3.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed Trial of the Sun Queen! I think it was a brilliant choice to market it as a "Bachelorette x Hunger Games" fantasy series, It was probably lite on the "Bachelorette" vibes, personally, but still great in concept and what initially drew me to reading the book.

As a seasoned fantasy reader, I will say that as books start influencing one another, no one story is 100% authentic (unfortunately). As I see more fellow reviewers comparing TotSQ to "x popular fantasy series by White author", I can't help but think that BIPOC authors and characters deserve a chance and opportunity to be compared to instead of the other way around. That's my most compelling reason and argument to continue the series and read more of Nisha J. Tuli's future works.

There were certain instances where I was iffy about the writing style. (Ex: "I'm fairly certain Fae don't require enhancements like glasses. Their vision is far superior to that of mortals, so the glasses must be for show. Maybe she thinks they make her look smart. Well, I have news for her.") It possibly makes sense as this specific character's personality, so this wasn't a deal breaker for me. The rest of the book was an easy read.

Overall, I would recommend this book to any fantasy/romance reader but ESPECIALLY a new reader in this genre. What may be 'predictable' (but still enjoyable) to me, would be an incredible ride for someone else. I hope more people give this one a chance. Thank to Forever/GCP and net galley for the ARC!

DNF at 35%.

I was initially intrigued by the story. While I thought the writing style could use a little more polish, I felt the main character's life in prison and survival were emotionally compelling.

But once the inciting incident passed and we reached the real meat of the story, it just started to feel predictable. Not in a fun tropey way, but in a cliched way. If you've read many of the books in this genre, you'll likely feel the same way. It felt like a mix of A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Selection, and just a bit of The Hunger Games.

BUT, that being said, if this is your favorite genre and you need more, then you'll definitely like it. If you haven't read the big hits in the romantasy or trial-based genres in general, then you likely won't find it as predictable.

Thanks to Netgalley and Forever for the ARC.

4.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this book. I love books set during a trial, especially ones with such high stakes like Trial of the Sun Queen.
Lor goes from one prison to another, getting thrown into a trial to decide the next Queen of Aphelion. This book follows Lor as she competes in the trials, trying to survive and save her siblings, while also trying to decide who and who not to trust.
While i did see some of the twists coming, i loved the way Tuli executed them. Lor was a great protagonist and i cant wait to read the second book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for allowing me to read this book.

In "Trial of the Sun Queen," the first installment of the Artefacts of Ouranos Series by Nisha J. Tuli, readers are plunged into a riveting tale of intrigue, rivalry, and the pursuit of freedom. The narrative unfolds in a world where Lor, after enduring years of torment under the Aurora King's rule, unexpectedly finds herself thrust into a deadly competition for the Sun King's heart.

Tuli weaves a gripping story as Lor, fueled by a desire for revenge, navigates the treacherous Sun Queen Trials alongside nine other determined Tributes. The stakes are high—winning means freedom, but losing equals death or a return to the clutches of the vengeful Aurora King.

The author skillfully builds tension by placing Lor in a position where she doesn't belong. Her outsider status not only fuels resentment among the other Tributes but also raises questions about the mysterious circumstances of her release. As Lor grapples with the complexities of her unexpected freedom, readers are drawn into a world where alliances are fragile, and betrayal lurks at every turn.

"Trial of the Sun Queen" is a captivating blend of fantasy and suspense, with Tuli expertly crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The fierce competition, combined with Lor's determination to overcome formidable odds, creates a compelling and dynamic story. As the tension mounts and the Sun Queen Trials unfold, readers are left eagerly anticipating the outcome and the fate that awaits Lor in this intricately woven tale of survival and retribution.

Thanks NetGalley and Forever for the copy of this book!
3.75/5 ⭐️ rounded up! I really enjoyed this book! It’s a NA fantasy that reads easily like a YA, so it’s EXACTLY what I needed after a long week at work! The plot was fun and familiar without being overly predictable and the pacing was amazing! I can’t wait to pick up book two!!!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a free e-manuscript of "Trial of the Sun Queen". All opinions are my own.
I saw this book at Target recently and found myself interested because I had never heard of it before. I think this book has been pushed to the side because of all the fae/romantasy books being released lately, but I really enjoyed it! The writing was excellent, the story was great - lots of action and sets up a great story. For this, I am giving it 5 stars.
A couple small things: I wanted to see more of Nadir. Either that or I would've preferred the first book to be entirely Lor's perspective. I found it a little awkward that Nadir only had a few chapters and Lor carried the rest of the book. Clearly he is being set up to be the love interest, and I would've liked to see a bit more of this. I am looking forward to it in book two.
Secondly, another thing I'm assuming will be described in book two, is we didn't really get any "resolution" as to Lor's secret. I personally think it would have been better to reveal the secret at the end rather than hinting at it, but that's just my perspective.
I am definitely going to read the second book soon. I am looking forward to what's to come in this series.
Recommend for: Fans of "The Selection" series by Kiera Cass. Basically a more adult and fae version of this series.

4 ⭐️

Got this close to pub date. Concept sounds promising with Bachelor/Hunger Games mix.

Will read this & review soon. Trying to get into Fantasy this year

This series is currently available on KU!!

Opening line has me weak 🤣 That bitch took my soap

3.5 stars! Overall, I enjoyed this.

This book is dual POV. The first and primary POV is Lor, a 24 year old who has spent 12 years in a harsh prison with her sister and brother. Lor was placed in the prison by the Aurora King for reasons unknown. One day, someone stages a prison riot and Lor is taken from the prison into Aphelion, another court on the continent. Lor is thrust into the "Sun Queen Trials" which are a series of deadly competitions between 10 women to become the next Queen of Aphelion and become bonded to the Fae Sun King, Atlas.

The 2nd POV is Nadir, the Fae crown Prince of the Aurora. His chapters are told in 3rd person and is less frequent. Nadir overhears that a prisoner is missing and his dad, the Aurora King, tasks him with finding the missing prisoner.

There is a mystery as to who Lor really is and why both courts (The Aurora and Aphelion) are interested in her. Atlas, the Sun King, immediately takes an interest in her and appears to want her to win the trials and become the next queen.

This was pretty light on the world-building and fantasy elements. There are Fae and some version of Fae magic, but its easy to follow which I liked. I assume more world-building will continue as the series progresses.

The romance between Lor and Atlas never felt genuine to me and I found myself skipping over the spicy scenes. I wasn't expecting him to be the main love interest based on the author's note at the beginning. I do love that the author's note was included. It was very well done.

A lot of the elements of the trials reminded me of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (the water trial, the maze, and the mirror reminded me of the sorting hat). All of the gold in Aphelion and Atlas reminded me of the Plated Prisoner series. So fans of each of those series, may like this book.

I enjoyed the first 30% and then it slowed down for me once it got into the trials. It picked back up at the 70-80% mark. I don't think there was anything "shocking" or "revealing" which disappointed me. It was pretty easy to piece clues together. I will be continuing the series.

This book will sit amongst my top 3 favourite reads of the year! From the very first chapter, I was hooked.

Lor is kidnapped from her bleak life in prison and is forced into the spotlight to compete in a series of trails to win the title of Sun Queen. The trials are absolutely ruthless and the odds are greatly staked against Lor, but her ingenuity and wit guide her through each adversity (much to the distaste of the public and other competitors).
I was deeply attached to Lor - her wit and perseverance through this book had me sitting on the edge of my chair rooting for her!

I am eager to read the second book, Rule of the Aurora King, ASAP!

Key Themes: Fantasy, Romance (with some spice!), Fae Politics, Morally Grey Characters, Action and Violence

SO FUN! If you love reality tv, action and competition then this book is it! I’ve seen so many comparing it to the hunger games and the bachelor and honestly? That’s the perfect way to put it, I loved it. It was fun, sassy and kept me interested to the end.

I’m super excited for the next book in the series and I can’t wait to see where the author takes it. The cover is also very aesthetically pleasing.

I received this ARC via NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.

Bachelor meets Hunger Games… a fantasy that feels part reality tv was fun for me. I enjoyed the world building and the characters.

This doesn’t really bring anything new to the genre but that doesn’t always mean it’s not worth the read. Will definitely continue the series!

Thank you netgalley and forever for my arc.

Dystopian-ish stories are my favorite and bonus points for including incredible writing with intriguing characters and imaginative plot elements! I LOVED this book. It builds a world that is hauntingly fascinating and I enjoyed every minute of this rich and detailed reading experience. Thank you for providing this galley for me to read because I have recommended it to many people who have equally enjoyed it!

ARC reader for NetGalley

“That bitch stole my soap!” One line hooked me, but the story didn’t truly start getting good until nearly chapter 6. I enjoyed the characters, the intrigue, the fantasy world built. Little slow burn. The trials were a bit barbaric, but that’s to be expected with its comparison to hunger games meets the bachelor. Atlas gave me Tamlin and Dain vibes from the beginning. All that glitters isn’t always gold. I look forward to finding out what Lor is to become. Or rather I know what it’s the how that has me wanting more of this series. Definitely happy to have had the opportunity to read this.

Feels like another basic fantasy with magic and an irritating male character. This book was ok, but not for me.

3.5⭐️ 1🌶️

What if you were on the far bachelor BUT the contestants were trained their whole lives to compete (like hunger games) because the challenges can kill you? That’s this book.

It’s a story that makes you root for the underprivileged FMC to persevere over everyone who has lived their lives with a silver spoon in their mouth. The plot is a little bit predictable but there are enough secrets that you’re just DYING to find out that keep you reading on. Not a whole lot of world building so it’s pretty easy to follow.

I have a feeling the second book will be far better. At least I’m hoping it is based on the set up from this one.

A fun and bingeable start to an NA romantic fantasy series. Trial of the Sun Queen is a mashup of The Bachelor, The Hunger Games and The Selection with high stakes. 10 women are to compete to become the queen, and Lor has been plucked from a prison to be the final tribute.

The book didn't bring anything new to the genre for me but I had a decent time overall. I found a couple characters to be confusing with their intentions/actions and they flip flopped quite a bit. There is some withholding of information in order for there to be reveals, which isn't my favourite in first person POVs. Lor started out as an intriguing character but I felt she lost her sparkle throughout the novel.

As the author states, this is a slow burn over multiple books, so don't get too invested in certain relationships. The covers for this series are absolutely stunning and completely drew me to the books in the first place.

If you like the aforementioned reality tv and book series, Trial of the Sun Queen delivers an entertaining adventure.

CW: violence, death, murder, injury, confinement, blood, bullying, abuse, toxic relationship, kidnapping, rape, death of parent, sexual content

It’s a perfect mix of SJM, The Bachelor, and the Hunger Games. I was hooked immediately, I could not put this down. I loved the main lead and her subtle character changes while she is figuring things out. It isn’t too spicy but I have a feeling book 2 will make up for that. This Fantasy Romance is a little predictable however you will want to dive right into book 2 asap. I could not get enough of Nadir.

This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more. Bonus points for being Canadian! They will be at Romance Invades the Canadian Rockies. Summer 2024 and I can’t be happier.


Dual POV
Deadly Games
Morally Grey Prince
Rags to Riches
Fae

Trial of the Sun Queen

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trial of the Sun Queen
Nisha J. Tuli

“Whatever this means, whoever he is, I want more. I’ve spent my life surrounded by darkness and the cold, relentless echo of stone. (He) is the very embodiment of lightness and warmth. The opposing force of ardent fire against unrelenting ice.”

“Pain is a language I know. A script I’ve written a thousand times.”

A deadly contest to win a King, but everything is not as it seems. Right amount of cat and mouse with some spice. I personally felt like I could predict this book somewhat, but I wasn’t even mad because I still enjoyed it. A side character I was instantly intrigued by ends up being one of the main in the next book and well that was enough for me. (Name starts with a N 😏)

If you liked ACOTAR and TOG, I would say you’d enjoy this series! ✨

It really is just like it is described/marketed! The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games (with a splash of ACOTAR Fae vibes) and I really enjoyed it!

I loved Tuli’s writing in Heart of Night and Fire and she continues to impress here. Such beautiful description of the world, the clothes, food, and people.

You really feel for Lor. She has been suffering in prison since she was a child and abused by the warden and guards. Her brother and sister are also imprisoned, one of the few lights in her dark life. When she is put in solitary confinement out in a pit, she is whisked off to one of the other kingdoms and finds herself a tribute/participant in the Sun Queen Trials. As the only human, she has to work twice as hard to survive and try to win the Sun King, Atlas’, favor.

We also get the POV of prince Nadir, son of the Aurora King who is responsible for Lor’s imprisonment. He gives morally grey vibes and even though we get his point of view, is kind of a mystery. Since a prisoner (Lor) has gone missing, his father the kind tells him to look into it and Nadir learns there may be secrets surrounding the missing prisoner and why his father cares so much.

A quick paced read with a touch of spice, some darker themes (check TW/cw) and an ending that left me hungry for the next one!

The Trial of the Sun Queen is the first book in the Artefacts of Ouranos series. The forward tells the reader that the author is anticipating four books in the series and provides a trigger warning.

Lor has been a prisoner of the Aurora King since she was a child. When the finds herself as a tribute in the Sun Queen Trials, she doesn’t understand why. She isn’t a person of significance and she isn’t even a citizen of the Sun King’s kingdom. She won’t allow those facts to stop her from competing since losing could mean her life. Will she win and be the new Sun Queen? Is there something else going on? Can she trust the Sun King? Can she save the ones she loves or will she die trying?

This book gave me The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games vibes but with fae. It was really good! I devoured it and found myself going “What!?” more times than I would like to admit. My family heard me laughing because of Lor’s antics and mouth.

There is a little bit of 🌶️ ; only one scene. The majority of the romance is slow burn.