I loved this book very much. The trials were very adventurous and entertaining. Lor is a great FMC. I cannot wait to continue on with the series and find out what happens next and how Nadir and Lor find each other

WOW. This story hooked me immediately, and I can tell it isn't letting me go anytime soon.

I was rooting and feeling for the FMC from the get-go, but there is a whole cast of characters here that I'm already loving and fiercely hating. Then others that are so gray that I'm undecided.

This first book is clearly setting up for the rest of the series, and does it perfectly. I have an idea of what the history and beliefs of the world are, tons of questions for how our characters got here, and how they'll move forwards. Perfectly paced plot that's balanced with the information we need. Not much romance in this one, but I knew going in that this is a slow burn. On top of that? I was fat too entertained to look for it.

Trial of the Sun King absolutely devoured me and then I devoured it right back. The “Bachelor meets Hunger Games” vibe pulled me in and the execution kept me up reading way too late.

Lor is such a compelling main character. She’s tough, defiant, and emotionally raw. I loved watching her navigate this brutal, glittering world. The trials were intense and fun, the romantic tension hit just right (hello, slow burn), and even though I saw one or two things coming, the twists still landed.

The world could have been fleshed out a bit more and a few scenes dragged, but honestly I didn’t mind. I was having too much fun. If you’re a fan of ACOTAR, political power games, and dangerously charming fae royals, don’t sleep on this one.

🌞 BOOK / REVIEW 👑

I am utterly gagged with all of the amazing #romantasy books on the shelves right now. I went from total apprehension of this genre to absolute adoration at how incredibly unique, fun, and nail-biting it is.

I just tore through #trialofthesunking by @nishajtwrites and came here to share my thoughts immediately. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH. Its bachelor vs. Hunger Games description did *not* disappoint. It was highly engaging, and the pace of the book was perfect.

I love that this one didn't quite end the way I initially hoped. As more of the story unfolded, it felt too good to be true. I simply can't give away too much, as I need everyone to pick this book up NOW.

The spice level is 🌶🌶, but the vibes are so freaking high. This is also part of a series and I just loaded the next installment on my Kindle thanks to @netgalley.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A good start to a series. I liked the aspect of the trials and really intrigued to see where this is going. I am very intrigued with the Aurora Prince and his role everything. Quick, easy read romantasy start.

Hi. Here to say that I am the worst for waiting this long to read this book. I even bought this book because it's pretty, and bought the rest of the books because now I am invested and need to finish this ASAP.

I am so here for the slow burn! I love it! (I'm in the middle of book two and the tension is fire!). Anyway, book one was such a fun, quick read. I flew through it. Thank you for giving me this arc, and apologies again for taking so long to get to it. But I'm also happy because now I don't have to wait for the rest of the books.

This is really late, but I finally read it. I have such mixed feelings over this book. I devoured it because it was entertaining but there were so many things I really disliked. Everything felt underdeveloped, the villian was way too obvious right away because of the only other person with chapters dedicated to them, and while self aware, the FMC still kept being straight up stupid based on her horrid past.
I'm going to check out book two in the hopes that i gets better because this one really did have a lot of promise.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Central Grand Publishing) for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

Overall, I had so much fun reading this book, it was a 4 star read for me. I cannot wait to continue the series and unravel the mysteries. It’s definitely got The Bachelor meets Hunger Games meets High Fae (ACOTAR) vibes - which makes it extra fun and enticing.

This is my first book from Nisha J Tuli and it did not disappoint, I enjoyed how she wrote the story and the plot, and the writing was fairly straightforward and depicted what needed to be shown to make a riveting story!

We follow our FMC Lor throughout her journey in the prison in Aurora and then in the Sun Queen trials in Aphelion. I really like Lor as an FMC, she is strong, spirited and determined. She does not take any crap from anyone and tries, as much as possible, to forge her own path. Gabriel is another character I really enjoyed seeing on the pages, and hope we see more of in Book2! Now also feeling curious about Nadir as we move into the next book.

The book itself was pretty fast paced, I felt like we moved through things at a good pace and none of the trials felt like they dragged on too long. I did feel like some of the scenes with Sun King dragged a bit for me or felt strange and not always very necessary. I loved the twists and reveals towards the end, and am excited for more of those and possibly some confirmation, in the next few books!

Worldbuilding to me was not a lot in this book, we are really only seeing it from Lor’s perspective and since she’s been in prison most of her life, I’m not sure on how much of a worldview and understanding she has. I hope we get more of the world building and lore (which we usually do) in the second book as it was lacking a bit for me here. Despite that, I think I was still able to piece things together and really enjoy the story!

Highly recommend this series start to all romantasy and ACOTAR lovers, I will definitely be continuing on!

I enjoyed this story so much! I had such fun reading this tale and diving deep into this world. Nisha did such a good job of building the world around these characters!

I would love to interview Nisha on my podcast after April! This book was so much fun. The pacing was good and the characters are likable.

The first line of the book hooked me. I laughed out loud with it. I loved the concept and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

The cover is also gorgeous.

This book was SO good! This was a 6 star read for me. I could not put this down and I cannot wait to continue the series. This story has such wonderful character building, great banter and is just an overall good time.

I appreciate this story so much. You have a strong MFC, she is not whiny, shes a survivalist. She does not complain she gets it done, regardless if it is unfair. This is a slow burn, and the story gets more intense, spicer as it goes. I love the names are easier to read, understand, along with the cities, towns. Not super shoved with adjectives, or useless information, and it unfolds slowly. No information dumping like a majority fantasies do. This was on my favorite reads of 2024. Brilliantly done, and I have read the whole series in a week!

The Selection meets The Hunger Games with a romantasy touch.

Lor has been in a Fae prison for 12 years along with her brother and sister. After being sent to the equivalent of solitary confinement, only much worse, Lor is kidnapped from the prison to take part in the Trials. She’ll compete against other women for the chance to marry the Sun King, the fae ruler of a neighboring kingdom. Of course, since this is the first book of a series, not everything is as it seems.

A quick read that really serves the purpose of introducing the characters while leaving out several back stories. You know that there is more here but just enough is there to get your interest.

I love a good romantasy series. I immediately picked up the second book to follow the story! This reminded me of Throne of Glass so if you’re looking for something to read when you’re done with that series, this is the perfect thing to pick up.

CW: death, violence, mentions of past sexual assault

I ended up reading a physical, finished copy and I’m kicking myself that I didn’t pick up the e-arc to scream about!

it was everything I want in a Romantasy!!

A badass main character, memorable AND lovable side characters, queer relationships mentioned without being plot points OR forced, action, mystery, and an overall plot that kept me hooked through the whole story.

From the first line of “that bitch took my soap” to the cliffhanger ending, I was entranced. I need to dive into the rest of the series immediately because I need answers!!

Lovely writing and premise! I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this world, as well as the tension/mystery that kept the plot moving. This felt like a setup novel for the series and I hope there is more character development to come!

the hype is real!!

This book has you feeling everything. Your smile , you get frustrated, you even talk to yourself and the book. Like you can warn the FMC of things and she would listen. Not. I devoured this book and am starting the second one instantly. The characters are amazing, the plot is good, there is lust, mystery, desire for more and a driven FMC that will do anything to help the ones she loves. Read this book!

Since the first book, I was HOOKED. I read lots of books and honestly this is one series that I still think about to this day. A perfect amount of characters, world building, spice etc. would definitely recommend!!

*The Trials of the Sun Queen* is a captivating first installment in a series brimming with Fae politics, court intrigue, and a deadly contest where ten women compete to become the Sun Queen and marry the King. Think *The Bachelor* meets *The Hunger Games* in a high fantasy setting—what's not to love?

This book was the perfect pick to scratch my classic fantasy romance itch. From the first page, I was completely immersed, especially with the audiobook narration, which brought the world to life beautifully.

The story follows Lor, a 24-year-old human who has spent twelve years imprisoned with her siblings. After being thrown into the Hollow and kidnapped, she finds herself at the Sun Palace, forced to participate in the Sun Queen trials—an ancient tradition in which ten females from the finest Fae families compete for the king’s heart. Among them is Lor, the lone human contender.

Lor’s fiery spirit made her a joy to read about. Her past is shrouded in mystery, but we get tantalizing glimpses of the hardships she endured at the prison, Nostraza. The abuse and loss she and her siblings faced only make her determination to win the trials that much more compelling. Winning could mean not just freedom, but the chance to finally give her siblings the life they deserve.

The Sun Palace setting is lush and full of intrigue, and the trials themselves promise twists and turns. What really excites me are the hints and foreshadowing for future books, which leave me eagerly anticipating the next installment. I’m already diving into *The Rule of the Aurora King*!

While the romance is a slow burn and the spice is light for now, I’m confident the tension will build to something special as the story unfolds. If you love an enemy-to-lovers dynamic, this one’s for you!