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The Two Suns
Heroes save the world. She wants to conquer it.
At five, Nashel burned down her home and walked away smiling. That’s when the Sunset Academy came for her, a stronghold where the gifted, the feared, and the dangerous learn to control their abilities or die trying.
Eleven years later, they’ve turned her into a weapon. When they send her across the Void, the deadly border between nations, to spy on their enemies in the Sunrise, she uncovers a truth that shatters everything she’s been taught.
As rumours of war spread between the two suns, Nashel must will she become the Academy’s perfect soldier or something far more dangerous?
At five, Nashel burned down her home and walked away smiling. That’s when the Sunset Academy came for her, a stronghold where the gifted, the feared, and the dangerous learn to control their abilities or die trying.
Eleven years later, they’ve turned her into a weapon. When they send her across the Void, the deadly border between nations, to spy on their enemies in the Sunrise, she uncovers a truth that shatters everything she’s been taught.
As rumours of war spread between the two suns, Nashel must will she become the Academy’s perfect soldier or something far more dangerous?
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2025
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 6, 2025
K.S. Sanral’s The Two Suns is a quietly enchanting novel that blends emotion, introspection, and a touch of the extraordinary into a truly memorable reading experience. With its poetic writing style and tender storytelling, this book feels like a slow sunrise—gradual, glowing, and quietly powerful.
From the very beginning, Sanral builds a world that feels both grounded in emotional truth and slightly otherworldly. The story gently unfolds with an almost meditative pace, allowing you to truly sit with the characters, their choices, and the weight of the journey they’re on. There’s a softness to the tone that’s incredibly refreshing—a sense that the story doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Each one feels thoughtfully crafted, with believable motivations, emotional depth, and internal struggles that resonate. Whether it’s the protagonists grappling with identity, loss, or longing, or the more peripheral characters who quietly shape the journey, there’s a very human heart at the core of this novel. Their connections—whether forged through conflict, kindness, or quiet understanding—are what give the story its emotional warmth.
The thematic elements of The Two Suns are handled with subtlety and grace. Sanral explores ideas like duality, personal truth, and the delicate balance between darkness and light—not just in the world around us, but within ourselves. The symbolism of the "two suns" is woven through the narrative with care, creating a layered reading experience that invites reflection. It’s not just a story about what happens; it’s a story about what it means.
That said, this book won’t be for everyone in terms of pacing. It moves slowly, intentionally, and it asks the reader to be patient—willing to sink into the rhythm of quiet moments and emotional beats rather than constant action. For me, this was a strength, but it might not suit those looking for a fast-paced, plot-heavy fantasy or drama.
The writing itself is lovely—almost lyrical at times—with a style that borders on poetic without becoming flowery. Sanral clearly has a strong command of language, and there's a subtle rhythm to the prose that gives the book a unique voice. It felt stylistically distinct without sacrificing clarity or emotional impact.
And then there’s the ending—which was beautifully done. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that it was the kind of conclusion that feels both open-ended and satisfying, offering a sense of closure while still leaving you thinking, wondering, and feeling. It’s a story that doesn’t just end on the page—it lingers.
All in all, The Two Suns is a touching, soulful novel that offers a quiet kind of magic. It’s a book for readers who appreciate introspective stories, emotionally rich characters, and writing that prioritizes meaning over momentum. While a slightly slower pace and more subtle narrative arc may keep it from being a full 5-star read for some, it still delivers a truly rewarding and heartwarming experience.
If you’re in the mood for something that speaks softly but leaves a deep impression, The Two Suns is a lovely choice. I’m very glad I read it—and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for what K.S. Sanral writes next.
🌗 Duality / Light vs. Dark – Exploring balance between two forces, identities, or destinies
💫 Slow Burn – A gently unfolding emotional journey, both in character arcs and relationships
💔 Emotional Healing – Characters carrying past wounds learning to trust and grow again
✨ Found Family – Bonds formed between unlikely allies or strangers who become close
🔮 Prophecy or Destiny – A greater purpose or foretold event guiding the story’s direction
🧭 Coming of Age / Self-Discovery – A personal journey of finding one's place or identity
🌌 Quiet Magic / Soft Fantasy – Subtle, atmospheric fantasy rather than flashy powers
🛤️ Journey of the Soul – More emotional and philosophical than physical
🧩 Symbolism & Metaphor – Rich with layered meaning, inviting deeper thought
From the very beginning, Sanral builds a world that feels both grounded in emotional truth and slightly otherworldly. The story gently unfolds with an almost meditative pace, allowing you to truly sit with the characters, their choices, and the weight of the journey they’re on. There’s a softness to the tone that’s incredibly refreshing—a sense that the story doesn’t need to shout to be heard.
The characters are where this book truly shines. Each one feels thoughtfully crafted, with believable motivations, emotional depth, and internal struggles that resonate. Whether it’s the protagonists grappling with identity, loss, or longing, or the more peripheral characters who quietly shape the journey, there’s a very human heart at the core of this novel. Their connections—whether forged through conflict, kindness, or quiet understanding—are what give the story its emotional warmth.
