Well that took me by surprise. What a great story. Lor was a great fmc she was a bad ass through and through. There was nothing predictable about this book I was constantly on my toes and I loved the mystery around it. I need to read book 2 now, I need answers. Brilliant!

Well that just blew me away and I will gladly fly with the wind. I heard of Nisha and I was in such a slump and needed a kick start, to say that this did just that is an understatement. Nisha has a way of writing that just suck you right in, and you feel like you are on a journey with the characters.

An amazing read and a wonderful start to what is turning out to be a great series. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the second book in the series so on we go.

The Trials of the Sun Queen was such a gripping and immersive read that I found myself unable to put it down! ⁣
⁣
I really liked Lor and how tough she was as a character. She's sassy, speaks her mind and fights for what she believes in.  She's thrown into these trials with little knowledge and I like how we learnt about the world and the trials alongside her. I liked watching her grow into herself and I'm so intrigued to see what happens in the next one (which I'm planning to start in the next few days!) ⁣
⁣
I also really liked that this was dual POVs as we get to see a bit behind the scenes which in my opinion helps invest you into the story more and has you wanting answers. ⁣
⁣
Whilst this is heavily compared to ACOTAR (and I can see why), the Trials of the Sun Queen is an amazing fantasy and romance that I really enjoyed. I found myself invested in Lor's story and I cannot wait to dive into the second book! ⁣
⁣
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book had more questions than answers at first but then it just got so much better could not put this book down

The Trial of the Sun Queen is the first novel in a new, new-adult romance fantasy series by Nisha J. Tuli. I have seen lots about this book, especially on Instagram and TikTok recently and people are obsessed, even making comparisons to some of the genre’s most popular series. This has been on my ‘read eventually’ list for a while and since it has been traditionally published, it opens up an even wider audience.
The book follows prisoner Lor as she tries to survive in Nostraza with her older brother and sister. Each day is a fight for survival and after twelve years of being imprisoned Lor knows how to keep herself alive. That is until she’s thrown into solitary confinement, or the Hollow as it’s known here for a record-breaking two weeks, leaving her to fight of unknown forces and insanity as she becomes more isolated physically and mentally.
On the brink of death, Lor is whisked away to the Sun Palace with no idea why until she gains full consciousness and sees her surroundings for the first time. Thrust into the spotlight Lor is brought in as a contestant for a place as the Sun King’s wife and next Queen.
I found this book to be really slow and it took a long time to build up any progression to the story, which happened to be the end of the book. From the beginning we read the point of view of Lor but also Nadir, the Aurora Prince as he is tasked with hunting down a suspected escaped prisoner from Nostraza. By reflecting, his perspective was important but in the moment of TOTSQ I honestly had no idea how he fit into the story of Lor as she competed to win the affection of Atlas, the Sun King.
It's not very often that I saw I prefer a second book in a series to the first but that is the case here. By the end of the first book, all the build up was brought down and in all honesty as a reader we have to start from the beginning with Lor’s story in Rule of the Aurora King.
I will continue the series, but I hope it gets better as it progresses. Lor was a persistent and interesting heroine with a lot more to tell.
Thank you for the eARC!

2.75★
1🌶

(edit: the more I think back about this book, the less i like it and i have to edit the review soon)

First of all, thank you netgalley for the e-copy of this book. This has been on my TBR for a bit and I’m not sure when I’d get myself to finally pick it up, but I’m glad I did.


Thoughts:

- The book started quite slow. Overall the pacing was on the slower side up until the last few chapters where everything went from 0 to 100 quite fast. I wouldn’t mind if the pacing was more consistent.
- I liked Lor as the main character. She was strong and fierce, enjoyable to follow.
- I kinda liked Nadir. I’m very curious about his character and his character development and I expect to see him more in the next book.
- I was quite confused with the lore of the world. I wish there was deeper world building and that the magic system was explained and explored more. I feel like we only got hints in this book and not a proper look.
- However, when it came to the main plot points, I think I guessed them quite early on. Not a bad thing though, I very much enjoyed where the book was going.
- The trials were fun to follow. I feel like I’ve read quite a few books with trials lately, but it seems to be my cup of tea.
- It ended on such a cliffhanger that I can’t wait to pick the next book up.
- The last few chapters and the ending were probably the best part of the book for me. It really solidified my rating and kept me reading till the last sentence.
- The writing was pretty good, I feel like I read this book quite fast even though the pacing was slower.

Overall this was a fun, enjoyable read. I hope to find out more about the world and the fates of the characters in the next book (or books, cuz I know there will be more).


