ursulina saves her with Void magic. While Reina serves Ursulina in hopes of becoming her successor, Eva, on the other side of the mountain, is a valco and lives under a bully of a grandmother. When Eva decides to change her circumstances, she finds her path converging with Reina’s as they both seek to learn who they are and what part magic plays in their lives and futures.

Why does this book beguile? Drawing on post-colonial South American culture, The Sun and The Void is a wonderful story of fantasy inspired by history. Lacruz writes about the power of women in a world of men who only see them as vessels for their lines. She does an excellent job of weaving political issues with magic and choices. The characters are compelling, many of whom fall into the morally grey category, yet are instantly relatable.

Rating: 4/5

Link*: The Sun and The Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz - Amazon | The Sun and The Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz - Bookshop.org