I feel like this is the first time I've ever said this, but I enjoyed Celestial Monster way more than the original book The Sunbearer Trials. While still very fast paced and a little juvenile, Aiden Thomas really spread his wings (lmao) in terms of originality. Rather than feeling like an (almost) retelling, the use of tropes felt a little more natural. Additionally, I found that the characters had a lot more autonomy in this book and their personalities shone through their decisions since they had more of an effect on the plot rather than just being swept up in the tide.