*Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.*

I'm going to start this review by saying I am still confused as to which reading group this book falls. It is listed everywhere as an adult novel but I very much feel like it could be listed as an older YA book. 

I appreciate the world-building that happened in this book. I enjoyed learning about the indigenous groups and how colonization has affected their ability to live. I also could not pass up a dragon story. 

Anequs is a strong, independent, and determined character. She embraces her Nampeshiweist with excitement while also understanding what this dragon and power mean for her community. Even though the Anglish have other plans for what should happen to the Nampeshiweist, Anequs pushes for her acceptance into the Anglish dragon school and works to prove that she has more than what they expect. 

This story did feel like it dragged on at certain points without much happening. I feel like it could have been a shorter book with more punchy scenes to help keep the plot moving. 

Overall, this is a unique, well-done fantasy that leaves readers with much to think about. 

- Urban fantasy that takes on BIG topics
- Intergenerational, family magic; dark and light
- Attacking white supremacy 
- DRAMA and, of course, blood debts
- Sometimes the story felt a bit heavy, but overall, the story was engaging and powerful

*Representation
- LGBTQIA+
- Gay

I would love to see this book turned into a visual creation. I think the concept of the Skyhunter, the war machine, would be so interesting to see brought to life in a visual format.

- Lovers/Fiances to Fake Dating to Dating? Sure!
- So much emotion mixed into the relationships, platonic and romantic
- Harriet and Wynn... 

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.

__________

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

I think this book is okay. And from other people’s responses, maybe I shouldn’t have listened to it on audiobook, or maybe I’m just not smart enough to fully appreciate it *shrug*? This was a rather interesting speculative fiction/sci-fi read, however, the first 3/4-ish of the book was a bit difficult (for me) to follow because it jumps time periods rather quickly. It also reads literary (in the sense that I feel like I should have read this for my English Lit degree). That being said, I think the writing is really smart and the plot packs a punch. I appreciate that it is a shorter read and that apparently two of Emily St. John Mandel’s other books are interconnected with this title.

Explores themes of time travel, pandemics, reality versus simulations, loneliness, and consequences for actions.  

I had a great time reading this book! I thought that Tova’s character was engaging and connectable, and Marcellus was amazing. I found myself with lots of emotions throughout this story – laughing out loud, heartbroken, confused, frustrated. I feel like most of the characters in this story helped support and move the plot. It is a lighter read that still encompasses heavy topics. I also think the ending is beautiful and it made me happy to see things wrapping up though not perfectly in a bow yet.

Explores themes of grief, finding family, exploring love (at different stages in life), and freedom versus captivity. 

This is not an easy leisure read, and I don’t know that it would appeal to a wide audience of readers. The story is pretty complex and gets really dense in certain sections. The first 50% felt very literary as we learn about the characters and their connections to one another. There are also many nuances throughout the book that can be confusing – for example, one section focuses heavily on financial information and Wall Street, and to be honest, I was pretty lost. It is very well-written and interestingly explores the same story in four (4) stories.  

Explores themes of power, visibility, gender roles/expectations, and how, and by whom, history is recorded. 

Ander & Santi Were Here is a young adult/new adult book about finding home, finding voice, and finding love. Ander and Santi may be fighting for different things, but together, they learn to use their voice, art, and love to fit into a brutal yet beautiful world.