4.5 stars

In order to keep the Sun’s power replenished, semidioses between the ages of 13 and 18 are chosen by the god Sol to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner of these Trials will then carry the light to the rest of the world, but only after the sacrifice of the competitor in last place. They will be used to fuel the sun for the next 10 years.

Teo is the son of a Jade god, not usually chosen to compete in the Trials. But when he and another Jade semidios are chosen to compete, Teo now finds himself competing against those training for the Trials for their entire life. Specifically, against Aurelio, his ex-best friend turned rival. And if Teo doesn’t do well enough, he might find himself becoming the sacrifice to Sol.

Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy of The Sunbearer Trials to review! Aiden Thomas is a favorite of mine, so this was high on my list for this year. Plus, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. This book is being pitched as Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games and let me tell you, that is an accurate description of this book.

Right from the start, Thomas drops readers into this rich world, drawn from Mexican mythology. There is a lot to keep track of, between the different gods and the different cities. While there were a few details I think slipped through the cracks, overall the world building is solid. I especially appreciated the way sexuality and gender were incorporated; no one really bats an eye. Teo also has a great conversation with Xio, the other Jade semidios, about gender identity, and I am here for that in a fantasy novel.

This book is also pretty fast-paced, but Thomas doesn’t sacrifice any of the character building for the plot. One of the best aspects of the book was the evolving relationship between Teo and Aurelio. They are ex-friends to a potential romance, but it doesn’t take over everything else. Can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next book.

For me, this book is closer to the feel of Cemetery Boys than Lost in the Never Woods was. Thomas’s writing has also grown, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

All in all, if you love mythology inspired fantasy, definitely pick this one up in September!

This was such a cool story! The main character is the semidiosa named Teo who is the trans son of Quetzal, the Goddess of Birds. Teo is a passionate character that wants the unfair hierarchal system of the Gods to be different. I love how the author showed the nuances of each character and broke down Teo's preconceived notions about the Golds. Also Teo's wings!! The reveal of his wings scene was absolutely incredible, it was such a heartwarming moment.

I loved the worldbuilding and the exploration of all the different diosas and their powers. The characters of the different semidioses competing in the trial really helped bring to life the diversity of the Gods and their various skills. The author really took the time to show how each God's islands were unique and suited to their individual God.

I am so hyped for the next book! I really want to see where this story goes next.

Wow wow wow. An EXCELLENT new title from one of my go to YA authors, Aiden Thomas. Just when ‘Lost in the Never Woods’ had me concerned that the excitement and energy of ‘Cemetery Boys’ was not possible to replicate, ‘The Sunbearer Trials’ had me sacrificing sleep just to find out what happens next.

Many will compare this book to a mixture of ‘The Hunger Games’ and Percy Jackson, and they aren’t wrong, but what I like about Thomas’s interpretation is that all the death happens at the end of the games, letting the readers really get to know each contestant. This led to many surprising moments for me as I found myself feeling for some of the “villains”. It also heightened the risk for me - it's not who will survive, but rather who will die. Readers literally will not know until the very end. What I would give to read that last chapter for the first time again!

Thank you to NetGalley, Aiden Thomas, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

- Welcome to my new favorite YA fantasy series. THE SUNBEARER TRIALS has it all - intricate worldbuilding, emotional weight, big plot twists, and characters with a range of identities, and it's all done with deep warmth and love.
- Teo and his pals are a wonderful crew, and I had such fun following them through the various trials that took us all around this world. Thomas can write the heck out of both a heart-pounding battle and a heartfelt conversation.

(The Sunbearer Trials)

I was promised a story involving Percy Jackson, but it ended up being similar to Heroes of Olympus, and that wasn't good. I think some of the representations are great and sorely needed in current fantasy, but even they didn't make me want to finish this book because Aiden Thomas' writing is definitely not for me and this story just proves that. It was worth a try, but I really didn't like it.

1.5 stars

Percy Jackson was the series that introduced me to mythology and found family, and the series that made me fall in love with reading.

THE SUNBEARER TRIALS is going to be this next generation’s Percy Jackson.

Aiden Thomas is carving out a space for Teo, Niya, and Reino de Sol amongst the YA market. This book is wholly unique, and will make a name for itself that will need no comparison.

I became a huge fan of Aiden after reading his debut, CEMETERY BOYS - a book that will always hold a special place in my heart. Aiden has an impeccable talent, and is a true master of his craft. He knows how to write compelling, heart wrenching stories that make people feel seen and understood, while also putting in the work to show how representation is important and matters.

The worldbuilding in TST fits seamlessly within the plot - you never feel overwhelmed or bombarded with too much information while also trying to keep up with what’s happening in the story. Aiden’s writing makes you feel like you’re walking right alongside Teo in Quetzlan, experiencing everything as he does throughout his travels.

The characters and their distinct, intriguing powers were one of the biggest highlights of the story. With every trial, I was desperate to see and know more. I wanted to see every character put on a show, and demonstrate their strength and talent with their different powers. The character development is simply *chef’s kiss* and honestly made me have a change of heart for some characters (looking at you, Ocelo!)

I won’t talk too much about this, but Aurelio and Teo? *incoherent screaming* I adore them both so much, and the re-kindling and development of their relationship left me with such a dumb smile on my face! Teo and Yadriel really know how to pick them…

Last but definitely not least, the fluidity of gender and sexuality in this story was just incredible to see. Seeing it so normalized in this book’s society and culture brought tears to my eyes because it’s possible - it’s really possible for a world like this to exist. From the gods and goddesses, to the mortals of Reino de Sol, the diversity in skin color, sexuality, and gender was just absolutely beautiful to see.

This is a book that makes me proud of who I am, and what I look like. This is a book that I can’t wait to see in the hands of Latinx youth, who will finally be able to see themselves as mighty, incredible heroes.

Aiden, you have done something unforgettable. And I can’t wait for the world to recognize your brilliance!

(I also can’t wait to get this book in the hands of my nephew!)

Going into this one I was hoping for a fun, adventurous time (especially since this is being pitched as Percy Jackson meets Hunger Games), but is was so LACKLUSTER. Most of the book was boring and I found myself wanting to skim. Teo's rise to herodom felt very predictable. The character's were not fleshed out and some had zero personality. The trials themselves were dull and even though the loser of the trial was going to die, it never felt like anyone was really at stake. I will say that the last trial did have some good moments, but the book overall didn't get exciting until the last 8%. This book felt more middle grade than YA. I will say that I enjoyed the amazing representation though.

Friendship. Adventure. Responsibility. And an absolutely stunning fantasy world. What more could I possibly ask for?!
I was going to pick up Aiden’s next book, no matter what it was about. But when I saw it compared to Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games, I was doubly intrigued!!
The Sunbearer Trials delivered on everything it promised and so, SO much more! These characters are everything! I laughed out loud multiple times (… and may or may not have shed a couple tears …)! I so appreciated the queer-norm society that Aiden created within this mythological world. And I loved to see the important conversations raised about privilege and expectations - and the way those conversations pertained to the dystopian vibe.
Absolutely brilliant. Can’t wait for the sequel!!

Ever since finally picking up Cemetery Boys at the start of 2022 I have been dying to read Thomas’ next work.

I’m always a fan of bringing in folklore and mythology and Thomas does it perfectly - building a rich and immersive world where you immediately feel drawn to the main characters.

I loved the pacing, with plenty of time to get to know the cast and the world building without rushing right in to the various challenges they face. Then once the trials themselves start, you’re immediately swept up into the action and it’s hard to put the book down which is why I found myself reading it straight through in one day.

The only downside is that by reading it early I’ve got that much longer to wait until the next book - definitely will be picking up a copy of The Sunbearer Trials and eagerly awaiting the next release!

