Another 4.5 rounded up to 5 because this book is PRECIOUS. Just like book 1, this one had me giggling, gasping, and awww-ing. The characters are all soft and precious, and I want to wrap them all in bubble wrap to keep them protected at all times. The relationships between the characters felt solid and well built and I was invested in them (all of them, to my surprise). I was even rooting for characters I didn't like much at first (Auristela and Ocelo, mainly). At time, the balance between seriousness and humour felt a little clumsy and on the nose, but I can't complain overall, because the jokes did make me crack up, even if they sometimes took me a little out of the drama. These two books have been my intro to Aiden Thomas' books, and, well, I'll keep on reading. This series was a breath of fresh air, and I have absolutely enjoyed my time in this universe.

Wow! The sequel to The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas is as sensational as you would have imagined it to be. The reader is thrust back into the aftermath of everything that had gone wrong in the first book, and you’re immediately wondering just how bad things are going to get for Teo, Niya and Aurelio as they attempt to save the world. The world- building is again, lush and the unique elements from the landscape to the various mortals the trio encounter add to the visualisation of them travelling from city to city. I really liked that we get the story from the perspective of Teo and Xio, so it is the light and the dark side of what is happening as the Obsidian Gods strive to take over everything. Xio’s perspective adds a complexity to Celestial Monsters as they’re facing the realities of getting what you wanted, and how there is a vast difference between reality and expectation. Teo has also grown so much since we first met him and his maturity shows as he must lead his friends through the unknown; yet he is also the typical teenager because he’s craving a decent sleep, and the familiarity of home and its routine. Aurelio and Niya are wonderful support system for Teo and provide a balance as Aurelio is often quieter and more thoughtful and Niya is loud and filled with the exuberance of life, which is both sweet, but also for Teo at times, hard for him to calm so they can move onward safely. Celestial Monsters is the perfect sequel, I loved how we have so much more of the focus being on the semidioses rather than their parents and whilst we don’t see too much of the captive ones, they do appear, and I thought the concept of them being weakened worked so well to show that at the end of the day? They’re still children who are trying to the best and these supposed heroes have many flaws and weaknesses after all – much to their surprise in some cases. I didn’t want to put the book down, nor did I wan it to end as it was just that good and whilst the story is wrapped up so well, I do wish we could return to the world of The Sunbearer again one day. Once again, the inclusivity of Celestial Monsters is written with thought, and I love how we have a trans character as the main character in Teo as well as Xio who like me uses they/them pronouns. Having queer representation, and especially trans/nonbinary representation is so wonderful and refreshing to see.

Celestial Monsters was a Macmillan Audio pick and I was so excited to start it after the pretty wild cliffhanger that ends The Sunbearer Trials! Immediately we’re back to the action with Teo, Aurelio, and Niya responsible for ending the apocalypse with a little help from the gods in the form of an Odyssian collection of goods! While a good portion of this book is spent on a journey, none of it felt extraneous or boring, it all moved the story along. Each stop along the way taught the trio more about the world they were trying to save and had them questioning if the status quo needed changing. I enjoyed having the second POV of Xio and being able to get into their mind after the events of book one. I especially loved their conversation with the other semidioses that had them questioning their motives and possible outcomes. It was a wonderful example of enemies earnestly communicating and actually listening and hearing each other—I wish the real world would do this more often. The blooming romance between Teo and Aurelio built naturally and sweetly over the course of their adventure, and Niya’s surprise romance at the end had my jaw dropping! Even Xio seemed to have made a connection of their own, even if it might be just as friends, but one can hope! In the end, this was another solid four stars for me, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes underdogs saving the world!

Celestial Monsters is a triumphant conclusion to an excellent YA fantasy duology. I have been a fan of Thomas’ work for quite a few years now, with their characterisation that always delivers and heart-wrenching exploration of complex themes. I was delighted by the first book in this duology, The Sunbearer Trials. I loved how much this duology focuses on family, legacy and forging your own community. We explore a variety of different family types and how these powers sit differently on the semidioses’ shoulders, as well as the accompanying expectations. At its core, this duology is about confronting the roles we are expected to play and seeing if what we are may stretch beyond this. It is an empowering and brilliant message that runs through this duology. I loved how Thomas takes on a traditional quest narrative but imbues it with these kinds of subversions of certain tropes and where you may think the narrative will go. The core message is also one of love and friendship of many different variations. Both of these are embodied by the central trio of Teo, Aurelio and Niya, all of who have excellent dialogue and chemistry. It was especially fun seeing the best friend and burgeoning love interest initially butt heads, but grow to a mutual understanding and respect. The romantic relationships builds well with a fun and shifting dynamic that involves plenty of adorable moments amongst the time pressure of the quest. However, I must focus on the shining light of the duology for me: Teo. He is such a fantastic protagonist, coming into his power more and learning to celebrate his brilliance. As ever, he is endearing and his narration sparkles with heart and humour. The character arc he has been on is splendid and Thomas allows plenty of time for development here as well. Celestial Monsters is a wonderful, original ending to a YA fantasy duology that deserves all the love in the world. TW: death, sacrifice, suicide, violence, burning, discrimination, bullying, emotional and physical abuse; ritual sacrifice, child abuse

As charming, action-packed and fun as the first book. After an unexpected betrayal, Teo, Niya and Aurelio must traverse the land battling terrifying monsters in search for a way to restore power to the Sun Stone and bring back their friends and family. If you're looking for a light-hearted Percy Jackson-esque adventure, definitely try this duology!