The Sunbearer Trials (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781250822130)

Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric new Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys.

"Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I'm just a Jade. I'm not a real hero."

As each new decade begins, the Sun's power must be replenished so that Sol can keep traveling along the sky and keep the chaotic Obsidian gods at bay. Sol selects ten of the most worthy semidioses to compete in the Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all--they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body melted down to refuel the Sun Stones, protecting the world for another ten years.

Teo, a seventeen-year-old Jade semidi and the trans son of the goddess of birds, isn't worried about the Trials . . . at least, not for himself. His best friend, Niya is a Gold semidi and a shoo-in for the Trials, and while he trusts her abilities, the odds of becoming the sacrifice is one-in-ten.

But then, for the first time in over a century, the impossible happens. Sol chooses not one, but two Jade competitors. Teo, and Xio, the thirteen-year-old child of the god of bad luck. Now they must compete in five trials against Gold opponents who are more powerful and better trained. Worst of all, Teo's annoyingly handsome ex-best friend and famous semidi Hero, Aurelio is favored to win. Teo is determined to get himself and his friends through the trials unscathed--for fame, glory, and their own survival.

Author: Aiden Thomas
ISBN-10: 1250822130
ISBN-13: 9781250822130
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Language: English
Published: 09/06/2022
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.70h x 5.60w x 1.50d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.9
Point Value: 19
Interest Level: Upper Grade
Quiz #/Name: 522361 / Sunbearer Trials


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/25/2022
Booklist 08/01/2022 pg. 69
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2022
School Library Journal 10/01/2022 pg. 86
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2023 pg. 94
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2023 - Superior,Well Above Average