Published: 2023 | Genre: Romantasy | Pages: 432 | Rating: ★★★★☆
A Book That Set My Heart Ablaze
I’m always on the lookout for a romantasy that mixes high stakes with heart-melting romance, and Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli hit all the right spots. Released in 2023, this book swept me into a dazzling world of deadly competitions, forbidden love, and a heroine who fights for her freedom. If you’re hooked on The Selection or love the spicy tension of Fourth Wing, this one’s going to light you up. In this review, I’ll share why Trial of the Sun Queen is such a thrill and who’ll adore its fiery charm.
What’s the Story About?
Trial of the Sun Queen follows Lor, a scrappy young woman who’s spent years locked in a brutal prison, scraping by with nothing but her wits. When she’s unexpectedly freed and thrown into a deadly contest to become the Sun King’s queen, her life takes a wild turn. The trials are fierce—think magical challenges and cutthroat rivals—but Lor’s not just fighting for a crown. She’s unraveling secrets about her past and clashing with Ryde, a brooding guard who might be an ally or something more. No spoilers here, but expect a rollercoaster of danger, magic, and steamy moments.
Tuli’s world is a stunner, blending golden palaces with gritty dungeons. The mythology-inspired setting, with its sun gods and ancient magic, felt so vivid I could almost feel the heat. As someone who loves underdog stories, I was glued to Lor’s journey from the very first page.
Why It’s So Hot
Tuli’s writing is like a spark—crisp, vibrant, and full of energy. Lor is a heroine you can’t help but cheer for: tough, clever, and a little reckless, with a heart that shines through her scars. Her chemistry with Ryde is pure fire, with slow-burn tension that had me fanning myself. The trials keep the pace fast, with twists that kept me up way past bedtime. I loved how every challenge revealed more about Lor’s strength and the world’s secrets.
The story’s themes of resilience and self-discovery really hit home. In 2025, when we’re all pushing through tough times, Lor’s fight to reclaim her life feels inspiring. The diverse cast and South Asian-inspired elements, like vibrant markets and spicy foods, add a fresh flavor to the romantasy genre. It’s a world you’ll want to dive into headfirst.
Any Weak Spots?
Trial of the Sun Queen is a blast, but it’s not perfect. The early chapters dump a lot of world-building, which might feel heavy if you’re not ready for it. I had to pause a few times to sort out the lore. Some side characters, like Lor’s rivals, feel a bit flat, and I wanted more depth to their stories. The romance, while swoony, overshadows the plot at times, which might bug action-first readers. These are minor quirks, though, in a book that’s otherwise a total thrill.
Who Should Read It?
This book’s perfect for romantasy fans who love fierce heroines, high-stakes competitions, and steamy romance. If you devoured A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden or The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon, you’ll eat this up. It’s great for readers who enjoy magical trials and forbidden love, ideal for ages 15+ due to some violence and spicy scenes. If you prefer slower, character-driven stories, the fast pace might feel intense.
Why It Stands Out
Trial of the Sun Queen shines in 2025’s romantasy scene because it’s so bold. Tuli’s mix of a tough heroine, a unique magic system, and South Asian-inspired vibes sets it apart from typical fae-heavy fantasies. BookTok’s been buzzing about Lor and Ryde’s chemistry, and I totally get why—it’s electric. As the first in the Artefacts of Ouranos series, it promises more adventures, and I’m already counting down to the next book.
My Final Verdict
Trial of the Sun Queen is a dazzling, heart-pounding romantasy that’ll leave you breathless. Nisha J. Tuli crafts a world of danger and desire, with a heroine who’ll steal your heart. I give it four out of five stars for its thrilling plot and sizzling romance, with a small dip for the dense start. If you’re ready to cheer for Lor and lose yourself in a magical contest, this book’s calling your name.
Want to ignite your reading? Grab Trial of the Sun Queen at your local bookstore or check Bookshop.org to support indie sellers. Have you read it? Share your thoughts in the comments!