Rating: 
Summary: Very Well-Developed and Fun
Review: This book may appear to be a bit daunting when you look at its size. A number of times, books of this girth have too much filler and not enough substance. Although it does, at times, ramble a little, this book uses its size to fully explore the world of Erna, a world similar but also very different from our own, with magical powers flowing all around. Many fantasy books are based upon a standard template for its setting, however C.S. Friedman creates a whole new world with some creative twists. Because we are unfamiliar with this world and its inhabitants, who are descendants of our own world, she must develop the world and explain so that we may understand it. It evens goes so far as to explain why guns are not used on this world (which was a question of mine). It takes some time, but in the meantime we are entertained with a pretty good storyline. I did find myself skimming some of the descriptions of the characters thoughts, but because of the depth of the characterizations throughout the book, I don't feel that I lost anything. The main storyline is par for the genre (the "good guys" take a long journey to a faraway land to do battle with evil for the motives of revenge, honor, and duty), and the characters are a mixed bag. Gerald Tarrant and Damien are solid but Ciani and Senzei are not, and seem to be secondary. When put all together, the book is a nice long journey into a refreshing and deep world with hybrid fantasy/sci-fi tones.
Rating: 
Summary: A Fascinating Novel...
Review: Black Sun Rising depicts a world were your worst nightmares come true simply because you dream them... A powerful adept called the Hunter stalks the night, growing strong from the terror and death of his victims. A Warrior-Priest finds himself using sorcery to track a far worse evil into unknown territory to protect a female adept he barely knows. Hunter & Priest reluctantly join forces, sophisticated evil and determined righteousness working together to restore one woman's memories and power. The partnership jeopardizes the lives and souls of both men as they journey onward and discover that the line between good and evil blurs. Black Sun Rising is packed with riveting action, emotional tension, and suspense. The vivid descriptions, fascinating characters, and various dangers make this book truly excellent. I recommend this highly to anyone who enjoys fantasy or science fiction.
Rating:
Summary: TOTALLY Addicting!
Review: My mother and a friend had been on my case for YEARS to read these books, and I never did until this summer. Now - I regret waiting that long! The book will make you laugh, cry, mad, happy, anxious, and so many more things! You can spend HOURS reading and think nothing of it!
It DOES take a little bit to get into it in the beginning. There is a lengthy introduction to a couple of the main characters... But it makes that much better throughout the rest of the book! Once it gets going, it's all I thought about and every spare minute I had the book was in my hands! I'm reading #2 right now and can already see it building up again and can't WAIT to see where this journey takes me!!
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding gothic fantasy!
Review: This is one of the richest, most engaging books I have ever read. As others have mentioned, there are vague areas if the character's backgrounds. However most, if not all of these are clarified in the books two sequels. I am currently reading _Crown of Shadows_, the third book in this trilogy, and it is amazing how well Ms. Friedman ties together a series (a skill many authors--especially in the SF/Fantasy genres--tend to lack) and how expertly she pulls off catharses and irony. Friedman has a few writing quirks when it comes to characterization, though those are easily forgivable considering the overall depth of such characters and the magnificent plot development. I highly recommend this book and the rest of "The Coldfire Trilogy" to anyone who enjoys fantasy or horror.
Rating:
Summary: One of a Kind, it deserves more than five...
Review: The Coldfire Trilogy is my top favorite. It is in a class beyond my other favorites, which are the Shannara books, Tad Williams', Goodkind, and Melanie Rawn's Dragon Series. I'm mentioning these because I think they're great, and a lot of other people do too, and the fact that this is better, should mean something. The sequel to this book, entitled When True Night Falls, is even better because you get to know the mysterious Gerald Tarrant more intimately, and understand the nature of Erna. I don't usually read SciFi, because it's too technical, but Black Sun Rising is just such a wonderful blend with fantasy and horror and tons of adventure, that it's very readable. Still, I understand that it might be a little complex for people who are TOTALLY SciFi or fantasy illiterate. Try it anyway, and I think you'll be in heaven when you realize there are two fat books after it.
Rating:
Summary: This Trilogy Is One Of the Best!
Review: This is a great series in a fantasy setting along with a small bit of science fiction. See the other reviews on the details. I just wanted to add my vote to what I think is one of the best written stories I've read.
Rating:
Summary: Fantasy with Sci-Fi background, and a touch of Gothic Horror
Review: Set in the future, and on another world, this excellent book begins with an interesting Science Fiction background. The story itself, however, is pure Fantasy, and very well done. It also includes a strong dose of Gothic Horror to keep you on your toes. Perhaps the most impressive thing about this book is the exellent character developement. Especially when you continue on to read the next two books in the trilogy. The way the characters evolve in response to one another through the books is thought provoking and captivating. There is a great amount of depth to be explored. A common finding of mine, is that many trilogies start out with an excellent first book, and then begin to go downhill after that. This, the Coldfire trilogy, is a definite exception. It starts out with an amazing first book, and if anything, it just gets better from there. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Fantasy, SF, or Gothic Horror.
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING
Review: I thought this whole series was absolutely amazing. It portrayed people and their emotions beautifully. Unlike other books, there was no exclusively bad or good character. There was a very fine line between good and evil. Gerald Tarrent is the character you love to hate and hate to love, and likewise with Damien. The world is described beautifully and in such depth you can actually believe it to be real. This is probably my favorite fantasy series that I've ever read and probably will continue to be for years to come.
Rating:
Summary: Read this book only if you like your plots well developed
Review: The Coldfire trilogy (Black Sun Rising, When True Night Falls, Crown of Shadows) is possibly the most well-developed book series of all time. Friedman delves deep into the psyche of all of the major players - good and evil - to explore the depths of human morality. This book is not a fantasy or sci-fi book as much as it is a look at what makes man tick. The entire story is an analogy, and each of the characters within it represent different aspects of humanity; primal cunning or fragile innocence, lust for power or for immortality, unwavering morality or a kind of good which sees only the end result, not the process taken to get there. Every desire a human may have will come to life in this place, and Friedman allows them all to run rampant and see where they will lead. This is not a fast-paced, action-packed epic. If you are looking for something to turn into a $1 billion movie, this book is not for you. If, however, you can appreciate a plot that moves along based on the mental and emotional progress of its characters, a story that is driven entirely by the intricate decisions of its characters rather than by some deus ex machina, then this book is definately for you.
Rating: 
Summary: What a waste!
Review: This whole series of books makes me wish I never learned to read. There is no unity in the world that the author tried to create. The reader never finds anything important about any character or situation in the books. Your left going, "OK, I guess if you don't get out much there was some action." What's the point of fantasy if you feel you could have as much adventure walking out to get the mail? Really don't waste your time.
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