In this first book of The Aretefacts of Ouranos series we meet Lor who is pulled in as a tribute with nine other women to win the Sun Kings heart. She has a reason to win, she wants revenge on the evil Aurora King. I enjoyed the pacing and twists in this book but I felt the world building and mc could have been written better. The books sells itself as a Bachelor meets the Hunger Games and if you enjoy that or you're a fan of ACOTAR then I would recommend this book. Thank you #NetGalley for my arc.

Ahhhhhhh! Why did I wait so long to read this!! I've had this book on my TBR list for quite some time but for some reason I just never found the time to start it. But once I did, I flew through it. I think I finished this book in less than 24 hours! Lor is a wonderfully written, strong willed FMC and I cannot wait to dive further into her character in the sequel, she seems to have a lot of history that she keeps hidden and I'm curious to see how things progress between her, Atlas and Nadir. I can definitely see why this book is often compared to ACOTAR but it is absolutely its own work of art!

I really enjoyed this first book in the Artefacts of Ouranos series.

Trial of the Sun Queen follows Lor, a prisoner at the infamous Nostraza prison in the Aurora kingdom. She and her siblings have been prisoners there for years, since they were children. But one day, Lor is kidnapped and suddenly finds herself as an unwilling participant in the Sun Queen Trials, where ten women face impossible odds to win the hand of the Sun King. Lor is an absolute underdog, facing women who have trained their entire lives for this. But surviving Nostraza is no small feat, and she will use every once of wit and determination to survive, The Sun King, Atlas is kind and attentive, but Lor is still suspicious of why she was chosen to participate. But she wants to win no matter what. Because winning the role of Sun Queen means she can finally release her siblings, and take down the horrible Aurora King.

This was a fun and engaging read. I thought Lor was a fantastic protagonist - she is feisty, scrappy, and doesn't take any nonsense from anyone. While we are led to feel like a relationship between Atlas and Lor is possible, we also get scenes from Nadir's point of view - the prince of the Aurora Kingdom. So we get to see a little bit about his motivations as well, and why he is also interested in finding Lor. The trials were fun to read and added some excitement to the story, while also revealing more about Lor's nature. The worldbuilding is good, not an overwhelming amount, but enough to understand the different kingdoms and their relationships, and hints of past events that reshaped the realm. We get some really fascinating twists and reveals towards the end of the book, which leave the reader wanting more and ready to dive into book 2.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more in this series.

Thanks you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book lived up to the expectations that I had for it. It kept me hooked until the very end and I can’t wait to read the second book!

I thought the writing was amazing and although the plot line itself might’ve been done before, I think Tuli did a great job of making it unique. I loved all of the right characters as well as hated all of the right characters. The book had me on the edge of my seat for each trial.

I do wish that there were more trials or more written on each of the trials since the book is all about passing the trials. A lot of the book focused on what everyone was going through outside of the trials, which was still really interesting to read, but I think there should’ve been more on the trials.

Other than that tiny, little grievance, I loved this book. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to @netgalley & @readforeverpub for my copy of this ebook!

This was actually the second time I read this book (the first time I read it was on KU earlier this year), so I was pretty shocked to see that I was granted access to it!

This series is the first fantasy series I’ve read as an adult. The first time I read through it, I was a bit harsh and for no apparent reason other than being unfamiliar with the adult romantasy genre. Seriously, the only other fantasy series I’ve read up until earlier this year was Harry Potter and Twilight, and those were very much YA fantasy.

Re-reading this book was a breath of fresh air! I already knew what happens, but I was thoroughly impressed with the descriptions of Ouranos and the plot overall. I fell back in love with the characters and each “district”/land of Ouranos.

The only thing that frustrated me by the end of Trial of the Sun Queen is how the series isn’t finished yet. 😂 And how I’m dying to know what the heck happens after the second book.

There are a few similarities that reminded me of The Hunger Games, but the plot and the storyline are so entirely different that I’ve convinced myself the similarities are just coincidences.

I am not a slow burn person, but I am already sucked in too deep by the land of Ouranos and the characters and the manipulations between people to care one bit!

Reading it a second time opened my eyes to hints and clues here and there that I didn’t catch the first time that seem so obvious now. I was so caught off guard by everyone and everything, but I loved reading it a second time because I realized it was so well written.

I also read the second book, but I’m already patiently (not patiently at all) waiting for the third because I HAVE to find out what happens next.

Such a good series. I’m pulled in so deep.

Is this book a knock off of ACOTAR? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? Also yes.

I want to read Fate of the Sun King so I can finish this story and be happy.

3.5 stars! Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of this book! You can pick up Trial of the Sun Queen now.

This book was such a fun ride! I loved the premise of Hunger Games meets The Bachelor, set in a world with High Fae and spice and all kinds of cool magic. I'm intrigued by this world and the implications of this book's ending for the rest of the series. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out Lor's secret, but once I did, I knew the enemies-to-lovers arc in this series would hit SO HARD.

My only gripe is that Lor's character grated on me at times. Her dialogue felt a bit juvenile and petty, but I appreciated her growth throughout the story (even if it felt a bit rushed at times). The writing overall didn't wow me, but it engaged me and motivated me to keep reading. I will be picking up the next book!

This was SO good. You get a lost queen to land, that’s well.. struggling. Court politics and trials to find a new queen. There’s lust. Heck it will make you laugh, cry, scream, all the feels. I found this to be a true romansty, which isn’t always easy to find. And that fact that’s it’s on KU! What are you doing?! Read it now. I loved the twists and how you couldn’t tell who was trustworthy. Now, if a contest isn’t your cup of tea.. this does end on a big cliffhanger, so if just automatically download book 2 while you are here!

I love a strong female main character and that's exactly what Lor is. Fantasy romance is my favorite and Lor had so many qualities that I love to see in my fantasy heroines. If you also love enemies to lovers, fae, magic, fight to the death, action and so much more you'll love this book! Can't wait to read the next in series.

I thoroughly had so much fun reading this story!

Sure there are similarities to other series, but I feel like it is unique enough on its own to not be a copy.

This is the second series I have started by Nisha and found she does have similar set ups in her book 1 for both. They’re almost like prequels for the actual stories.
<spoiler> The first love interest is never end game, and the actual love interest is barely introduced. </spoiler>

The FMC has a very strong personality and a loyalty to her family that is unstoppable.

Gabriel definitely has my attention. I’m very excited to learn more about him. He’s probably my favorite character so far. His loyalties are such a mystery.

I’m so excited to jump into the next book!
<spoiler>And get to dive into the real romance! I definitely see Fated Mates hints!</spoiler>

This had very low spice. I’ve been told more comes in the next book though.

4 book series with book 3 & 4 scheduled for release in 2024.

I loved this book!! I always seek out a strong FMC, and it was evident from the first chapter that this book would provide that. Lor consistently stood up for herself, her siblings, and other women in the trials regardless of the situation she was in or the danger against her. Even though she physically was presented as weak at first (thanks Nostraza) she made up for it in mental toughness and eventually proved herself physically. The balance between love interests, action/adventure, and character development really brought everything together - there wasn't one area that I felt overpowered the other. The ending made me scramble to find the second book in the series because I need to know what happens next!

This is a great book for people looking for an easy to read fantasy romance and people who don’t normally read fantasy. The world building is clear, and the writing kept me engaged and interested in the story.

"Trial of the Sun Queen" is a thrilling and immersive read. It's a story that explores themes of power, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Lor's journey from a place of torment to a battlefield of determination is a captivating and empowering one. If you enjoy tales of fierce women facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, this book is a must-read. Nisha J. Tuli's storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting Lor's fate in a world filled with danger and deceit.

This was a fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy romance! I read it very quickly, and overall, I had a good time with it. It did feel very predictable to me, but that didn't impact my rating too much. The writing did feel somewhat YA, but it makes the book very accessible to people just getting into fantasy romance, so I would definitely recommend it for people just starting to pick up this genre!

Rating: ★★★★☆

"The Trial of the Sun Queen" by Nisha J. Tuli takes readers on an enthralling and emotion-filled adventure through a world where power, love, and revenge collide. In this fierce competition among ten women, Lor, a victim of the oppressive rule under the Aurora King, finds herself thrust into the unexpected role of a Tribute, vying for the affections of the Sun King.

The story immediately hooks readers with its compelling premise and the complex character of Lor. Having endured years of suffering, Lor dreams of freedom and seeks vengeance against her tormentors. However, Lor's path to liberation is paved with unexpected challenges. Released into the hands of the rival Sun King, she must navigate the treacherous landscape of the Sun Queen Trials, where winning his heart means gaining her freedom and the opportunity to exact her revenge.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its well-crafted world-building. The author brings the Sun King's court and the realm surrounding it to life with vivid descriptions and intricate detail. The political intrigue, encompassed by the competition, adds another layer of depth to the narrative, immersing readers in a world where loyalty and survival are paramount.

Lor's character development is exceptional throughout the story. As a non-citizen and an outsider, the other Tributes despise her presence, creating dangerous obstacles in her path. Yet, Lor's resilience and determination shine through as she faces each challenge head-on. Readers will find themselves rooting for her, admiring her strength and vulnerability.

The pacing of the plot is well-maintained, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the secrets lying within the Sun King's court. The author skillfully balances moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into Lor's motivations and desires. These quiet moments allow readers to connect with Lor on a deeper level and understand the complexities of her journey.

While the book excels in many aspects, there are a few areas where it could be further developed. The supporting characters, while intriguing, could have been given more depth and exploration. Additionally, some plot twists and resolutions felt slightly predictable, taking away from the element of surprise.

Overall, "The Trial of the Sun Queen" is a riveting tale filled with suspense, romance, and redemption. It explores themes of power, freedom, and the strength of the human spirit. With its immersive world-building, compelling protagonist, and engaging plot, this book is sure to captivate fans of fantasy and adventure. Readers will eagerly await future installments in this thrilling series.

All Lor has known for half of her life is despair. She survives one day to the next, not really living, in a notorious prison. When she's punished and sent to the Hollow out in the middle of the woods, she ends up getting whisked away to Aphelion to compete in the Sun Queen Trials along with 9 other females. Not only does she have to figure out what the Sun Queen Trials are, but she has to learn how to survive them and outwit the Fae females who have been bred to compete in this, if only to save herself and her family from a life of despair.

This was like a good mixture of The Hunger Games and A Court of Thorns and Roses. The description mentions The Bachelor but I've never watched that show, so I can't say one way or another. The premise of the show does fit with this book.
It's been a while since I was this into and this excited about a book. I was looking forward to what the story would bring next throughout the whole book instead of just looking forward to the end. I loved the mystery. I couldn't decide who to cheer for. Some characters gave off shady vibes for different reasons - some of them were overly charming to a point that I was getting concerned (IYKYK), and others were super rude to the point that I hoped they'd get offed at some point.
I loved the drama, though I could've totally used more of it! There's never enough drama in some of these books.
The story did feel jerky at some points, as did the dialogue, especially coming from Lor. I thought, given what she's lived through for half of her life, she'd be better at insulting people beyond "asshole" but maybe that's just my own need for her to be an asshole in her own right.
I can't wait to read the second book and I'm bummed that the third book doesn't come until the middle of next year 😥 the torture!

Thank you NetGalley and Fotever Publishing for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

Hi I'm ready for book 2 now please and thank you.

You know from the beginning that Lor is more than she appears, mostly bc she actually says it. That thread is dropped until the end.

I will never get over teenagers hanging out with centuries old Fae.

This is like the Hunger Games in Fae land where. There's even a missing district. I mean kingdom. But I liked the story, thought Lor was great, need to understand what is UP with Gabriel and get more backstory on literally everything.

Oh Lor, how great it was to watch you grow! Nisha takes you through a journey of a girl pulled from a prison to compete in trials to win the Sun King’s heart. She starts as a naive girl, and grows into a strong woman. The world building is great, you have to make sure you’ve got book two close by when you finish! My only gripe was that the plot was a tad predictable, and Atlas seemed very unauthentic. I did love that this plot is quick and fast moving and keeps the pages turning- this can lead to some confusion at first but it gets sorted out by the end of the book. This is a great book to lead you into the Romantasy Genre

-Bachelor meets hunger games
-Fae Romance
-Morally Grey Prince
-Cinderella Rags to Riches storyline
-chosen one
-ominous Easter eggs
-Power of Friendship & Family

🛑 READ THIS BOOK

First of all, the second I read that this book was described as the Hunger Games meets the Bachelor, I was done for. This is basically all I have ever wanted in a book. 🙊

This story follow Lor, a human prisoner who is locked away in Nostraza, a prison in the kingdom of Aurora. Here she lives with her two siblings, Tristan and Willow, and while prison life is hell, at least they have each other. One morning, an altercation ensues between Lor and another prisoner (over a bar of soap) and Lor is sentenced to two weeks in the Hollow (basically solitary confinement). Some time passes and Lor is on the brink of dying due to lack of food, water, and warmth - and in this fevered state, she sees a beautiful male who whisks her out of the hole. The following day, she wakes up in a palace, confused, believing she is dead. She soon learns that she was taken, and is now in the running as the final tribute for the Sun Queen Trials. The prize, King Atlas of Ouranos. 🤴 There are 9 competitors, all of them fae who have been training for this their whole life, except Lor of course. Who will reign champion?

Going to try and be as non spoilery as possible.

So this book is riddled with action, some slow burn steam, fae politics, love interests, family loyalty and secret identities - basically a fantasy book wet-dream. The characters were all interesting (even the ones you hate) and well realized, the pacing was perfect, the burn was slow (but I am here for it) and the world building was fantastic.

Some of my favorite tropes
--> enemies to lovers (hopefully)
--> Fae-ted mates
--> love traingle
--> Forced proximity

This book was a delightful surprise! I was looking for a fantasy book to tie me over before Iron Flame releases and the covers of this series really drew my attention. This book reminds me of a fantasy mash up between The Hunger Games and the Bachelor with a unique magic system, a cut throat and deadly competition, and court intrigue. While there are dual POVs the majority of the book follows Lor, a young woman prisoner who is thrust into a competition with 9 other women to win the Sun King’s hand in marriage. Lor has been in prison for over 12 years and cannot fathom why she’s been selected to participate. The second POV is Nadir, the fae prince whose evil father is hiding secrets concerning a recent missing prisoner. Nadir and Lor’s paths finally cross towards the end of the book ending with a cliffhanger for the next book in the series. I really enjoyed Lor’s grit and tenacity despite her nativity and think she is set up for a perfect growth arc over the series. Nadir is dark, brooding, and quiet and I am excited to get more of his POV in book 2. Fantasy lovers who enjoy action, twists, magic, and budding romance should give this series a try!