Book Review: Embrace of the Sun
Embrace of the Sun: A Chronicles of Ave Tale, Stephen Zimmer, Seventh Star Press, August
2024, Paperback and ebook, 75 pages
Reviewed by Kaleene Robertson.
The draconian emperor of the Maschiccan Empire rules with an iron fist. Even daring to look him in the eye can bring dire consequences. Chicahua, a veteran warrior of the common Tonaylia people, knows this well. His long service has earned him the highest renown among his people and even the respect of the emperor, yet he understands the severe punishment awaiting anyone who so much as steps out of line.
Whether the Tonaylia fully grasp that reality is up for debate. They have been drinking a beverage reserved for nobles and elders.
Suspicious, the emperor sends a spy disguised as a merchant to uncover the truth. When three village boys discover the merchant’s true identity, they kill him.
They turn to the great warrior Chicahua for help. Expecting praise, or at least an acknowledgement that they have done the right thing for protecting their people, they are instead scolded; Chicahua recognizes the punishment that may befall the village. He decides the only course is to travel to the heart of the empire, Teotlchantli, to bargain for his people’s lives.
Chicahua is drawn as an aging warrior who fiercely protects those he loves and enjoys a good tussle. Upon arriving in Teotlchantli, he notices younger warriors training and must fight the urge to join them. The vivid descriptions of how esteemed fighters dress and prepare for battle highlight what he observes and values. He knows his place, not in a timid way, but in a way that fulfills duty. His steadfastness reassures the reader that Chicahua will act according to what is right.
In the city, he is greeted by his long-time comrade Guatemoc, whom he trusts to help secure forgiveness for his people. Relief follows when Chicahua’s offer to defeat the Nusavi, enemies of the emperor, in exchange for his people’s pardon is accepted. The emperor, already aware of Chicahua’s reputation, welcomes the prospect of crushing a foe. Although there appears to be a strange shift in Chicahua and Guatemoc’s dynamic after the offer is approved.
The strength of Chicahua’s story lies in deftly rendered battle scenes that showcase the skill and experience earned over many campaigns. He even outmatches men seemingly younger and stronger. At one point, his tactics are cleverly likened to a scorpion’s sting. Yet after the victory, Chicahua begins to see that where duty is praised, honor may be in question.
His love for his people and his moral clarity ultimately save him in an unexpected way, even when the tyrannical emperor offers a hollow form of redemption. When all hope seems lost and darkness closes in, light appears in the form of forgiveness and rescue, bringing Chicahua a much-needed lift of heart, soul, and body. The ending leaves ample room for his story to continue.
At 75 pages, the book is perfectly paced and holds your attention to the end. It is an excellent quick read for a quiet morning or one to savor over several nights if your schedule is busy. After reading the book, I felt for Chicahua but also questioned what I would do if I found myself in a situation where my duty would hopefully preserve lives, but my honor would diminish. What would be the sun in my life when all hope seems lost? I am looking forward to seeing where Chicahua’s story continues.
