"A spellbinding sapphic fantasy...The lush worldbuilding and delightful blend of love, betrayal, and curses set the stage for a powerful and promising new series. This is a gem." ―Publishers Weekly (starred)

 
 

In a lush world inspired by the history and folklore of South America, a sweeping epic fantasy of colonialism, ancient magic, and two young women's quest for belonging unfolds. 

Reina is desperate.
Stuck living on the edges of society, her only salvation lies in an invitation from a grandmother she’s never known. But the journey is dangerous, and prayer can’t always avert disaster.
Attacked by creatures that stalk the region, Reina is on the verge of death until her grandmother, a dark sorceress, intervenes. Now dependent on the Doña’s magic for her life, Reina will do anything to earn—and keep—her favor. Even the bidding of an ancient god who whispers to her at night. 

Eva Kesare is unwanted.
Illegitimate and of mixed heritage, Eva is her family’s shame. She tries her best to be perfect and to hide her oddities. But Eva is hiding a secret: magic calls to her. 
Eva knows she should fight the temptation. Magic is the sign of the dark god, and using it is punishable by death. Yet, it’s hard to deny power when it has always been denied to you. Eva is walking a dangerous path, one that gets stranger every day. And, in the end, she’ll become something she never imagined.

Content Warnings

  • Alcohol

  • Assault

  • Blood

  • Child death

  • Childbirth

  • Death

  • Demons

  • Emotional abuse

  • Gore

  • Human sacrifice

  • Mentions of incest

  • Mentions of infertility

  • Kidnapping

  • Pregnancy

  • Racism

  • Mentions of rape

  • Religion

  • Sexually explicit scenes

  • Strong language

  • Mentions of slavery

  • Violence


Other Editions


Character Profiles

Reina Alejandra Duvianos Torondoy

Age: 19, born in the year 347 of the King’s Discovery

Species: Half nozariel, half human

Hometown & Region: Segolita, the Llanos

Family: The Duvianos

Sign: Cancer

Party Role: Melee

Geomancia Preference: Bismuto

Geomancia Color: Blue

Eva Kesaré de Galeno

Age: 18, born in the year 348 of the King’s Discovery

Species: One quarter valco, three quarters human

Hometown & Region: Galeno, the Llanos

Family: The Serranos

Sign: Aries

Party Role: Caster

Geomancia Preference: Iridio, Litio

Geomancia Color: Gold

Celeste Valentina Águila Herrón

Age: 20, born in the year 346 of the King’s Discovery

Species: One quarter valco, three quarters human

Hometown & Region: Sadul Fuerte, the Páramo

Family: The Águilas

Sign: Virgo

Party Role: Melee

Geomancia Preference: Iridio

Geomancia Color: Red

Javier Armando Águila

Age: 22, born in the year 344 of the King’s Discovery

Species: Half valco, half human

Hometown & Region: Sadul Fuerte, the Páramo

Family: The Águilas

Sign: Aquarius

Party Role: Melee, Healer

Geomancia Preference: Galio

Geomancia Color: Gold

Maior de Apartaderos

Age: 21, born in the year 345 of the King’s Discovery

Species: Human

Hometown & Region: Apartaderos, the Páramo

Family: None

Sign: Pisces

Party Role: Healer

Geomancia Preference: Galio

Geomancia Color: Purple


World Map


Merchandise


Advance Praise for THE SUN AND THE VOID

"A spellbinding sapphic fantasy...The lush worldbuilding and delightful blend of love, betrayal, and curses set the stage for a powerful and promising new series. This is a gem." ―Publishers Weekly (starred)

“Venezuelan American author Gabriela Romero Lacruz conjures an enthralling new world of gods and monsters in her first novel, The Sun and the Void, a sweeping epic fantasy inspired by South America... This spellbinding fantasy focuses on political intrigue and family rivalries as well as both friendly and romantic relationships between the women characters. Lacruz develops Reina's world with intricate alliances and histories, fearsome monsters, and opposing religions. This ambitious, thrilling series opener pulses with vitality and imagination.” ―Shelf Awareness (starred)

“Romero Lacruz excels in her enchanting world building, with lush descriptions of beautiful landscapes and vivid depictions of folklore and traditions with a hint of realism (aguinaldos and arepas are real, after all). Fans of N.K. Jemisin, Tomi Adeyemi, and Nisi Shawl will appreciate this fresh voice in fiction, especially when it comes to its commentary on colonialism, strong female characters, and the intricacies of magic used for good and evil.” ―Booklist

"A sweeping fantasy that is evocative and captivating! I loved the beautiful world and intricate characters, woven into an enthralling tale of ancient gods, dangerous magic, family and love." ―Sue Lynn Tan, USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author

“Capricious gods, dangerous magic, and ancient vows straining under the weight of her characters’ desperate humanity, Gabriela Romero Lacruz has gifted us a classic epic fantasy with an original, inventive setting. A rich, enchanting read and an impressive debut.” ―Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“I really loved it. The worldbuilding was extremely cool…The characters were so complicated and I wanted to like them AND shake them by the shoulders, which is impressive!”E. K. Johnston, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"In The Sun and the Void, a world of misunderstood power, summonable gods, and fearsome danger sets the stage for a gorgeous and gutting exploration of family, ambition, and belonging. Through evocative prose and desperate characters, Gabriela Romero Lacruz weaves a delightfully tangled web of magic and curses, gods and monsters, love and betrayal. This read is perfect for readers who like their fantasy served with a healthy dose of anguish. Prepare to be thinking about this one long after you turn the last page." ―M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves

"The lush and varied landscape as well as the clear effects of colonialism and revolution are all inspired by Venezuela, creating a rich, complex world... An ambitious new fantasy with a unique setting and broad cast of characters." ―Kirkus

The Sun and the Void is a powerful and enthralling tale of struggle and hope, gods and mortals in a lavish fantasy world. Gabriela Romero Lacruz’s debut boasts unparalleled world-building, fully-realized lore, and characters who will leap off the page and right into your heart. I absolutely loved it. A fantastic debut.” ―H. M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke

“A gorgeous epic of family and power, gods and magic, longing and betrayal, The Sun and the Void pulls you in with a fascinating world and keeps you turning pages with richly drawn characters, unfolding mysteries, and plenty of action. A compelling, heart-twisting read!” ―Melissa Caruso, author of The Obsidian Tower

"Set in a beautiful and engaging world with fascinating characters and even more fascinating magic, The Sun and the Void is an excellent addition to any fantasy reader's collection." ―Tara Sim, author of The City of Dusk

"The Sun and the Void is a highly imaginative fantasy that will captivate you from the first page. Set in a lush, sweeping world full of dangerous magic, this is a stunning story with characters who are fully realized in their humanity, their love, and their pain. It is a tale of hope and despair, gods and mortals, and the decisions we make against impossible odds. This debut is the kind of enchanting, epic fantasy that readers are craving and will remember long after they finish reading." ―Francesca Flores, author of The Witch and the Vampire