The Sunbearer Trials

What readers think

Readers consistently praise the rich Mexican-inspired worldbuilding, which is woven in naturally without info-dumping, and the inclusive, queernormative world where LGBTQ+ identities are simply part of the fabric. The cast — particularly Teo, Niya, and Xio — draws wide affection for their warmth and camaraderie. Critics note that the protagonist reads younger than his stated age, that modern-world technology (phones, social media parodies) can break the high-fantasy immersion, and that the stakes during individual trials feel lower than expected given the premise. The slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension between Teo and Aurelio is a fan favourite, but those wanting romance resolution will need the sequel.