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A review by z_bookfluencer
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"Choice is the most powerful force in existence." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials
The Sunbearer Trials was a very well written and engaging fantasy with some modern elements, containing a dangerous and magical competition, a likable main character, an inclusive cast, lush world building, and an epic ending.
Detailed Review:
The Sunbearer Trials is told through Teo's perspective. Teo was really easy to read for, and he had a very distinct and likable personality. The diverse cast had well-rounded and compelling characters. There was a hint of romance, though this was more of affectionate thoughts and a few actions, more than an established relationship. A notable trope pertaining to the chemistry between two of the potential love interests was 'he trains him'.
"Aw, we're gonna have our own little misfit gang." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials
I was fascinated by the rich world building. There was some magic, and it was on the softer side. The Sunbearer Trials was an engaging read, and the writing style worked very well for me. The tone and settings for each scene were set up nicely, and the character descriptions were very picturesque. The story pacing was quick.
"Every temple in Reino del Sol was U-shaped with a large set of exterior steps that led to an observatory where the main altar stood. They look different, depending on the god and the city, but each housed a Sun Stone-the piece of Sol that provided light and protection from the dangers locked away among the stars. At night, the beams from Sun Stones could be seen from several miles away." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials
Contend Guide: includes [ not excluded to ] conversations and mentions of: dysphoria [ gender and body ], hormone therapy, gender identity, violence, brief profanity
I really enjoyed my reading experience of The Sunbearer Trials, and it is a favorite. I can see myself rereading The Sunbearer Trials and continuing the series with the next installment, Celestial Monsters. I would highly recommend The Sunbearer Trials to other YA readers who enjoy dangerous and magical competitions and a misfit group of friends.
The Sunbearer Trials was a very well written and engaging fantasy with some modern elements, containing a dangerous and magical competition, a likable main character, an inclusive cast, lush world building, and an epic ending.
Detailed Review:
The Sunbearer Trials is told through Teo's perspective. Teo was really easy to read for, and he had a very distinct and likable personality. The diverse cast had well-rounded and compelling characters. There was a hint of romance, though this was more of affectionate thoughts and a few actions, more than an established relationship. A notable trope pertaining to the chemistry between two of the potential love interests was 'he trains him'.
"Aw, we're gonna have our own little misfit gang." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials
I was fascinated by the rich world building. There was some magic, and it was on the softer side. The Sunbearer Trials was an engaging read, and the writing style worked very well for me. The tone and settings for each scene were set up nicely, and the character descriptions were very picturesque. The story pacing was quick.
"Every temple in Reino del Sol was U-shaped with a large set of exterior steps that led to an observatory where the main altar stood. They look different, depending on the god and the city, but each housed a Sun Stone-the piece of Sol that provided light and protection from the dangers locked away among the stars. At night, the beams from Sun Stones could be seen from several miles away." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials
Contend Guide: includes [ not excluded to ] conversations and mentions of: dysphoria [ gender and body ], hormone therapy, gender identity, violence, brief profanity
I really enjoyed my reading experience of The Sunbearer Trials, and it is a favorite. I can see myself rereading The Sunbearer Trials and continuing the series with the next installment, Celestial Monsters. I would highly recommend The Sunbearer Trials to other YA readers who enjoy dangerous and magical competitions and a misfit group of friends.