About
As each new decade begins, Sol selects the ten 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 will be sacrificed to refuel the Sun Stones, protecting the world for another ten years.
Teo, 17-year-old trans son of the goddess of birds, isn't worried about being chosen. The trials are only for Heroes, and he isn't one. But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses semidioses who aren't established Heroes: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and . . . Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Teo, 17-year-old trans son of the goddess of birds, isn't worried about being chosen. The trials are only for Heroes, and he isn't one. But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses semidioses who aren't established Heroes: Xio, the 13-year-old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and . . . Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival.
Publication
Feiwel & Friends (2022), 413 pages
Awards
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Nominee — 2024)
Thumbs Up! Award (Top Ten — 2023)
Blue Hen Book Award (Nominee — 2025)
Volunteer State Book Award (Nominee — High School — 2024)
Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers (Nominee — 2024)
Rhode Island Teen Book Award (Nominee — 2024)
ALA Rainbow Book List (Selection — 2023)
North Star YA Award (Nominee — 2024)
Rhode Island Latino Books Award (Nominee — High School — 2024)
Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl (High School — 2024)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2023)
New York Public Library Best Books: For Teens (Fiction — 2022)
Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults (Top Ten — 2023)
Project LIT Book Selection (Young Adult — 2024)
OYAN Book Rave (2023)
Great Books for Kids (2023)