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Wild Sun #1
Wild Sun
On a world enslaved, the last embers of hope are fading into an unrelenting darkness. Conquered and broken, the natives are forced to ravage their own lush planet of its natural resources—all for the glory of a mysterious empire they’ve never seen and barely comprehend.
But not all light is lost. In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself. And her chance to strike is fast approaching.
Above the skies of her home world, soldiers of the empire are welcoming their new civilian commander—a vicious nobleman blinded by hidden ambitions. When the new face of darkness turns its eyes on Cerrin, the fate of countless worlds will change forever.
But not all light is lost. In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself. And her chance to strike is fast approaching.
Above the skies of her home world, soldiers of the empire are welcoming their new civilian commander—a vicious nobleman blinded by hidden ambitions. When the new face of darkness turns its eyes on Cerrin, the fate of countless worlds will change forever.
- GenresScience FictionFantasy
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2019
197 people are currently reading
2410 people want to read
About the author
Ehsan Ahmad
2 books32 followersEhsan and Shakil Ahmad simply love the art of storytelling—as audience or creators. It’s a passion they’ve shared since their childhood, growing up in New York City as the first-generation American children of immigrants from Pakistan.
At first, this passion drove the brothers in different directions in life. For Ehsan, it meant traveling across four continents to meet the people of countless cultures and hear their stories firsthand. For Shakil, it meant seeking a deeper understanding of human nature through degrees in psychology and social research.
In their late twenties, the brothers reunited in Pennsylvania to start a wedding film company that specialized in going beyond capturing a single event and instead telling the story behind it. Ehsan also spent those years writing lyrics and playing bass for an alt rock band, recording three studio albums. In their thirties, they sold the film company and returned to the city of their birth where they now work for separate tech startups. But the brothers have never stopped collaborating on screenplays and novels.
In January 2019, Ehsan and Shakil signed with Uproar Books—the first authors to be offered a contract by the new publisher. Their debut novel WILD SUN will launch in spring 2019, to be followed by two more books in the Wild Sun series.
Ehsan and his wife welcomed their first child into the world in 2018.
At first, this passion drove the brothers in different directions in life. For Ehsan, it meant traveling across four continents to meet the people of countless cultures and hear their stories firsthand. For Shakil, it meant seeking a deeper understanding of human nature through degrees in psychology and social research.
In their late twenties, the brothers reunited in Pennsylvania to start a wedding film company that specialized in going beyond capturing a single event and instead telling the story behind it. Ehsan also spent those years writing lyrics and playing bass for an alt rock band, recording three studio albums. In their thirties, they sold the film company and returned to the city of their birth where they now work for separate tech startups. But the brothers have never stopped collaborating on screenplays and novels.
In January 2019, Ehsan and Shakil signed with Uproar Books—the first authors to be offered a contract by the new publisher. Their debut novel WILD SUN will launch in spring 2019, to be followed by two more books in the Wild Sun series.
Ehsan and his wife welcomed their first child into the world in 2018.
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Want to read
February 23, 2019Brand new fantasy/science fiction only publisher. This is their first book to be published. Of course I wanna be on board!
eARC received. Reading and review to come.
eARC received. Reading and review to come.
September 20, 2025
A Heroine Who Feels Real
Cerrin’s strength isn’t flawless or easy. In Wild Sun, she falters, doubts, and grieves. Yet through it all, she learns to wield her own fire. This isn’t a power fantasy—it’s the anatomy of courage. Ahmad writes her journey with empathy, turning a sci-fi epic into a profoundly human story.
Cerrin’s strength isn’t flawless or easy. In Wild Sun, she falters, doubts, and grieves. Yet through it all, she learns to wield her own fire. This isn’t a power fantasy—it’s the anatomy of courage. Ahmad writes her journey with empathy, turning a sci-fi epic into a profoundly human story.
October 4, 2025
Heart, Fire, and Fury
Cerrin’s spirit burns off the page. She’s not written as an untouchable savior but as someone who channels grief and rage into action. Ahmad lets her make mistakes and find her own path. Wild Sun becomes a story about ownership of power—what it costs and why it matters. It’s fierce, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Cerrin’s spirit burns off the page. She’s not written as an untouchable savior but as someone who channels grief and rage into action. Ahmad lets her make mistakes and find her own path. Wild Sun becomes a story about ownership of power—what it costs and why it matters. It’s fierce, inspiring, and unforgettable.
October 3, 2025
A World That Echoes Ours
Corvos may be alien, but its struggles feel painfully familiar—resource theft, cultural erasure, and authoritarian control. Ahmad uses science fiction to expose truths about colonialism and resistance. Wild Sun works both as a thrilling adventure and as a meditation on what it means to fight for your people when the odds are impossible.
Corvos may be alien, but its struggles feel painfully familiar—resource theft, cultural erasure, and authoritarian control. Ahmad uses science fiction to expose truths about colonialism and resistance. Wild Sun works both as a thrilling adventure and as a meditation on what it means to fight for your people when the odds are impossible.
