This was a very fun story. For the most part it felt like Hunger Games + Divergent packed in a south american mythology setting and I mean that in the best was possible. Loved the Disability and Queerness Rep and the setting was beautifully done and Thomas created really strong images. The book took it's time which I really liked but sadly the ending felt very rushed in comparison just throwing items in our heroes faces that you are supposed to forget til the next book so that they can then have a cool moment saving the day. Near the End the book also gave me more and more Percy Jackson vibes and I'd go as far as to say that it drippled into middle grade instead of YA territory. Overall this was really cool and I'm very much looking forward to the next book!

Very much feels like more fantastical Hunger Games but in the best way possible The story - especially the dialogue - is extremely dorky while also managing to balance humor and tension, doing a great job of bringing across the fear the characters experience Excited for whatever comes next

All in all it was an okay read. Some parts I enjoyed, some parts annoyed me. Maybe I will read the second book, because i'm interested in how the story continues.What I liked:The diversity!!The different trials and cities Sometimes it was funnyThe mythology What I disliked:There were just too many characters. They told us about one of the gods and when they were mentioned again I completely forgot who that person was and how they looked like because there were so many new characters and names in between (A character glossary would be really helpful)I NEED a map, can't understand why they didn't include onepop culture references in fantasy books are my new ICK!!! The ending was so rushed!! (And also predictable but I knew that before I bought the book so it's half as bad)