Let me start by saying I’m not a regular reader—I usually only read on vacation or when I find something that really grabs me. If a book doesn’t hook me in the first couple of chapters, I’ll usually set it down and not come back. I’m also a slow reader, so it takes me twice as long to get through something as most people. But The Quiet Sun? I couldn’t stop turning the pages—unless my kids needed me, of course.
This book was a refreshing change from what’s currently popular in the book world. It was fast-paced and emotionally gripping. The main character, Solei, felt like someone I could actually know in real life. She’s flawed and insecure in ways that are so familiar, but she’s also incredibly strong. Despite everything she faces—grief, war, captivity—she never stops observing, learning, and doing what she needs to do to survive. And through all of it, she wears her heart on her sleeve, which makes her feel even more real. Who hasn’t been vulnerable like that at some point?
The worldbuilding felt almost historical—like the 1800s with a modern twist (yes, girls in pants!). The author could’ve easily stretched this into a series by adding more fluff, but I appreciated how she kept it all in one powerful book. The story spans about a year and a half, though I did occasionally get lost in the timeline—but that might’ve been more about how I read than the writing itself.
I still find myself wondering about the Emperor and his backstory. While the book does answer a lot, I was left wanting to know even more about him—which is a testament to how layered and intriguing he is. The last 20% of the book hit me like a freight train. I felt everything: happiness, deep sorrow, fiery anger, full-on laughter, and most of all, a deep sense of hope.
Even though I haven’t lived through what Solei has, I understood her feelings of not belonging, of losing yourself, and the journey of slowly rebuilding—especially when you have people in your corner. I wish I could talk about some of the moments that had me literally screaming at my phone, but I don’t want to spoil it.
If you're a girl who's ever felt lost, this book is a beautiful reminder that even in darkness, you can still find light. It’s absolutely worth the read.