Read if you like:
★ fae
★ deadly contest
★ secret identities
★ betrayals and plot twists
★ dual-ish POV
★ court intrigue

This is a common review for the two books I read in this series
I think this series is one of the first work by this author because there's a lot of potential but it's a bit green, like something is missing or underdeveloped.
It's entertaining but some more world building and character development would turn this series into a real page turner.
The heroine is well done, the male characters are a bit flat and I confused them at times.
I'm reading another series by this author and enjoying it more, I'm curious about what will happen in the third book.
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was incredible and one of my favourites that I’ve read this year. I really enjoyed the different take on this fae book as a spicier version of The Selection mixed with Hunger Games and Throne of Glass.

Lor is a human and has spent the last twelve years in the Aurora King’s prison until one night she is kidnapped and taken to the Sun King’s court. She is forced to participate in trials with nine other female fae tributes in order to become his queen.

I loved Lor she was a strong and intelligent FMC. She never gives up and was so selfless as well. I loved watching her grow my throughout the book. I also enjoyed the clues that were dropped throughout about Lor and I’m excited to learn more about her past.

I knew where the book was going half the time but that didn’t stop from me from enjoying every minute of it. I think the story is only just getting started and there is so much more left to explore and I’m so excited to read the second book to see how the story progresses after that ending.

If you’re a fan of slow burn romantasy books and loved The Selection, Hunger Games and ACOTAR then you will absolutely love this book as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for this ARC.

It is the second novel I have read by the author. First I read Heart of Night and Fire and the truth is that I really liked it and that's why I wanted to have the opportunity to read another novel by her. I admit that I liked Heart Of Night and Fire much more, and that I found several similarities between both books.
Also, as I got deeper into this story I came across concepts, or moments, ideas very similar to other very popular fantasy books, and although at one point I was not convinced by these coincidences, then I saw that the author was going for On the other hand, I take it as a starting point to then create my own version, and I really liked that.

Here we find complex characters, that we do not get to know completely, with a much deeper plot than it really seems in this first book and as happened to me with Heart of Night and Fire, I feel that in the continuations is when we are going to to be able to see the true colors and intentions of the author.

I hope to have the opportunity to continue reading her because she is an author that I will have on my radar.

Thank you Little, Brown Book Group UK, Orbit for the ARC I read on NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

I was really excited to start reading this series, but it fell a bit flat for mw.
The elements of the plot felt were all a bit déjà-vu in my opinion. It's very much The Selection meets Throne of Glass, and while those were both titles I enjoyed a lot, Trials of the Sun Queen didn't feel original enough.

I found that I didn't care for Atlas at all, so the whole romance plot in this first book felt a bit cringey to me. I hope that the second book, which is more focused on Nadir and Lor, will be stronger.
On that note, narrative perspectives were a bit weird - not sure why Nadir's few chapters were told in the past tense, when Lor's were in the present tense.

an incredible fantasy!!! i loved this so much and i was also gifted the physical copy which was so unexpected!!! highly recommend if you’re a fantasy lover!

I inhaled this book - it was amazing!

This story follows Lor, who’s been in Nostraza prison for 12 long years, under the watchful eye of the Aurora King. Until one day she’s yanked out to compete for the heart of the Sun King in the Sun Queen Trials.

This book gave me everything I wanted and more. And I was so sure I knew how this would end - boy was I wrong. The story had elements of Sarah J Maas’ work but (dare I say it) I think it was better written. It’s slightly more adult and tackles tricky themes well, but this makes Lor seem like a real person whose experiences hardships and is rough around the edges. A heroine I could really root for.

I am running out to buy the second instalment.

ARC copy given by Netgalley for an honest review.

Trial of The Sun Queen. Book 1 of the Artefacts of Ouranos.

A story of a woman, Lor, who has to fight to survive. She is a total badass with a resilient intelligence that will have you rooting for her throughout this book.

This is a tale of epic worldbuilding that will transport you into an exotic, magically beautiful world of Fea, humans and many more supernatural beings.

A rollercoaster of emotional bombardment that will have you Page turning till the early hours.

An absolutely fantastic storyline with wonderful character development.
This has very much become a new favourite of mine. I just love this saga.

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC for an honest review.

I apologise now that this is a double review for the first and second book in the series. I ate up these books SO fast that I've done the review jointly because I was so invested!

Review will be available to read on Instagram @moodybluereads later today.

•••••••••••••••

EXCUSE ME!?

OH MY GOD

Right.. I'm gathering words, I really, really am.

WHY IS EVERYONE NOT READING THIS SERIES?

I'm not even sorry for shouting, I'm really not.

I devoured both of these books in 2 days and I cannot stop thinking about it. I am wholly obsessed.

With a ménage of characters that keep you on the edge of your seat, not knowing who to trust and consistent suspense intermingling at every opportunity - what's not to love?

Lor - god bless her heart - is my new fave Heroine. She is powerful, resilient, humble and kind. Everything you want in a FMC without being overbearing (which I find happens a lot).