April 18, 2019
Wild Sun is a tragic yet hopeful story. People are enslaved to mine a valuable mineral. It's a horrible way to live, but escape is impossible. But, the human spirit rises up in a few who decide they will be free or die. This is a story about fighting against authority because it's the right thing to do. Is triumph in store or disaster? It's a jumble of emotions from enthralled to angry to despair and hope. The story will pull you in and keep you reading until the end. It's a good read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2025
A Story About More Than Survival
While Wild Sun offers plenty of action, it’s ultimately about identity—how cultures endure, how individuals resist assimilation, and how belief can be a weapon. Cerrin represents more than rebellion; she represents continuity. Ahmad writes with empathy for the oppressed and curiosity for the oppressor, creating a story richer than a simple hero’s journey.
While Wild Sun offers plenty of action, it’s ultimately about identity—how cultures endure, how individuals resist assimilation, and how belief can be a weapon. Cerrin represents more than rebellion; she represents continuity. Ahmad writes with empathy for the oppressed and curiosity for the oppressor, creating a story richer than a simple hero’s journey.
September 20, 2025
Richly Layered World-Building
Corvos feels heartbreakingly real. Ahmad blends ecological detail, political tension, and mythological undercurrents to create a world both alien and familiar. Wild Sun invites readers to explore not just a planet but a culture under siege. This depth makes Cerrin’s fight for freedom resonate far beyond the surface of its thrilling plot.
Corvos feels heartbreakingly real. Ahmad blends ecological detail, political tension, and mythological undercurrents to create a world both alien and familiar. Wild Sun invites readers to explore not just a planet but a culture under siege. This depth makes Cerrin’s fight for freedom resonate far beyond the surface of its thrilling plot.
October 5, 2025
An Unseen Enemy, A Visible Spirit
The unseen empire above Corvos casts a huge shadow, but Ahmad keeps the focus on those resisting below. Wild Sun thrives in the tension between the incomprehensible and the immediate. Cerrin’s life feels small compared to the empire’s reach—but her choices ripple outward, hinting at the birth of something bigger than any one person.
The unseen empire above Corvos casts a huge shadow, but Ahmad keeps the focus on those resisting below. Wild Sun thrives in the tension between the incomprehensible and the immediate. Cerrin’s life feels small compared to the empire’s reach—but her choices ripple outward, hinting at the birth of something bigger than any one person.
April 11, 2019
An interesting, fast paced read that I promise you will immerse you in a world where hope lies in the fighting spirit of a select few...if not a young girl who knows the value of her life and refuses to be tamed.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
April 30, 2019
Wild Sun is a beautifully written science fiction novel. A tragedy of sorts, it tells the story of three characters coping with the horrors of enslavement. The character arcs are deeply compelling - testing the capacity of hope and courage despite all offenses to humanity. The authors did an excellent job of capturing the emotional complexity of grief, loss, longing. I was easily pulled into the lives of Cerrin, Sonus and Vellerick.
While reading, I wished for greater description of the setting. When it was pronounced, the atmospheric backdrops heightened my sense of fantasy.
With what seems to be the making of a trilogy, I consider Wild Sun a sweet taste of what’s to come.
While reading, I wished for greater description of the setting. When it was pronounced, the atmospheric backdrops heightened my sense of fantasy.
With what seems to be the making of a trilogy, I consider Wild Sun a sweet taste of what’s to come.
March 11, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
I didn’t want to put this book down. From the premise that had me clicking the link to get a free copy to the short description, I was already anticipating a good tale. I wasn’t disappointed.
This story follows three different people as they each struggle to deal with enslavement – two from the slave side and one from the conqueror side.
Cerrin is a fighter at heart and sees the acceptance of slavery by her people as weakness. Even though the invaders have advanced technology while her people are bow and arrow types, Cerrin is determined to win her freedom.
Sonus is from a different tribe than Cerrin. His people were more advanced, just getting to steam engines when the invaders came. So he’s smart and technically inclined. Besides mining ore, he gets to do tech grunt work the invading engineers don’t want to do. Although others try to engage him in rebellious plots, he sees the futility of fighting against superior technology.
Vellerick only has a short time before he can retire. He wanted to spend the rest of his time someplace quiet, but he has to deal with past demons and boredom. That is, until the cruel commander arrives to stir things up.
All three characters have interesting story arcs and felt fairly well fleshed out. I appreciated that not all the conquerors were evil, some dealt more kindly towards the natives than others. The main villain was unfortunately one dimensional, but I really liked his guard. I did think there were a few too many side characters to keep track of at times, especially if you are like me and are pushing into 1am to finish. Oh my bleary eyes! But each felt unique enough and contributed to the overall feeling of a vibrant, real world.
The world building was well done. I got the sense of what the invaders’ universe was like as well as the slaves’ lives in the mines. The native culture as it still existed after years of slavery was believable. There was also a hint that maybe the natives have a connection with nature. Hopefully the next book will go into that more.
