The Sunbearer Trials
I really liked this. While it didn’t measure up to the joy that Cemetery Boys brought me, it was a strong showing from Aiden Thomas. It’s set in a Mexican-inspired fantasy world, although it is very similar to our own world in terms of technology and even cultural references (e.g., it has Chupa Chups). Main character Teo is surprised to be selected to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The loser of this trial becomes a sacrifice to protect the world, and the winner becomes the Sunbearer who brings the sacrifice’s essence to sun stones located around the world. Usually only Gold semidioses are chosen, as Jades like Teo are weaker.
Considering that the outcomes of the trials will result in someone’s death, the book often has a relatively light-hearted tone. Teo and his Gold friend Niya have a strong bond and unite to try to help each other and the other Jade who was unexpectedly selected for the trials. This also seems to be a queernorm world, which I loved. There are multiple trans and nonbinary characters and gay relationships represented. Overall, I enjoyed both the story and the characters. 4 stars.
Celestial Monsters (spoilers for the end of the first book)
Unfortunately, the sequel is markedly weaker. It starts right after the first book ends. Our trio of Teo, Niya, and Aurelio set off to recover the sun stone and the captured semidioses. This part is from Teo’s POV, but every third chapter we get Xio’s POV in Los Restos as he discovers the consequences of his actions. I liked that the book was broken up this way because it added variety, though there isn’t anything particularly surprising in how everything ultimately played out.
There was a drop-off in writing quality for this one, particularly around some inconsistencies related to time and history. The world-building became weaker and more scattershot. There is political world-building that is alluded to but not at all adequately addressed. Readers know about the disparities in how Gold and Jades are treated, but issues with how humans are treated is referenced without much support. The ending itself was also a bit disappointing.
While I am glad I read this book, both because I’m kind of a competitionist and it would be hard not to, and because I liked knowing how things wrapped up, I was expecting more and a bit let down by what I got. 3.5 stars.