Trial of the Sun Queen sees Lor stolen from Nostraza, the world's deadliest prison under the rule of the Aurora King, and thrust into the cutthroat trials within the realm of the Sun King. Lor doesn't know why she's here but she must compete amongst 9 other women to win his hand in marriage and become his bonded Queen. Not knowing who to trust and shaken by the immense change of atmosphere, Lor competes, deep down knowing not everything is as it seems. When the games come to an end, secrets and lies are exposed which meant I 100% ABSOLUTELY HAD TO go straight into the next book.

Rule of the Aurora King takes us head first into learning about the history and origin of the kingdoms - how they came to pass and why Lor seems to be so tangled up in them. After being stolen ONCE AGAIN it's no surprise Lor cannot trust Nadir, Prince of the Aurora Kingdom, especially when she knows what his father, the Aurora King, is capable of. With the impossible task of reuniting her family, a kingdom and a legend, Lor keeps her friends close but her enemies closer.

EXCUSE ME WHILST I CRY MYSELF TO SLEEP THAT THE NEXT BOOK ISN'T OUT YET.

It was super easy to read and I found myself fully immersed within the world Nisha created, I feel bereft without it. If you need a mascot or hype girl for the upcoming book.. I volunteer as tribute.

Just saying.

Set to be a 4 book series, I 10000% recommend if you're ready to throw yourself into the next addicting fantasy world.

⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

✒️
Lor has been a prisoner for twelve long years in the Aurora King's prison. The only thing she's ever wanted has been to escape with her siblings and to get revenge on the Aurora King. After a prison riot, Lor wakes up at the Sun King's palace, where she's told that she's a participant in the Trial of the Sun Queen, competing for the Sun King's hand in marriage. With the marriage Lor will be able to gain her freedom and the possibility of revenge.

But the trials aren't as easy as they seem, and Lor doesn't just have to compete to win, but also to survive. Not that losing is an option at all, because that means getting sent back into the hands of the Aurora King.

📖
This book has been an interesting read that's really challenged my expectations. The first few chapters weren't my cup of tea, although they're very capturing and written to really take you in, the setting and tone they set for the book made me brace and pace myself for a disappointing read. Never have I been more pleasantly surprised by not having my expectations met.

I'll be honest - this book probably falls into a guilty pleasure read for me, but did I have absolute fun while reading it? Yes! There is never a dull moment in this book, and it balances the world-building (and setup for later books!) really well with telling the story and moving along the plot. I think what worked really well for me in the book was the slow evolution of the relationship between the Sun King and Lor on page, which tied up really nicely for the ending and setting up the next book in the series (which I'm excited to read at some point!)

If you're in need of a new romantasy book for your shelf, then this is one I'll recommend.

I was hoping to like this more than I did, sadly it wasn't for me.
I'm not saying it's not a good book, just not for me. I didn't vibe with character chemistry, the plot was overdone and for me. The MC was far too naive for someone who's been what she's been through.
It's a shame as it started so good, and the world was set up well but we seemed to lose our way a bit. Sadly. Not for me and a struggle to finish

I really enjoyed this one! The female MC (Lor) is so fiesty - her POV is really exciting and even though she makes some questionable decisions, I liked her. The plot was well-paced and didn't feel overloaded with world-building/info-dumping. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Lor has spent most of her life in the prison of Nostraza in the Aurora kingdom. Alongside her brother and sister, she learns to protect herself and her family secret from those who would do her harm. While she knows how to take care of herself, one day a fight over a bar of soap gets her sent to the hole. While trying not to die from hypothermia (or be eaten by any of the creatures that live nearby) Lor is taken and brought to the Sun kingdom. She is to compete in the Trial of the Sun Queen, to see if she is worthy of becoming the next Queen.
Both this book and its sequel had me up late just to read another chapter! This book has a nice amount of spice, intrigue and jealousy that had me thinking about it for days! Also the world Nisha creates in this series is very detailed and beautiful. This is the first book in the Artefacts of Ouranos series and I highly recommend it. Nisha J. Tuli is an incredible writer.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
As with the title, there are actually trials, more like competitions to be the queen of a king.
Ten girls compete, one of them is Lor, our heroine, who is captured while she was a prisoner.
The fantasy elements lead the story, with the good writing, although heroine competes with other girls for the affection of the hero can definitely be irritating (the reverse also can be irritating). Especially when the king is full of himself and finds that since he is a male, he doesn't need any other answer to stupid things he does.
This is not an average romance that can be universally enjoyed, there may be points that can be regarded as irritating and triggering.
Thanks!

An interesting read, there's a lot of similarities between the story line and the books in the sj maas world. I am enjoying the premise and look forward to reading the second book.

Amazon - Star Rating 4
Run date 15/10/2023

Goodreads - Star Rating 4
Run date 15/10/2023

Tiktok - Reel
Run date 12/10/2023

YouTube - Podcast Review
Run date 20/10/23