Howdy Bookworms,

I hope you’re ready for some more fantasy book recs, because today I’m reviewing Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse. 

This wasn’t originally on my radar, but after looking at the cover, blurb, and the first couple pages I just had to see if it would be fun. Let’s see how it went!

Blurb

Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he’s Mr. Charles, her dad’s new boss at the oil and gas company, and he’s alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he’s a threat, but her father won’t believe her.

When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says “Run!”, the siblings and Nizhoni’s best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .

GoodReads

Amazon

***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the Amazon links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

Gosh, this was such a satisfying and fulfilling adventure!

Okay, so for this story we follow young Nizhoni. As she competes in a basketball game she senses a strange man that she believes is a monster. When her fears are confirmed and her dad is taken, she, her brother Mac, and her friend Davery embark on a journey to free him and save the world from an onslaught of monsters.

I think what made this story shine brightest is the culture behind it. There are oodles of great Native American culture and folklore in this novel that are brought to life with taste and style. Also, there were plenty of synonyms describing the Native American words that the average person can put two and two together (there’s a glossary too).

Nizhoni was a fun main character. She has something of a temper but a good heart and strong will that she’ll need to fight the battles ahead of her. She grew along her journey and I was rooting for her every second. Mac was hilarious and reminded me of my little brother, and Davery felt three-dimensional as well. Wonderful cast of characters throughout this book.

The pace was quick and the writing smooth, which made it hard to put this book down. I loved the magic system centered around Native American culture, and I am grateful to have learned some things along the way. The verdict? This book is amazing and memorable, definitely one of my favorite reads of 2024.

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. I hope you enjoyed it!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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