What an absolute delight! This book hit all of my expectations and of course exceeded them!
Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya―daughter of Tierra, the god of earth―is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year.
But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Teo is a stubborn troublemaker who is determined to make sure him and his friends get out of the trails alive. He fights for what is right and always chooses his friends over the easy way out. He is an endearing main character who you cannot help but route for. Thomas does an excellent job at telling the story of his trans characters, and I love his own-voice experience in his books. Thomas tells the story of his trans characters in a way that is so effortless but also takes the time to bring a bigger impact to the reader who needs a big brother to talk them through the subject. It's a wonderful experience being able to read first hand how generations of kids are going to read these words and be able to find themselves on the pages.
Aiden Thomas created such a vibrant and detailed world that you find yourself effortlessly immersed. Every moment of this book felt like you were right inside the story with Teo. I felt the excitement, anxiety, and the importance of every trail while reading this book.
who would I recommend this to
Any lover of Thomas's previous books, the Percy Jackson series, or anyone interested in reading fantasy would love this book. There is an entire world being built but its completely accessible to all readers.
Teo, a 17-year-old Jade semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials…or rather, he’s only worried for others. His best friend Niya―daughter of Tierra, the god of earth―is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year.
But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidiós who isn’t a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and…Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Teo is a stubborn troublemaker who is determined to make sure him and his friends get out of the trails alive. He fights for what is right and always chooses his friends over the easy way out. He is an endearing main character who you cannot help but route for. Thomas does an excellent job at telling the story of his trans characters, and I love his own-voice experience in his books. Thomas tells the story of his trans characters in a way that is so effortless but also takes the time to bring a bigger impact to the reader who needs a big brother to talk them through the subject. It's a wonderful experience being able to read first hand how generations of kids are going to read these words and be able to find themselves on the pages.
Aiden Thomas created such a vibrant and detailed world that you find yourself effortlessly immersed. Every moment of this book felt like you were right inside the story with Teo. I felt the excitement, anxiety, and the importance of every trail while reading this book.
who would I recommend this to
Any lover of Thomas's previous books, the Percy Jackson series, or anyone interested in reading fantasy would love this book. There is an entire world being built but its completely accessible to all readers.