4.5 stars

The world building is so well done though it became complicated to keep characters and their roles/families straight. I loved the mythology and how it played out in the "real" world.

It is full of tropes and predictable at parts but it's done in a manner that works well.
It definitely reads as middle grade which isn't something I read much of so at first I was put off by the simpler sentences and style but once I was used to it, I didn't think about it again as I was engrossed in the story.
I would've liked more information on the secondary characters (or for there to be fewer).
Overall, a fun start and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

well, at least I get to finish this one, that is different from cemetery boys that i dnf it.

this book was an ok experience for me. first of all, i'm not really a fan of Greek mythology or Percy Jackson, so all the hype that people created about this one, i didn't get it bc the main plot it's about Greek mythology.
i'm rating this one 3 stars for my attachment with all these characters. aiden thomas didn't miss in this category

Aiden. Bestie. How dare you.

This book was absolutely everything I was promised and I loved it with everything in me. It isn't perfect but I didn't need it to be. I am obsessed with every single character. These sweet precious murder babies are my children and I would kill for them.

I laughed, I cried, I was shocked by the number of f-bombs Teo dropped. What a joy this book is.

I really enjoyed this book. The LGTBQ+ rep was incredible and diverse without making it a main focus. It was eye opening in that it brought to light everyday issues trans gender people have to think about (such as bathing suites) which I think was the point. There was also the acceptance and the struggle that comes with identity. But all of that was smoothly incorporated into a fast moving plot. I can see why people said this was a mix between Percy Jackson and the Hunger Games. The competition aspect is brutal (not Hunger Games brutal) but the author never loses sight that while the kids are hyper competitive, they aren't inherently bad; just antagonists. I think my favorite part of this book was how the author incorporated Mexican culture. There were the obvious nods like how the gossip columnist was named Chisme, but there were also subtler (and hilarious) parts - such as when a goddess breaks up a fight by slapping everyone with a sandal.
It wasn't perfect and I hope that delve more into character development in the second book, but I will be continuing the series.

“Now, being in the trials didn’t feel like a death sentence. Now, they had the chance to really prove something. Not just to the Golds, but to everyone.”

Overview—The Sunbearer Trials is a young adult, Mexican-inspired fantasy novel by Aiden Thomas that introduces a world filled with gods, goddesses, and demigods; a high-stakes competition; and Teo, the semidiós unwillingly thrust into it all. I greatly enjoyed Aiden Thomas’ debut, Cemetery Boys , and I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book ever since Aiden announced it (it was pitched as Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games AKA two of my favorite book series so let me tell you, I was hyped) and I cannot tell you how excited I was when I received an ARC of this book. I mean, this book has everything that I could ever want—unique mythology, mesmerizing worldbuilding, magical powers and abilities, a mysterious (and deadly) competition, not to mention a dynamic and diverse cast of characters. I loved every minute of this book, and it is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

The Plot— At the start of every new decade, the Sun’s power must be replenished so that Sol can continue to travel across the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods, who are intent on destruction and the enslavement of humankind, at bay. Ten semidioses, or the children of the gods, between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol themself as the worthiest to compete in The Sunbearer Trials, a series of five challenges set with the intention of determining Reino del Sol’s next Sunbearer. The winner of the Trials will carry light and life to all the temples in Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all—they will be sacrificed by the winner to Sol, their body used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Seventeen-year-old Teo has never worried about the Trials, at least for himself. As the trans, semidiós son of Quetzal, the Jade goddess of birds, Teo’s chances of being chosen for the Trials are slim—Jade dioses and semidioses are not as powerful as their Gold counterparts and a Jade semidiós has not been chosen by Sol to compete in the Trials in over one hundred years. Instead, Teo is worried for his best friend, Niya—the Gold semidiós daughter of Tierra, the god of earth—who is considered one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is highly likely to be chosen in this year’s trials. He can also not help but reluctantly worry about Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós and Teo’s friend-turned-enemy who, like Niya, is also a likely choice for the Trials.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses not one, but two semidioses who are not Golds: Xio, the powerless, thirteen-year-old trans son of Mala Suerte, the god of bad luck, and… Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious and dangerous trials, against eight other competitors who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.

