I find that fatsias look their best in almost full shade but they should be able to take morning sun as long as they're getting enough water. Did you just plant them this year? Newly planted plants are much more sensitive but they will be MUCH more sun and drought tolerant once they are established. Is it possible that you OVERwatered them and killed the roots?

Whether or not the plants will live in their current state, I can't say. If the stems are still healthy and green, I say leave 'em until next year and see if they survive--but in the meantime, don't water them unless the soil is dry an inch or two below the surface.

Thanks for your response. I planted the Fatsias in June 08. It is possible they were over-watered, but it seems unlikely as temperatures were 106F for over a week in late July.