Reread Review:

In this Mexican-inspired fantasy, ten semidioses are selected by Sol, the Sun God, to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. The Trials are a series of challenges intended to determine the most worthy of becoming the Sunbearer, but with that comes the responsibility of committing the sacrifice to keep all of the Sol Stones burning.

While Teo is attending the selection ceremony as the son of Quetzal (the goddess of birds), he is not worried. As a Jade, it is unlikely that he will be selected to compete in the Trials alongside the highly skilled and trained Golds. However, Sol has other plans. For the first time in over a century, not one but two Jades are selected to compete, Teo among them.

With the odds stacked against the Jade competitors, Teo makes a determined vow to get himself and his friends through the trials without them coming in last and becoming the sacrifice. 
 
This book will forever be one of my favorites, and I had even more fun reading it for a second time!

Aiden Thomas knows just how to balance humorous, thrilling, and heartwrenching moments to create the perfect story. They have also created a world where being LGBTQ+ is celebrated and embraced.

While this book is fast-paced and high-stakes, it is also a warm hug with found family, friendships, and personal growth.

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As many have described, this is a Hunger Games meets Percy Jackson, and I truly loved every moment of this book. 

- An absolutely brilliant cast of characters with vast representation and fun, spicy, and quirky personalities
- Intense yet funny challenges
- Mexican Mythology
- World building is strong, clear, and intentional

Teo and his friends have moved this book right up my list of top 10 favorite books, and it is definitely in close contentions with Mina from The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea for a favorite fantasy read.

*Representation Present
- BIPIC
- LGBTQ+
- Nonbinary
- Transgender
- Questioning
- Deaf