The Worldbuilding— I absolutely loved the worldbuilding presented in this novel—between the physical world, the history, and the trials themselves, everything about the world that Aiden has crafted is immaculate and it truly felt as though I was navigating the world of the story alongside Teo. I greatly enjoyed how each city within Reino del Sol, such as Teo’s home, Quetzlan, and Niya’s, La Cumbre, was so different from one another and I liked being able to delve into the atmosphere and culture of the various cities when Teo and the others went to visit them during the Trials. I also liked how each city served as a reflection of the Gold or Jade god or goddess it was dedicated to—for instance, Quetzlan being overgrown by trees and foliage and filled with birds, with most of the citizens having their own bird companions. Additionally, I liked how modern-day culture and social media intertwined with the story; Aiden found a way to seamlessly integrate aspects of today’s world such as social media in such a way that they played a useful role in the story, especially when it came to the publicity surrounding the Trials as well as Teo and his friends’ ability to learn more about the previous Trials.

I likewise really enjoyed the history that was presented within the novel of the world and the gods as well as the Trials themselves; I find the inclusion of history within a story to really improve the overall worldbuilding and to create a bigger and better picture as to the world of the novel. I do, however, wish that we got to learn more about the history surrounding the previous Trials such as how the Trials came to be as well as more information regarding the previous competitors (especially the Jade ones) and the individual trials that they competed in.

The Trials— Speaking of the Sunbearer Trials, the individual trials were one of my favorite aspects of the novel. I really enjoyed witnessing the various trials and challenges that the hosting cities and gods came up with and that Teo and the other competitors had to face. In this vein, I liked how no two trials were the same and how each trial focused upon a different ability or collection of abilities in line with what the god or goddess of the hosting city valued and promoted amongst their people. It was also interesting to see how the competitors tackled the challenges that the Trials threw at them, homing in on their various strengths and weaknesses as well as (occasionally) their ability to work together. While I enjoyed all of the individual trials, the fourth one was probably my favorite; I’ll be vague because spoilers but let me just say that it involved quick-thinking and quite a bit of danger, and also served to bring some previous mysteries into even more light.

The Characters— Ugh, I simply adored these characters. I swear that Aiden has a gift when it comes to crafting characters because I cannot help but fall in love with (almost) all of the characters that Aiden introduces us to in their novels (I mean, Yadriel and Julian from Cemetery Boys own my heart). Aiden crafted a story featuring a large cast of complex, multi-layered, and diverse characters, spanning a wide array of genders, sexualities, and races. I really enjoyed seeing so much representation in one book (I mean, it is Aiden we are talking about, so I’m not surprised) and I liked how the diversity amongst the characters was normalized and not made to be their entire personalities.

Of all of the characters, however, Teo would have to be my favorite—I just love my trans troublemaking boy so much. Teo is such a likable and fun protagonist who, while being a bit of a troublemaker (I mean, when we first meet Teo he is partaking in a little bit of minor vandalism, no biggie), always strives to do what is right and follow his heart when it comes to making decisions. Being a Jade and constantly viewed as being “lesser” than his Gold counterparts, not to mention being unwillingly thrown into the Sunbearer Trials and competing for his life, Teo has a lot to prove to his other competitors, to the public, and to himself and I greatly enjoyed witnessing Teo’s growth and his developed sense of self that occurred as the novel progressed (one of the biggest moments in regards to Teo’s strengthened sense of self happened during the first trial; I’m not going to say much, but let me just say that it is such an impactful and empowering moment in Teo’s character growth). He is so dedicated to and protective of his friends; I mean, despite a majority of the individual trials being “solo” trials, Teo attempts to find ways to help Niya and Xio and to work with them to guarantee that none of them will lose or become the sacrifice. Speaking of Niya and Xio, I loved Teo’s friendship with both of them and the various dynamics that they had together—Niya and Teo are definitely ride-or-die best friends and I liked how Teo brought quiet loner Xio into their group and made him feel like he belonged. I likewise really liked Teo’s relationship with Aurelio (my friends-to-enemies-to-lovers(?) heart) and I loved witnessing Teo getting moody and broody (Aiden’s words, not mine) Aurelio to open up as the story progressed.

