Black Sun Rising

by C.S. Friedman
Black Sun Rising cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy
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  • ID: 9389
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9781101464328
  • Publisher: Astra Publishing House
  • Published: 1992-09-01
  • Reviews: 3

Over a millennium ago, colonists from Earth settled on the beautiful yet perilous planet of Erna, only to find themselves in a desperate battle for survival against the fae, a terrifying natural force that can manifest a person's worst nightmares or most treasured dreams. Twelve centuries later, mankind has achieved an uneasy stalemate, with human sorcerers manipulating the fae for their own profit, unaware of the demonic forces gaining strength. Now, as the dark fae multiply, four individuals—a Priest, an Adept, an Apprentice, and a Sorcerer—are drawn together for a mission that will force them to confront an evil beyond their imagining, with the fate of humankind hanging in the balance./n/nNew York Times-bestselling author C.S. Friedman delivers a stunning and emotionally heady adventure in the first book of the Coldfire trilogy. Black Sun Rising is a feast for those who enjoy their fantasies dark and their science fiction rich with detail and intrigue.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-04-23
disappointed 3.50

The reviewer was eager to explore the world of Black Sun Rising but found the story bloated and concluding with cliches.

The reviewer was recommended this book by a friend and was excited to dive into its world. However, they felt the story was too long and ended up being disappointed by the clichéd conclusion. Despite this, the world-building was praised as great, making the letdown even more pronounced. The reviewer suggests that the book could have been more impactful with tighter storytelling.

Quick quotes

    I was recommended CS Friedman by a friend, and when I learnt the premise and setting of Black Sun Rising I was more than eager to explore its world.

    The novel sets up a variety of interesting themes but concludes its bloated story with cliches, a disappointment given the great world-crafting of C.S. Friedman.

Fantasy Literature · 2023-10-26
original 4.00

The plot is original and the world of Erna is based on science and logic, making it a perfect example of science fantasy.

The reviewer highlights the originality of Friedman's plot and the unique setting of the planet Erna. They appreciate the blend of science and fantasy, creating a world that is both logical and imaginative. The reviewer also notes that Tarrant is portrayed as the ultimate anti-hero, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, the book is seen as a strong example of science fantasy.

Quick quotes

    Friedman's plot is original and Black Sun Rising is a perfect example of science fantasy — the world of planet Erna is based on science and logic.

    Tarrant is the ultimate anti-hero.

Reddit - printSF · 2021-01-01
immersive 4.50

Friedman's prose is praised for its cascading quality that immerses the reader in the world of Erna.

The reviewer is captivated by Friedman's prose, which they describe as having a cascading quality that sweeps the reader into the immersive world of Erna. Both familiar and foreign elements are described in a way that enhances the reading experience. The reviewer appreciates the rich and atmospheric world-building, making it a compelling read. The dark fantasy elements are noted as being well-executed, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Quick quotes

    Friedman's prose has a cascading quality that sweeps you off your feet into her immersive world.

    Things familiar and foreign are both described in a way that enhances the reading experience.

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