The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

“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 evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol himself as the most worthy 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 used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya—daughter of Tierra, the god of earth—is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also can’t help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós and Teo’s friend-turned-rival who is a shoo-in for the Trials. Teo wouldn’t mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one-in-ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teo’s taste.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.

This is so beautiful written. And all the hype around it was right. One of the character name was almost my last name. It was missing a E in the end lol. I love the twist in the end. I did not see it coming. And I love how some of the characters mentor and each chapter. Love the friendship between them too.

3.5⭐️
I liked this book but I felt that the trials could be a little bit more challenging seeing as thought sacrifice was in line, but overall it was fine

While I may not be a fan of Rick Riordan's books, Hunger Games was always a fav, so I was quite excited for this one and turns out I was right. I also decided to request for an audio advance copy while still reading my physical copy and it was totally the perfect way to experience the book.

The world building in this one was super cool. It's been a while since I enjoyed such detailed world building in a YA fantasy and I really appreciated the author for it. The mythology surrounding Sol and his creations; the dioses, semidioses, and their powers; the hierarchy within the realm based on the characteristics of the dioses and how it affects the perceptions about them; how the Sunbearer trials happen and the display of all kinds of cool powers during them, being televised like reality tv (very reminiscent of Hunger Games), but also with the stakes being so high and how it affects the temperament of the participants; and the world itself being a mix of ancient and modern - it all made for a lot of fun reading and I was swept along the journey. The story is mostly the trials and it takes place during about 10 days, so the pacing is pretty fast, we get all lots of thrilling adventure and action, and get to know the characters as they tackle such tense situations. I liked how the diverse spectrum of gender and sexuality is normalized here, making for a very accepting world which made me happy.

It's not easy to remember all the dioses and their children present here because we have many, each with their own powers and I still don't know how many I'll be able to name. Naturally I liked Teo because he is the only POV we get, and we truly see his aspirations and fears and his growth through the trials. His friendship with Niya is very unlikely but also amazing and I just adored all their moments together. Niya herself was just so sure of her strength and her place in her world, but never came across as a jerk like some of the other powerful characters, and that's why she is definitely a favorite. Xio is just a young boy who is an outcast because of his father, very much out of place in the tournament, but seeing Teo and Niya be protective about him was nice.

I really thought all the other participants in the trial were going to be jerks based on initial perceptions and Teo's own ideas about them, but I liked the way the author peeled the layers of each of them as the story progressed, and we see what they care about and what they are willing to do for their goals. Aurelio and Auristela are definitely very memorable and I slowly came to like at least Aurelio, but I still think it'll be more interesting if they are a larger presence (maybe even a POV). And I know everyone probably is shipping Teo and Aurelio but I'm not sure if I'm there yet - there was just a bit too much unnecessary angst for my liking in their dynamic but I'm looking forward to more of their relationship development now that the circumstances have changed.

Overall, this was an action packed and thrilling novel with a very unique Mexican inspired world and mythology which will leave a deep impression on you. If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy version of the Hunger Games with gods and magic and slightly less ruthless characters, then you can't go wrong with this one. I also had fun going back and forth between the physical copy and the beautifully narrated audiobook by André Santana. I'm definitely looking forward to see where the story goes next.