I thought the pacing was fairly good. It’s kind of a slow burn as each person has to deal with situations and overcome obstacles before everything culminates in a spectacular ending where all three threads converge. This story is what Avatar should have been, where the natives set out to do their own saving.
The ending wrapped things up but left me crying for more. I want to know what happens next! Always a good sign that the book was a good one. I really enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it.
I didn’t want to put this book down. From the premise that had me clicking the link to get a free copy to the short description, I was already anticipating a good tale. I wasn’t disappointed.
This story follows three different people as they each struggle to deal with enslavement – two from the slave side and one from the conqueror side.
Cerrin is a fighter at heart and sees the acceptance of slavery by her people as weakness. Even though the invaders have advanced technology while her people are bow and arrow types, Cerrin is determined to win her freedom.
Sonus is from a different tribe than Cerrin. His people were more advanced, just getting to steam engines when the invaders came. So he’s smart and technically inclined. Besides mining ore, he gets to do tech grunt work the invading engineers don’t want to do. Although others try to engage him in rebellious plots, he sees the futility of fighting against superior technology.
Vellerick only has a short time before he can retire. He wanted to spend the rest of his time someplace quiet, but he has to deal with past demons and boredom. That is, until the cruel commander arrives to stir things up.
All three characters have interesting story arcs and felt fairly well fleshed out. I appreciated that not all the conquerors were evil, some dealt more kindly towards the natives than others. The main villain was unfortunately one dimensional, but I really liked his guard. I did think there were a few too many side characters to keep track of at times, especially if you are like me and are pushing into 1am to finish. Oh my bleary eyes! But each felt unique enough and contributed to the overall feeling of a vibrant, real world.
The world building was well done. I got the sense of what the invaders’ universe was like as well as the slaves’ lives in the mines. The native culture as it still existed after years of slavery was believable. There was also a hint that maybe the natives have a connection with nature. Hopefully the next book will go into that more.
I thought the pacing was fairly good. It’s kind of a slow burn as each person has to deal with situations and overcome obstacles before everything culminates in a spectacular ending where all three threads converge. This story is what Avatar should have been, where the natives set out to do their own saving.
The ending wrapped things up but left me crying for more. I want to know what happens next! Always a good sign that the book was a good one. I really enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it.
March 27, 2019
A gritty well written tale of a planet that has an invaluable mineral to a race that has enslaved the native people to work the mines. Cerrin, the heroine, lives only to escape. Sonus was an engineer before he was captured. Heart wrenching events lead one to fight the good fight, and one to chance everything for freedom. This was beyond a good read. While the premise was "space" oriented, this is a character driven story. Drawn into the story, I worked the mines with Cerrin. I felt Sonus' wrath and agony, and finally determination as I toiled with him at the masters command to fix their machines. His joy at the destruction he wrought. And finally,goosebumps when the end is near, the confrontation, the escape, the warrior woman. Excellent. The only caveat I had was the title. A mere couple mentions of the planets sun, and it really had no bearing on the book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC form Netgalley.
June 1, 2020
WIld sun follows three very different characters as they navigate the aftermath of the colonisation of the planet Corvos. Each character offers a different perspective- two are natives of Corvos and the other is one of the conquerors- the Vitaari. I really enjoyed the contrasting narratives, even the two natives come from very different backgrounds and offer varied insights. In particular it was very interesting to get inside the head of one of the colonisers. This adds a lot of depth to the plot and isn’t something I’ve seen done in similar stories; it definitely adds nuance to an occurrence which is often simplified in writing.
I loved the slow burn of each of the main character’s arcs, this really gives a lot of depth to their development and the world around them. Cerrin in particular is a likeable, but strong, protagonist. The authors go to great lengths to add the detail that make a story truly immersive: relatable characters, a plethora of fleshed out side characters, and a well-built universe. Often books in this genre can go too heavy on the sci-fi early on but I found Wild Sun had just the right balance between fantasy and believability.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the rest in the series!
I loved the slow burn of each of the main character’s arcs, this really gives a lot of depth to their development and the world around them. Cerrin in particular is a likeable, but strong, protagonist. The authors go to great lengths to add the detail that make a story truly immersive: relatable characters, a plethora of fleshed out side characters, and a well-built universe. Often books in this genre can go too heavy on the sci-fi early on but I found Wild Sun had just the right balance between fantasy and believability.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the rest in the series!
October 26, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This really was hard work to finish being far too slow and repetitive.
In fact the story did not really come to life until the final quarter.
Maybe if it had been half the length it would have been worth my time.
This really was hard work to finish being far too slow and repetitive.
In fact the story did not really come to life until the final quarter.
Maybe if it had been half the length it would have been worth my time.
March 6, 2019
A captivating story. Well written and delivered. It held my interest from the first paragraph to the final word.
May 1, 2019
Wild Sun is an epic tale around slavery/domination and the fight for freedom.
The tale focuses around a few chracters, one being Cerrin. She's forced into servitude but yerns for freedom and will risk it all to get it.
Sonus is another of the unfortunates forced to serve the Vitaari, he's smart..super smart. When his life is turned upside down it's time to step-up and get revenge.
While these two have never met their paths are going to collide.
The Vitaari are a race who want only to dominate..they use technology to supress those they feel are less than them but they are vain..and a little complacent at times..that will be there downfall.
Cerrin's and Sonus's path cross with the thanks to some allies.. the time to rebel is fast approaching.
I really enjoyed Vellerik, one of the Vitaari.. while he's one of the bad guys he's the best of the bunch..honourable.. when push comes to shove what we he do?
The plot was very good, clear, focused and with enough detail to paint a vivid image of what it must be like for those captives. The writting style meant the book flowed well..There's a lot to take in at first but after the intial couple of chapters I was easily hooked...it kept getting better and better with every chapter.
I don't often request books from NetGalley but im glad I requested this one in exchange for an honest review. Well worth reading!
The tale focuses around a few chracters, one being Cerrin. She's forced into servitude but yerns for freedom and will risk it all to get it.
Sonus is another of the unfortunates forced to serve the Vitaari, he's smart..super smart. When his life is turned upside down it's time to step-up and get revenge.
While these two have never met their paths are going to collide.
The Vitaari are a race who want only to dominate..they use technology to supress those they feel are less than them but they are vain..and a little complacent at times..that will be there downfall.
Cerrin's and Sonus's path cross with the thanks to some allies.. the time to rebel is fast approaching.
I really enjoyed Vellerik, one of the Vitaari.. while he's one of the bad guys he's the best of the bunch..honourable.. when push comes to shove what we he do?
The plot was very good, clear, focused and with enough detail to paint a vivid image of what it must be like for those captives. The writting style meant the book flowed well..There's a lot to take in at first but after the intial couple of chapters I was easily hooked...it kept getting better and better with every chapter.
I don't often request books from NetGalley but im glad I requested this one in exchange for an honest review. Well worth reading!
December 17, 2020
A wonderful adventure read!
The story is creative and highly imaginative. The authors did some great world building. Old world meets advanced technology. The pacing is slow at first, then it builds up to some action and suspense! I found most of the characters in this story interesting. They are all dealing with the invasion the best they can…until they decide enough is enough. Throughout different points in the book, I felt anger towards the invaders. The treatment and actions had me seething. The injustice of it all. Some tears were shed more than a couple of times. I love the range of emotions this story was able to invoke in me as the reader.
Wild Sun is a fantastic debut for Ehsan and Shakil Ahmad! This originative and inspired book will take you on an adventure you won’t soon forget! I look forward to what comes next! I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
The story is creative and highly imaginative. The authors did some great world building. Old world meets advanced technology. The pacing is slow at first, then it builds up to some action and suspense! I found most of the characters in this story interesting. They are all dealing with the invasion the best they can…until they decide enough is enough. Throughout different points in the book, I felt anger towards the invaders. The treatment and actions had me seething. The injustice of it all. Some tears were shed more than a couple of times. I love the range of emotions this story was able to invoke in me as the reader.
Wild Sun is a fantastic debut for Ehsan and Shakil Ahmad! This originative and inspired book will take you on an adventure you won’t soon forget! I look forward to what comes next! I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
May 4, 2021
What a unique book. I luckily got this book sent to me by the publisher to check out, but I really enjoyed it. The story starts with a sad but realistic almost premise, many people are enslaved and having to work in a mine. It's not a great life, but they don't really have many choices. Throughout the story, you really feel for Cerrin, and then we get insight into Sonus and Vellerick as well. They are very well-rounded characters and we kinda get to see things through their eyes throughout the book. I enjoyed Cerrin probably the most because she's a fighter, and she won't give up and I appreciated that about her character.
I would've liked the setting to be a little bit more fleshed out. Overall, it's really good but there were some locations I didn't really get a full picture of but I enjoyed the way the authors built their worlds and how much time and effort they put into making them feel real to the reader.
Overall, book 1 is a great start, and I'm excited to read book 2 and see what is to come!
I would've liked the setting to be a little bit more fleshed out. Overall, it's really good but there were some locations I didn't really get a full picture of but I enjoyed the way the authors built their worlds and how much time and effort they put into making them feel real to the reader.
Overall, book 1 is a great start, and I'm excited to read book 2 and see what is to come!
October 9, 2025
Fantasy and Sci-Fi in Perfect Balance
Wild Sun blurs the line between fantasy and science fiction. Cerrin’s bond with her gods and the empire’s cold technology clash like two philosophies of power. Ahmad uses this contrast to craft a story that feels mythic yet grounded. Fans of genre-bending adventures will find something fresh and exhilarating here.
Wild Sun blurs the line between fantasy and science fiction. Cerrin’s bond with her gods and the empire’s cold technology clash like two philosophies of power. Ahmad uses this contrast to craft a story that feels mythic yet grounded. Fans of genre-bending adventures will find something fresh and exhilarating here.
March 31, 2019
Can't wait to see what's next
April 19, 2019
I guess you could say that Wild Sun can be compared to Red Rising to some extent. Mining tribes, rebellion and a "superior" force trying to exploit the tribes.
The premise sounded intriguing, but I had issues with the pacing (over half the book felt very slow), I missed descriptions and background of the different races/tribes, I couldn't form any connections with the main characters like Cerrin or Sonus and there were just too many names introduced that had me very confused.
A good book for me can instill vivid pictures of the world, but this story was missing that flow.
The writing is by no means bad, I guess I'm just comparing this to all the other great sci-fi and fantasy books that I've read.
All opinions in this review are my own and I received an eARC if this from Netgalley.
The premise sounded intriguing, but I had issues with the pacing (over half the book felt very slow), I missed descriptions and background of the different races/tribes, I couldn't form any connections with the main characters like Cerrin or Sonus and there were just too many names introduced that had me very confused.
A good book for me can instill vivid pictures of the world, but this story was missing that flow.
The writing is by no means bad, I guess I'm just comparing this to all the other great sci-fi and fantasy books that I've read.
All opinions in this review are my own and I received an eARC if this from Netgalley.
December 10, 2021
"Wild Sun" is a somewhat misleading title for a rather dark tale about what is essentially a story about a breakout from slave labor camps on a pre-industrial planet conquered by spacefaring imperialists. Its two authors conjured up three concurrent storylines that seldom intersect, except at the end and a few other places.
The first storyline involves Cerrin, a beautiful young woman from a primitive forest tribe called the Echobe. She is a "runner", who has tried to escape her mining camp for the river and freedom several times, only to be caught and punished each time. She only avoids even more severe punishment because her skills as a local naturalist are useful to the Vitaari conquerers, who are exploiting her planet for its natural resources.
The second storyline is about Sonus, a mine worker at another mine, who comes from a culture that was on the verge of industrialization when it was conquered. He was an engineer, and is used by the Vitaari to do the menial repair work on their machinery and equipment as a side job. At least this gets him to the surface where he can breathe pure air, instead of laboring in the mines where he has contracted black lung disease -- as have many of his comrades.
The third storyline is about the Vitaari troop commander who is running out his last year of service abroad before taking service retirement and rejoining his wife at home. Unfortunately, an ambitious, arrogant aristocrat (Count Talazeer) has arrived to take over rule of the colony, and is determined to drastically increase production of the strategic minerals mined there -- no matter the cost to the native workers. The commander, Troop Captain Vellerik, is basically a decent man, which puts him at a disadvantage when dealing with amoral sociopaths in power.
The shocking deaths of Sonus' s friends by suicide lead him to finally make the choice to become a rebel and use his knowledge or Vitaari technology to build a weapon and plan an escape, coordinating with those in Cerrin's camp via go-betweens. Cerrin and her friends, meanwhile, plan their own getaway after Cerrin is sexually assaulted by Count Talazeer, but saved by Captain Vellerik, digging a tunnel to escape.
The story was pretty depressing, as most such slave labor camp stories can be. The situation of the people on this planet is pretty hopeless, even for those who escape into the forest temporarily. And for those who are left, the likelihood of horrible reprisals remains. I was disappointed in the world building, as we learned relatively little about the planet pre-colonization, except that it had a multitude of tribes and cultures of varying degrees of sophistication, but all relatively primitive compared to the Vitaari. And we learn little of the conquerers either, except that they are rigid, hierarchical, and caste-bound, as well as duty-bound. But in some characters, there appear to be some more human-like emotional qualities that could have made them more likable if developed more.
I thought that the pacing was too slow at the beginning -- tedious even. Then, in the second half, it picks up dramatically, and the episodes involving Cerrin, Vellerik, and Sonus cut back and forth rapidly, for dramatic effect, I guess. To some extent, this works, but sometimes, it feels contrived. I think the language of the writing could use some improvement also; it's very simple and straightforward. This is not what you would call a literary gem. It's workmanlike writing, and that's all. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that I was saddened by what happened to one of the main characters at the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first storyline involves Cerrin, a beautiful young woman from a primitive forest tribe called the Echobe. She is a "runner", who has tried to escape her mining camp for the river and freedom several times, only to be caught and punished each time. She only avoids even more severe punishment because her skills as a local naturalist are useful to the Vitaari conquerers, who are exploiting her planet for its natural resources.
The second storyline is about Sonus, a mine worker at another mine, who comes from a culture that was on the verge of industrialization when it was conquered. He was an engineer, and is used by the Vitaari to do the menial repair work on their machinery and equipment as a side job. At least this gets him to the surface where he can breathe pure air, instead of laboring in the mines where he has contracted black lung disease -- as have many of his comrades.
The third storyline is about the Vitaari troop commander who is running out his last year of service abroad before taking service retirement and rejoining his wife at home. Unfortunately, an ambitious, arrogant aristocrat (Count Talazeer) has arrived to take over rule of the colony, and is determined to drastically increase production of the strategic minerals mined there -- no matter the cost to the native workers. The commander, Troop Captain Vellerik, is basically a decent man, which puts him at a disadvantage when dealing with amoral sociopaths in power.
The shocking deaths of Sonus' s friends by suicide lead him to finally make the choice to become a rebel and use his knowledge or Vitaari technology to build a weapon and plan an escape, coordinating with those in Cerrin's camp via go-betweens. Cerrin and her friends, meanwhile, plan their own getaway after Cerrin is sexually assaulted by Count Talazeer, but saved by Captain Vellerik, digging a tunnel to escape.
The story was pretty depressing, as most such slave labor camp stories can be. The situation of the people on this planet is pretty hopeless, even for those who escape into the forest temporarily. And for those who are left, the likelihood of horrible reprisals remains. I was disappointed in the world building, as we learned relatively little about the planet pre-colonization, except that it had a multitude of tribes and cultures of varying degrees of sophistication, but all relatively primitive compared to the Vitaari. And we learn little of the conquerers either, except that they are rigid, hierarchical, and caste-bound, as well as duty-bound. But in some characters, there appear to be some more human-like emotional qualities that could have made them more likable if developed more.
I thought that the pacing was too slow at the beginning -- tedious even. Then, in the second half, it picks up dramatically, and the episodes involving Cerrin, Vellerik, and Sonus cut back and forth rapidly, for dramatic effect, I guess. To some extent, this works, but sometimes, it feels contrived. I think the language of the writing could use some improvement also; it's very simple and straightforward. This is not what you would call a literary gem. It's workmanlike writing, and that's all. I won't give away the ending, but I will say that I was saddened by what happened to one of the main characters at the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2020
A dark yet compelling tale that had me holding out for the light of the Wild Sun...
I rate Wild Sun by Ehsan and Shakil Ahmad 5 out of 5 stars. The story follows 3 characters on opposite sides of an invasion that has left the inhabitants of the planet Corvos enslaved to an advanced race of silver-skinned aliens who call themselves the Vitaari. When the beautiful, brave Cerrin gets noticed by one of their high ranking nobles, her chances of finally escaping this time seem slim. But clever, careful Sonus has a dangerous plan, one that will force him to risk everything to help his people flee into the forests and plains they haven't set foot upon in decades. A Vitaari captain, Vellerik, has grown disillusioned as he nears the retirement and watches the cruelty inflicted upon Corvos.
From the moment I picked this book up, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters held me tight as they struggled against themselves to find freedom from not only their captors but their fears as well. Cerrin was strong in both body and mind and TALL! (which was actually plot-relevant for once). Despite her constant struggles – the isolating hate from her peers, the attention from cruel nobles, and hard labor, she always manages to stay strong and find a way through while holding on to her faith in her gods. Sonus is timid yet calculative and presses on even when he doesn't have to, making me admire him all the more.
Despite the tried and true plot of escaping enslavement from a superior alien race, there was no point at which I was left rolling my eyes and thinking 'oh here we go again.' And that's due to the exceptional character work. Through every moment, I was there with Cerrin and Sonus. The authors managed to propel a traditional plot through three very different settings, yet bring the ties all together in a meaningful and creatively impactful way by the story's end. All the characters had clear obstacles to overcome, a minor opponent to vanquish, as well as oodles of internal struggle to sort through. And did they ever. The organized story-telling and solid world building made this a satisfying read yet never came across as formulaic in design.
There was a wonderful mirroring of belief and science with nature and technology. Despite the books darker themes, I never felt bogged down in the emotional muck of it as so many science-fictions are apt to do. Instead, I turned every page with a renewed hope that things would get better for our characters despite the tragedy befalling them one moment after another. The story echoed strongly of Claudia Gray's Star Wars line. Descriptive, intelligent but fun and impactful. If you want a fast-paced tale full of hope in a world that's fallen beneath the darkness of the Wild Sun's shadow, then this is the story for you.
I rate Wild Sun by Ehsan and Shakil Ahmad 5 out of 5 stars. The story follows 3 characters on opposite sides of an invasion that has left the inhabitants of the planet Corvos enslaved to an advanced race of silver-skinned aliens who call themselves the Vitaari. When the beautiful, brave Cerrin gets noticed by one of their high ranking nobles, her chances of finally escaping this time seem slim. But clever, careful Sonus has a dangerous plan, one that will force him to risk everything to help his people flee into the forests and plains they haven't set foot upon in decades. A Vitaari captain, Vellerik, has grown disillusioned as he nears the retirement and watches the cruelty inflicted upon Corvos.
From the moment I picked this book up, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters held me tight as they struggled against themselves to find freedom from not only their captors but their fears as well. Cerrin was strong in both body and mind and TALL! (which was actually plot-relevant for once). Despite her constant struggles – the isolating hate from her peers, the attention from cruel nobles, and hard labor, she always manages to stay strong and find a way through while holding on to her faith in her gods. Sonus is timid yet calculative and presses on even when he doesn't have to, making me admire him all the more.
Despite the tried and true plot of escaping enslavement from a superior alien race, there was no point at which I was left rolling my eyes and thinking 'oh here we go again.' And that's due to the exceptional character work. Through every moment, I was there with Cerrin and Sonus. The authors managed to propel a traditional plot through three very different settings, yet bring the ties all together in a meaningful and creatively impactful way by the story's end. All the characters had clear obstacles to overcome, a minor opponent to vanquish, as well as oodles of internal struggle to sort through. And did they ever. The organized story-telling and solid world building made this a satisfying read yet never came across as formulaic in design.
There was a wonderful mirroring of belief and science with nature and technology. Despite the books darker themes, I never felt bogged down in the emotional muck of it as so many science-fictions are apt to do. Instead, I turned every page with a renewed hope that things would get better for our characters despite the tragedy befalling them one moment after another. The story echoed strongly of Claudia Gray's Star Wars line. Descriptive, intelligent but fun and impactful. If you want a fast-paced tale full of hope in a world that's fallen beneath the darkness of the Wild Sun's shadow, then this is the story for you.
May 10, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wild Sun is set in a planet called Corvos whose people have been invaded and enslaved by another people, the Vitaari. The Corvos people are made to work in mines for mineral resources. If you think of oil as an equivalent in our real world, this makes this story feel very important and current despite the obvious Sci-Fi twist.
While Cerrin and Sonus are the two characters we follow through the rebellion, we also follow Vellerik, who is a bad guy but it is exactly why I enjoyed him. I found refreshing to get a point of view on the opposite side.
Despite the intricate premise, this is definitely a character driven story, which is my favourite kind of story. The condescendence with which the people of Corvos are treated is so unbearable and yet very realistic. Don’t get me wrong, the plot is there (although a little predictable) but the characters are really fleshed out and you really believe in their plight. They are why I enjoyed the book.
The first half of the book is pretty slow but thankfully the chapters are short which picks up the pace a little. Also, the book is pretty short too, so it doesn’t really drag along anyway.
I appreciated that even though Cerrin’s people are resigned to slavery, the writers chose to give them a real history and culture. They’re not simple zombies walking around doing what they’re told (like the skaa in Mistborn for exemple), they’ve been conquered but they have lives still and a culture. Hopefully we will see more of that in the next book ?
I loved how everything converged in the end. Knowing seperate characters and then seeing their stories come together is the most satisfying thing to read. But we honestly need more. That ending was a good tease though, a smart way to end it and make us want more.
This was a solid book and I’m excited for the next one.
Wild Sun is set in a planet called Corvos whose people have been invaded and enslaved by another people, the Vitaari. The Corvos people are made to work in mines for mineral resources. If you think of oil as an equivalent in our real world, this makes this story feel very important and current despite the obvious Sci-Fi twist.
While Cerrin and Sonus are the two characters we follow through the rebellion, we also follow Vellerik, who is a bad guy but it is exactly why I enjoyed him. I found refreshing to get a point of view on the opposite side.
Despite the intricate premise, this is definitely a character driven story, which is my favourite kind of story. The condescendence with which the people of Corvos are treated is so unbearable and yet very realistic. Don’t get me wrong, the plot is there (although a little predictable) but the characters are really fleshed out and you really believe in their plight. They are why I enjoyed the book.
The first half of the book is pretty slow but thankfully the chapters are short which picks up the pace a little. Also, the book is pretty short too, so it doesn’t really drag along anyway.
I appreciated that even though Cerrin’s people are resigned to slavery, the writers chose to give them a real history and culture. They’re not simple zombies walking around doing what they’re told (like the skaa in Mistborn for exemple), they’ve been conquered but they have lives still and a culture. Hopefully we will see more of that in the next book ?
I loved how everything converged in the end. Knowing seperate characters and then seeing their stories come together is the most satisfying thing to read. But we honestly need more. That ending was a good tease though, a smart way to end it and make us want more.
This was a solid book and I’m excited for the next one.
February 19, 2021
This is the debut novel by the Ahmad brothers, but it reads like they have been writing forever! The book draws the reader into this new and uncertain world while giving them a mix of old school and technology of the future. The reader is on the edge of their seat trying to figure out what is going to happen next while zooming through the pages trying to predict where this book is going to take them. This is one of those books that you want to frantically turn the pages of to see what happens next while at the same time never wanting the story to end.
Cerrin is a fighter who the reader instantly wants to succeed, Sonus has the tech smarts and Vellerick the bad guy - isn't he?!? The three main characters are well developed and give the reader a good sense of who they are. The Ahmad brothers do an amazing job of grabbing the reader's attention and never letting it go! This story is sure to leave you with a book hangover and a finger itching to one click the next book in the series!