The thematic elements of The Two Suns are handled with subtlety and grace. Sanral explores ideas like duality, personal truth, and the delicate balance between darkness and light—not just in the world around us, but within ourselves. The symbolism of the "two suns" is woven through the narrative with care, creating a layered reading experience that invites reflection. It’s not just a story about what happens; it’s a story about what it means.
That said, this book won’t be for everyone in terms of pacing. It moves slowly, intentionally, and it asks the reader to be patient—willing to sink into the rhythm of quiet moments and emotional beats rather than constant action. For me, this was a strength, but it might not suit those looking for a fast-paced, plot-heavy fantasy or drama.
The writing itself is lovely—almost lyrical at times—with a style that borders on poetic without becoming flowery. Sanral clearly has a strong command of language, and there's a subtle rhythm to the prose that gives the book a unique voice. It felt stylistically distinct without sacrificing clarity or emotional impact.
And then there’s the ending—which was beautifully done. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that it was the kind of conclusion that feels both open-ended and satisfying, offering a sense of closure while still leaving you thinking, wondering, and feeling. It’s a story that doesn’t just end on the page—it lingers.
All in all, The Two Suns is a touching, soulful novel that offers a quiet kind of magic. It’s a book for readers who appreciate introspective stories, emotionally rich characters, and writing that prioritizes meaning over momentum. While a slightly slower pace and more subtle narrative arc may keep it from being a full 5-star read for some, it still delivers a truly rewarding and heartwarming experience.
If you’re in the mood for something that speaks softly but leaves a deep impression, The Two Suns is a lovely choice. I’m very glad I read it—and I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for what K.S. Sanral writes next.
🌗 Duality / Light vs. Dark – Exploring balance between two forces, identities, or destinies
💫 Slow Burn – A gently unfolding emotional journey, both in character arcs and relationships
💔 Emotional Healing – Characters carrying past wounds learning to trust and grow again
✨ Found Family – Bonds formed between unlikely allies or strangers who become close
🔮 Prophecy or Destiny – A greater purpose or foretold event guiding the story’s direction
🧭 Coming of Age / Self-Discovery – A personal journey of finding one's place or identity
🌌 Quiet Magic / Soft Fantasy – Subtle, atmospheric fantasy rather than flashy powers
🛤️ Journey of the Soul – More emotional and philosophical than physical
🧩 Symbolism & Metaphor – Rich with layered meaning, inviting deeper thought
October 3, 2025
K.S. Sanral delivers a well-rounded story with a compelling arc that kept me engaged from start to finish. The female main character (FMC) is unsettling right from the beginning—but not in a bad way. There’s an eerie undercurrent to her presence that grows more magnetic as the story unfolds. Her evolution into the villain isn’t exactly surprising, but the buildup is done in a way that’s genuinely enticing and layered, making her descent both believable and chilling.
The male main characters (MMCs) offer a nice contrast—naive, endearing, and full of hope. I found myself rooting for them, wishing they could pull the FMC back from the edge. While it’s clear they had an impact on her journey, I was left wanting a deeper exploration of their role in her possible redemption. A more developed redemption arc could have added more emotional weight to the ending.
Overall, The Two Suns is a unique and well-constructed story. It didn’t completely land for me emotionally, but I appreciated the bold character choices and the slow unraveling of moral boundaries.
The male main characters (MMCs) offer a nice contrast—naive, endearing, and full of hope. I found myself rooting for them, wishing they could pull the FMC back from the edge. While it’s clear they had an impact on her journey, I was left wanting a deeper exploration of their role in her possible redemption. A more developed redemption arc could have added more emotional weight to the ending.
Overall, The Two Suns is a unique and well-constructed story. It didn’t completely land for me emotionally, but I appreciated the bold character choices and the slow unraveling of moral boundaries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
The Two Suns was such a refreshing and exciting read! What really stood out to me was the main character. She’s unapologetically a villain, and this isn’t a redemption story. That twist alone made the book feel unique and unpredictable.
The story moves at a fast pace, keeping me hooked from the beginning. I loved the setting of the two magical academies, two worlds, one “good” and one “evil” which gave the book a classic wizarding-school feel but with its own dark, original spin. The magic system felt very wizardy and familiar, but the execution and tone gave it a fresh edge.
The protagonist is unlike any I’ve read before: bold, complex, and completely different from the typical hero or antihero you might expect. That made the book stand out in a genre that can sometimes feel repetitive.
Overall, If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with a unique perspective, morally grey characters, and a touch of dark academia vibes, The Two Suns is well worth picking up!
I received my copy via NetGalley 📚
The story moves at a fast pace, keeping me hooked from the beginning. I loved the setting of the two magical academies, two worlds, one “good” and one “evil” which gave the book a classic wizarding-school feel but with its own dark, original spin. The magic system felt very wizardy and familiar, but the execution and tone gave it a fresh edge.
