Was this formulaic? Yes. Was the MC a badass bitch who knows how to survive? Yes. Did I expect the twist? Yes. Did I still have all the fun? Absolutely. I look forward to exploring this world more and what the true overall plot is. I can see myself not continuing with the series if the main character becomes OP in the next book as that current plotting is not high on my like list right now. You can absolutely enjoy these books despite some of the challenges the writing and plotting have. One down, hopefully more to come!

A book I’ve been wanting to read for a long time because I’ve seen it posted and recommended. It felt like a blend of lots of fae inspired books I’ve read and enjoyed reading it.

So Nisha J. Tuli is now an instant buy for me, I will read whatever she writes! This book hooked me from the beginning, it kinda reminded me of Throne of Glass, badass girl in a horrible prison is finally freed so she can participate in a competition, there's a grouchy guard and charismatic royal. That's where the similarities end though, the story is completely unique and the characters were totally their own. Lor is to compete for the honor of becoming the Sun King's queen, Atlas is handsome and charming and everything you could everrrr want. My only problem with the story is there are a few chapters sprinkled throughout from the Auror Prince, Nadir's, POV. Don't get me wrong, they are fantastic chapters but I was like from the very beginning that this was gonna be the dude she ends up so I never really bought into the trials or Atlas. I knew it was a way to keep them apart and drag out the story, maybe that's just me and I read too many romantasies? All in all though, I loved the story, Lor and Nadir are gonna be soooooo good, their dance gave me all the tingles.

The first in a series by Nisha J. Tuli, Trial of the Sun Queen follows Lor as she is mysteriously broken out of prison and shoved headfirst into a contest to win the hand of the handsome Sun King. The problem is that having grown up in the prison Lor is very much out of her depth. To say Lor is rough around the edges would be an understatement and it is extremely obvious as she tries to navigate the opulent world of Aphelion's wealthy. Lor is a character that I found myself rooting for throughout the story. Her snark and persistence were very enjoyable. We get part of the story from Nadir, the Auroran Prince's point of view at times also, and the mystery of those chapters kept me waiting for his next chapter. This book would be great for fans of The Selection and The Prison Healer.

excellent book. was so excited to receive this ARC. it became one of my top favorite reads. cannot wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of Trial of the Sun Queen!

I loved this book! The setting was so well done, the premise was super intriguing, and the characters had me so invested in the story. I loved the aspect of the trials, and I especially loved the strength of the FMC. I was so happy this book was dual POV because I think the mysterious prince’s perspective really added to the overall intrigue of the plot.

I did predict the plot twist, but there’s still so much to learn about the world and how the characters fit into it. I can’t wait to continue with this series!

An enthralling and emotion-filled adventure through a world where power, love, and revenge. This was a fun read for me! Fast paced and spicy, so good!

“Look at me now, Jude. Enjoy your crappy soap.”

The world building of this first book of a new series by Nisha J. Tuli is great. I love the love triangle angle with the charismatic Sun King and the brooding Aurora Prince. I have so many questions for the second book!

This was so good! Excellent world building without bogging down the whole book, action packed and suspenseful! This was a fun easy read with an interesting story. I can’t wait to find out what happens to Lor next

Our FMC is kidnapped from the prison she's lived in for 12 years to compete in a set of trials to win the heart of the Sun King.

This book absolutely lacks world building, character development, and predictable.
But it was also intriguing, easy to read, and entertaining. It's like bad tv truly, I couldn't put it down.
It's really reminiscent of "The Selection" and gave written by a 15 year old vibes. I have already picked up the next one & I'm excited and hopefully for some more originality! We will see after this next one how I feel about continuing the series!

Welcome to the wildness of Lor! Thank you Netgalley for this title, there was so much to unpack in this book. Lor’s layers of trauma are clear in her actions and inner struggles. She thinks she is being logical but also knows that she isn’t because she doesn't even really know how to live or what is actually logical. While i enjoyed her time with Atlas, he was giving me ick vibes from the beginning - poor Lor.

This book was a great start to a series that continues to build in the best way, I’m so glad i was able to read them back to back and watch the characters grow. And talk about slow burn… 😂

Thank you to the publisher, Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for an eARC of this novel. I thought this was so entertaining and enjoyable. It was engaging and spicy and hot and fun and I had a great time. I'm definitely going to keep reading.

Note, this is more on the romance side of romantasy, so while there is definitely plot, the romance takes a much larger share of the plot than you would find in a fantasy romance. This is also very much for adults and the spice rating is high.

No, this is not a copy or rip-off of any SJM novels; if you think they are, please go read more books that aren't written by SJM.

This whole series is wonderful and this book is no different. I love the world. I love the characters. It was a fast and immersive read.

Hunger Games meets Fae in this action packed adventure story. Almost has a Cinderella type vibe to it too with Lor. I definitely understand why it got popular and picked up by so many ! I'm interested to see where the story goes in the sequels.

I had so much FUN reading this book! This book follows Lor, a prisoner who is taken by royalty in a different fae court to compete in the Sun Queen trials - think the bachelor x the triwizard tournament x the hunger games x ACOTAR. As she learns more about this new court she’s been thrust into, the trials, & the king who brought her there, she learns that everything is not exactly as it seems. This story was so fast paced & entertaining. While I definitely felt as though aspects of it were inspired by other stories, there were so many factors blended into one plot that it still felt unique. I wish the world building was a little more thorough, but I still had so much fun getting to know the characters & watching the trials play out! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!

Trial of the Sun Queen has been a book that I have seen circulating around social media quite a bit and have been interested in but only just now finally got around to reading. The story follows the FMC, Lor, who is kidnapped and sent to compete in the sun trials for the heart of the sun king. Lor fights because her brother and sister have been imprisoned since they were young and wants to free them.

The story is such a quick read and if you set aside time, you could get through it within a day. There is lots of action and the pacing is well done. My favorite part is when it gets to the trials, if you're a fan of any series that involves trials, this one will not disappoint. I enjoyed the story throughout and am intrigued at what is to come for Lor as she is from Aurora which is very different and with how the ending comes about. I am very excited for the next book and to dive straight into it!

Thank you NetGalley & Forever Publishing for the ARC!

I haven’t been this hooked for a fantasy romance in quite awhile. Had so much fun with this book and can’t wait to see where the series goes

I did not expect to devour this book as quickly as I did. I literally read it in 24 hours because I couldn’t stop. This book is perfect for you if you loved Throne of Glass and anything SJM. It has an underdog story and your classic competition with mortal vs fae. Lor is an interesting character, she reminds me slightly of Feyre from ACOTAR, as she is a mortal getting thrown into the fae world but she is so much stronger willed and determined. Nadir is so mysterious and I can’t wait to find out more about him as the series continues. I have so many guesses and I was right about a few things early on. Truly a five star read for me and I can’t wait to jump into the rest of this series.

⭐️rating: 5/5

I loved this! It’s been on my TBR for soooo long and I’m so glad I finally read it. I was immediately intrigued, lured in, and I don’t want to leave! I finished this so quickly, I love it❤️. It’s the perfect start to a romantasy series and I’m so excited for the rest!

The world building was great. It was really intriguing while also not being too much all at once, and there was a great balance with the plot. I love the world and the characters that Nisha has created, I just want more! The magic and lore are also so intriguing and it makes me wanna learn everything about everyone.

There’s delicious banter, amazing sarcasm, and ugh😩 I just loved the dialogue! You’ve also got some Throne of Glass and Selection vibes, but completely different. With gilded castles, deadly trials, handsome princes, dangerous secrets, and the beginnings of some spice, what more could you ask for?

I did guess the twist, but it was very enjoyable. My tampon (iykyk) radar was pinging, and it was fun to pick up the clues and guess at what would happen. But OOF that cliffhanger!! Thank goodness book 2 is out cause I’m running rn to go read that immediately💙

All in all, Trial of the Sun Queen was a fantastic read! It’s the perfect romantasy series intro that gives you just enough to whet your appetite while it hooks you in, making you need more. And with just the beginnings of spice, I look forward to seeing where it goes from here! I hope November comes quickly for book 4 cause I’m gonna zoom through all these. I highly recommend! And have you seen those covers? Gorgeous!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

'Trial of the Sun Queen' is a dazzling rollercoaster of emotions, thrills, and sheer unpredictability. Lor, our heroine, is a force of nature, battling against odds that would make lesser spirits crumble and coming out victoriously time and time again. Her journey through the Sun Queen Trials is full of heart-pounding action, deep, soulful connections, and twists so audacious, they leave you gasping. There is a beautiful balance between the electric tension of the trials with the relationships between characters that had me equally invested in both.

There's an undercurrent of sensuality and mystery that was addicting, though, making it impossible not to fall a little bit in love with the MCs. With friendships as dazzling as they are dangerous and betrayals as cutting as they are unexpected, 'Trial of the Sun Queen' is a symphony of storytelling that crescendos to an ending that left me reeling.