The Sunbearer Trials - Aiden Thomas

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Cemetery Boys comes the first installment of an electric Mexican-inspired fantasy duology, in which semidioses compete in a series of trials with world-altering stakes.

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.