The Sunbearer Trials

A Breathtaking, Mexican-inspired YA Fantasy

By: Aiden Thomas

Narrated by: André Santana

Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where ten semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this breathtaking, Mexican-inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, the author of the bestselling Cemetery Boys.

Only the most powerful and honorable will be chosen.

Teo, the seventeen-year-old trans son of the goddess of birds, isn’t worried. As a Jade, it’s unlikely he’ll be chosen to compete in the Trials, and even if his best friend Niya competes, she’s a born-and-bred Gold semidiós with unparalleled abilities.

But for the first time in over a century, two Jade competitors are chosen: Teo – and Xio, the thirteen-year-old child of the god of bad luck. With the odds stacked against them, Teo is determined to get himself and his friends through the trials unscathed – for fame, glory, and their own survival . . .

'Charming queer characters, thrilling magical trials, and an immersive fantasy world full of intricate details' – Xiran Jay Zhao, author of Iron Widow

Critic reviews

Splendid storytelling. The Sunbearer Trials dazzles with adventure, breathing life into a bustling fantastical world filled with both wonders and evils. Aiden Thomas is a brilliant talent (Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights)

Aiden Thomas fully knocked me out with The Sunbearer Trials, delivering charming queer characters, thrilling magical trials, and an immersive fantasy world full of intricate details. This book is a triumph and I could not get enough! (Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times–bestselling author of Iron Widow)

One of the best fantasy novels I have ever read. Aiden Thomas is masterful in their ability to not only build such a brilliant world but also characters who you love and want to root for. The Sunbearer Trials is a force to be reckoned with and has completely changed the game. (Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades)