Cover Image: The Sunbearer Trials

The Sunbearer Trials

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Member Reviews

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

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I tried reading this book on two separate occasions but each time I just couldn't get into the story. This was a surprise to me because I have read other books by Aiden Thomas and loved them, so I am not sure why I didn't connect with this one. This has very strong fantasy elements and has a very good introduction story, so I still suggest giving it a try.

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I love Aiden Thomas' work and The Sunbearer Trials was no exception. I can't wait to read the sequel.

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This was a wonderful new magical competition story—I loved the fast pace, the Mexican setting, and the fully-developed cast. A joy!

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I absolutely love Aiden Thomas and look forward to everything he writes. The Sunbearer Trials was no exception. It was richly imaginative with a cast of characters that draws you in and makes you invested not just in the story but in their growth as well. I can't wait for more.

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I LOVE competition-centered fantasy, and THE SUNBEARER TRIALS was such a beautiful book! I still think about the scene where Teo gets his wings all the time and get teary <3 Aiden Thomas is an autobuy for me

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me free access to the digital book.

I immediately knew I was going to pick up this book when I heard it was giving Percy Jackson and Hunger Games vibes… two of my favorite middle school grade reads. Add the fact that it is queer?? SOLD. Loved it. Quick read that satisfied the itch. And I love the cover so much!

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I will *always* read anything Aiden Thomas writes.

This one did not disappoint. I loved the Hunger Games x Percy Jackson approach that Thomas injected with his own new and interesting spin. I’ve never read a book exploring Mexican mythology and found that aspect so intriguing and fascinating.

And a deadly Compensation? A trans MC? A crush on a fellow competitor and former friend? Omg sign me upppp the tropes are troping.

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This book is more than just a Hunger Games style YA novel. It involves a main character who grapples with personal identity while competing in dangerous and essential games. Being the child of a goddess, but of a lesser community, Teo doesn’t expect to get chosen for the games– but does. All the while, Teo struggles with being trans. This colorful and imaginative book is Thomas’ best work so far, in my opinion. It gripped me until the very end.

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Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Cemetery Boys is one of my favorite books of all time so when I saw the cover, I knew I would need to read it right away. The author did not disappoint with this book! It was so good and the rep was even more grand than we saw in the Cemetery Boys. The story was beautiful, flawless, and so descriptive. I loved that all of the characters were flawed and fleshed out completely. That being queer is so normalized in this world and the author has represented Mexican mythology so beautifully.

I just can’t rave enough about this book. Please read this book. I can’t wait for book 2 and all other books by Aiden Thomas.

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The Sunbearer Trials is a fun introduction to a new high stakes series where a group of teenagers must fight to survive and to have the honor of being the Sunbearer who brings Sol's lights to the temples for another decade safe from the Obsidian gods and the monsters that hunted alongside them. They begin to see the flaws in these trials as things take a turn for the more dangerous and downright odd. And start questioning in earnest as the time draws nearer to name the Sunbearer... and the sacrifice.

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Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s for this DRC.
Teen semidioses are selected to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. Teo, who has no interest in competing is unexpectedly chosen, luckily his best friend is also competing, but so are some very tough and powerful teens who will do anything to win. Aiden Thomas brings a fresh flavor to competition and survival. I loved the characters and the world building. Can’t wait for book 2.
#TheSunbearerTrials #NetGalley

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"The Sunbearer Trials" by Aiden Thomas is a captivating and imaginative fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world of magic, adventure, and trials of strength and character. Thomas' storytelling prowess shines as they craft a tale of courage, discovery, and the power of destiny. The book's richly developed world and well-defined characters create an immersive reading experience that resonates with young adult readers. Thomas skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy and adventure, leading readers through a journey filled with challenges and self-discovery. "The Sunbearer Trials" is an enthralling read that offers a thrilling escape into a realm where magic and bravery intertwine, leaving readers eagerly anticipating each new twist and turn. As the trials unfold, readers are left with a sense of wonder and anticipation for the epic adventures that lie ahead.

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I used this book in my college young adult literature course. The students absolutely loved it, and it inspired them to buy more of Aiden Thomas' books. This is a beautiful text and very well-marketed!

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As a queer puerto rican and a fan of both this books inspiration and Aiden Thomas himself, this book delivered in every way it possibly could. Aiden Thomas could never disappoint. I saw so much of myself so much in Teo, and I am so nervous for what is to come for him.

Aiden Thomas creates such compelling worlds and characters and draws his audience in so majestically without fail every time.

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Aiden Thomas never ceases to amaze me. I hate that I waited so to read this, and I’m very scared and impatient for its sequel. It isn't too often that pitches are true to their word, but this very much was true to its word of being a hunger games meets Percy Jackson story. I truly came to love many of the character and became invested in how they might succeed and feared where they may fail. I need its sequel immediately!

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As always, Aiden Thomas writes the most atmospheric books! The final few scenes are burned into my memory even weeks after reading this. I did see the "twist" coming but it didn't make it hurt any less. I can't wait for the sequel!

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Another winner by Thomas. This was such a great concept and it was executed so well. I did not see the ending coming and I am really eager to read what comes next.

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Oh my gosh. Words cannot adequately describe how much I love this book. Watching Teo become a sideline semidiós into a hero was amazing. It wasn’t instantaneous either. The build up of his confidence grew with every challenge, as did his relationship with the other competitors. The world building was just as natural, taking aspects of Mexican/Latine culture and reforming them into this magical world. The pacing was brilliant, offering high stakes competitions balanced with character building outings in the cities.

Gender and sexual identity are not treated as an “other” aspect of life, but as something accepted and celebrated, especially with a genderless Sol god.

The only thing that took me out was the shoehorning of social media. It was unneeded, especially with the cheesy renames, but it is otherwise an amazing read and I can’t wait for book two.

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This book was gifted in a giveaway.

I enjoyed this book! It was such a fun and new read. I will for sure be looking at more from this author! Full review will be written soon.

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