Published: February 18, 2020
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Series: The Age of the Seventh Sun #1
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 355 (Hardcover)
My Rating: 4.0/5.0
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis:
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.
The Seventh Sun is one of the few recent books (that I know of) inspired by the various native cultures of the Americas. This in particular has a mix of Mayan and Aztec themes, lending an extra flair of the exotic. This is a young adult fantasy, and as I expected it has tropes but it didn’t detract (much) from the story.
In a Bachelor type contest, a girl from each of the noble houses is sent to the capitol city to vie for the Prince’s hand. Once he picks a bride and is wed, he will become Emperor in truth and hopefully fend off the looming war. This sounds like it would bring about the usual jealous squabbling between the contestants and it does, but it’s stakes are much higher. You see, the girls that aren’t chosen will be sacrificed so it’s quite literally life or death.
Mayana of the Chicome wields the power of water (the other houses wield storms, healing, fire, control of beasts, and plant magic). She struggles with the rituals she’s asked to participate in, though they only require animal sacrifices and she questions the basis for the religious practices. She unwittingly (though unsurprisingly) catches Prince Ahkin’s eye and he’s quite smitten. But what will he do when he finds out Mayana is not quite as devout as she first seemed?
There are subplots in the story, woven in alongside the Bachelor plot which are interesting in their own right. Ahkin’s sister is up to something, the girls have tiffs amongst themselves, and Ahkin is perilously afraid that the sun is dying and that he won’t be able to make it rise again. There were moments when I found myself utterly frustrated with the characters, but in the end I was pleasantly surprised. Actually, the ending didn’t turn out at all how I expected which was a huge relief. The plot began to move in what seemed like such a predictable way that I nearly DNF’d it, but then it twisted on me.
This was quite a good YA book, but if the love contest thing isn’t your cup of tea, I wouldn’t bother. This wouldn’t be the book for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some drama, unexpected friendships, Aztec/Mayan inspired tales, and/or plot twists you might check this out. I can’t wait to read the next installment!!
Powder & Page 
This sounds like a book that is right up my alley! Thanks for the review!
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