The Sunbearer Trials was one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I had loved Thomas's debut novel and while I was lukewarm about his sophomore novel (though it was actually written first), I had high hopes for this one.

I struggled a lot with this book, in part because I wanted to like it so badly and it just was not clicking with me. The voice feels very Middle Grade aimed, while at the same time having an abundance of swears. A lot of the book includes pop culture references that are from our world but slightly off, which leaves this book feeling immediately dated. I also didn't understand the character motivations of most of the characters for most of the book. Teo is friends with some of the Dioses and even ropes some of them into creating chaos with him, but also seems to hate some of the Semi-Dioses for genuinely no reason other than they were born at a different status than him. I spent most of the book confused as to what was happening, the relationships between the characters, or why I was supposed to randomly hate certain characters.

When the book was captivating, it was stellar, unfortunately, those moments came so few and far between that they couldn't redeem my reading experience. I enjoyed the elements of the relationship between Teo and Aurelio, though, by the end, I had to wonder what the point of including it within this story was.

I wish I could say that the moment everything fell into place with the major plot twist, I was satisfied, but I honestly was dreading the reveal from the moment I pieced things together. I'm not a huge fan of stories that paint the main character as so good and pure just so that they can be majorly emotionally manipulated. I had seen other early reviewers say that the ending of the book made them desperate for book two, for me, it just made me want to put down the book and forget I read it.

Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love this book, overall it just fell flat for me. Readers on the younger side of bridging into the YA-sphere of novels might find more enjoyment in it than I did, but for me, it just didn't work.

*I received this book in exchange of an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley.

Sol must be replenished to keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses are selected by Sol himself to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. While the winner will carry the light across Reino del Sol, the loser will be sacrificed to fuel the sunstones. Teo is a jade semidios, the son of Quetzal goddess of birds, and is unlikely to be chosen because of his rank as a jade. His best friend Nina is the daughter of Tierra, god of earth, and one of the strongest gold ranks. Teo is afraid that Nina will be chosen for the Trials and fears for her life. But Teo also worries for a former friend, Aurelio, who is now a sworn rival. But when two jades are chosen for the trials, Teo included, for the first time in over a century, Teo is worried about the outcome of the trials. They must survive five trials for glory or die and become the flame.

This book felt very similar to a few books but also felt entirely new! Teo is a main character that you can't help but root for! He has a fun point of view to read and also feels very familiar like a friend. As a trans main character, his identity is spoken of in the first few chapters and is very much a part of his story and what makes him feel so real. The other characters come from all different genders and identities. The action packed narrative was so fun to read and I found myself devouring the story. While it does end on a cliffhanger, I felt like the book kept me wanting more. The world building is fantastic and I can't wait to pick up the second book.

I keep seeing this book described as The Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson and that's pretty accurate. ⁠
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💥 What I Loved:⁠
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World-building that wasn't an info dump at the beginning of the book. Thomas weaves this in throughout the plot as our characters travel and it works so well. ⁠
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Speaking of our characters- everyone is so unique, with their own quirks, weaknesses, and talents. I loved seeing their personalities mesh and clash.⁠
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That twist! I did not see that ending coming and now I have to read the next book to get some much needed closure. ⁠
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This was such an exciting read. I flew through it and really enjoyed it. Representation in this one is fantastic and I'm happy that a lot of readers will see themselves in so many ways within the many characters. ⁠
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🔖 SYNOPSIS: "Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Sunbearer Trials. He's a Jade, not a Gold- a real hero. But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival."⁠
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Thank you @macmillanchildren's publishing group for my advanced reader copy.

4,5⭐️

wow it was sooo good. The Hunger Games meets Mexican Percy Jackson with very queer and diverse characters and various dynamics. the story was completely captivated me from the very first page until the end. the setting was amazing and easy to understood even though I haven't read a lot Mexican inspired fantasy.

but I also felt that this book isn't perfect. for instance, 1) the second trial was a little bit chaotic and unimaginable. 2) it's noticeable niya's dialogue used too many exclamation marks. 3) and there's THE problem that remains unexplained. to be honest I didn't realize that this is a part of duology until I reached 95% and I knew there'll be cliffhanger but at least tell us HOW😭

that's it for now, I still need time to process what tf was happening. thank you very much Aiden.

I had such high expectations for The Sunbearer Trials as a big fan of Aiden's previous books and I was so impressed. This is such a big sandbox to play in with complex worldbuilding, a large and diverse cast of characters and relationships that need to be developed quickly in order for us to grasp the extent of the stakes for the larger narrative. I was so impressed with how well Aiden pulled all of this off and more.

I definitely got Hunger Games vibes from this book and while the plot (teen semidioses compete in the Sunbearer Trials in order for one of them to become Sunbearer and one of them to become a sacrifice necessary to keep the evil dioses from returning) is nothing out of the ordinary for YA fantasy books, this felt unique and fresh and with Aiden's characteristic wit and charm.

We mainly follow Teo, a Jade, meaning he is a lower semidios than the Golds who train in an Academy to prepare for the Trials. Teo is an absolute delight and I really appreciated how capable he was while at the same time I was nervous for him the entire time. There are so many different characters here and I really appreciated how well we got to know everyone in order to care about them and have our opinions grow and change as the characters themselves do. Among the semidios competing there are multiple trans characters, including Teo and a full cast of Latine characters as well. I loved how intense the trials were - my heart was racing this entire book! I had so much trouble putting it down. The ending of the book sets up where the next book will go and I am so excited to be on this ride. One of the most exciting books I've read this year.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and Yallwest for giving me an opportunity to win this book as part of a giveaway.

This book was a very enjoyable read. It had excellent representation, and a fun storyline. The protagonist is the “relatable underdog” type, and it’s easy to find bits and pieces of yourself in him and the other characters. The plot takes known YA tropes, and smashes them together to create something new and fresh. Fans of “The Hunger Games” or “Percy Jackson” might enjoy certain areas of the story!
All in all, this book was delightful, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a new take on some of the teen classics.

Trigger Warnings: Fire, injury, transphobia, dysphoria, testosterone/needles, death of a child, bullying, fighting, violence, cursing, vomit, blood, emotional abuse

Representation: Transgender, hormone therapy, top surgery, sign language, Deaf, they/them pronouns, Non-binary, twins, Mexican

The Sunbearer Trials is the first installment in a young adult, fantasy duology. Every ten years, ten semidioses must compete to become the next Sunbearer, a great honor for the winner to carry light and life to all of the temples. The loser is set to be sacrificed to Sol to fuel the Sun Stones and protect everyone until the next trial. Teo, a Jade, is shocked when he is chosen to compete amongst the Golds, one of who is his best friend, Niya. Teo and Niya, along with the others must compete in five trials in order to survive.

This book was just *chef’s kiss*!! I want to say that it reminds me of my fav competition book about magical beings, but this one is so much better! And queer! I absolutely loved this read and am personally offended for that cliffhanger!

Teo is an awesome character and you root for him from the first page on! I also enjoyed Niya and his interactions with the other competitors. I loved the Deaf representation and Aiden makes it so simple to include into the story with the respect the community deserves.

I also loved that this book is current and can reference social media without being cringe. I definitely laughed out loud when a character said to “Fuck around and find out.” The storyline is fantastic and the author creates a beautiful world that I would love to live in. The descriptions are absolutely amazing and so well done.

Once a decade, the top ten semidioses compete for the honor of completing a ritual to keep the evil Obsidian dioses at bay. In a recreation of Sol's sacrifice, the top-scoring contestant cuts out the worst participant's heart. Teo figures he won't be picked because his mom is a mere Jade diosa, not a lofty Gold. He's wrong. Along with his best friend Niya, ex-bestie Aurelio, fellow Jade Xio, and six other teens, Teo crisscrosses the realm competing in themed battles. But there's something deeply wrong with this contest. A richly-detailed setting, well-realized characters (even the jerks are sympathetic), and one nasty cliffhanger.

A fantastical Hunger Games-esque battle between godly children for the honor of being crowned the Sunbearer, or the honor of becoming a human sacrific. The Sunbearer Trials was an incredible story with fast-paced, unique trials, a collection of interesting characters, and a final reveal that twisted my heartstrings. I look forward to the conclusion of this duology in the next book which will hopefully be dropping next year because I need it now!

(4.5/5) This was such a good book. The premise was dope, executed very well, and was easy to read and practically addictive. Like I’ve been sitting on my couch for 7 hours now. I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it too. I'm so excited for the sequel!!!! Things I did not necessarily appreciate: the modern references. instant ick. I mean these are real-life demigds and you’re telling me they’re quoting vines when preparing for battle??? be fr. also, I drew a lot of parallels between this book and cemetery boys. I really loved cemetery boys though, so that wasn’t a massive problem for me.

YA books about teens competing against one another in an elaborate series of trials are plentiful enough that they could constitute their own genre, but even in a crowded field, The Sunbearer Trials stands out. Set in a lushly described fantasy Mexico populated by gods and their offspring, the novel's title refers to the once-a-decade trials that keep the world from descending into chaos. The winner becomes the Sunbearer, and the loser is sacrificed to the sun god, Sol. The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and Teo, the main character, is really more of a talk-shit-from-the-stands kind of semidios. When Sol chooses him to compete, he's as surprised as anyone.

