Science Fiction & Fantasy
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The Sunbearer Trials (The Sunbearer Duology, 1)
Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric new Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys.
"Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I'm just a Jade. I'm not a real hero."
As each new decade begins, the Sun's power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the chaotic Obsidian gods at bay. Sol selects ten of the most worthy semidioses to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all―they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body melted down to refuel the Sun Stones, protecting the world for another ten years.
Teo, a seventeen-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of the goddess of birds, isn't worried about the Trials . . . at least, not for himself. His best friend, Niya is a Gold semidiós and a shoo-in for the Trials, and while he trusts her abilities, the odds of becoming the sacrifice is one-in-ten.
But then, for the first time in over a century, the impossible happens. Sol chooses not one, but two Jade competitors. Teo, and Xio, the thirteen-year-old child of the god of bad luck. Now they must compete in five trials against Gold opponents who are more powerful and better trained. Worst of all, Teo's annoyingly handsome ex-best friend and famous semidiós Hero, Aurelio is favored to win. Teo is determined to get himself and his friends through the trials unscathed―for fame, glory, and their own survival.
"Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I'm just a Jade. I'm not a real hero."
As each new decade begins, the Sun's power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the chaotic Obsidian gods at bay. Sol selects ten of the most worthy semidioses to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all―they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body melted down to refuel the Sun Stones, protecting the world for another ten years.
Teo, a seventeen-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of the goddess of birds, isn't worried about the Trials . . . at least, not for himself. His best friend, Niya is a Gold semidiós and a shoo-in for the Trials, and while he trusts her abilities, the odds of becoming the sacrifice is one-in-ten.
But then, for the first time in over a century, the impossible happens. Sol chooses not one, but two Jade competitors. Teo, and Xio, the thirteen-year-old child of the god of bad luck. Now they must compete in five trials against Gold opponents who are more powerful and better trained. Worst of all, Teo's annoyingly handsome ex-best friend and famous semidiós Hero, Aurelio is favored to win. Teo is determined to get himself and his friends through the trials unscathed―for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Editorial Reviews
"One of the best fantasy novels I have ever read. Aiden Thomas is masterful in their ability to not only build such a brilliant world but also characters who you love and want to root for. The Sunbearer Trials is a force to be reckoned with and has completely changed the game." ―Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades
"Clever, vibrant, & convention-shattering. The Sunbearer Trials is my favorite kind of YA fantasy―spectacular worldbuilding, a charming & supremely lovable main character, & a found family I would die for!" ―Romina Garber, New York Times-Bestselling author of Lobizona
"Splendid storytelling. The Sunbearer Trials dazzles with adventure, breathing life into a bustling fantastical world filled with both wonders and evils. Aiden Thomas is a brilliant talent." ―Chloe Gong, the New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights
"Aiden Thomas fully knocked me out with THE SUNBEARER TRIALS, delivering charming queer characters, thrilling magical trials, and an immersive fantasy world full of intricate details. This book is a triumph and I could not get enough!" ― Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Thomas's queernormative world and distinctly drawn cast deliver an upbeat fantasy teeming with captivating worldbuilding, earnest friendships, and electrifying adventure." ― Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Thomas unravels a plot that is as riveting as it is terrifying, as...Teo teams up with the other semidioses to save the world they all know and love, regardless of class difference. Fans of the Hunger Games and mythology will revel in this energetic, well-wrought adventure." ― Booklist, starred review
"A fun, super-queer read." ― Buzzfeed News
Praise for Cemetery Boys:
"Detailed, heart-rending, and immensely romantic. Cemetery Boys is necessary: for trans kids, for queer kids, for those in the Latinx community who need to see themselves on the page. Don't miss this book." ―Mark Oshiro, author of
"Clever, vibrant, & convention-shattering. The Sunbearer Trials is my favorite kind of YA fantasy―spectacular worldbuilding, a charming & supremely lovable main character, & a found family I would die for!" ―Romina Garber, New York Times-Bestselling author of Lobizona
"Splendid storytelling. The Sunbearer Trials dazzles with adventure, breathing life into a bustling fantastical world filled with both wonders and evils. Aiden Thomas is a brilliant talent." ―Chloe Gong, the New York Times-bestselling author of These Violent Delights
"Aiden Thomas fully knocked me out with THE SUNBEARER TRIALS, delivering charming queer characters, thrilling magical trials, and an immersive fantasy world full of intricate details. This book is a triumph and I could not get enough!" ― Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times-bestselling author of Iron Widow
"Thomas's queernormative world and distinctly drawn cast deliver an upbeat fantasy teeming with captivating worldbuilding, earnest friendships, and electrifying adventure." ― Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Thomas unravels a plot that is as riveting as it is terrifying, as...Teo teams up with the other semidioses to save the world they all know and love, regardless of class difference. Fans of the Hunger Games and mythology will revel in this energetic, well-wrought adventure." ― Booklist, starred review
"A fun, super-queer read." ― Buzzfeed News
Praise for Cemetery Boys:
"Detailed, heart-rending, and immensely romantic. Cemetery Boys is necessary: for trans kids, for queer kids, for those in the Latinx community who need to see themselves on the page. Don't miss this book." ―Mark Oshiro, author of
Readers Top Reviews
Moon Phoenix
The Sunbearer Trials is being sold as Percy Jackson meets Hunger Games, and while I can understand the comparison, The Sunbearer Trials it’s their own original story. Things in Common: Demigods, dangerous missions, and a deadly televised contest Synopsis: Every 10 years, 10 demigods are chosen to compete in The Sunbearer Trial, the loser’s blood will help keep the obsidians gods imprisoned. Characters: There are many characters, but never feel overwhelming, they all have their distinct personalities. Teo is the MC, he is a 17-year-old demigod, his mother is the goddess Quetzal, and the birds consider him his family (The scenes when we talk and make mischief with the birds are adorable) From his mother, he inherited beautiful quetzal wings, which will have an emotional moment in history. Teo is funny, brave, and loyal. Among the secondary, they are:∙ ∙ Niya, her best friend, is brave, determined, and a warrior ∙ Xio, the youngest contestant and son of Mala Suerte, still is finding his place and himself. ∙ The twins Auristela and Aurelio, children of Lumbre, their powers are related to fire, they are popular and elite of the school. About the gods, my favorites were Quetzal, and Pan Dulce Like all of the author’s stories, there is a lot of diversity and representation; we have Mexican inspiration, non-binary, trans, possible sapphic, and deaf characters. The characters are likable and have character development, even in those who started as antagonists, their reasons will be understood. I love how Teo is so open, ready to meet new places and people and accept everything how it is. He is the kind of person who wants to make you feel comfortable. He makes an alliance with Niya and Xio, so they have a better chance to protect themselves, Teo wants to protect Xio, he is the youngest and doesn’t have many resources. But in the end, you don’t want anyone to be sacrificed. Worldbuilding: I love world-building, it’s inspired by Mexican mythology, with a touch of the 21st century, as is the existence of electronic devices and social media, it feels modern and at the same time magical. El Reino del Sol is a beautiful and magical place, a mix between natural landscapes and cities. The trials take place in different parts of the kingdom, the contestants have the opportunity to travel and get to know a little about the place before the tests. The trials are dangerous and unique. Participants will have to use their ingenuity and creativity to overcome them, not just their strengths. My favorites were the labyrinth and the capture of the alebrijes, (which was cute and fun to read) Story I loved the prologue, I love stories of the origin of the universe and the first humans. With it, the different gods are explained and why th...
L SmithMoon Phoen
If I could give it higher than 5💫, I would. Perfection. Surprisingly plotted, immersive worldbuilding, phenomenal family both found & blood, characters I would die for & quotability for days. Cannot wait for Book 2
L SmithMoon Ph
I LOVE THIS BOOK. The representation of so many different types of people within this work, expertly weaved into the story, which had me laughing, crying, and tense, as well as other emotions that I'm still working on defining, was what I had hoped for, given Cemetery Boys was one of my favorite books ever. This author is definitely an instant buy for me, at this point. Cannot wait for the sequel!
