Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.
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This week’s neglected book
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas Series: The Sunbearer Duology #1
Published by Feiwel & Friends on September 6, 2022
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Epic
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo | Libro.fm
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 semidiós 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 semidiós 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 semidiós 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.
Why did I add The Sunbearer Trials to my bookshelf?
I won a copy of this book in August so it isn’t the oldest book on my shelf but I hate that I haven’t had the chance to pick it up yet. My daughter did read it and said it was really good which only makes me want to read it more. I am not sure if I will grab the hardcover from my shelf or try to get the audiobook from my library but I do know that I hope to get to it sometime soon.
What are your thoughts? Have you read this book? Would you recommend it?
It does look like a fun one. Hopefully, you’ll be able to slip it in soon.
I didn’t know about this one but I would be curious to know more
There is a certain kind of guilt not getting to a book you won…I’m sure I have one or two on my pile that was some kind of win that I can’t quite remember. Likely not a goodreads one! lol! I think in all the years I’ve been on goodreads I’ve won less than 10! Hope you’re able to read it sometime this year!
I am hoping that you enjoy this one. Its definitely not something I would read, but I can see the appeal for the younger youth audience for sure!
It looks like a series I’d have fun reading.
I have heard good things about Thomas’ books, and yeah for the win! I hope you love it
This does look like a fun read. I have such a hard time getting to books that are actually on my shelves. I don’t know what my problem is!