Title: The Sunbearer Trials

Series: The Sunbearer Duology #1

Author: Aidan 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.

I have a new fave of 2022!!!

Teo is a semidioses (half god, half human) and is selected to compete in the Sunbearer Trials although he is a Jade and not a Gold which shook him to his very core…..at first. You’ll learn that Teo pretty much takes everything in his stride which I loved about him.

With his 2 friends, Xio and Niya they compete in the Trials along with 8 others including twins, Aurelio and Auristela.

Reading this was so much fun, I was hooked! It was sprinkled with humour and I was enamoured with the descriptions of all the places, the hierarchy and their world. Coupled with this was the utter acceptance of everyone and who they were and who they loved. It was beautiful. This book is actually educational too….I had to look up what a cloaca was!!!!!

This book totally stands on its own, it doesn’t need to be compared to anything. I absolutely loved every minute of it especially what I think was LotR shoutout at the end! Now I need book 2!!!!