Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Sunbearer Trials
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
27 posts | 16 read | 14 to read
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. Im just a Jade. Im not a real hero. As each new decade begins, the Suns 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 allthey will be sacrificed to Sol, their body forming the new Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years. Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidios and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials...or rather, hes only worried for others. His best friend Niyadaughter of Tierra, the god of earthis one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also cant help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidios and Teos friend-turned-rival who is a shoo-in for the Trials. Teo wouldnt mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one-in-ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teos taste. But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidios who isnt 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.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
blurb
ReadingSusan
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

Finally reading this! I have heard so many good things about this book!

review
TheIntrovertedDodoBird
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

Thomas dazzles again with their Mexican-inspired/The Hunger Games-esque fantasy novel, impressive in their world building & larger than life characters that leap right off the page. Imaginative & wholly unique, I was transported to the fantastical yet dastardly Sunbearer Trails, always on the edge of my seat as I devoured chapter after chapter, arriving at the cliffhanger far too soon. Now, I must eagerly await the sequel while nursing my wounds.

review
ChaoticMissAdventures
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

4.5⭐
This is fantastic.

Accurate to compare it to the Hunger Games with some magic/superhero thrown in. 10 teens are chosen to compete the winner gets to bear the sun, and the loser is sacrificed!
Thomas's writing is excellent, I was enthralled. The characters are diverse and lovely I wanted to stay with them for hundreds of more pages.
I love that their website has the characters playing cards so I could really visualize what they looked like.

34 likes1 stack add
blurb
ChaoticMissAdventures
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

I absolutely love this!!! Aiden Thomas has a website with trading cards for the characters in his book, these are so cool, you can even order them! I mostly wanted to check them out to get a vibe of each character (10 competitors can be a bit confusing at the beginning).
The cards tell you if they have powers, and what their strengths and weaknesses are.
I wish more authors would do this.

paper.reveries What a brilliant idea!! And the art is GORGEOUS 😍 9mo
ChaoticMissAdventures @paper.reveries truly!! Each card is amazing. I love Xochi's whose mom is the god of Spring so flowery and pretty! 9mo
30 likes2 comments
blurb
ChaoticMissAdventures
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

#WeeklyForecast hoping this week is better, my stack is pretty gay so that should help!

If Beal street could talk - #14booksin14weeks2023
@TheHeartlandBookFairy

Slowly starting Forever Amber for next months #BookedInTime with @Cuilin

Additional #Pride books - Perks of Loving A Wallflower, Winter's Orbit, and Sunbearer Trials

Cuilin Great choice for #BookedInTime 10mo
38 likes1 comment
blurb
Rachel.Rencher
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

Such a sucker for mythological retellings, diverse representation, survival games, and gorgeous maps all sandwiched between a metallic cover. 😍📚

Aims42 Gorgeous cover! 😍 11mo
69 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
PuddleJumper
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

Absolutely loved this book. The world building was great, it was a little clunky at the start as there was a lot of information to take in but it smoothed out quickly.

Looking forward to the next in the series

blurb
PuddleJumper
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

#thingsincommon Starting this one tomorrow

@Clwojick

GirlNamedJesse Aiden Thomas is my FAVORITE author for teens right now! Teo is such a great character; I hope you love him! 12mo
24 likes1 comment
review
Nessavamusic
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

This is an excellent new YA fantasy adventure. A Mexican mythology inspired adventure featuring a competition of demigods. This has similar themes to Hunger Games but new mythology and excellent lgbtq+ representation. It is very YA, and early in the book I wasn‘t sure it was for me, but once the competition began I was hooked. I look forward the conclusion of this duology! 4.5⭐️
#EasterOMC book 4 complete!

Clwojick 🖤 12mo
51 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
TheBookKeepers
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

I just finished this book & had so much fun reading it! If you‘re craving a book w/ a “challenge” in the plot, this one did not disappoint. Each Sunbearer trial was unique & exciting. My only complaint was that there were a TON of characters introduced in the beginning w/ the history, the gods, & then all their kids. I had to write out a list to use as a quick reference bc I was lost. But once I had that, I sailed through it. LGBTQ+ rep

56 likes1 stack add
review
Bookfan1414
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

I‘m so mad. I had zero clues on that twist. I adored him! Why?! I have horrible taste in people… 10/10 🌟🌟🌟

TheIntrovertedDodoBird @Bookfan1414 Ooh, my gods. Please say this isn't concerning my favourite character! I've had my suspicions 😭. 9mo
Bookfan1414 Finish it and let me know. I was heartbroken. 9mo
4 likes2 comments
review
AshleyC816
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

This was cute- a little similar to the Hunger Games and Harry Potter, but I enjoyed the alternate pantheon. Definitely leaves you on a cliff hanger- will need to read the next one to see what happens!

Prairiegirl_reading Your dog is adorable!!! 1y
33 likes1 comment
review
kissmehardy
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

The energy of this book was incredible, my God. And the way I CALLED THAT SOMETHING WAS HINKY WITH A SPECIFIC CHARACTER, I AM SCREAMING!!! #yafantasy

Liatrek Love the cover! Adding to TBR 1y
kissmehardy @Liatrek You won't regret it! I heard it described as PJO meets The Hunger Games, and that's not wrong. Plus it's very queer-normative. 1y
TheIntrovertedDodoBird @kissmehardy Ooh no. I'm seriously hoping this isn't aimed at my favourite character!! I've had my suspicions, and I will be heartbroken!! 😭 9mo
See All 10 Comments
kissmehardy @TheIntrovertedDodoBird I'm saying nothing until you're done!! 9mo
TheIntrovertedDodoBird @kissmehardy The tension will kill me!! I'm seriously hoping I'm wrong!! 😭 I've had my heartbroken far too many times when it comes to books!! 9mo
TheIntrovertedDodoBird @kissmehardy Just finished! Welp. The scales have fallen from my eyes! It was my favourite character, after all 😭. 9mo
kissmehardy @TheIntrovertedDodoBird I was afraid you'd say that!! What a last-second reveal. Maybe things will change in book 2? 9mo
TheIntrovertedDodoBird @kissmehardy Right?! I wanted to throw my Kindle out the window in betrayal!! I seriously hope so. I need a redemption arc in book 2 after investing so much in that character!! And that cliffhanger. However, will we wait for the sequel?! 9mo
kissmehardy @TheIntrovertedDodoBird IMPATIENTLY, THAT'S HOW. 9mo
TheIntrovertedDodoBird @kissmehardy I FEEL YOUR PAIN!! 😭 9mo
4 likes1 stack add10 comments
blurb
kera_11
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games is a pretty good way to describe this book. This just came out in September and I may die waiting for the next book to come out. Teo is trans and a Jade demigod. Only the Golds get trained for the Trails. So how TF did he get chosen as a contestant?! At least his Gold bestie is there, I guess and oh look his ex best friend too. I‘m so obsessed with these characters and the story. AND LOOK AT THIS COVER

5 likes1 stack add
review
Hooked_on_books
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Bailedbailed

I loved The Cemetery Boys, so I was excited for this one, but the concept is just a bit too out there for me. The characters are birds? Sort of? And also gods? Kind of? But this is just me. I still have nothing but respect for Aiden Thomas, so if the concept sounds good to you, definitely don‘t let me dissuade you.

review
Branwen
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

I absolutely adored this! I'm a sucker for a YA story centered around a big competition and this one was excellent! Plus, the banter between some of the characters was really perfect and had me laughing out loud!

blurb
Branwen
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

Up next! 💕📚💕 I've really loved his previous works so I have very high hopes for this one! #catsoflitsy #littenkitten #jupiterjazz

RaeLovesToRead Aww Jazz... such soulful eyes 😇🥰 2y
Graywacke Those eyes! 💙 2y
Branwen @RaeLovesToRead @Graywacke She has definitely used those eyes to persuade me to give her more treats! 😹 2y
56 likes3 comments
blurb
RavenclawPrincess913
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas

The book I just finished I was about to look for movie to rewatch it to cheer me up 😂 than I'm like oh that was a book 🙄

blurb
RavenclawPrincess913
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

For those of y'all that annotate books don't buy Maped glitter highlighters this one didn't even last through a 400 page book I think it was about 200 pages it lasted and I didn't even highlight as much as usual not worth it spending 1.40 per highlighter per half a book that'll get exspensive just wanted to let y'all know so y'all don't waste money as well

ReadingRachael Thanks! 😊 2y
kplovesbooks Nope. I'd a been mad. 😤 2y
RavenclawPrincess913 @kplovesbooks Pissed me off so much 2y
36 likes4 comments
review
RavenclawPrincess913
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

people. If a sacrifice doesn't take place every ten years to refuel the stone they will be set free. The eight golds and two jades must compete in five Trials to see who Sol deems worthy enough of being Sunbearer and the one who is sacrificed to protect all others.

