Aiden Thomas the writer that you are!

The world of this book is so richly realized. It's incredibly modern, which can be jarring at times, but overall it's very fun and works well.

The comp titles of Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games are definitely accurate, and Thomas balances the potentially conflicting vibes perfectly--This is a fun YA fantasy book filled with banter and friendship and memes and pop culture references (the TikTok and Vine parts are where I struggled the most, but not all readers will feel this way), and it is also a serious story about some very high-stakes death games.

Teo, the main character, is a seventeen-year-old trans guy who's the son of Quetzal, diosa of birds. As the semidios son of a Jade diosa, Teo doesn't expect to be anyone special. He covers his wings, which cause him some dysphoria due to their coloration, and he does not attend the elite training academy with all of the Gold semidioses. And then Teo is selected for the Sunbearer Trials, and everything changes.

The challenges were exciting and difficult. The character dynamics were compelling. I loved Teo and Niya. I want more from Niya especially. The ending made me gasp so many times.

And also, Aiden Thomas's economical and vivid descriptions continue to wow me. He puts sentences together with so much skill.

I'm glad I didn't read this sooner because now I only have to wait five months for the sequel!

I cannot rate this low because books about Trans characters by Trans authors are going to be hated for reasons only regarding that and not genuine critiquing of the book. I loved Cemetery Boys, have met Aiden Thomas and think hes a really cool down to earth guy.

That being said; I did not enjoy this book. I feel like more than anything else it is the fault of the publishers and their unrealistic timelines for literary greatness. Thomas has skill but we couldn't see his skill in this book. Too much was thrown at the readers with little time to digest what we learned. Characters felt one dimensional, elaborate and interesting settings were given so little page space. The first round of finalized prints had the wrong pronouns for some characters which again, editors should have caught that. I think this series has the building blocks to be great and gorgeous cover art, trading cards, etc. That combined with excellent marketing have gotten this book into the hands of a lot of people who have little negative to say. However as an immediate part of Aiden Thomas' community and someone who works for his target audience (Black & Brown teens), I can say this misses the mark and I expect better. If it is truly an issue with publishing (which i believe it is) PLEASE PUBLISHERS give these authors more than 9 months to write, create, edit. You cannot rush art.

It was a fun story with enough thrills and not too much rambling. At the same time, this is not one of those YA books that would work well beyond its target age group.

Such a good book! I loved the queer representation! To have a trans person being the main character was so refreshing to see. I thought the high action was great, but also different then other competition books we've seen in the past. I love seeing more Mexican representation in the media and it was such a fun and easy book to pick up I know that teens and adults will be wanting to read it.

I loved that this is such an amazing and inspiring way to tell mythology and lore through modern characters with compassion and grace. Overall one of my favorites and waiting for the sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback

A high stakes fantasy adventure, where Teo, must survive a series of trials or be sacrificed to their god.

I loved the world building, which is richly detailed with Mexican culture. Teo's small tight knit community is warm and supportive. I also liked the small sprinkling of romance for Teo. The action-packed scenes of the trials kept me on the edge of my seat and I devoured those pages. And then the ending is a TWIST with a cliffhanger that is sure to make you want the next book IMMEDIATELY.

I think Cemetery Boys is probably still my favourite Aiden Thomas book, but I'm glad I finally got around to reading this! Very excited to dive right into Celestial Monsters.

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

I tried reading this book on two separate occasions but each time I just couldn't get into the story. This was a surprise to me because I have read other books by Aiden Thomas and loved them, so I am not sure why I didn't connect with this one. This has very strong fantasy elements and has a very good introduction story, so I still suggest giving it a try.

I love Aiden Thomas' work and The Sunbearer Trials was no exception. I can't wait to read the sequel.

This was a wonderful new magical competition story—I loved the fast pace, the Mexican setting, and the fully-developed cast. A joy!

I absolutely love Aiden Thomas and look forward to everything he writes. The Sunbearer Trials was no exception. It was richly imaginative with a cast of characters that draws you in and makes you invested not just in the story but in their growth as well. I can't wait for more.

I LOVE competition-centered fantasy, and THE SUNBEARER TRIALS was such a beautiful book! I still think about the scene where Teo gets his wings all the time and get teary <3 Aiden Thomas is an autobuy for me

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me free access to the digital book.

I immediately knew I was going to pick up this book when I heard it was giving Percy Jackson and Hunger Games vibes… two of my favorite middle school grade reads. Add the fact that it is queer?? SOLD. Loved it. Quick read that satisfied the itch. And I love the cover so much!

I will *always* read anything Aiden Thomas writes.

This one did not disappoint. I loved the Hunger Games x Percy Jackson approach that Thomas injected with his own new and interesting spin. I’ve never read a book exploring Mexican mythology and found that aspect so intriguing and fascinating.

And a deadly Compensation? A trans MC? A crush on a fellow competitor and former friend? Omg sign me upppp the tropes are troping.

This book is more than just a Hunger Games style YA novel. It involves a main character who grapples with personal identity while competing in dangerous and essential games. Being the child of a goddess, but of a lesser community, Teo doesn’t expect to get chosen for the games– but does. All the while, Teo struggles with being trans. This colorful and imaginative book is Thomas’ best work so far, in my opinion. It gripped me until the very end.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Cemetery Boys is one of my favorite books of all time so when I saw the cover, I knew I would need to read it right away. The author did not disappoint with this book! It was so good and the rep was even more grand than we saw in the Cemetery Boys. The story was beautiful, flawless, and so descriptive. I loved that all of the characters were flawed and fleshed out completely. That being queer is so normalized in this world and the author has represented Mexican mythology so beautifully.

I just can’t rave enough about this book. Please read this book. I can’t wait for book 2 and all other books by Aiden Thomas.

The Sunbearer Trials is a fun introduction to a new high stakes series where a group of teenagers must fight to survive and to have the honor of being the Sunbearer who brings Sol's lights to the temples for another decade safe from the Obsidian gods and the monsters that hunted alongside them. They begin to see the flaws in these trials as things take a turn for the more dangerous and downright odd. And start questioning in earnest as the time draws nearer to name the Sunbearer... and the sacrifice.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s for this DRC.
Teen semidioses are selected to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. Teo, who has no interest in competing is unexpectedly chosen, luckily his best friend is also competing, but so are some very tough and powerful teens who will do anything to win. Aiden Thomas brings a fresh flavor to competition and survival. I loved the characters and the world building. Can’t wait for book 2.
#TheSunbearerTrials #NetGalley