The Sunbearer Trials — Content Guide for Parents
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A New York Times-Bestseller!
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Sunbearer Trials appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes fantasy violence as characters engage in high-stakes trials that involve combat and danger, with references to sacrifices and competition for power. No elements of horror or frightening content are indicated in the search results.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have violence?
The narrative includes fantasy violence as characters engage in high-stakes trials that involve combat and danger, with references to sacrifices and competition for power.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have scary content?
No elements of horror or frightening content are indicated in the search results.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have religious themes?
The story features a pantheon of Latinx-inspired gods and goddesses, with themes of competition among their half-god children. This incorporates elements of mythology that may reflect religious beliefs, though it does not critique or promote a specific religion.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have racial/cultural content?
The main character Teo is described as Latino, and the narrative reflects themes of cultural identity within a Mexican-inspired fantasy setting. The representation of Latino characters is central to the story.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have profanity?
No profanity is mentioned in the search results, indicating that the language used is likely appropriate for the intended audience.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have climate change?
No themes related to climate change or environmental issues are mentioned in the search results.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have sexual identity?
No explicit sexual content is mentioned in the search results, focusing instead on the characters' identities and relationships.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have gender roles?
The narrative includes themes of gender identity, with a focus on non-binary characters and the exploration of gender presentation. It highlights the importance of diverse representations of gender in young adult literature.
Does The Sunbearer Trials have lgbtq+ themes?
The main character, Teo, is identified as a trans teen, and the narrative includes queer characters, such as Niya, who is described as queer. The world depicted in the book is described as queer-normative, reflecting Mexican-inspired culture and mythology.