Don't hesitate to add this one and the next one to your TBR list - you won't want to miss out on this amazing adventure!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
Cerrin is a fighter who the reader instantly wants to succeed, Sonus has the tech smarts and Vellerick the bad guy - isn't he?!? The three main characters are well developed and give the reader a good sense of who they are. The Ahmad brothers do an amazing job of grabbing the reader's attention and never letting it go! This story is sure to leave you with a book hangover and a finger itching to one click the next book in the series!
Don't hesitate to add this one and the next one to your TBR list - you won't want to miss out on this amazing adventure!
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
November 12, 2025
On a conquered world, the last embers of hope burn bright.
Defeated and broken, the natives of Corvos are forced to ravage their lush planet of its natural resources, all for the glory of a mysterious empire they’ve never seen and barely comprehend.
But not all light is lost.
In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself.
And her chance to strike is fast approaching. Above the skies of her home world, soldiers of the empire are welcoming their new civilian commander, a vicious nobleman blinded by hidden ambitions.
When the new face of darkness turns its eyes on Cerrin, the fate of countless worlds will change forever.
Don’t miss the start of this science fiction thrill ride from a team of brothers, about what it takes to survive when all the odds are stacked against you. It’s perfect for fans of Andor who love to see the birth and rise of a true resistance.
Defeated and broken, the natives of Corvos are forced to ravage their lush planet of its natural resources, all for the glory of a mysterious empire they’ve never seen and barely comprehend.
But not all light is lost.
In the heart of one young woman alone, the gods have set a flame that cannot be extinguished. Cerrin remains as fierce and unyielding as the planet itself.
And her chance to strike is fast approaching. Above the skies of her home world, soldiers of the empire are welcoming their new civilian commander, a vicious nobleman blinded by hidden ambitions.
When the new face of darkness turns its eyes on Cerrin, the fate of countless worlds will change forever.
Don’t miss the start of this science fiction thrill ride from a team of brothers, about what it takes to survive when all the odds are stacked against you. It’s perfect for fans of Andor who love to see the birth and rise of a true resistance.
June 5, 2020
I really liked this book and what a roller-coaster ride it was!
Be prepared to discover the planet Corvos and three amazing characters. Cerrin a slave who works in mine fourteen and has a great knowledge of the flora and fauna of her planet. She is hands down my favorite character ever! A true wild spirit. Then there’s Sonus, a kind and intelligent man who really cares about his friends. Last but not least, captain Vellerik is trying to pass his last days unnoticed, but he get’s caught up in the middle of his ship’s political intrigue and is forced to choose between being compassionate or ruthless.
I really enjoyed the way the authors described the various species of the planet and portrayed how the Vitaari can be so inhumane and vicious. I recommend this book to all sci-fi lovers and readers that enjoy a kind of new world vibe.
Be prepared to discover the planet Corvos and three amazing characters. Cerrin a slave who works in mine fourteen and has a great knowledge of the flora and fauna of her planet. She is hands down my favorite character ever! A true wild spirit. Then there’s Sonus, a kind and intelligent man who really cares about his friends. Last but not least, captain Vellerik is trying to pass his last days unnoticed, but he get’s caught up in the middle of his ship’s political intrigue and is forced to choose between being compassionate or ruthless.
I really enjoyed the way the authors described the various species of the planet and portrayed how the Vitaari can be so inhumane and vicious. I recommend this book to all sci-fi lovers and readers that enjoy a kind of new world vibe.
September 16, 2019
This is not my typical genre by any means, but I do recommend it to anyone looking to read something out of their normal pattern. I find myself anticipating the next book in the series. The switching between points of view annoyed me at first because I had already formed a connection with Cerrin, but in a strange way it also kept me reading in anticipation for the merger of these unique characters. Each one drew me in and kept me curious. Even though I wanted to play the “I like this character better game”, I became invested in each of the main storylines. Once finished, I found myself thinking about these characters for days. That’s the true hallmark of a good book, in my opinion.
November 18, 2021
While it got off to a slow start, once the world and characters became developed (about midway), everything started to gain speed and interest. Focused on the age-old story of indigenous people rising against their oppressors, “Wild Sun” follows a handful of characters trying to find their way out. With a female lead, and reading it as a woman, it’s easy to relate to the hardships and I appreciate how the authors gave her a highly intellectual charisma that ultimately helped her and many of her people overcome their struggles.
May 21, 2019
I enjoyed the world, especially the hints at the larger empire of the Vitarii and the differences between the tribes of Corvos. The story bounced around between points of view mid-chapter, which made it difficult to follow the story, especially in the earlier chapters.
I might recommend this book to someone looking for this exact kind of story or a new sci-fi series to bite into.
I might recommend this book to someone looking for this exact kind of story or a new sci-fi series to bite into.
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