The Seventh Sun (The Age of the Seventh Sun #1) by Lani Forbes
Book Summary
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. Rich in imagination and romance, and based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people, The Seventh Sun brings to vivid life a world on the edge of apocalyptic disaster.
Book Details
The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes
The Age of the Seventh Sun Series #1
Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy
Published February 18th 2020 by Blackstone Publishing
Hardcover, 355 pages
My Raitng: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Review
The Seventh Sun is the first book in the YA fantasy series called the Age of Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes featuring a story that takes inspiration from a cultural Mesoamerican history filled with magic, mythology, and romance.
I soared through this book enjoying the destined romance, magical battles and the end of the world setting all surrounded by the writings of a heritage based on the legends and history of the Aztec and Maya people.
Mesoamerican rituals and customs intertwine with magic as Forbes spins a story of a society on the edge of apocalyptic disaster and the two young people whose fate is tied to its survival.
I found Mayana’s perspective fascinating and thought it was an interesting turn of pen Forbes used creating her character Mayana who questions the complete validity of the Chicome’s ritual customs, most notably the use of sacrifice.
Despite her magic and noble blood, she knows she must hide her beliefs from her father which would be considered heretical.
Once Mayana becomes part of the royal court and competes in a set of magical battles in order to win the favor of Prince Ahkin, she realizes that she must walk a careful line as others at court threaten to expose her.
As a blood-red comet appears in the sky and rumors of the end of the world spread, Ahkin and Mayana may have a bigger battle ahead than ascendancy to the throne—the gods themselves seem to be waring.
Although I had a few issues with the pacing, I found the series starter enjoyable. Even the destined romance was a nice change, letting me focus on the magic and cultural touches.
Forbes creates a fascinating story during a little used time in history and culture for inspiration.
The twist in the end, and set-up for even more quests and adventure, make this an exciting series to look forward to.
