Books have been around for centuries, and every author you’ve read and liked writes differently based on their style and the genre. Many authors take inspiration from cultures, gods, ancient civilizations, and many other references they’ve found.
Aiden Thomas is a Latinx writer from California who first debuted as an author with their first book, Cemetery Boys. From that book, Thomas has written one other book before writing The Sunbearer Trials in 2022.
The Sunbearer Trials is a book inspired by the culture of assorted ancient Mexican civilizations, such as the Mayans, Aztecs, etc. There are various gods, but 18 of the many gods are often mentioned more throughout the book. These gods are separated by the color of their blood, which has been influenced by the stone Sol made them from. With that, the hierarchy of the gods seems to also determine who Sol chooses for the trials that have occurred every decade. Yet on this day, Teo, the son of Quetzal, who is a Jade, is chosen for the trials, alongside another Jade. The first Jades to be selected for the trials in over 50 years!
The hierarchy is something that also involves strength. The Jades are weaker than the Golds, as well as the fact that no training has been given to Jades because of that very hierarchy. No matter the fact, Teo still has to participate in the trials, which changes in format as they move from each hosting city in El Reino de Sol. Each trial is selected before the participants have been chosen, so no child from that city will be able to cheat.
Yet something seems odd, aggressive, and vengeful. Some type of vindictive force controls the participants, making them violent. Someone notices, yet no one believes it. What would ever disrupt the trials? Such an honorable event that will toy with people’s lives! Who would do such a thing? Maybe the manipulator is closer than anyone thinks, maybe right amongst everyone who no one would suspect of such a thing.
The book is full of massive twists, relatable points, and has some heart-warming scenes. (Who wouldn’t want to read a book with a great mother-son relationship between Teo and his mom?) This book has thriller moments, cute friendships, a blooming relationship, and a lot more! I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for an LGBT+ book with elements from Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games.
Nonetheless, if you like books with LGBT+ qualities, demigods, and a lot of drama, this book is most definitely for you – and please take my word for this. This book will probably make you cry if you create an emotional attachment to any character in this book. Despite this, it’s an incredible book. If you do indeed read it, have an amazing read!
