Of Myths & Magic: Trial of the Sun Queen Review

Author

Kacy Bleeker
June 23, 2023

The review

Set in a vividly drawn fantasy world, Trial of a Sun Queen introduces us to Lor, a woman who's endured twelve years of torment under the rule of the Aurora King. Her desire for freedom and revenge serves as a compelling starting point for the narrative. The darker undertones of her time in prison are intriguing and lay a solid foundation for her intent to get revenge on the King.

The narrative takes a twist when Lor is unexpectedly released and finds herself in the clutches of the Sun King, competing in the Sun Queen Trials against nine other tributes for her freedom. Winning the king's heart promises freedom and the chance for Lor to exact her revenge on the Aurora King. Her path is fraught with danger, as her fellow tributes, resentful of her presence, are hell-bent on eliminating her. As Lor navigates these trials, the relationships she forms and the politics she grapples with add complexity to the story, particularly in the development of her relationship with Atlas, the Sun King, and then Nadir, the son of the Aurora prince.

Lor's unwavering determination to safeguard herself and her loved ones serves as a prominent theme throughout the book. Despite frequently placing herself in needless jeopardy, her growth becomes evident as the narrative progresses, culminating in a realization of her own capabilities and independence. As a result, her character development becomes increasingly apparent, as we witness her gradual transformation from dealing with minor challenges to ultimately asserting herself in a manner befitting a queen.

❝

How can this woman have spent half her life in Nostraza and turn out like that? It should have broken her. It should have left her as a shell. But somehow, she survived both that and Atlas’s Trials and came out on the other end in a blazing ball of confident fire that threatens to burn me up every time she walks into the room. It’s as though her spirit has always understood her legacy and her purpose. She behaves exactly like a queen. A slightly wild one with a short fuse, but a queen nonetheless.

Personal thoughts

The themes and plot of this book bore some resemblance to others in the high fantasy and romantasy genre. However, it was precisely due to this familiarity that I found myself highly engrossed in Tuli's story. The dynamics of the relationships within this narrative were initially perplexing, and as someone who generally appreciates seeing the heroine end up with her first love, I surprisingly found satisfaction in the revelations Lor experiences by the end of her trials. Digging deeper into this story, the personal growth and burgeoning confidence that Lor undergoes throughout the story are truly remarkable. Despite her initial naivety and aggressive demeanor, her journey of learning and experiences effectively prepare her to face the final trials and carve out her own legacy. I am hoping to see some greater world-building in the second book, however, as Lor really is able to come into herself and explore the fae world.

Book details

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 400 pages

Series: Book 1 of 3 in the Artefacts of Ouranos Series

Tropes: Romantasy, enemies to lovers

Rating: 💡💡💡💡💡

Spice rating: 🔥🔥

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