In terms of the other competitors, Niya and Xio were definitely my favorites (although I really liked Marino and Dezi as well and I wish that we got to see more of them). Niya was such a badass and I simply adored her. She is the type of best friend that everyone wishes that they had—fiercely protective, incredibly funny, a bit of a troublemaker, and willing to state her mind and potentially throw hands if anyone dares to speak against you (as Aiden said, if you loved Julian in Cemetery Boys, you would love Niya and I second that). I need a Niya in my life! And Xio! I loved Xio so much and he must be protected at all costs. As previously stated, Xio is a bit of a loner and avoided by other people, being the son of Mala Suerte, the god of bad luck, and all, until Teo and Niya come in and force him into their friend group which is when Xio’s true personality shines through—despite being on the quieter side, he is super funny and full of quippy comebacks, not to mention willing to be dragged into Teo and Niya’s antics.

And I loved the various powers and specializations that the various dioses and semidioses possessed. It was super fun to see these different powers in action during the Trials and seeing how every competitor’s powers helped or hindered them during each individual trial. Likewise, I really enjoyed the various forms that each character’s specialization took, being either more physical or mental, as well as the variety amongst their abilities; for instance, Teo, being the son of Quetzal (the diosa of birds), possesses the ability to fly and to communicate with birds whereas Niya, the daughter of Tierra (the dios of earth), possesses the ability to manipulate metal into weapons and Marino, the son of Agua (the diosa of water) possesses the ability to control and manipulate water.

Conclusion— Overall, The Sunbearer Trials is an amazing young adult fantasy novel that I cannot recommend enough (I’ve already pre-ordered two copies if that tells you anything). And I cannot wait for the sequel because that ending! I need the next book now!

Aiden Thomas does it again with his fantastic storytelling. I didn't really have any fears after reading Cemetery Boys and think that Thomas is good at writing the fantastical. The Sunbearer Trials is full of adventure, breathing life into a world filled with wonder and evil.

Each decade, Sol selects the ten most worthy semiodioses to compete in The Sunbearer Trials, a set of high stakes challenges that will have its winner carry the light and life to all the temples in Reino del Sol and its loser sacrificed to refuel the Sun Stones that protects Sol for another ten years from things lurking in the dark. Teo, a 17-year-old trans son of the goddess of birds, and thus a Jade, isn’t worried about being chosen. The trials are for heroes and Jades aren’t those. But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses not one, but two semidioses: a 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte named Xio…and Teo. Now they must compete in five dangerous trials against opponents who are far more powerful and trained for this, or face the fatal consequences of losing.

This is the queer The Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson that is going to take readers’ hearts by storm, I guarantee it. Thomas creates a vivid world that feels almost seamless. There’s no info-dumping that might drag down the pacing, instead, new information about the places Teo gets to visit is given peu a peu, which I love especially in high fantasy. All the cities are a mix of modern elements and old glamor and while there are nods to real life (social media and celebrity life), it is well balanced with the magic that keeps their world thriving, such as the highly powerful Sol Stones. Altogether, this mix of mythology, modernity and magical abilities made for one hell of a ride.

While I admit that I sometimes had trouble distinguishing the characters from each other (there’s a huge cast of characters and of course there isn’t time to flesh out everyone completely especially since this is a duology), I loved how we got to see characters bond and squabble and actively try to sabotage others. There are definitely a few characters in the book you’ll love to hate while others turn out to be potential friends that you might not have guessed would be helpful.

