Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this duology so much!!! It was just so fun and adventurous and FUNNY! I laughed so much. This book picks up right after The Sunbearer Trials with Teo, Aurelio, and Niya figuring out what their next steps are. They’re such a great team, and every interaction between them just felt so real and authentic.

The story is action packed! And it’s truly filled with so much love! You can tell Thomas absolutely cares and loves this story and these characters deeply, and it shows in every moment of this book.

The ending was absolutely beautiful 😭♥️

CW: death of parent, violence, blood, torture, fire/fire injury, ableism, injury/injury detail

I went into book 1 being very nervous that I wouldn't like it because it's not my typical genre but I loved it. So ever since I finished it, I was waiting for book 2 to come out. I had such high hopes for it…and it didn't let me down! It was just as good as the first one. I loved seeing the characters grow and them exploring their world, learning about the past and thinking about the future. It was just so good! This is how you do a sequel. I also liked that this one ended up being a dual POV. I didn't expect that but it was a welcome change and was very necessary for the story.

If you loved the sunbearer trials you won't want to miss the conclusion to this amazing duology. And if you haven't read it yet, please do!

Content warning: death of parent, violence, torture, death

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC of this story!
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

IF THERE'S ONE THING I KNOW FOR SURE, IT'S THAT AN AIDEN THOMAS BOOK IS GOING TO MAKE ME CRY. I was doing so well too y'all. I was laughing, having a good time and then I read the last fifty or so pages and 🥹 needless to say this book was perfect. I love how Aiden wrote Aurelio, Teo, Niya and Xio. Their character growth throughout the novel was impeccable. It was also great to see how each of them have their own flaws but were still able to think positively or try their best. They're all half immortal but their humanity really shined in this sequel.

The added world building of Los Restos and the Celestials was really great too. I'm also left wondering if Vengaza actually cared for Xio at all or if he really was using them for their own gain. It seemed like, especially when he was teaching Xio about their powers, that he had some kind of care and gentleness for them but maybe I'm hoping for too much.

The banter between Niya and Teo, of course, was incredible to read and I lvoed how Niya was always teasing Teo about Aurelio and vice versa, teasing Aurelio about Teo. I loved reading about their adventures together!

Anyways, I've said it once and I'll say it again. I'M GOIGN TO READ EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING AIDEN THOMAS EVER PUBLISHES.

Let me start off by saying I know this is planned to be a duology but please give me more in this world!!! Anyways, Celestial Monsters was a solid sequel to The Sunbearer Trials, which was my favorite book of 2024 so far. With that being said, I went into this book with high expectations. The negatives for me within this book was the pacing and chapter lengths. It took a bit for me to really get into this story, and by a bit, I would say 60% in. I felt it got kind of repetitive with what was going on and was slow going. I also wanna say that the first half of the book, the chapters felt like they went on forever, when I thought there was going to be a new one, it just kept going. But then about 70% into the book, the chapters were short, so that was kind of annoying. Now for the positives! I enjoyed the surprises within the plot and new backstories that were given. I actually couldn’t not predict exactly how the end was going to go, which I loved. The book also saved itself and earned a star by making me emotional at the end. Like I stated in the beginning of the review, I would love more stories/books in this universe especially with the ending. Overall, Celestial Monsters was not necessarily better or as good as the first book, but it was very much enjoyable and a good wrap up to the story.

Leaving off where the Sunbearer Trials ended, Teo and Aurelio have realized they like each other, which was super cute. Xio betrayed them all and Niya is really struggling with it. Now they're on a mission to retrieve the sol stone and try to fix everything that's happened.

They encounter many monsters along the way, Through dealing with them and meeting some different people, they realize that monsters aren't always as they seem, and neither are the gods.

This was a great story about friendship and found family.

Celestial Monsters was exactly what I hoped it would be. Teo, Niya, and Aurelio are the ideal adventure quest trio, we got to spend time with the rest of the competitors from The Sunbearer Trials, and Xio apologists finally had their day in the sun. If book one is often compared to a cross between Percy Jackson and the Hunger Games, book two feels more akin to just Percy Jackson (which was a welcome change for me). Sometimes the messaging felt a bit heavy handed, but the story delivered the heart and levity I was looking for, along with saguaro cacti and javelinas. A fitting conclusion for this bighearted duology!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an eARC of this book in exhange for an honest review! Spoilers below!

When the email came through that I had been approved for this ARC, I dropped everything. I quickly finished my last book (We Shall Be Monsters, so great) and set up shop so I could find out what Teo, Aurelio, Niya, Xio, and the rest of the *ahem* sacrifices, were getting up to. To say I missed them was an understatement.

Thomas does it again, folks. He does a wonderful job of creating an environment I want to physically get into. The lush world of The Sunbearer Duology sounds magical and leaps off the page. I can see the colors. I can taste the frying spices. I can feel the jungle dirt against my feet. Thomas is a painter and his world is so vivid. The way Thomas loves his cultural heritage shines so brilliantly in this duology—and anything that he could have mishandled simply didn’t exist.

I personally love the way Thomas gets in Xio’s head. Teo is our hero, make no doubt about it, but Celestial Monsters is where Xio really shines. He’s young, he’s frightened, he wants to do good, but how can he? Teo’s gentle, guiding presence makes it easier. It almost feels as if Thomas is writing Teo as the kind, older brother we all want in our lives.

He also handles the way loss affects us. I was curious as to how that would work, because these kids went through it in the last few chapters of The Sunbearer Trials. But Thomas definitely understands the nuance of how loss, grief, and betrayal affect different people in different ways.

The love story is also so sweet. Teo, in another display of kindness, allows Aurielo to take the wheel. And Aurelio—my god. Someone please hug that boy and protect him at all costs. And keep him out of the water!

Overall, I truly had a great time reading this book. I set a timer for an hour, and read for two, if that gives you any indication as to how ‘hooked’ I was on this one. Thomas promised a lot in The Sunbearer Trials and he delivers with Celestial Monsters. The ending is the perfect start to something new, and I wouldn’t complain if we meet Teo again somewhere down the road.

Look for it September 3, 2024!

i loved this one! i've been waiting for the sequel in this duology ever since i finished the first book and this one definitely didn't disappoint! aiden thomas never fails when it comes to blending a mix of everything into his books while managing to keep everything cohesive and not jam packed with information. i loved the history, i loved the lord of the rings esque quest, and i loved the normalcy of queer characters through this duology.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Celestial Monsters is a wonderful conclusion to Aiden Thomas’ first duology, The Sunbearer Trials. This installment is just as much fun as the previous one, wrapping things up beautifully. I enjoyed seeing a darker part of the world after the Trials, with the world plunged into darkness, and the stakes were a lot higher as a result.
Teo is a great protagonist once again, and he and his crew fight to fix the mess he created, not to mention the growth of his romance with Aurelio. But Xio was a nice additional POV, especially as they’re coming into their queerness and trying new pronouns. While I like Teo, Xio really stole the show in this regard.
This installment was just as action-packed as the first. Sometimes it did feel a bit uneven in terms of pacing, especially in the second half, where I felt my investment beginning to flag a little more. But overall, the narrative is enjoyable, and fulfilled on the promise of the duology overall.
This was a great series, and I hope Aiden Thomas writes more of them (although I’ve also enjoyed the standalones!)! I’d recommend this series to readers interested in a high-action YA fantasy series with affirming Latine/x and LGBTQ+ rep.

this is my therapy. I cried but in like an its so beautiful way. I love our four main characters each so much, Teo, Nina, Aurelio and especially Xio! Xio reminds me so much of my comfort character Nico di Angelo in all the best of ways. Also they start using they/them in this book! Every time Teo and Aurelio interacted I screeched, and I know Niya did too. The fighting feels a bit like Pokemon in this one, I don't remember feeling that way about the Sunbearer trials. Ultimately a great conclusion to the duology though I really hope we will get more of those characters/this world!!

Celestial Monsters, the second book in the Sun Bearer Trials series, has beautifully concluded the story. While I enjoyed the first book, Celestial Monsters truly has my heart. This is one of those rare instances where I found the sequel even more captivating than the original. The characters in this book felt well-balanced compared to the first, with Niya, in particular, standing out as a favorite.
I also loved the dual POV between Xio and Teo. Seeing Xio’s side of the story really highlighted their character development and the journey of someone trying to understand themselves and find their place. There were moments where the pacing felt a bit fast, with events unfolding quickly. It wasn’t too bothersome, but I would have appreciated if some scenes had been given a bit more time to breathe.
Even though the ending tore me apart, it was a bittersweet moment that perfectly concluded the series. This sequel was worth the wait and provided a satisfying end to the story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Feiwel & Friends, and Fierce Reads for hosting the giveaway where I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this e-ARC. I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait for everyone to read it when it comes out!

4.5 stars

After refusing to sacrifice a fellow semidiose at the Sunbearer Trials, Teo has now plunged their world into darkness. Now, it’s up to him, Aurelio, and Niya to figure out how to bring the sun back. This means they have to journey through Los Restos, battling monsters and their own trauma. With a little bit of romance on the side. Will they be able to retrieve the Sol Stone and restore the world to what it once was?

Thanks to Feiwel and Friends and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas to review! Aiden Thomas is always an auto-read for me, and I was excited to jump back into the Sunbearer world. Especially with the cliffhanger that Thomas left us with in the first book! In this one, we got to see more of the world and more of the mythology that Thomas brought to life, which I really enjoyed!

In true Aiden Thomas fashion, the characters shine in this book. They have such a knack for writing characters that you will care about right from the beginning. In this one, we get to see more from Xio, which in turn, fleshes out the world that Thomas has already created. There are beautiful friendships as well as an adorable romance, and I always love to see that balance.

Teo and his friends also learn a lot about their world on the quest, realizing that maybe their world did need changing after all. If you like journey-type fantasies, this is definitely the fantasy for you! After this duology, I can’t wait to see what fantasies Thomas comes up with next.

Wow, this book was a great end to the duology!! It has such a loveable cast, excellent representation, and a really satisfying end to the series. I already can't wait to read it again, it was such a wild ride!

🌈Queer rep: queernormative world - SO many queer characters. Queer trans male main character, trans/nonbinary side characters, bi/pan female side characters, secondary FF and MM relationships, secondary trans girl character. And probably a lot more!!

Every second of waiting for the past two years has been SO worth it! I was thrilled to receive an eARC from the Fierce Reads giveaway (I literally have not shut up about The Sunbearer Trials since reading it in 2022).
Celestial Monsters dove right back into the world of Reino del Sol, picking up where our heroes were left at the end of The Sunbearer Trials—this time with the added bonus of Xio's point of view as he returns to Los Restos with the Obsidians and the kidnapped Gold semidioses. In The Sunbearer Trials, Aiden did a fantastic job of setting up what was to come in Celestial Monsters (an absolute master of forehsadowing), I was NOT disappointed with the payoff! The story is masterly woven into Celestial Monsters and I was enthralled with the story, wondering what would come next.

Celestial Monsters isn't just about stopping the apocalypse, it's about the character's relationships, and how that makes them stronger. Not only did we get to see some slow-burn between Teo and Aurelio, but relationships between ALL the characters, and the complexities of family (the ones you're born into, and the ones that are found). The relationships between all the characters absolutely tugged at my heartstrings and had me squealing in delight as I read. I will absolutley scream about this book to anyone who will listen. Cannot recommend this duology enough.

After the shocking events at the end of the previous novel, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next in this duology.

This story picks up immediately after the other leaves off. The sun is gone and Obsidian gods are out of prison (think power hungry gods running amuck) all because Teo rightly refused to sacrifice a fellow competitor in the Sunbearer trials. Now Teo, Aurelio, and Niya are on a danger-filled quest to right the wrongs, find their friends, and restore sunlight. While on this journey I enjoyed learning more about their expanded world, other communities, and people.

Teo has come so far as a character. As a Jade, he’s felt inferior to the Golds for much of his life, but his confidence soars, and he’s more comfortable in his skin in this sequel. His connection to birds (he can communicate with them) may not sound like a very useful ability, but you’d be mistaken to underestimate its importance. I appreciated the addition of Xio’s POV. They’re experiencing all sorts of conflicting emotions and manipulations and questions what’s right. Both Teo and Xio’s character arcs are wonderful.

Niya is still very protective of Teo, and her humor continues to provide moments of levity amidst a sea of tension and high stakes. Their friendship is beautifully written and one of my favorite things about this duology. The budding romance between Teo and Aurelio is sweet and authentic, and I liked the way the author leaves their story.

Celestial Monsters is a worthy sequel and leaves the reader with a feeling of hope for these characters and their world. Recommended for fans of strong friendship bonds, quest stories, and mythology.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Macmillan Children’s and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book picks up right where The Sunbearer Trials left off and we’re thrown right into the action with no recapping, which I really appreciated.

I loved being back with these characters and following their journey to save the world. Teo, Niya and Aurelio are such great characters and I really enjoyed watching them interact in this new environment.

The blossoming romance between Teo and Aurelio was so sweet. In the midst of all this chaos, they had each other, and I really loved watching the way that unfolded without overshadowing the main plot.

I also really loved getting Xio’s POV and their journey in figuring out what kind of person they wanted to be. I especially loved them trying out new pronouns and everyone just immediately accepting and adapting regardless of how angry they were with them.

I’ll admit to growing a little bored during the middle of this book. It felt like not a whole lot was happening, they were just moving from town to town and encountering the same things in a different wrapping. It felt a bit repetitive, as though it was just filler rather than actual plot.

Despite that, I still really enjoyed this story and found it really quick to read!

The epic conclusion to the queer, Mexican Hunger Games delivers! I was blown away with the direction this book took compared to the first novel. Starting with the switch to dual point of view. Getting to know Xio more intimately was a great choice. Through him we get an exploration of what it means to be a villain, gender questioning, family, and so much more! Of course the romance between Teo and Auriello heats up, literally! The conclusion of the story wasn't what I was expecting which made it all the more satisfying. Aiden did a phenomenal job weaving Mexican mythology into the story to ground the plot. This novel and the series as a whole is worth more than 5 stars,. Thank you Aiden for creating yet another queer masterpiece!

A perfect ending to the Duology! Celestial Monsters beautifully combines the action/adventure of The Sunbearer Trials with the relationships and romance of Aiden Thomas’ other novels. The relationship building as well as the character development was perfect and the dual pov allowed for insights that we didn’t get in The Sunbearer Trials. A great read and a perfect conclusion!

celestial monsters pick up IMMEDIATELY where the sunbearer trial ended. I think I actually enjoy this one a little more. I also really enjoyed how we get both teo and xio pov. being in xio pov was interesting to read as we really see him grapple with the situation and people around him. The pacing and the characters development perfectly matches everything we were already familiar with in the first book. i will say i did request this arc and waited for the approval before i started the sunbearer trail cuz i heard from a lot people that there was a cliffhanger in book 1, I will admit this duology probably falls more in the mid to lower level age of YA, and if do feel like im just a little too old for it (again, this is entirely my fault)

I read The Sunbearer Trials over a year ago and really loved it! I had thought about rereading it before diving into Celestial Monsters but realistically I just didn't have time. I was mildly confused in the beginning of this book and did have to go back and read some reviews to remind myself what happens at the end of book 1 since Celestial Monsters really dives in right where book 1 ended.

I love this world and the characters - the diversity of the characters in particular is something that just really adds to my enjoyment. A great example is that there are a couple of scenes where a character is trying out different pronouns and says so in the middle of a verbal argument with another character - and that other characters says "oh okay" and then just seamlessly switches to the new pronouns even while still mad at the other person. All of the side characters are really well fleshed out too.

I thought the use of dual POV here was really cool - it's not often that you see the "villains" point of view and I could see how Xio struggled with their decisions.

My only real complaint about this book is that Xio's change of heart happens quite suddenly - I actually had to back the audio up a little because I thought I had missed them coming to the realization. I think just slowing that scene down a beat or two would have been a little easier to follow.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.