The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero LaCruz – A South American-Inspired Fantasy Gem

Last year I came across The Sun and the Hollow, which piqued my interest because it offered a fresh take on a genre usually filled with European themes and similar areas. What sets it apart is its unique environment, inspired by South America.

The book tells the story of Raina and Eva, two young women who, despite their different circumstances, share similar circumstances. Orphaned and searching for connection, Raina answers her grandmother’s call after years of separation. Eva has a family, but feels left out and scared by her recent marriage. The first part of the book consists of a lot of setup for the main story. However, some of the content felt too long, so I thought it would be okay if it was shorter. Reyna’s encounter with the demonic creatures known as Tinyblas and her connection to the Aguila family were crucial, but some parts could have been cut. Despite the two year time jump, the slow pacing made it seem like nothing happened and Eva’s story was ignored. The story continues in part 2. Raina’s grandmother, who practices mineral magic, tries to summon a forbidden god. Reyna, wanting to become his heir, agrees to perform a forbidden ritual. At the same time, Eva is on the run from her family, who have exiled her for practicing black magic. This section delves into the characters and the world, revealing unexpected secrets that make the story engaging.

The book challenges the concepts of good and evil, leaving readers constantly wondering who to protect when their hidden intentions are exposed. These character-driven stories force readers to evaluate whether the characters’ actions are justified, regardless of the harm done. Adding romance adds another layer to a morally ambiguous relationship. The ending gives us a closer look at the sequel. In conclusion, The Sun and the Hollow offers a fresh take on epic fantasy with a South American-inspired setting and morally complex characters.