Thomas has a talent for world-building, and the world of The Sunbearer Trials is a colorful, queer joy. Teo is trans, his bestie is gay, and their least favorite competitor is nonbinary; at no point is any of this a problem for anyone. There is conflict to spare in the novel, but homophobia is not it. For teens who didn't see themselves in The Hunger Games or who want their fantasy worlds to look a little more like their actual worlds, The Sunbearer Trials has a lot to offer.

I didn't know going in that this novel is the first in a series, and after the specificity with which Thomas describes each of the trials I was surprised by the rapid twists unveiled at the end. A lot happens very quickly, and I wanted a little more information to set up the next book. That said, I'm excited for the sequel, and even more excited for my students to read this novel! Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this amazing book. I really enjoyed this wonderful story full of plot twists, brilliant word-building, and complex, realistic characters all based on Mexican mythology. Comparing it to Percy Jackson crossed with Hunger Games is very much on point. Can’t wait to see what happens next and how it all ends. One of the best fantasies I’ve read this year. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys mythology, and fantasy fiction.

Another fantastic book by Aiden Thomas. Their creativity and world-building really shines in this novel. A great read for any fantasy fans that enjoy a clever blend of interesting and inclusive characters, set in a rich and vivid world. It is easy to get lost in this book with the excitement of the trials and all of the challenges and turmoil they bring.

Thank you to Bookishfirst, Fierce Reads for a finished copy of this book!

When the Sunbearer Trials, which only happen once a decade, come back around, Teo doesn't think he has a chance of being chosen. As a Jade, Teo is less worried about being one of the 10 semidioses to compete, and more worried about his best friend, a Gold, being chosen. But then the unthinkable happens: not only is Teo chosen, but Xio, another Jade semidios, is also chosen. Teo and everyone else knows that the Jades are the most likely to lose the Sunbearer Trials and become the sacrifice that renews Sol's protection of their land, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep that from happening.

My expectations for this one were completely sky high and I wasn't at all disappointed. Teo is a chaotic disaster bird-boy and I love him. Niya is strong and amazing and soooo chaotic. I would like to be her friend. And Aurelio is such a great character and I wanted more more more scenes with him and Teo and I can't wait for the sequel whenever it comes out so I can see more Teo, Aurelio, and Niya kicking butt and taking names together!

The plot of this is so good! I love competition books like this (kind of Hunger Games - esque) and the added layers of mythos and the Dioses (oh my god, Quetzal is so pure) and Sol the Nonbinary Sun Dios and...Yeah. I don't know how else to talk about this except by naming elements that I loved. It is so so good. The world-building is rich and complex and I was so fully immersed. Also like the world is so queer and trans- normative and I love that soooo much.

This was one of those books that you want to devour in one sitting, but also want to spend your time with and savor. It was a weird push-pull for me in that way. I ended up devouring, but now that it is coming out, I plan on borrowing the audio and really savoring it for a second read-through!

Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Murder, Dysphoria, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Kidnapping

One thing I have noticed, working with high schoolers, is that I frequently get asked for mythology fiction. For many teens, there first forays into fiction they really loved, was the Rick Riordan books. Since those books were first written this has expanded further to include Rick Riordan presents books, which cover many different mythologies from all over the world. But, for YA, there is not such a variety. Aiden Thomas' book absolutely fills that gap. I can see teens drawn into such a fast paced story that includes life or death trials, gods/goddesses, and demigods. The world Thomas' creates is both relatable, it includes modern tech, and fantastical. I quite enjoyed it myself and look forward to recommending it to my students. (Thank you to Feiwel and Friends and Netgalley for the ARC)

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Sunbearer Trials takes place in the colorful world of Reino del Sol. A place where diós and semidiós live amongst the humans. Every ten years, ten teenage semidiós get chosen to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. A competition of five challenging tasks that will determine who will be crowned the Sunbearer and who will be sacrificed to Sol to keep their world safe.

This book has such a beautifully detailed world that I could picture it so clearly. The colors, the food, the characters, even the sounds were described so perfectly that I immediately felt emerged in the story.
The story is compelling and adventurous, and it was impossible to put down. The trials had me on the edge of my seat and I was equally excited and nervous for the results to come in after each one.

The characters, although they are teenagers full of attitude and insecurities, are still well rounded, interesting, and fun. I couldn’t help but find them all loveable in their own way. Most of them are queer and I loved how no one thinks any differently of them for it. This is one of the few fantasy novels I have read where a character isn’t treated like being queer is their sole personality trait and doesn’t spend the entire novel trying to get people to accept them. This story celebrates people of all genders and sexuality, and it was very refreshing to read.
Overall, this book was a beautiful, fun, and fast paced. I’m extremely excited for book two.

I highly recommend this book for people who love dazzling fantasy worlds, diverse characters, all kinds of queer rep, competitions, teenagers overcoming their insecurities, and characters that learn to work together despite their differences.

If you loved CEMETERY BOYS, you will surely delight in THE SUNBEARER TRIALS, an immediate-suspension-of-disbelief mythological/urban fantasy tale that will take your breath even as it enlarges your imaginative horizons. This is Coming-of-age as never before experienced, I'd venture to conclude. Aiden Thomas is a must-read writer, proving so with each new book. THE SUNBEARER TRIALS is Mexican-flavored fabulism with LGBT+ rep, a fascinating premise and carry-through, and superb writing, ideal for aficionados of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and V. Castro.

The Sunbearer Trials follows Teo, a Jade semidiós, and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds. Teo has never worried about being chosen for the trials since Sol has always chosen "golds" and not jades to compete for the honor of the sunbearer. Until this year, when Sol chooses not one, but two Jades to compete against the golds - Teo and Xio, the 13-year-old son of Mala Suerte, the god of bad luck. Now they must work together to compete against competitors much more powerful than them and to stay alive - while the person who comes in first becomes the sunbearer, the person who comes in last is sacrificed for Sol, and their body is used to fuel the sun stones that protect the people of Reino del Sol from the Obsidians for the next ten years.

Honestly, right from the opening pages of this book, I knew I was going to love it, and Teo, with my whole damn heart. It's a hilarious opening with talking birds and Teo being his unashamed self. The banter between the characters, but especially between Teo and his best friend Niya, was so wonderful and added the perfect amount of humor to balance out the high stakes of the trials. I loved the development of the relationships between Teo, Niya, and Xio, as well as with the 7 other golds in the competition. Teo and Aurelio's relationship developed at a slow but realistic pace, given their history together. I wouldn't necessarily classify this as "enemies to lovers" but it's definitely ex-best friends/rivals/competitors to something more, which honestly I enjoy just as much, if not more, than enemies to lovers. The discussions on gender, sexuality, and gender dysphoria were also fantastic, which isn't surprising from Aiden Thomas. I loved the way that LGTBQIA+ identities were just considered normal and that someone realizing they are trans or not the gender they were assigned at birth was celebrated and viewed as a wonderful and positive thing. I think we could all use a little bit of that right now, and it made me genuinely happy.

The plot and worldbuilding were done very well; there was a strong amount of information presented to give a good sense of the world without being "info-dumpy." The plot moved at a strong pace and I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest for the last 25-30% of it. I had my own guesses about what was going to happen to some of the characters and their motivations, but I definitely didn't see the biggest reveal coming. The ending was so intense and iconic, that I literally cannot wait for the second book, even though I know it's going to be forever until it comes out. I may just reread this 5 times until then. These characters and this story burrowed their way into my heart so quickly, just like Cemetery Boys honestly, and I cannot wait to read more from them.

Beautiful. The writing of the characters, places, clothing and action scenes just absolutely had me by the throat. The fact that my heart was physically racing reading through each event and the ending!! my god!! the ending!!! I started reading this book midday and now it’s 1am and I’m just absolutely blown away and itching for book two. It reminded me of all the things I’ve loved so much about YA fantasy in the past.

I wish I could be more coherent but my brain go BRRRR after that one. But long story short this is so so worth the read especially if you’re craving well written YA fantasy that also just happens to have lots of representation.

Teo, the son of the Jade goddess Quetzal, knows that he is unlikely to be chosen for the upcoming Sunbearer Trials, a competition that is held every decade amongst the semidioses to determine who will be crowned the Sunbearer and who will be the sacrifice to ensure the power of Sol is not broken. It is incredibly rare for a Jade semidios to be chosen against the more powerful and popular Golds who train for the trials from early in their childhood. When the time comes for Sol to choose the 10 semidioses who will compete in the trials, Teo believes that his attendance is nothing more than a formality. And then he is chosen to compete, along with his friend Niya. Can the two of them make it through the trials in one piece?

Gorgeous. Phenomenal. Stunning. Absolutely incredible. A little bit Percy Jackson. A little bit Kane Chronicles. A little bit Hunger Games. Completely worth reading. All of the characters are well-rounded and most of them are lovable (*squinting at one of the dioses*). I particularly enjoyed getting to see peeks of the friendships that occur between the side characters. While they aren't explored as much, it helps to make the characters feel more like whole people.

I found the pacing of this book to be very well-done, ending with me on the edge of the seat for the last chunk of the book. The mystery that threads itself through the book had me hooked throughout the trials with the trials themselves being action-packed (and stressful for my little heart). Overall, I had a great time with this book and cannot WAIT for the second book. How am I supposed to wait for a second book? How, I ask you?