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The Second Sun: Volumes I & II
The Second Sun is a literary epic fantasy where three alternating story lines bloom into one fully realized and interconnected world. Through the characters Moo, Captain Valara, and the squire Rade, you will meet giants, fight or flee from pirates, chase and capture slavers, sail ships part of the world’s most supreme navy, battle witches, dire bears, and blood ravens in treacherous mountains, witness the fall of empires and their capitol cities with democracy emerging from their bloodied husks, and finally, come to know and experience paradise. To read The Second Sun is to surrender to ambition, for it is both epic and intimate, mythical and grounded, challenging yet intuitive, a place where the narrator wears the perfume of compassion but does not withhold their all-knowing scrutiny. It is, at its very heart, a tale of adventure, and the subsequent volumes follow in kind.
- GenresFantasy
491 pages, Hardcover
Published February 19, 2023
44 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 20, 2023
This novel is an epic journey into a world meticulously built by the author with a diverse cast of characters each bringing their unique perspective to the story.
The author masterfully creates multidimensional characters that are flawed and relatable with their triumphs and tribulations intricately woven into the narrative.
Kristof Morrow’s prose is poetic and evocative, provoking empathy and enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Pair this with subtle humour and a superlative use of language and you are left with a reverence that lingers long after you finish the book.
While I believe suitable for most ages, the novel also explores resilience of spirit, love and loss, the ethical dilemmas of survival, and the consequences of unchecked power. These deeper layers elevate the book beyond mere entertainment.
Skillful storytelling will keep you engrossed from start to finish and leave you eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
The author masterfully creates multidimensional characters that are flawed and relatable with their triumphs and tribulations intricately woven into the narrative.
Kristof Morrow’s prose is poetic and evocative, provoking empathy and enhancing the emotional impact of the story. Pair this with subtle humour and a superlative use of language and you are left with a reverence that lingers long after you finish the book.
While I believe suitable for most ages, the novel also explores resilience of spirit, love and loss, the ethical dilemmas of survival, and the consequences of unchecked power. These deeper layers elevate the book beyond mere entertainment.
Skillful storytelling will keep you engrossed from start to finish and leave you eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
January 23, 2024
Awesome read !!!!
I enjoyed this book the story telling was second to none I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book. I was so lucky to find this gem and I could not put this book down I can't wait to other books because it really deserves more and I would buy it .Its that good the author really was on the p's and q's god bless and hopefully you will enjoy this book also .
I enjoyed this book the story telling was second to none I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book. I was so lucky to find this gem and I could not put this book down I can't wait to other books because it really deserves more and I would buy it .Its that good the author really was on the p's and q's god bless and hopefully you will enjoy this book also .
June 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. The setting was unique but still had all the aspects we all love from an epic fantasy. I enjoyed the characters and reading their journey throughout and it kept me hooked.
It was a fairly quick read without an obscene amount of world building and backstory which I love.
It was a fairly quick read without an obscene amount of world building and backstory which I love.
November 20, 2023
i really enjoyed this book
this isnt my normal type of genre to read. but im glad i gave it a chance. it was exciting and the world building was great. i read it pretty quickly, so that says something. overall, its a nice fantasy and id recommend it.
this isnt my normal type of genre to read. but im glad i gave it a chance. it was exciting and the world building was great. i read it pretty quickly, so that says something. overall, its a nice fantasy and id recommend it.
March 14, 2024
Beautifully written. Follow the paths of four main characters as they embark on different journeys. Follow them through adventures, catastrophes, love, and more. Kristof Morrow introduces the multiple characters in such a way that the reader is able to keep track of them all. The world he has created is unique and full of loveable, and not so loveable, characters. The story is a roller coaster of emotions, but it is worth every bit of hurt and love that you feel along with the characters. If you like Fantasy, you'll love The Second Sun. Get lost in this amazing world.
January 12, 2024
amazing
I honestly seen this on tiktok and I promise you it’s worth it. It’s definitely another book I’ll read again and had my bokstagram followers reading it too
I honestly seen this on tiktok and I promise you it’s worth it. It’s definitely another book I’ll read again and had my bokstagram followers reading it too
July 9, 2023
Reading this book reminded me of my love of Joyce. This is not flash fiction but a lyrically poetic embrace, drawing you in and taking you on a journey of beautiful world building and wonderful characters.
Not an easy read, and a book I will be reading again to better process after I recover from a book hangover.
You can tell the author poured his heart and soul into this.
Not an easy read, and a book I will be reading again to better process after I recover from a book hangover.
You can tell the author poured his heart and soul into this.
May 27, 2023
If you want a book that is dull, drawn-out, and will pain you deeply to get through, this is the one for you.
August 3, 2023
Well. That was seven kinds of awesome.
I started this book not entirely sure of what I was getting into. Firstly, because I hadn't read the synopsis and secondly because I don't particularly care for epic fantasy novels. Other than a yearly reread of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, every other major fantasy series released in the past two decades is currently gathering dust on my shelves.
So, I started this story with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. Which quickly became intrigue and fascination. Soon, I was riveted.
There's a reason it doesn't pay to compare this book to others in the same genre. For one thing, the writing style sets it apart by a wide margin. The author manages to craft prose that is both densely lyrical and compellingly readable. Its formal poetic structure is reminiscent of epic works of classic fiction such as The Odyssey and The Iliad. It might take a second to get used to the style, but once you do it will reward you with the kind of complexity and musicality that you don't get in modern novels.
