A review by readingwithtemperance
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy! This is my most anticipated book of the year and I was ecstatic to have the privilege to read it early. 

Celestial Monsters wasn't what I was expecting, it was more. Aiden hit it out of the park with this sequel. Nothing lack luster about it whatsoever. It was just as incredible as The Sunbearer Trials in my opinion. 

The transition from the first to second book was SO smooth. I really appreciated that no time passed and we also got caught right back up. I feel like a re-read of The Sunbearer Trials isn't as necessary because of this.

There is such a sense of urgency throughout this book. The determination and simultaneous fear was so prevalent. Our young semidioses are truly awe inspiring heroes. And they each grew so much,
especially Xio! It made me so happy that he got that Zuko redemption arc.


I really enjoyed the dual POV with Teo and Xio. I think had he not included Xio's perspective the book just simply wouldn't have worked as well as it did. And it was reassuring being able to check in on everyone held captive!

One thing about Aiden is that he can write one hell of a villain. The Obsidians were SO cruel, and utterly terrifying.
The way the cells were built specifically to work against the strenths of their captives was diabolical. Especially with Dezi and Marino. The whole dehydration/isolation aspect was so heart breaking.
 

How
Dezi
was treated by the obsidians especially infuriated me. The act of
binding everyone's hands so they couldn't sign to them prior to being led to the dungeons was awful. And the isolation/being just out of reach of Marino was terrible. It was so wicked to use their disability against them. The ableism and torture bothered me most.


One of my favorite moments while they were held captive was when
Xochi grew a flower for Dezi.


I also loved that when
Xio introduced their new pronouns everyone adjusted their insults accordingly. Because yes you're an asshole, but I'm not going to misgender you.
 

Something I didn't expect was the backstory of Xio.
My heart broke for them. I cant fathom being the lone survivor of your people. And living a lie/not being able to be your true self for fear of execution. It's no wonder they turned against the Golds, but I'm glad they saw the light in the end with the help of Atzi!
 

I didn't expect
the dioses to to have such a cruel hand with the history of Reino del Sol. But it makes so much sense. We often aren't taught the TRUE history with colonization. And tend to have a blind faith towards our leaders. And this was something unexpected, but so important for Aiden to address. And I am so happy he did!


The lesson of how tradition doesn't always mean just was a very powerful one.
I loved learning about the people who lived without godly assistance and coexisted peacefully with the "monsters". "We dont kill things just because we're frightened of them" definitely gives some perspective as well. I'd personally love to see more about these people from Aiden.


The romance was so subtle, but incredibly sweet. I loved how much
Niya teased Teo about Aurelio. The marizipan being part of their first kiss and their last at the end when Relio made one for Teo (GO PASTRY CHEF GO). Also I KNEW that Niya  and Stella kissed. Omg my jaw was on the floor when it was confirmed. And Niya calling her annoying and holding her hand and Stella LETTING HER!? so sweet. Okay but a continuation as Niya as the MC would be SO good. I'd love to witness how they rebuild/change things for the better.


The love that Stella and Relio have for eachother both warmed and broke my heart.
I was sobbing so hard when she begged the obsidians not to hurt him. And when it was found out that he was willing to take Stella's place. A big fuck you to Lumbre though. So incredibly selfish and cold towards her children. It really bothered me how okay she was with sacrificing Stella.


The duality of "I am a child of Suerte" and "Stay away from my child"? I will never recover. The way that Suerte protected Xio even when he ran away? And how he sacrificed himself? What a beautiful tragedy. I loved that Reino del Sol honored him and his sacrifice. The ofrendas and tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sunbearer trials was such a lovely touch as well. 
 

Everything wrapped up beautifully. I have no complaints other than the fact that this is only a duology. My expectations were exceeded and I could not be happier. 

Now I just need September to hurry on up because I want to scream about this with my friends! 









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