Review: The Sunbearer Trials

Title: The Sunbearer Trials

Author: Aiden Thomas

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Publication date: September 6, 2022

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Summary

In order to keep the Sun’s power replenished, semidioses between the ages of 13 and 18 are chosen by the god Sol to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner of these Trials will then carry the light to the rest of the world, but only after the sacrifice of the competitor in last place. They will be used to fuel the sun for the next 10 years.

Teo is the son of a Jade god, not usually chosen to compete in the Trials. But when he and another Jade semidios are chosen to compete, Teo now finds himself competing against those training for the Trials for their entire life. Specifically, against Aurelio, his ex-best friend turned rival. And if Teo doesn’t do well enough, he might find himself becoming the sacrifice to Sol.

Review: The Sunbearer Trials

Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy of The Sunbearer Trials to review! Aiden Thomas is a favorite of mine, so this was high on my list for this year. Plus, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. This book is being pitched as Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games and let me tell you, that is an accurate description of this book.

Right from the start, Thomas drops readers into this rich world, drawn from Mexican mythology. There is a lot to keep track of, between the different gods and the different cities. While there were a few details I think slipped through the cracks, overall the world building is solid. I especially appreciated the way sexuality and gender were incorporated; no one really bats an eye. Teo also has a great conversation with Xio, the other Jade semidios, about gender identity, and I am here for that in a fantasy novel.

This book is also pretty fast-paced, but Thomas doesn’t sacrifice any of the character building for the plot. One of the best aspects of the book was the evolving relationship between Teo and Aurelio. They are ex-friends to a potential romance, but it doesn’t take over everything else. Can’t wait to see what happens with them in the next book.

For me, this book is closer to the feel of Cemetery Boys than Lost in the Never Woods was. Thomas’s writing has also grown, and I can’t wait to see what they do next.

All in all, if you love mythology inspired fantasy, definitely pick this one up in September!

4.5 stars