Good wrap up to the duology, but I enjoyed book 1 better. I am definitely a character-driven reader and this one just didn't have the character development I yearn for. If you like a more action focused adventure you may really enjoy this conclusion.

One of the best duology and I devoured this uppppp!!!! If I have to recommend a duology to read, it would be this one!

Celestial Monsters ties off 'The Sunbearer Trials' duology with a heartfelt and memorable cast of characters that I can see becoming a mainstay of YA fiction. Aiden Thomas's skill in creating characters who can balance the need for levity in a dark, potentially apocalyptic situation is commendable. Also, the romance is incredibly cute.

This was a very good follow up to the first book. I was wondering how this book would be after the competition nature of the first book. Thomas kept the traveling aspect, but reduced the party by a lot, allowing us to focus more on Niya, Theo, and Aurelio and their relationships with each other. I will say though, this time the traveling got a bit repetitive. The focus on the characters helped, but there wasn't enough happening to warrant another travel story. It does pick up a lot towards the end, incorporating more aspects of Mexican culture. This book also includes Xio's perspective and I did enjoy seeing them struggle with their decisions and wonder if they made the right choice. The morality of the dioses being so prevalent in the world comes into play and leads to a very interesting finale. Overall, a wonderful follow-up to one of my favorite books.

I love this world and concept and the messages included. I missed the competition aspect from the first book but they had so many action sequences following their path that it gave it a similar tone. This is not an easy feat when following up the competition type books. Teo and Xio coming into their own and unlearning some of the things from their past and status quo. And Tea and Aurelio's lil romance is just so sweet and shy. I loved all these characters.

Also this may have just been my mood or the fact I primarily listened to the second half but YA-esque dialogue grated on me a bit. It reminded me a lot of TJ Klune’s The Extraordinaries dialogue which felt out of place in this fantasy realm. I can't recall feeling this way about the first book so it could have just been my own timing.

A great follow-up to the first title, though the ending was a bit cliched and anti-climactic. Readers who enjoyed the first book will enjoy the second, though the ending might leave them grasping for more. The redemption arcs were truly lovely and it was nice to see forgiveness and trust portrayed as something complicated. Definitely a first tier recommendation as a series, despite the first book being stronger than the second.

Aiden Thomas is a spectacular author who writes the most spectacular stories. Celestial Monsters is absolutely one of those stories! What an excellent conclusion to one of my NOW top favorite duologies! It was incredibly funny, full of adventure, and wonderfully diverse and complex characters.

So so so so good, and an excellent conclusion to the Sunbearer duology! I appreciated that the story started right where the first book left off, jumping straight into the mess and confusion and action! I also appreciate that Thomas works hard to make sure all of the characters shine, no matter how small their role in the story is.

Teo, Niya, and Aurelio make for a great trauma-filled adventure team, each working through their own problems while dealing with the whole apocalypse thing. I also enjoyed having a second POV, which I thought added a lot to the story.

This duology just brings me joy. Loved!

Thanks to Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends for the e-ARC!

I love this duology. It's so well written, adventurous and funny. But also serious and full of community. I'll miss these characters.

Thank you for NetGalley for an e-Arc for this book.

I am astonished how this story continued after the first. I would highly recommend to read the first one as it’s a two book series. If you never experienced the writing of Aiden Thomas and this is your first time reading their work — please let this series begin your journey. As a Latinx and Trans reader, I couldn’t be my proud of a series of books that’s enriched with mythology, culture and wisdom of the world within the story.

(I got an ARC of this through NetGalley, but it’s out now.) This is the sequel to The Sunbearer Trials, and it picks up right where Sunbearer left off! Teo, Aurelio, and Niya have to work together to fight the Obsidians and bring back Sol. I loved learning more about the mythology and history of their world in this book, and loved the subtle political commentary about being ruled by gods / living “off the grid” and the power imbalances. And as always, I loved the diverse representation in the characters. This is definitely YA, so I had an idea where the plot was going, but still really enjoyed the ride.

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for the e-arc!
I have been waiting for this conclusion with bated breath ever since finishing book one! I adore Thomas's works and have read most of their books. The first book in this series was such an excellent addition weaving together fantasy, magic, and hope to create such a wonderful genuine story of self-discovery and emotion. Avoiding all spoilers, this was such a well-done conclusion, and I ended up devouring this book in one weekend. The action picks right back up with our beloved cast of characters and I am lowkey sad the series had to finish!

This duology is so special. It easily made it into by favorites list and I have started hand selling whenever I have the chance.

i feel like i'm getting too old for ya so i didn't enjoy this as much as i thought i would. regardless it was really fun and i will keep recommending it to people

I continue to love Aiden's work, and this world was truly unique and lovely to read about. However, I didn't love it as much as I loved the first book, I'm sad to say! I was still thrilled to read it, and I think those who loved Book 1 will still enjoy this sequel.

I enjoyed this final book in the Sunbearer duology! I really liked the way the world expanded, the conclusion was very satisfying, and I enjoyed getting to know the other semidioses a bit more. I was a big fan of the new POV!

Aiden Thomas enchants once again with Celestial Monsters, a dazzling tale of cosmic magic, self-discovery, and the enduring power of love. Blending stunning world-building with heartfelt emotion, this story immerses readers in a universe both ethereal and deeply relatable. Thomas’s signature style shines through in the richly drawn characters and their journey to find belonging among the stars. A spellbinding must-read for fans of queer fantasy and celestial adventures!

THIS IS EVERYTHING. I have been waiting so long for this sequel and I couldn't put this down. Aiden Thomas has done it again. 10/5 stars

Aiden Thomas does it again! This story is so delightful and nostalgic. Funny, heartwarming, and diverse.

My favorite part of this book was the community aspect found in the small villages that the trio visited along their journey. The self reliance they had without the help of the big cities and gods was so inspiring.

The themes of forgiveness were so special. Xio is a very relatable and heartbreaking character for so many. It was amazing to see Teo's confidence in himself grow over the course of both books.

I can't wait for more from Aiden Thomas - hopefully book two of the Cemetery Boys soon?