This boom had a lot of action which I loved and made it very interesting. I love books that are action packed. Some Trials were more interesting than the others.

RavenclawPrincess913 My favorite was probably the trial where Aurelio and Teo teamed up and won it. They were friends when little so it must have been nice being able to work together again. I also loved the animal one the animal that Teo collected was so cute. The trial they had to collect all the stones seems fun as well. The last one was pretty scary though especially Auristela's outburst at the end of it. By the end of the book I was crying. 2y
RavenclawPrincess913 Teo, Nina and Xio were friends throughout the Trials but I always had a bad feeling about Xio. Something about him just seemed off. So I was surprised but not surprised by their betrayal at the end.

My least favorite character of the ten competitors was probably Ocelo. He just gives off bad vibes.
2y
RavenclawPrincess913 It was Auristela at first to but I came to realize deep down she was just trying to protect her twin brother Aurelio and help him to become Sunbearer. She wanted this for him so their mom would deem him worthy and stop treating him so badly.

Outside the Trials my favorite scene was probably when Aurelio and Teo sneaked off the boat to get the candy to cheer up Niya. I loved when Aurelio touched Teo's wings it was cute.
2y
RavenclawPrincess913 If you love books with God's, Goddesses, and their children I definitely recommend reading this. Also, I love the cover it fits the story perfectly. 2y
22 likes4 comments
review
GirlNamedJesse
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image
Pickpick

At 95% I remembered this was a duology and despaired/rejoiced. Despaired because I neeeeeeeded to know the ending, and rejoiced because I have a whole other BOOK to read! I love books that surprise me, and this one did just that. The end had me holding my breath and flipping pages as fast as I could. I really love Teo‘s relationships with everyone.

I cannot wait to read the rest of this story! ❤️ 🦜

blurb
Branwen
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

My book haul from earlier today! 🎉🎉🎉 I was very surprised and delighted to find the bottom two books at the store, since technically their publication date is this Tuesday! 😱 What a lucky find! I'm probably going to start All of Our Demise first since I absolutely adored the first book and that cliffhanger nearly killed me! 😂💕📚 #bookhaul

wanderinglynn The Sunbearer Trials is on my TBR. I‘ll be interested to hear what you think! 2y
Branwen @wanderinglynn I will let you know how it is! I've lived his other two books so I have high hopes for this one! 2y
45 likes2 comments
blurb
GirlNamedJesse
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

Spent some time in the hammock yesterday reading this one. Loving it very much. Covid has been raking me over the coals; glad to be feeling a bit better today! 🦜

blurb
GirlNamedJesse
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

I bought a kindle for the sole purpose of reading ARCs and I love my case! I‘m dragging my feet with the tagged read because I don‘t want it to be overrrrrr 😍😍😍😍

New Kid on the Book It's lovely! 2y
10 likes1 comment
review
TheBiasedBibliophile
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
Pickpick

I was absolutely blown away by this book! The trials in the book were inventive and action-packed. I thought the camaraderie was phenomenal! Teo develops complex and multifaceted relationships with most of the other competitors, and I adored this human element of the story. One of the aspects I enjoyed most about the book was the queer representation. Similarly, the worldbuilding was fantastic, and I love that being queer was normalized!

blurb
coffees
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

The PV for this was soooooo good!! Also, would've claimed with my points but I was too late 😭 #bookishfirst

www.bookishfirst.com
Ref code: 02c819d0c94cc1df0

Consider getting a BF account where you can get PVs of new book releases, enter giveaways, and claim books with points. Points are gained when you write first impressions and reviews, on and outside the site 😏

blurb
GirlNamedJesse
The Sunbearer Trials | Aiden Thomas
post image

I bought a kindle to read my eArcs on! Screens mess with my eyes, so I‘m hoping the paperwhite helps. Super excited to read this one! Cemetery Boys is one of my all-time favorite books. ❤️