The Dark Sun Rises is the first in a series of historical fiction by Denise Williamson. This novel begins the journey of faith for Joseph, a manservant of Abram Callcott. One of Abram's passions is teaching slaves about the Gospel. He is shocked, however, by the realization that Joseph has learned to read. Now everyone must adjust to the change and growth that is taking place in the antebellum south. "Williamson does a masterful job of showing the societal, legal, economic, and emotional damage that slavery entailed."-Historical Novels Review