The characters were complex, and each had vivid backstories. There were as many unlikable characters as there were likeable ones, but none felt like hasty-drawn caricatures. Captain Valara; the squire Rade; the fae Moo and Foo; the pirate girl Yuyu; the giants and the Swun'too. Over the course of the book, they became like friends to me.
But where The Second Sun really stood out for me was the world-building. Each setting is described with such clarity it feels like the kind of book you can step into and close the door behind you. In this regard, it has a lot of similarity with the LOTR. The only quibble I had was that the book could probably do with a map.
I'm tentative to give away much of the plot as I feel like it's a book you should go into blind. All I will say is that it is told in an episodic way, with each chapter focusing on a different set of characters. Some of these stories directly cross-over, while others simply occupy the same universe. Each story arc is resolved, although some are clearly set up for the coming sequel. There are strong political threads woven throughout, and the astute reader will find many parallels in the book to issues in our own world, from climate change to the rise of neo-fascism.
Read it. This book will reward you for the effort, with a story unlike any other you have read.
I started this book not entirely sure of what I was getting into. Firstly, because I hadn't read the synopsis and secondly because I don't particularly care for epic fantasy novels. Other than a yearly reread of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, every other major fantasy series released in the past two decades is currently gathering dust on my shelves.
So, I started this story with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. Which quickly became intrigue and fascination. Soon, I was riveted.
There's a reason it doesn't pay to compare this book to others in the same genre. For one thing, the writing style sets it apart by a wide margin. The author manages to craft prose that is both densely lyrical and compellingly readable. Its formal poetic structure is reminiscent of epic works of classic fiction such as The Odyssey and The Iliad. It might take a second to get used to the style, but once you do it will reward you with the kind of complexity and musicality that you don't get in modern novels.
The characters were complex, and each had vivid backstories. There were as many unlikable characters as there were likeable ones, but none felt like hasty-drawn caricatures. Captain Valara; the squire Rade; the fae Moo and Foo; the pirate girl Yuyu; the giants and the Swun'too. Over the course of the book, they became like friends to me.
But where The Second Sun really stood out for me was the world-building. Each setting is described with such clarity it feels like the kind of book you can step into and close the door behind you. In this regard, it has a lot of similarity with the LOTR. The only quibble I had was that the book could probably do with a map.
I'm tentative to give away much of the plot as I feel like it's a book you should go into blind. All I will say is that it is told in an episodic way, with each chapter focusing on a different set of characters. Some of these stories directly cross-over, while others simply occupy the same universe. Each story arc is resolved, although some are clearly set up for the coming sequel. There are strong political threads woven throughout, and the astute reader will find many parallels in the book to issues in our own world, from climate change to the rise of neo-fascism.
Read it. This book will reward you for the effort, with a story unlike any other you have read.
August 3, 2024
I always admire writers that create incredible material, a multi-layer plot, and characters everyone can root for. Kristof's Volume 1 and 2 of "Second Son" is a cross between Avatar and Pirates of the Caribbean! At one point, you are in a world with a blend of the old and new and next you are a ship battling adversaries. Kristof's unique blend of action, suspense, and the creation of a whole new vocabulary shows the depth of his writing style and incredible imagination.
Absolutely, I highly recommend this series to anyone seeking a new genre in the making!
Absolutely, I highly recommend this series to anyone seeking a new genre in the making!
February 17, 2024
I truly loved reading this book so much. As an artist I saw the story in my head throughout the entirety of the read and that is something I deeply appreciate on a great level. I loved the characters so much. The ending had my heart and mind. 🥹 I want to note that the authors writing was also superb. There were moments I forgot I was reading and I felt immersed into a truly epic adventure that I could escape into.
May 27, 2023
This book was mundane at most.., boring and confusing. With very little details about the characters.. while jumping all over the place about setting & scenery… I recommend you save your time and read another book.. literally any other book..
May 24, 2023
“Love can be proven through hate”
January 24, 2024
I’ve had the hardest time writing this review because I’m still processing all the details of the novel. It’s been a few days since I finished it and, although I rarely do this, I have it open in Kindle to start over from the beginning. I can count on one hand the number of books I willingly reread and now The Second Sun has earned a coveted spot. Fair warning to casual readers, this is NOT an airport bookstore novel. It’s not a quick little book to read while watching Netflix. What it is, is…. So hard to describe! A general comparison would be to other epic stories like Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, but it’s more than just a rehashing of medieval fantasy. At times I could feel a touch of Dante’s Inferno and Pilgrim’s Progress. There is maybe some William Faulkner influence as well. Married with the essence of other greats like George Orwell and Upton Sinclair, The Second Sun has layers upon layers of life hidden in each turn of phrase. My first pass through was just a touch on the surface! As my mind has continued to work out deeper meanings, I can see more and more how the social, political, and environmental injustices of our world have influenced the author’s writing.
You get what you take from it though! If all you’re looking for is another epic fantasy with monsters and magic and pirates and mayhem, then that’s all you have to read into it. Just remember that this is LITERATURE, not pulp fiction.
You get what you take from it though! If all you’re looking for is another epic fantasy with monsters and magic and pirates and mayhem, then that’s all you have to read into it. Just remember that this is LITERATURE, not pulp fiction.
June 28, 2023
This book is something special for sure. A must read for everyone who loves adventure! I can't wait to continue to read about this amazing world the author created. So many strong amazing women in places of leadership and lgbtqia+ representation in a way that feels natural and honest. Reading The Second Sun gave me hope in a dark time I will forever be grateful for the way the author changed my life.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews