But the danger in doing so is that sometimes characters, relationships, and the plot can start to feel rushed, as if author Aiden Thomas is too eager to get to the next big action set piece or sequence. Perhaps, in service to maintaining a fast pace, the adventure ignores the development of many aspects, from the actual world to Teo's companions and other side characters, to relationships and backstories. Which isn't a bad thing, but for some, it might feel like a box checked, while for others, it could feel revelatory to have a trans hero lead this fantasy adventure.Īlso, while the action is fun and thrilling from trial to trial, the world-building is lacking. While they have a few scenes in which they speak about their difficulties with binding, transitioning, and gender and body dysphoria, not much else is made of Teo being trans. The main character, Teo, is a good example of this. Perhaps because of this, some of the proceedings feel as if they aren't exceptional or novel because they just create in the world of Reino del Sol a counterpart to the Hunger Games world. It simply aims to be a Latino, progressive, and trans-led Hunger Games, no ifs, ands, or buts. In its overt borrowing from previously successful fantasy frameworks, The Sunbearer Trials isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. The adventure is light and fast in this Latino-powered fantasy, but it lacks the kind of depth that made the stories it's inspired by so successful. There are some jokes about 'furries,' 'BDSM,' and 'freeing titties.' Strong language includes: 'f-k,' 's-t,' 'a-hole,' and more.

No sexual content or nudity, but teens comment on other teens' 'hotness.' A teen fawns over a teen boy' bare chest. A teen contemplates stabbing another teen with a knife and can't do it. Throughout various 'trials,' teens compete, often attacking one another in the process. Teens get mildly hurt, they fall and tumble, get some minor cuts and bruises. Teens hurl lightning bolts, boulders, and fireballs at each other. Expect a lot of action, fighting, chase sequences, some blood, and teens in peril.

So, while being chosen for the trials is supposed to be a great honor, it can also mean death. The loser of the trials will be sacrificed, killed with a knife through the heart, and their body will fuel the Sun God for another decade. But when he and another Jade are chosen, it sends a shock through the entire Jade community. Teo is a 'Jade' and not all that important so he isn't worried about being chosen for the Sunbearer Trials. Parents need to know that The Sunbearer Trials, by Aidan Thomas ( Cemetery Boys) is a young adult fantasy novel about a Latino half-god named Teo, a 17-year-old trans teen who just wants to have fun and hang out with their friends.

A few references to a 'tobacco case' in a shop.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

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