Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli

Britt's take

Give it a few chapters to find its footing—once it does, it's impossible to put down. Think Hunger Games but with magic: women compete in brutal trials for a chance to become the Sun Queen. Some familiar beats, but the world and magic have a unique enough spin to make it feel fresh. Such a fun start to the series—I devoured this in 24 hours.