The Sunbearer Trials is being sold as Percy Jackson meets Hunger Games, and while I can understand the comparison, The Sunbearer Trials it’s their own original story.
Things in Common:
Demigods, dangerous missions, and a deadly televised contest
Synopsis:
Every 10 years, 10 demigods are chosen to compete in The Sunbearer Trial, the loser’s blood will help keep the obsidians gods imprisoned.
Characters:
There are many characters, but never feel overwhelming, they all have their distinct personalities.
Teo is the MC, he is a 17-year-old demigod, his mother is the goddess Quetzal, and the birds consider him his family (The scenes when we talk and make mischief with the birds are adorable) From his mother, he inherited beautiful quetzal wings, which will have an emotional moment in history. Teo is funny, brave, and loyal.
Among the secondary, they are:∙
∙ Niya, her best friend, is brave, determined, and a warrior
∙ Xio, the youngest contestant and son of Mala Suerte, still is finding his place and himself.
∙ The twins Auristela and Aurelio, children of Lumbre, their powers are related to fire, they are popular and elite of the school.
About the gods, my favorites were Quetzal, and Pan Dulce
Like all of the author’s stories, there is a lot of diversity and representation; we have Mexican inspiration, non-binary, trans, possible sapphic, and deaf characters.
The characters are likable and have character development, even in those who started as antagonists, their reasons will be understood.
I love how Teo is so open, ready to meet new places and people and accept everything how it is. He is the kind of person who wants to make you feel comfortable.
He makes an alliance with Niya and Xio, so they have a better chance to protect themselves, Teo wants to protect Xio, he is the youngest and doesn’t have many resources. But in the end, you don’t want anyone to be sacrificed.
Worldbuilding:
I love world-building, it’s inspired by Mexican mythology, with a touch of the 21st century, as is the existence of electronic devices and social media, it feels modern and at the same time magical.
El Reino del Sol is a beautiful and magical place, a mix between natural landscapes and cities. The trials take place in different parts of the kingdom, the contestants have the opportunity to travel and get to know a little about the place before the tests.
The trials are dangerous and unique. Participants will have to use their ingenuity and creativity to overcome them, not just their strengths. My favorites were the labyrinth and the capture of the alebrijes, (which was cute and fun to read)
Story
I loved the prologue, I love stories of the origin of the universe and the first humans. With it, the different gods are explained and why the Sunbearer trials are necessary.
The narrative is descriptive, fast-paced, and fun. Ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll pray to the gods that I can read the sequel soon.
Read if you want:
∙ Great diverse cast
∙ Adventure, trials, games
∙ Friendship goals
∙ Wonderful world
Thanks, MacMillan Children’s Group and Bookish First for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Things in Common:
Demigods, dangerous missions, and a deadly televised contest
Synopsis:
Every 10 years, 10 demigods are chosen to compete in The Sunbearer Trial, the loser’s blood will help keep the obsidians gods imprisoned.
Characters:
There are many characters, but never feel overwhelming, they all have their distinct personalities.
Teo is the MC, he is a 17-year-old demigod, his mother is the goddess Quetzal, and the birds consider him his family (The scenes when we talk and make mischief with the birds are adorable) From his mother, he inherited beautiful quetzal wings, which will have an emotional moment in history. Teo is funny, brave, and loyal.
Among the secondary, they are:∙
∙ Niya, her best friend, is brave, determined, and a warrior
∙ Xio, the youngest contestant and son of Mala Suerte, still is finding his place and himself.
∙ The twins Auristela and Aurelio, children of Lumbre, their powers are related to fire, they are popular and elite of the school.
About the gods, my favorites were Quetzal, and Pan Dulce
Like all of the author’s stories, there is a lot of diversity and representation; we have Mexican inspiration, non-binary, trans, possible sapphic, and deaf characters.
The characters are likable and have character development, even in those who started as antagonists, their reasons will be understood.
I love how Teo is so open, ready to meet new places and people and accept everything how it is. He is the kind of person who wants to make you feel comfortable.
He makes an alliance with Niya and Xio, so they have a better chance to protect themselves, Teo wants to protect Xio, he is the youngest and doesn’t have many resources. But in the end, you don’t want anyone to be sacrificed.
Worldbuilding:
I love world-building, it’s inspired by Mexican mythology, with a touch of the 21st century, as is the existence of electronic devices and social media, it feels modern and at the same time magical.
El Reino del Sol is a beautiful and magical place, a mix between natural landscapes and cities. The trials take place in different parts of the kingdom, the contestants have the opportunity to travel and get to know a little about the place before the tests.
The trials are dangerous and unique. Participants will have to use their ingenuity and creativity to overcome them, not just their strengths. My favorites were the labyrinth and the capture of the alebrijes, (which was cute and fun to read)
Story
I loved the prologue, I love stories of the origin of the universe and the first humans. With it, the different gods are explained and why the Sunbearer trials are necessary.
The narrative is descriptive, fast-paced, and fun. Ends on a cliffhanger, so I’ll pray to the gods that I can read the sequel soon.
Read if you want:
∙ Great diverse cast
∙ Adventure, trials, games
∙ Friendship goals
∙ Wonderful world
Thanks, MacMillan Children’s Group and Bookish First for the copy in exchange for an honest review.