The highlight of this story is of course The Sunbearer Trials. From the harrowing challenges the chosen ones have to face to the unlikely alliances—and downright villainous acts of other competitors—that are created, every trial felt more dangerous than the last one. I loved the way the media sensationalised the trials and how Teo’s role in the competition engendered character growth. The trials are a horrible practice and always end with someone being the sacrifice and this barbaric tradition has never sat right with Teo—and that doesn’t change even as he fights for his own survival. There is also so much camaraderie and support between Teo, his best friend and another competitor they chose to take under their wing (pun intended) that adds so much to the stakes of the trials. Other characters that are introduced also play huge roles in the way Teo sees not only himself but his entire existence as a Jade and I loved how that added to the story. We also have a bit of a childhood friends to rivals to …maybe something more than friends teased between Theo and Aurelio which I was so here for. There’s also a few twists and turns and I found myself rooting for different outcomes throughout the story, yet couldn’t have predicted where the novel ends up going.

Thomas also adds so much inclusion and diverse representation without making it the focus of the story which I absolutely loved—we need more representation where queerness is totally the norm and here we have it— from fluid gender and sexuality representation and Sol’s genderless presence to a nonbinary villain and our main character Teo whose transition isn’t so much the focus as him binding his wings for much of his teenhood because of the dysphoria they initially cause. There’s also so much rich culture discussed in this story that I couldn’t do it justice by merely listing it here. All I can say is that it’s a rich tapestry that will have you compelled to flip the pages even faster.

The climax of the story is as intense as it gets and with a plot twist that is much a surprise as it is a betrayal, I’m itching to see how it all wraps up in the second part of this promising duology.

Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games in this queer adventure in which teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges to safekeep their world. With high stakes, intricate mythology, vivid worldbuilding and a riveting cast of characters all spearheaded by snarky Teo, this book is perfect for fantasy readers young and old alike!

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas is a fun story about dioses, diosas, and semidioses. These children of the gods are placed in a competition called the Sunbearer Trials. As a Jade semidios, Teo has to attend the opening ceremonies out of obligation, but would is not worried about being selected to participate since that “honor” is bestowed upon Golds.
Spoiler alert:

Teo is a Jade semidios. He is the son on of the goddess of birds, though he hides his own wings under a binder to keep them, literally, under wraps. I really enjoyed seeing the initial parallels between Teo’s binder for his wings as a metaphor for trans kids who wear binders. As with Thomas’ work, it is refreshing to have positive trans stories out in the world.

Great story with a nice twist/surprise at the end which leads right into a sequel. Too bad we have to wait for that to come out!

So much fun! The rep, the story, and the colorfulness of this world was awesome! I really liked the myths and legends all woven inside-even if they were loosely made up. The idea of trials is always fun and this was very well-executed.

As soon as I saw news of this book being Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson, I HAD to read it!! The story telling was amazing, this new world that Aidan Thomas has created is filled with wonders and evils that is so refreshing to read about. The Sunbearer Trials had me itching to get to the next trial and so on, it was a very entertaining book and I loved it!

Thank you, NetGalley for the E-Arc!
I have been an Aiden Thomas fan for a while; I've read his books before in the past and this definitely lives up to my expectations. This book follows Teo as he and his friends try to survive the Sunbearer trials. This is a battle royale story where all of the characters are simultaneously trying to win and become the Sunbearer as well as to not be last. Last place means becoming a sacrifice to protect the world. I flew through the story and there were parts that I just died laughing. the part where Teo is talking to birds it's just so entertaining and I actually had to pause and collect myself.
I also really liked the twist at the end however I do wish it was a little bit less obvious. I feel like I guessed it pretty early on and wish there was a little bit more redirection but I definitely still enjoyed it. Overall I think this was a wonderful start to the series and I cannot wait to read the next one.