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khakipantsofsex's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Dysphoria, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
shadowspinner's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Physical abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child death
brianneh's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Violence
Moderate: Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
mattyb's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Physical abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Child abuse
Minor: Blood
princessrory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Child abuse
Minor: Grief, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Kidnapping, Gore, Transphobia, Blood, and Emotional abuse
This book has amazing trans (and other queer) representation, and while there are mentions of dysphoria, I was so impressed by the author’s approach to world-building that allowed for a queer-loving world to flourish in this book._teoeo's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
All in all it was an okay read. Some parts I enjoyed, some parts annoyed me. Maybe I will read the second book, because i'm interested in how the story continues.
What I liked:
What I liked:
- The diversity!!
- The different trials and cities
- Sometimes it was funny
- The mythology
What I disliked:
- There were just too many characters. They told us about one of the gods and when they were mentioned again I completely forgot who that person was and how they looked like because there were so many new characters and names in between (A character glossary would be really helpful)
- I NEED a map :((
- pop culture references in fantasy books are my new ICK!!!
- The ending was so rushed!! (And also predictable but I knew that before I bought the book so it's half as bad)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Classism, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, and Child abuse
mandaraffe's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Death, and Child death
onalark's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Blood, Child death, Abandonment, Classism, Death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas is the start of a unique YA series, steeped in folklore.
The story follows Teo, a Jade semidiós, who is surprisingly chosen to compete in the Sunbearer trials, a trial that fuels the ritual that keeps their world safe. Along with his friend Niya and their new friend Xio, Teo must find a way to win against the gold semidiós that have long been preparing for the trials so that he can save himself and his friends from being sacrificed.
It is clear that Aiden Thomas has put a lot of time and effort into developing the world of this story. Folklore is woven throughout and stands at the heart of the Sunbearer trials. Though the general beats of the main story are relatively normal for YA fantasy, the strong character development and world building help to create a unique story. This first installment sets up an interesting second novel that I think will further develop the world that we have been given a peak into. Aiden Thomas has a gift for creating characters that you quickly and easily come to care for, as well as writing romances that it's easy to root for. If you have enjoyed Aiden Thomas's books in the past or are interested in a YA novel set in an intriguing fantasy world then you should definitely check out the Sunbearer Trials.
The story follows Teo, a Jade semidiós, who is surprisingly chosen to compete in the Sunbearer trials, a trial that fuels the ritual that keeps their world safe. Along with his friend Niya and their new friend Xio, Teo must find a way to win against the gold semidiós that have long been preparing for the trials so that he can save himself and his friends from being sacrificed.
It is clear that Aiden Thomas has put a lot of time and effort into developing the world of this story. Folklore is woven throughout and stands at the heart of the Sunbearer trials. Though the general beats of the main story are relatively normal for YA fantasy, the strong character development and world building help to create a unique story. This first installment sets up an interesting second novel that I think will further develop the world that we have been given a peak into. Aiden Thomas has a gift for creating characters that you quickly and easily come to care for, as well as writing romances that it's easy to root for. If you have enjoyed Aiden Thomas's books in the past or are interested in a YA novel set in an intriguing fantasy world then you should definitely check out the Sunbearer Trials.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Classism, Emotional abuse, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Bullying
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A gorgeously written and exhilarating, Mexican-inspired YA fantasy that reads like the love child of Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games but with an emphasis on the importance of friendship and overcoming adversity on the path to self-acceptance.
In Reino del Sol, humans and gods co-exist in relative peace and harmony. Created by two gods—Sol, god of the Sun and Tierra, god of the Earth, but after the creation of humans the dark gods grew jealous. And in the aftermath of the destruction, Sol now relies on a gladiatorial competition to keep everyone safe—The Sunbearer Trials—and every ten years, ten half mortal children of gods (semidióses) are chosen to compete in a series of tasks in honour of Sol.
The winner gains the title of Sunbearer, who travels all of Reino del Sol replenishing the sunstones that protect the world from the darkness. And the loser gets the honour of sacrificing their life force to create the light that will inhabit the sunstones.
Teo, the seventeen year old trans son of the goddess of birds isn’t too worried as the competitors are almost exclusively ‘Gold’ semidióses (the children of the most powerful gods.) As a ‘Jade’ semidiós, he has virtually no chance of being chosen—but for the first time in over a century Sol chooses not one but two Jades. Teo and the thirteen year old, Xio (the child of the god of bad luck.)
With the odds stacked against them, Teo is determined to get them both thorough the trial unscathed, for their very lives depend on it.
This was such an exhilaratingly well written read that I didn’t want to put down!
The plot is phenomenally fast paced and the world building has the perfect blend of modern elements (such as the technologically savvy setting, celebrity/ influencer culture and prevalence of social media) with the more traditional high fantasy, based components which I felt added an engaging dose of fun and entertainment to the narrative.
I loved the queer-normative societal structure that has been intricately incorporated into the plot and was impressed with just how many diverse and LGBTQ+ characters we encounter—all of them beautifully complex and full of depth. Even the morally grey/ Villain-esque characters (Ocelo and Auristela) show a surprising amount of emotion in their character development and though I may not have liked them I did really enjoy getting to see glimpses of their innermost thoughts, feelings and motivations which definitely helped sympathise with their individual situations.
Teo, our protagonist was a really interesting character with a strong sense of justice that I really enjoyed. I loved how vocal he is about the disadvantages he and the other Jade’s have to face, segregated from the Gold semidióses who get to attend a prestigious academy that teaches them how to survive the harsh conditions of the Trials. Yet, despite his protective (and justice seeking) inclinations, his own emotional vulnerabilities play a huge role in how he perceives himself—as a misfit that no one could ever want to be friends with.
Which is why I loved the camaraderie and friendship between Teo, Niya and Xio soo much—letting down his emotional barriers and learning to reevaluate his self worth. I was especially moved by the talk Xio and Teo have about their experiences as trans teens, which was such poignant moment and turning point for Teo.
Likewise, the blossoming relationship between Aurelio (Teo’s former friend and love interest) was such a joy to watch unfold! Though it’s a bit of a slow burn, the attraction and friendship that simmers between them is clear to see and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these two, especially after such a shockingly plot-twisty conclusion.
A vibrant and thoroughly thrilling series starter that brings a much needed spotlight on the rich and fascinating mythology of Latin America—with an endearingly vast and diverse cast of characters that I can’t wait to see more of!
A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan for the PB copy.
In Reino del Sol, humans and gods co-exist in relative peace and harmony. Created by two gods—Sol, god of the Sun and Tierra, god of the Earth, but after the creation of humans the dark gods grew jealous. And in the aftermath of the destruction, Sol now relies on a gladiatorial competition to keep everyone safe—The Sunbearer Trials—and every ten years, ten half mortal children of gods (semidióses) are chosen to compete in a series of tasks in honour of Sol.
The winner gains the title of Sunbearer, who travels all of Reino del Sol replenishing the sunstones that protect the world from the darkness. And the loser gets the honour of sacrificing their life force to create the light that will inhabit the sunstones.
Teo, the seventeen year old trans son of the goddess of birds isn’t too worried as the competitors are almost exclusively ‘Gold’ semidióses (the children of the most powerful gods.) As a ‘Jade’ semidiós, he has virtually no chance of being chosen—but for the first time in over a century Sol chooses not one but two Jades. Teo and the thirteen year old, Xio (the child of the god of bad luck.)
With the odds stacked against them, Teo is determined to get them both thorough the trial unscathed, for their very lives depend on it.
This was such an exhilaratingly well written read that I didn’t want to put down!
The plot is phenomenally fast paced and the world building has the perfect blend of modern elements (such as the technologically savvy setting, celebrity/ influencer culture and prevalence of social media) with the more traditional high fantasy, based components which I felt added an engaging dose of fun and entertainment to the narrative.
I loved the queer-normative societal structure that has been intricately incorporated into the plot and was impressed with just how many diverse and LGBTQ+ characters we encounter—all of them beautifully complex and full of depth. Even the morally grey/ Villain-esque characters (Ocelo and Auristela) show a surprising amount of emotion in their character development and though I may not have liked them I did really enjoy getting to see glimpses of their innermost thoughts, feelings and motivations which definitely helped sympathise with their individual situations.
Teo, our protagonist was a really interesting character with a strong sense of justice that I really enjoyed. I loved how vocal he is about the disadvantages he and the other Jade’s have to face, segregated from the Gold semidióses who get to attend a prestigious academy that teaches them how to survive the harsh conditions of the Trials. Yet, despite his protective (and justice seeking) inclinations, his own emotional vulnerabilities play a huge role in how he perceives himself—as a misfit that no one could ever want to be friends with.
Which is why I loved the camaraderie and friendship between Teo, Niya and Xio soo much—letting down his emotional barriers and learning to reevaluate his self worth. I was especially moved by the talk Xio and Teo have about their experiences as trans teens, which was such poignant moment and turning point for Teo.
Likewise, the blossoming relationship between Aurelio (Teo’s former friend and love interest) was such a joy to watch unfold! Though it’s a bit of a slow burn, the attraction and friendship that simmers between them is clear to see and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these two, especially after such a shockingly plot-twisty conclusion.
A vibrant and thoroughly thrilling series starter that brings a much needed spotlight on the rich and fascinating mythology of Latin America—with an endearingly vast and diverse cast of characters that I can’t wait to see more of!
A huge thank you to Pan Macmillan for the PB copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Dysphoria, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail