I’m trying to stave off the Sunday scaries by getting back into my book reviews and projects and of course, diving back in to my fun stuff after the first two weeks of school is not helping me want to go back to work tomorrow. However, at least I have an awesome book to talk about today: The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas.
Thanks to NetGalley and Fierce Reads for this free copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now! 🙂
I will read whatever Aiden Thomas writes (you may recognize his name as the author of Cemetery Boys) and The Sunbearer Trials was SO fun! Well, as fun as a tournament between young demigods to determine who is the winner and who gets sacrificed to Sol can be, anyway. The descriptions and world-building were beautifully done and I adored Teo, the main character. He is mischievous, kind, and such a caring friend. I don’t want to give spoilers, but there is a lovely moment with Teo that made me tear up. He comes into his own in the book (literally) and his character arc, at least what we can see in this first book, is so satisfying.
The LGBTQ+ rep is diverse and one of my absolutely favorite aspects of this book is that all of these kids and teens are just who they are…no one is commenting on how they “should” look, what gender they “should” be, or who they “should” be attracted to. In this story, Teo, who is trans, is not fighting to be accepted as trans, he is just accepted. I love it.
This story is action-packed, full of sweet friendship, and has a twist I did not see coming! I’m so excited for the next one.
The Bookish Bird 