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The Seventh Sun Book Cover The Seventh Sun
Age of the Seventh Sun (Book 1)
Lani Forbes
Blackstone Publishing
February 18, 2020
352

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.

Their blood is the power that protects their people.

Mayana, a demigod with the gift of water, is our compassionate and empathetic main character of The Seventh Sun by Lani Forbes. I took to Mayana quickly because of those two qualities that are so apparent. Living in a society that doesn’t blink at sacrificing life for meals and festivals, she is continuously fighting an internal battle – to please the Gods’ sacred rituals, or remain true to her own ideals.

As the only daughter of their royal family, Mayana must court Prince Ahkin of Chicome. The Prince is responsible for raising the sun in the sky with his blood every morning. No big deal, right?

The chosen princess will live, the others will die. 

It’s no surprise that the impending deaths of her fellow princesses weighs heavy on Mayana’s mind. Caught up in the charms of Prince Ahkin, Mayana battles with how to save the other women courting him. The codex requires their deaths to bless the Prince’s reign and honor the Gods.

Sun Rise - The Seventh Sun Lani ForbesI was immediately drawn to this story after reading the synopsis because of my true interest in Aztec history. History portrays them with large temples, animal and human sacrifices, and worship of the sun. The Aztec belief system has been painted cold and murderous. It’s a steep challenge for Lani Forbes to unwind our preconceived ideas about this culture. Forbes took an appropriate amount of creative license with the facts, added in some relatable perspectives, and out came an impressive story.

This series is sure to be an exciting adventure.
I can’t wait for the next one!