The protagonist is unlike any I’ve read before: bold, complex, and completely different from the typical hero or antihero you might expect. That made the book stand out in a genre that can sometimes feel repetitive.
Overall, If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with a unique perspective, morally grey characters, and a touch of dark academia vibes, The Two Suns is well worth picking up!
I received my copy via NetGalley 📚
September 13, 2025
I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. I really enjoyed reading about the world and the magical school the main character attends. The plot was very fast paced and sometimes the plot moved so quickly it was hard to follow. But by the end of the story I cared for the main character despite her villainy. Good read for readers who enjoy dark academia, romantasy and wizardry novels.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the early copy!
VERY strange pacing; we’d time jump years ahead in one paragraph. Hard to follow and the FMC is a narcissist through and through. Villain narcissist is the ONLY accurate way to describe her.
I lost it in the last quarter of it based on her choices… eek.
Odd magic school system in 2 different universes, lots of typos.
VERY strange pacing; we’d time jump years ahead in one paragraph. Hard to follow and the FMC is a narcissist through and through. Villain narcissist is the ONLY accurate way to describe her.
I lost it in the last quarter of it based on her choices… eek.
Odd magic school system in 2 different universes, lots of typos.
August 31, 2025
A heroine or a villain?
A well-structured book with an interesting plot.
The main character seems extremely naive, yet she is also brave and powerful.
A captivating book for those who enjoy trials.
An interesting plot and easy read...
A well-structured book with an interesting plot.
The main character seems extremely naive, yet she is also brave and powerful.
A captivating book for those who enjoy trials.
An interesting plot and easy read...
September 19, 2025
Hero, Anti-Hero or Villain?
This is the story of a girl who faces deadly trials while coming into her own. The pacing of the book is slow and the intricate details describing the girl's daily life are an enrichment to the plot. Unfortunately, this book still wasn't for me. During long stetches, Nashel appears naive and emotionless in a way that makes it hard to connect to her. This is emphasised by the fact that she doesn't even have a name the first few chapters which creates a distance to the character that never fully goes away later on. The dark academia setting was really promising and was what originally hooked me, but the book didn't quite deliver in this regard in the way I was hoping it would. Nonetheless, for fans of slower-paced fantasy with difficult moral questions and magical trials this book is worth a try for sure!
Thank you to Netgalley and Wild Moon Future Press for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are fully my own.
This is the story of a girl who faces deadly trials while coming into her own. The pacing of the book is slow and the intricate details describing the girl's daily life are an enrichment to the plot. Unfortunately, this book still wasn't for me. During long stetches, Nashel appears naive and emotionless in a way that makes it hard to connect to her. This is emphasised by the fact that she doesn't even have a name the first few chapters which creates a distance to the character that never fully goes away later on. The dark academia setting was really promising and was what originally hooked me, but the book didn't quite deliver in this regard in the way I was hoping it would. Nonetheless, for fans of slower-paced fantasy with difficult moral questions and magical trials this book is worth a try for sure!
Thank you to Netgalley and Wild Moon Future Press for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are fully my own.
September 14, 2025
If you love shadow and bones (Netflix serie), then you'll like this... A divided world, post war worlds rebuild in different directions...a void apart..
A dark academy where the FMC grows into herself, a dark mission, morally dark grey decisions.
It reads easy and never bores...
A dark academy where the FMC grows into herself, a dark mission, morally dark grey decisions.
It reads easy and never bores...
September 26, 2025
☀️ Two suns, one destiny—where light and shadow collide. 🌑
Just devoured The Two Suns by K.S. Sanral 🌑☀️—a gripping mix of suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists. Couldn’t put it down!
Just devoured The Two Suns by K.S. Sanral 🌑☀️—a gripping mix of suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists. Couldn’t put it down!
December 27, 2025
succeeded differently
I enjoyed reading this book. At least because it is some kind of special. Nashel was a girl without a name as she burned down her family's house, including her parents. With special permission, she was allowed to be taught at the academy. Because of her discipline and power, she became more powerful, and therefore she was sent on a secret mission.
Nashel is a special character because she has to learn empathy and social interaction by reacting to her classmates. Even at the last pages of the book, social interaction is strange to her, and her objectivity stands over it.
The two regions with sunset and sunrise are completely different, and therefore also the story turns in another way, even if it was less exciting. Back on the other side, the tension rose, and the end was unexpected to me.
I enjoyed reading this book. At least because it is some kind of special. Nashel was a girl without a name as she burned down her family's house, including her parents. With special permission, she was allowed to be taught at the academy. Because of her discipline and power, she became more powerful, and therefore she was sent on a secret mission.
Nashel is a special character because she has to learn empathy and social interaction by reacting to her classmates. Even at the last pages of the book, social interaction is strange to her, and her objectivity stands over it.
The two regions with sunset and sunrise are completely different, and therefore also the story turns in another way, even if it was less exciting. Back on the other side, the tension rose, and the end was unexpected to me.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews