The Sunbearer Trials Review

The Sunbearer Trials is the first book in a new duology by Aiden Thomas. Based on Mexican mythology, this story follows 17 year-old Teo, a semidios of Quetzel - the goddess of birds. Every decade the Sunbearer Trials occur in which ten semidoises are chosen to compete for glory. The winner will be the Sunbearer, a Hero chosen by Sol to reignite the Sun Stones to ward off the evil Obsidians. The loser, the sacrifice that will keep the Sun Stones lit.

Only the Golds are ever chosen to compete in the Trials, children of the more powerful and influential Gods. But this year, Sol chooses two Jades, one of which being Teo. Literally fighting for his life, this novel is Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games, where Teo will have to overcome his fears if he wants to survive.

The Sunbearer Trials was an easy five star read for me. It brought something unique to the world of YA Fantasy. Thomas crafts a masterful world rich in mythology that allows the story to prosper.

This novel is also an important piece of fiction as it contains representation for all kinds of underrepresented groups. It was enlightening to read about a world where you could be who you wanted to be and love who you wanted.

The story was gripping, following Teo and the other chosen semidioses through their five trials. It was engaging with rarely a slow moment and I never once found myself getting bored. I actually couldn't put this book down.

I'd recommend the Sunbearer Trials to anyone who wants a story rich in mythology where the stakes are deadly . Pitching a story as Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games is a high bar to pass but this story catapults past that and exceeds any expectation.