Gods, Guts & Glitter: Why The Sunbearer Trials Slays!

Cover to Aiden Thomas' The Sunbearer Trials (2022)

“First, there was only Sol among a sea of stars. Alone, they formed the world by fathering stardust in their hands. From the dust pressed between their fingers, mountains grew. From their tears of loneliness, oceans and rivers flowed. From the water, the desolate earth grew lush trees and jungles. And from the new earth, Tierra was formed, and Sol was not alone.”

Every ten years, ten semidióses (demigods) are chosen to compete in the Sunbearer Trial. This brutal competition determines who will re-light the Sun Stones. These stones protect the world from the imprisoned Obsidian gods. Traditionally, this sacred duty has fallen to the Golds, children of the most powerful gods like Tierra (goddess of Earth) and Lumbre (goddess of Fire).

This year is different. Teo, a Jade son of Quetzal (goddess of birds), is selected. Though this may seem like an honor, for Jades (children of lesser gods), it’s a near-death sentence. Unlike the Golds, Jades lack immense powers and elite training. In this competition, losing means becoming fuel for the Sun Stones.

Teo is understandably terrified. In his lifetime, no Jade has competed in the Trials. To make matters worse, 13-year-old Xio—son of Jade Dios Mala Suerte (you can guess his domain)—is also chosen. At just seventeen, Teo must survive a deadly contest against powerful competitors who have trained for this moment since childhood. For Golds, glory is guaranteed—win or die. But for Jades, who never aspired to be heroes, this is simply bad luck.

“Only the most powerful and honorable semidioses get chosen. I’m just a Jade. I’m not a real hero.”

What initially drew me to this series was its resemblance to a childhood favorite. The book that sparked my love for reading was Percy Jackson and the Olympians. In this series, Percy, son of Poseidon, navigates a world filled with gods and monsters. In my childhood, I longed for a magical universe where gods were real and kids like me could become heroes.

This wish came true with The Sunbearer Trials (2022). This story reignited that same excitement. However, it felt even more personal. I’m not Greek, but I am Mexican. The cultural inspiration woven throughout this book made my heart swell. From playful god names like Diosa Pan Dulce to nods to treats such as Mazapán and chamoy, Aiden Thomas created a vivid, culturally rich world.

Teo

The cast of The Sunbearer Trials is wonderfully diverse. Teo is a trans character, having transitioned before the story begins, and is surrounded by a supportive community. Other competitors include non-binary, Deaf, and BIPOC characters. Thomas portrays them as fully realized individuals—not defined by their identities but enriched by them.

For instance, Dezi, son of Amor, is Deaf; yet, Teo mostly swoons over how gorgeous he is. Ocelo, child of Guerrero (god of War), is non-binary—it’s simply part of who they are, not the central focus of their character. It's refreshing to witness queer and non-conforming characters existing without being defined solely by their identities.

Skin tone representation is essential as well. Thomas highlights the rich diversity of Indigenous and Afro-Latino cultures. Each god and Gold even has an illustrated character card—similar to Pokémon cards for semidióses.

And here’s an important note: There are no white people in The Sunbearer Trials. Period.

Despite the vibrant representation, Teo’s journey as a trans teen is marked with struggles. As Quetzal’s son, Teo is born with wings—brown ones, a feature common in female birds. He hides them beneath a binder, resentful of this constant reminder of his assigned sex

“But his wings refused to get with the program. Why wouldn’t they be what they were supposed to be? Why couldn’t they just be his?”

It isn’t until he is forced to fly—or die—that he finally takes flight for the first time in many years. His wings burst free, transforming into something powerful and affirming.

“Now, brilliant ultramarina, iridescent blue, and electric green feathers sprang from his back. The feathers of a proper male quetzal.”

I also want to highlight the slow-burn romance between Teo and Aurelio, son of Lumbre. Once childhood friends, they grew apart when Aurelio transitioned to the elite Golds-only academy. Their interactions are initially stiff—professional, at best—until Teo's glances linger and his feelings reignite.

As the Trials progress, Teo learns more about the Golds’ lives. Yes, they are admired as heroes, but they also face crushing expectations. They sacrifice their youth and autonomy.

“Was being a Hero all it was cracked up to be? Was it worth being lonely and not having a life of his own? To be famous and beloved, but at a distance?”

Through this journey, Teo learns empathy—not just for others, but also for himself. His journey becomes a celebration of queerness, culture, and self-love.

Aidan Thomas

Aiden Thomas identifies as a “trans, Latinx, New York Times bestselling author of young adult novels.” They earned an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College and originally hail from Oakland, now calling Portland home. Alongside The Sunbearer Trials, they have also written Cemetery Boys and Lost in the Never Woods. Thomas may still be early in their career, but their voice is strong, clear, and beautifully necessary. I eagerly await the next installment: Celestial Monsters.