laurensbookvibes's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
cookewitch's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
4.0
Really enjoyed this and now have to wait until September 2024 for the second book in the duology!!
Some great characters and humour in this and fun, with a dash of peril!
📖☀️📖
Some great characters and humour in this and fun, with a dash of peril!
📖☀️📖
rosiereviewsreads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
winkyle86's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
breeezzy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lectricefeministe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
queeenaleex's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thatsoneforthebooks's review against another edition
5.0
✨ Review ✨ The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas; Narrated by André Santana
This book is The Hunger Games meets Greek/Roman Gods set in Mexico. Teen semidioses battle it out in a Hunger Games style fantasy where the winner receives honor and the loser sacrifices themself to replenish Sol's (the Sun's) power. While typically the most powerful rank of semidioses are chosen for this battle, Teo and Xio (both lower-ranked semidioses) join eight more competitors, including Teo's good friend Niya. As the competitors compete in a variety of terrifying challenges, traveling throughout their realm, Teo learns about himselfv and the power of working as a team.
I absolutely loved this book - I could NOT get enough! I loved that it created this whole fantastical world built out of Mexican/Aztec/Mayan mythology and heritage. It was JUST. SO. MUCH. FUN. to read. The clever naming of gods and their powers, the atmospheric descriptions of the places they traveled, and the challenges (still awe-defying, but less deadly and terrible than the Hunger Games) all kept me reading eagerly.
The trans/queer representation throughout this book was also fabulous, with the main character talking about gender, transitioning, binding wings, and so much more. Throughout trans identity was normalized by the characters and the society they lived in. This was brilliantly written by Thomas.
If you're looking for a fun YA fantasy to get you excited this fall, this one is a great pick!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA fantasy
Reminds me of: Hunger Games meets Gods of Jade and Shadow
Pub Date: Out now!
Read this if you like:
⭕️ YA fantasy and competitions like Hunger Games
⭕️ Mexican / Aztec / Mayan culture, history, mythology, etc.
⭕️ positive queer/trans representation
⭕️ great fantasy world building
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan Audio, and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!
This book is The Hunger Games meets Greek/Roman Gods set in Mexico. Teen semidioses battle it out in a Hunger Games style fantasy where the winner receives honor and the loser sacrifices themself to replenish Sol's (the Sun's) power. While typically the most powerful rank of semidioses are chosen for this battle, Teo and Xio (both lower-ranked semidioses) join eight more competitors, including Teo's good friend Niya. As the competitors compete in a variety of terrifying challenges, traveling throughout their realm, Teo learns about himselfv and the power of working as a team.
I absolutely loved this book - I could NOT get enough! I loved that it created this whole fantastical world built out of Mexican/Aztec/Mayan mythology and heritage. It was JUST. SO. MUCH. FUN. to read. The clever naming of gods and their powers, the atmospheric descriptions of the places they traveled, and the challenges (still awe-defying, but less deadly and terrible than the Hunger Games) all kept me reading eagerly.
The trans/queer representation throughout this book was also fabulous, with the main character talking about gender, transitioning, binding wings, and so much more. Throughout trans identity was normalized by the characters and the society they lived in. This was brilliantly written by Thomas.
If you're looking for a fun YA fantasy to get you excited this fall, this one is a great pick!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: YA fantasy
Reminds me of: Hunger Games meets Gods of Jade and Shadow
Pub Date: Out now!
Read this if you like:
⭕️ YA fantasy and competitions like Hunger Games
⭕️ Mexican / Aztec / Mayan culture, history, mythology, etc.
⭕️ positive queer/trans representation
⭕️ great fantasy world building
Thanks to Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan Audio, and #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!
shodges01's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mind_stuck_in_velaris's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75