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The Crucible #1
The Games Gods Play
Percy Jackson for adults meets The Hunger Games with a slow burn romance between a contestant and Hades himself.
Every hundred years, the gods toy with us mere mortals.
And we let them.
The gods of myth are alive and well.
Once every century, they select a new ruler in a cutthroat competition, pushing mortal players to the limit. But this year, Hades is done sitting on the sidelines. And he’s picking a champion no one expects—in this modern mythic romantasy, she’ll fight for her life…
for the god of Death.
Every hundred years, the gods toy with us mere mortals.
And we let them.
The gods of myth are alive and well.
Once every century, they select a new ruler in a cutthroat competition, pushing mortal players to the limit. But this year, Hades is done sitting on the sidelines. And he’s picking a champion no one expects—in this modern mythic romantasy, she’ll fight for her life…
for the god of Death.
592 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
About the author
Abigail Owen
42 books2,391 followersAbigail Owen is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author of 30+ books that range from upper YA (18+) epic romantasy to new adult modern mythic romantasy to super spicy adult paranormal romance. She loves magical worlds with plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs!
Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.
Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.
Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.
Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.
Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.
Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,480 reviews
September 9, 2024
3.5 stars ✨
I enjoyed this A LOT yet there were some issues I can't stop thinking about.
Imo it does deliver on the Percy Jackson x The Hunger Games vibes, more so THG. Just cause it has Greek Mythology doesn't automatically make it PJO but the vibes in the second half were more present.
I believe the premise was really strong but the execution of it was sort of weak, especially when it comes to writing. The concept of these games or Labors could have used more explanation. It needed to be much more high stakes for me. The start should have been slower, given we almost instantly jump into these labors, I couldn't connect as much to our main character as I hoped. There was little room for me to get to know her.
I couldn't connect to Lyra, throughout the book. Sure, I appreciate her actions but that doesn't mean I understood her. I couldn't figure out her personality. She talks fiercely but her inner monologues are full of her being afraid. She doesn't have a strong incentive of saving or helping others but she does that. Am supposed to believe she has a good, pure heart but I never knew her enough. One minute she is angry, the next minute she is being a pushover, then the next she is being Mother Teresa. She doesn't fight for herself at all and it's what disappointed me the most. The reason why Percy and Katniss are loved by many is because while they are always willing to save others, they know how to stand their ground too. They know that they will have to fight if it comes down to it. Basically, Lyra is a big problem of this book for me and needs more emotional growth and development.
Hades is a good character to root for imo. I liked his emotional maturity, his straightforward attitude and his charm. I liked seeing the romantic and jealous side of him. The way he put Lyra first was sweet to see. He is so affectionate. He's probably the best part of this book. I love that he's the type to burn the world for her 👀
I don't have much to say about the side characters as there were too many and the only ones I liked were Zai, Boone and Samuel.
The romance is marketed as slow burn but the two get attracted to each other almost instantly. Hades ends up calling her "my star" within the first 50 pages, if I recall right and that didn't sit well with me. I loved the nickname tho. Some of the moments between the two had me giggling and blushing so much. There is tension between the two which I ate up. The kisses and spice is really well written, definitely enjoyed that. I would have loved to see some level of groveling tho, even if it was two page's worth.
The Labors were pretty fun. I binged those scenes. The action sequences are pretty well written and quite addictive.
The ending could have used a bit more time, especially the last chapter. I feel like that was rushed. It ends on a good cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what Hades does next and how the story progresses.
Overall, a pretty addictive and fun read. It's lighthearted and doesn't require much brain power imo. Given it's just the first book in the series, I see a lot of potential. I would recommend it as I see others having a better time than me. I hope the next book in the series will make up for the flaws in this one.
~•~•~
Percy Jackson x The Hunger Games but for adults?? LET'S GOOOO!!!
I enjoyed this A LOT yet there were some issues I can't stop thinking about.
Imo it does deliver on the Percy Jackson x The Hunger Games vibes, more so THG. Just cause it has Greek Mythology doesn't automatically make it PJO but the vibes in the second half were more present.
I believe the premise was really strong but the execution of it was sort of weak, especially when it comes to writing. The concept of these games or Labors could have used more explanation. It needed to be much more high stakes for me. The start should have been slower, given we almost instantly jump into these labors, I couldn't connect as much to our main character as I hoped. There was little room for me to get to know her.
I couldn't connect to Lyra, throughout the book. Sure, I appreciate her actions but that doesn't mean I understood her. I couldn't figure out her personality. She talks fiercely but her inner monologues are full of her being afraid. She doesn't have a strong incentive of saving or helping others but she does that. Am supposed to believe she has a good, pure heart but I never knew her enough. One minute she is angry, the next minute she is being a pushover, then the next she is being Mother Teresa. She doesn't fight for herself at all and it's what disappointed me the most. The reason why Percy and Katniss are loved by many is because while they are always willing to save others, they know how to stand their ground too. They know that they will have to fight if it comes down to it. Basically, Lyra is a big problem of this book for me and needs more emotional growth and development.
Hades is a good character to root for imo. I liked his emotional maturity, his straightforward attitude and his charm. I liked seeing the romantic and jealous side of him. The way he put Lyra first was sweet to see. He is so affectionate. He's probably the best part of this book. I love that he's the type to burn the world for her 👀
I don't have much to say about the side characters as there were too many and the only ones I liked were Zai, Boone and Samuel.
The romance is marketed as slow burn but the two get attracted to each other almost instantly. Hades ends up calling her "my star" within the first 50 pages, if I recall right and that didn't sit well with me. I loved the nickname tho. Some of the moments between the two had me giggling and blushing so much. There is tension between the two which I ate up. The kisses and spice is really well written, definitely enjoyed that. I would have loved to see some level of groveling tho, even if it was two page's worth.
The Labors were pretty fun. I binged those scenes. The action sequences are pretty well written and quite addictive.
The ending could have used a bit more time, especially the last chapter. I feel like that was rushed. It ends on a good cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what Hades does next and how the story progresses.
Overall, a pretty addictive and fun read. It's lighthearted and doesn't require much brain power imo. Given it's just the first book in the series, I see a lot of potential. I would recommend it as I see others having a better time than me. I hope the next book in the series will make up for the flaws in this one.
~•~•~
Percy Jackson x The Hunger Games but for adults?? LET'S GOOOO!!!
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September 12, 2024
I'm stuck between a 3 and a 4 star rating because I adored this book but it had some problems.
The first problem that I had with this book was that it was labeled as adult but was very much YA except for the one sex scene. I kept forgetting that Lyra was in her 20s because she came off as 16 or 17 at most. She kept using lingo and statements that were very current to the younger generation and maybe it's just because I'm an old fogey in my mind, but it just took me away from the story.
Lyra was my least favorite part of this book. She wasn't bad by any means but for being the main character she didn't exude main character energy. She was by her own account not even good enough to be a thief and yet she was a total badass who took on whatever challenge and saved everyone doing it.
I loved Hades.
I wasn't a huge fan of the insta love but I feel like it was worked in well enough with all of the action that I didn't notice. And the action. Oh my god that was the best part. Hands down burned through those chapters like they were nothing.
I might have an unpopular opinion about the end but I actually loved it and for some reason I'm content with sitting with it until the next book comes out.
The first problem that I had with this book was that it was labeled as adult but was very much YA except for the one sex scene. I kept forgetting that Lyra was in her 20s because she came off as 16 or 17 at most. She kept using lingo and statements that were very current to the younger generation and maybe it's just because I'm an old fogey in my mind, but it just took me away from the story.
Lyra was my least favorite part of this book. She wasn't bad by any means but for being the main character she didn't exude main character energy. She was by her own account not even good enough to be a thief and yet she was a total badass who took on whatever challenge and saved everyone doing it.
I loved Hades.
I wasn't a huge fan of the insta love but I feel like it was worked in well enough with all of the action that I didn't notice. And the action. Oh my god that was the best part. Hands down burned through those chapters like they were nothing.
I might have an unpopular opinion about the end but I actually loved it and for some reason I'm content with sitting with it until the next book comes out.
September 21, 2024
THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THIS TO BE 600+ PAGES.
This needed to be a 0.5 book and condensed into like 250 pages overall. This was repetitive, and the character description and arc were minimal.
I did not understand why they were doing what they were doing, I did not know any of the motives or end goals, there was nothing to make me care. The romance felt random, there was not much to it, slow burn? Where? LYRA WAS A MESS; Hades was fine; Boone (a side character) had the most character development and might have been the best character overall (IMO) and that's saying a lot.
In the words of my sister: "They could all die for all I care."
Edit: “except for the dog!”
Also, just because we have the Greek gods, does not a comparison to Percy Jackson make.
The good: This was action-packed, repetitive but semi-entertaining. The concept was good, and if this was a short 0.5 and heavily edited it would have made a terrific start to the series. Oh and the cover.
------------------------------------------
BRing with Bella my love and my sister who is not on GR 💕
This needed to be a 0.5 book and condensed into like 250 pages overall. This was repetitive, and the character description and arc were minimal.
I did not understand why they were doing what they were doing, I did not know any of the motives or end goals, there was nothing to make me care. The romance felt random, there was not much to it, slow burn? Where? LYRA WAS A MESS; Hades was fine; Boone (a side character) had the most character development and might have been the best character overall (IMO) and that's saying a lot.
In the words of my sister: "They could all die for all I care."
Edit: “except for the dog!”
Also, just because we have the Greek gods, does not a comparison to Percy Jackson make.
The good: This was action-packed, repetitive but semi-entertaining. The concept was good, and if this was a short 0.5 and heavily edited it would have made a terrific start to the series. Oh and the cover.
------------------------------------------
BRing with Bella my love and my sister who is not on GR 💕
Want to read
February 16, 2024Percy Jackson + Hunger Games but for adults. I'm in.
September 26, 2024
"Being King of the Underworld without you at my side is an eternity of my own personal hell."
He shudders against me, holding nothing back now.
He lifts his head, hands threading into my hair so he can stare down into my face. "Be the queen there. Keep me at your side.
4.5 stars
This had a questionable start for me, but it improved rather quickly. I'm not sure exactly what I wasn't enjoying at the start. I think I can have issues with too much banter in books. I think a lot of authors try to master the Art of Banter but then end up forcing it down our throats, and if there's too much it can really take away from the story.
So the first handful of chapters was like that, all snark, very little substance. And I really wanted to get more information on what this story was going to be made of. Once the story started rolling and The Crucible was under way, things got serious real fast.
Overall, Lyra was a very likeable character (ironic considering her curse 😜). As stated she was snarky but also brave and selfless. Her character really started to flourish as the story progressed and her relationship with Hades developed.
And HADES 😍 be still my heart. I've yet to come across a poorly written Hades, though I'm sure they exist. But was loving his character. He was the typical dark, brooding, dangerous. You know, the type of MMC we all shamelessly adore.
And CERBERUS. What a lovely depiction of the pooch ❤️
There are a couple things that weren't really cleared up. A lot of stuff having to do with Hades, so I'm assuming we'll see more of his truths in the next book. But also Lyra's curse? It wasn't really resolved imo. If she's not loveable, how did she get all these friends, Hades, etc?
But the ending was dope AF and I can't wait to see Hades kick some ass now that his hands aren't tied because of The Crucible ❤️🔥
He shudders against me, holding nothing back now.
He lifts his head, hands threading into my hair so he can stare down into my face. "Be the queen there. Keep me at your side.
4.5 stars
This had a questionable start for me, but it improved rather quickly. I'm not sure exactly what I wasn't enjoying at the start. I think I can have issues with too much banter in books. I think a lot of authors try to master the Art of Banter but then end up forcing it down our throats, and if there's too much it can really take away from the story.
So the first handful of chapters was like that, all snark, very little substance. And I really wanted to get more information on what this story was going to be made of. Once the story started rolling and The Crucible was under way, things got serious real fast.
Overall, Lyra was a very likeable character (ironic considering her curse 😜). As stated she was snarky but also brave and selfless. Her character really started to flourish as the story progressed and her relationship with Hades developed.
And HADES 😍 be still my heart. I've yet to come across a poorly written Hades, though I'm sure they exist. But was loving his character. He was the typical dark, brooding, dangerous. You know, the type of MMC we all shamelessly adore.
And CERBERUS. What a lovely depiction of the pooch ❤️
There are a couple things that weren't really cleared up. A lot of stuff having to do with Hades, so I'm assuming we'll see more of his truths in the next book. But also Lyra's curse? It wasn't really resolved imo. If she's not loveable, how did she get all these friends, Hades, etc?
But the ending was dope AF and I can't wait to see Hades kick some ass now that his hands aren't tied because of The Crucible ❤️🔥
September 16, 2024
dnf @ 4%
the writing was so off-putting…. And the MC was annoying….. and I got bored 😃
the writing was so off-putting…. And the MC was annoying….. and I got bored 😃
September 25, 2024
I read this book a while ago, and I am still thinking about it! It's definitely an infinity star read for me this year!
Hands down one of the best trials I've ever read! I loved (almost all lmao) the contestants and the found family in this book. Don't even get me started on Hades. Gawd damn. 🔥
Hands down one of the best trials I've ever read! I loved (almost all lmao) the contestants and the found family in this book. Don't even get me started on Hades. Gawd damn. 🔥
September 18, 2024
My brain is still trying to process the fact that I have to wait to find out what happens, because that ending was brutal, the audacity of that ending. How could you?
Currently reading
September 26, 2024***Pre-Read:
When your Libby hold arrives to one of your MOST ANTICIPATED reads, you drop everything and ACCEPT the hold!!!
NO QUESTIONS!!!
😂😂😂!!!
When your Libby hold arrives to one of your MOST ANTICIPATED reads, you drop everything and ACCEPT the hold!!!
NO QUESTIONS!!!
😂😂😂!!!
September 4, 2024
So disappointed…..I didn’t vibe with this one at all.
I was so excited to start this, the premise and early ARC reviews were SO promising.
The good/redeeming parts of this were definitely the fresh take on the Gods/Goddesses and the trials. I loved the world created, especially with the modern take on things.
The bad was, hands down, the characters. Lyra & Hades were both very immature and I could not stand Lyra’s thoughts and inner monologue throughout the entire book. Her actions and “sassy attitude” missed the mark completely, and she was straight up annoying. Hades was also just so bland and forgettable. The romance was forced and cheesy right from the beginning, it was very insta-love vibes - which sometimes I don’t mind, but it didn’t work for this.
The way this was written was also weird. The chapters were very short and there are a ton of them. Had they been longer I think this would have flowed better overall, but I thought it was pretty choppy because of that.
I absolutely think this would have been better suited for YA - if the swearing and one unnecessary/random sex scene were cut. Being NA felt like it was forced into a genre it didn’t belong in.
I was so excited to start this, the premise and early ARC reviews were SO promising.
The good/redeeming parts of this were definitely the fresh take on the Gods/Goddesses and the trials. I loved the world created, especially with the modern take on things.
The bad was, hands down, the characters. Lyra & Hades were both very immature and I could not stand Lyra’s thoughts and inner monologue throughout the entire book. Her actions and “sassy attitude” missed the mark completely, and she was straight up annoying. Hades was also just so bland and forgettable. The romance was forced and cheesy right from the beginning, it was very insta-love vibes - which sometimes I don’t mind, but it didn’t work for this.
The way this was written was also weird. The chapters were very short and there are a ton of them. Had they been longer I think this would have flowed better overall, but I thought it was pretty choppy because of that.
I absolutely think this would have been better suited for YA - if the swearing and one unnecessary/random sex scene were cut. Being NA felt like it was forced into a genre it didn’t belong in.
September 14, 2024
I think the main problem I had with this book was that it was misgenred. It was advertised as NA but it’s severely on the YA side. There’s only one weird sexual scene that was entirely misplaced but other than that, it was more YA than anything else. The characters were acting like 15-17yo.
Before I go on with my things, I think I’m going through a weird reading transition and I’m severely struggling with 1st person POV. So this mixed with the writing didn’t help me get through this book.
And I’m a little bit sick of books being filled with words like ‘fucking’ ‘fuck’ ‘fucked’ etc… every few sentences. It just sounds very juvenile to me and takes away the good reading vibes.
I will say that overall, the plots were predictable and convenient. But I admire the creativity on the Greek mythology.
Before I go on with my things, I think I’m going through a weird reading transition and I’m severely struggling with 1st person POV. So this mixed with the writing didn’t help me get through this book.
And I’m a little bit sick of books being filled with words like ‘fucking’ ‘fuck’ ‘fucked’ etc… every few sentences. It just sounds very juvenile to me and takes away the good reading vibes.
I will say that overall, the plots were predictable and convenient. But I admire the creativity on the Greek mythology.
September 10, 2024
Hades love stories are my weakness😂 I loved this.
If you love acotar, and love completion games and Greek gods and Romantasy and found family
This is for you.
Reading Vlog: https://youtu.be/N935m3Nunhw
____________
I don’t trust red tower but I’m keeping my eye on this👀
If you love acotar, and love completion games and Greek gods and Romantasy and found family
This is for you.
Reading Vlog: https://youtu.be/N935m3Nunhw
____________
I don’t trust red tower but I’m keeping my eye on this👀
September 22, 2024
Buddy Read with my love Noi 💘
July 20, 2024
I can't remember the last time I read a book that had me on the edge of my seat like this one did! The Labors were intense, and thrilling, and the drama between the Champions and the Gods just kept the pages turning. The romance was a delicious slow burn (ha), and I enjoyed all of the references to Greek mythology. With the characters, I loved that they were all fleshed-out people with their own dreams, desires, and demons, not just enemies to Lyra. Her way to humanize everyone around her was refreshing, and I thought would get a little annoying as the story progressed, but I'm glad her character journey didn't change that aspect of her. (Cerberus is my favorite character, because, c'mon.) I'm very excited to see where the next book in this series leads!
Thanks to Entangled: Red Tower for letting me read it early!
Thanks to Entangled: Red Tower for letting me read it early!
September 22, 2024
After reading The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen I can confirm that it’s like if adult Percy Jackson met the Hunger Game…and then they had a surprise ACOMAF book club and I am NOT mad at it. This book is fast paced and leaves you wanting more. I found that while it was initially hard to keep all the characters straight, it was worth the effort and became easier as the book progressed. Readers looking for a large amount of spice might be disappointed, but the spice that is in here is quality and it truthfully didn’t need more. Can’t wait for the sequel!
August 15, 2024
I don't often leave reviews, but this book absolutely deserves one. From the moment I read the synopsis I KNEW I needed to read this. As soon as I started reading, I was completely hooked (literally I read it in less than 24 hours…what is sleep?) My initial thought was that it's like Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games, but for adults, thanks to the touch of heart throbbing romantic spice that’s skillfully woven in. I'm a huge fan of how Abigail Owen has masterfully built the world, creating a strong, loyal, and relatable main character. The fresh take on Hades is particularly brilliant—I only wish I could have read some chapters from his perspective (hopefully in another book from his perspective???) because I absolutely love him! Can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy and re-read it cause that’s how brilliant it is!
P.S Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC🙌🏼
P.S Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC🙌🏼
August 14, 2024
"The Games Gods Play" is an amazing read! I could tell from the first few chapters this was going to be a five star read— This story has the potential to be the next big romantasy must read! The storyline gives off a Hunger Games vibe, featuring gods, goddesses, various creatures, all set in a modern world brimming with magic and unexpected turns. I'm absolutely hooked & craving more immediately! This book rescued me from a reading slump, and now I don't know how I'll manage to wait for the sequel! I just know I won’t stop thinking about this book for a while… Hopefully We don’t have to wait long for the next book!
September 11, 2024
Red Tower is really testing my patience. Here's a list of things I noted while reading that made this bad- overuse of a pet name, mc trying to be too cheeky/silly, nearly dnfed on page 12 bc of "poppin off," I think he uses "my star" bc he forgot her name, THIS IS SO CRINGY THIS DIALOGUE IS AWFUL, the tender sweet moments feel unearned and out of place, I've never seen a book try harder to have banter, watch out "velvet wrapped steel" bc "silk covered iron" is making it's way through (somehow totally new but also unoriginal), and immediately after a beloved side character dies- "[character] was a bitch, but they were our bitch." Literally wtf.
September 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ tbh it was going to be 4.5 until I reached 80% and the issues I was seeing from the beginning became impossible to ignore
You'll probably hear people saying "read this book if you like Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games" and I agree BUT if you mainly like Fourth Wing and Powerless, read this book. I swear I’d the SAME feeling while reading these three, it's that fantasy that you know has problems but it entertains you so much that when you see it, you've already read it all
Ok so the book is about a competition where each god chooses a human to represent him and the human who wins makes his god become king of the gods. The human gains immortality, lots of trauma and maybe a death!! sounds cool, right? 😁 The main character, Lyra, is chosen by Hades and everything about this choice is extremely convenient for the plot in a way that isalmost ridiculous
Lyra is a pain in the ass who makes the worst decisions at the worst times and Hades suffers a little from lack of personality, at first you think he's gonna be your new obsession but then you realize that nope!! he's just like everyone else (but they had some good scenes at least)
I found the plot extremely predictable and convenient (especially the ending) bc there’s no way everything went so well when everything was so wrong a chapter ago 💀 it seemed like a joke that the last challenge was worth more points just when the main character had no longer a chance of winning if the score remained the same as in the other challenges
Anyway, I feel like a lot of people are gonna love this book (and I loved it for a while too) bc it has the potential to be really big in the romantasy genre so if you like the books I mentioned at the beginning I’d definitely give this one a chance bc there's a huge chance you'll like it too
⚠️ spoiler alert ⚠️
how come this man did everything possible and impossible to become king bc he wanted to save his queen AT THE SAME TIME that he named a new queen??? it makes no sense at all
You'll probably hear people saying "read this book if you like Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games" and I agree BUT if you mainly like Fourth Wing and Powerless, read this book. I swear I’d the SAME feeling while reading these three, it's that fantasy that you know has problems but it entertains you so much that when you see it, you've already read it all
Ok so the book is about a competition where each god chooses a human to represent him and the human who wins makes his god become king of the gods. The human gains immortality, lots of trauma and maybe a death!! sounds cool, right? 😁 The main character, Lyra, is chosen by Hades and everything about this choice is extremely convenient for the plot in a way that is
Lyra is a pain in the ass who makes the worst decisions at the worst times and Hades suffers a little from lack of personality, at first you think he's gonna be your new obsession but then you realize that nope!! he's just like everyone else (but they had some good scenes at least)
I found the plot extremely predictable and convenient (especially the ending) bc there’s no way everything went so well when everything was so wrong a chapter ago 💀 it seemed like a joke that the last challenge was worth more points just when the main character had no longer a chance of winning if the score remained the same as in the other challenges
Anyway, I feel like a lot of people are gonna love this book (and I loved it for a while too) bc it has the potential to be really big in the romantasy genre so if you like the books I mentioned at the beginning I’d definitely give this one a chance bc there's a huge chance you'll like it too
⚠️ spoiler alert ⚠️
how come this man did everything possible and impossible to become king bc he wanted to save his queen AT THE SAME TIME that he named a new queen??? it makes no sense at all
September 19, 2024
If you like easy reads that have more adult content this is for you! The writing is very similar to Fourth Wing! Also just loved reading about the Greek gods, they are some of my fav things to read about.
Is it a literary masterpiece? No. But the trials and style of writing is fun with just enough tension in the romance that it’s satisfying.
Is it a literary masterpiece? No. But the trials and style of writing is fun with just enough tension in the romance that it’s satisfying.
September 8, 2024
Spoilers ahead
i feel insulted that Percy Jackson was a comp title for this book.
My autistic ass would have died immediately after trying to ask the gods fifty questions about the rules of each labor. They’d give two sentences of instructions and be like bye babes good luck!
so first(actually last) we have sirens not interested in her because of this unloveable curse Zeus gave her as a 1 day old baby(and it’s like?? Why did he curse a baby? Did i miss this part? Is it just cause of where her mom gave birth lol?? Also her abusive parents are not addressed, though it ends on a cliffhanger for a second book) the curses rules(which to be fair, are never really thoroughly explained!) also seem to just change to fit wherever the romance/plot needs to be at the moment. Hades had zero personality. And lyra’s entire personality is just being way too kind to people who want to kill her. I only like her because she likes animals.
then we have this hades/persephone SIBLING ???? ! Relationship??? idk yall this had some fun moments, I did laugh a few times and it was pretty suspenseful I read it in almost one sitting to get to the last labor but jesus this felt like a self insert hades fanfic
Will I read book 2? Yeah 🤠
* I FORGOT PANDORAS BOX UNLEASHING TITANS LMAOOO LIKE OK THATS A CREATIVE CHOICE??
i feel insulted that Percy Jackson was a comp title for this book.
My autistic ass would have died immediately after trying to ask the gods fifty questions about the rules of each labor. They’d give two sentences of instructions and be like bye babes good luck!
so first(actually last) we have sirens not interested in her because of this unloveable curse Zeus gave her as a 1 day old baby(and it’s like?? Why did he curse a baby? Did i miss this part? Is it just cause of where her mom gave birth lol?? Also her abusive parents are not addressed, though it ends on a cliffhanger for a second book) the curses rules(which to be fair, are never really thoroughly explained!) also seem to just change to fit wherever the romance/plot needs to be at the moment. Hades had zero personality. And lyra’s entire personality is just being way too kind to people who want to kill her. I only like her because she likes animals.
then we have this hades/persephone SIBLING ???? ! Relationship??? idk yall this had some fun moments, I did laugh a few times and it was pretty suspenseful I read it in almost one sitting to get to the last labor but jesus this felt like a self insert hades fanfic
Will I read book 2? Yeah 🤠
* I FORGOT PANDORAS BOX UNLEASHING TITANS LMAOOO LIKE OK THATS A CREATIVE CHOICE??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2024
I absolutely ate this book up!!
The concept was brilliant, the plot was fast-paced with short chapters and I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen.
Lyra was a selfless character but I would say she was TOO selfless 💀 there were times I just wanted to scream "GIRL PUT YOURSELF FIRST FOR ONCE" 🫠
and HADES 🥹 King of the Underworld but the biggest softie 🫶🏻
"Being King of the Underworld without you at my side is an eternity of my own personal hell."
I need the second book NOW
The concept was brilliant, the plot was fast-paced with short chapters and I was constantly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen.
Lyra was a selfless character but I would say she was TOO selfless 💀 there were times I just wanted to scream "GIRL PUT YOURSELF FIRST FOR ONCE" 🫠
and HADES 🥹 King of the Underworld but the biggest softie 🫶🏻
"Being King of the Underworld without you at my side is an eternity of my own personal hell."
I need the second book NOW
September 21, 2024
4.5 stars
did NOT think it was gonna end like that
did NOT think it was gonna end like that
September 26, 2024
Looks like I’m back in my Greek mythology retelling era because I could not put this down!
I have seen this book floating around Booktok for the past few days so I had to pick it up and wow I’m so so glad I did.
You will love this book if you want…
- high stakes competition
- you’re mine moments
- slow burn spice
- found family
- protect her at all costs
This high stakes competition based book did a great job of including traditional mythological stories, items and gods while still adding intrigue and mystery! The tension and slow burn spice between Lyra and Hades was EVERYTHING and I’m really hoping we get some of his POV in the next book!!
Here are few of my favorite things…
- every time Hades was a little jelly lol
- Lyra has some rest one liners lol SO funny
- seeing the different myths used in new ways and the different takes on how the gods would interact with each other
I was invested in the start and couldn’t put it down. Hoping the next one is announced soon because I need more!
Would I recommend? Yessss
I have seen this book floating around Booktok for the past few days so I had to pick it up and wow I’m so so glad I did.
You will love this book if you want…
- high stakes competition
- you’re mine moments
- slow burn spice
- found family
- protect her at all costs
This high stakes competition based book did a great job of including traditional mythological stories, items and gods while still adding intrigue and mystery! The tension and slow burn spice between Lyra and Hades was EVERYTHING and I’m really hoping we get some of his POV in the next book!!
Here are few of my favorite things…
- every time Hades was a little jelly lol
- Lyra has some rest one liners lol SO funny
- seeing the different myths used in new ways and the different takes on how the gods would interact with each other
I was invested in the start and couldn’t put it down. Hoping the next one is announced soon because I need more!
Would I recommend? Yessss
September 16, 2024
Wow this was a fun one! The Gods Labours were so action packed and fast paced that I couldn’t wait to get to each one. Also really loved Hades and Lyra’s romance. I like that Hades character had quite a lot of depth to him and you don’t see him just as the God of Death. But I do think this read more like a YA then adult and I honestly thought it was YA when I was reading it. But then I saw a review that said it was adult because it does get a bit smutty. I really like how it didn’t take itself too seriously and poked fun of the Gods that was hilarious. Do like how it all tied together in the end and the cliffhanger 😮 can’t wait for the next one!
September 21, 2024
3.75-4 ⭐️
I really enjoyed the story and its pacing—there was always something happening, and the short chapters kept things moving along smoothly. As a fan of Greek mythology, I was drawn in right from the start. However, the relationship between Hades and Lyra left me a bit unsatisfied. Their love felt sudden, with little relationship development to back it up. I kept thinking maybe Lyra was the reincarnation of Persephone, which would have made more sense, but that clearly wasn’t the case. Despite that, it was still a fun and engaging read! Looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed the story and its pacing—there was always something happening, and the short chapters kept things moving along smoothly. As a fan of Greek mythology, I was drawn in right from the start. However, the relationship between Hades and Lyra left me a bit unsatisfied. Their love felt sudden, with little relationship development to back it up. I kept thinking maybe Lyra was the reincarnation of Persephone, which would have made more sense, but that clearly wasn’t the case. Despite that, it was still a fun and engaging read! Looking forward to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2024
Oh boy. I’m going to be in the minority on this one. For me, it feels like a case of a really cool premise that never quite gets the needed depth. It is, absolutely literally, Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games. Instead of champions for districts, champions are chosen to represent each god; instead of gifts from sponsors, they get gifts from their gods.
Into all this comes our heroine Lyra, a woman who, we are reminded on nearly every page, was cursed by Zeus to be unlovable. That curse, however, seems flexible; on the one hand we’re told no one will even like her or want to ally with her, but on the other, she has a friend who’s willing to take big risks to help her. And, in some moments, it feels like a replacement for character development. And then there’s Hades, an amalgamation of every “shadow daddy” and “bad boy turned soft” trope in the book. He feels assembled from a trope list instead of actual character dimensions.
There are some genuinely entertaining moments in this book, with high stakes and creative, thrilling, almost cinematic scenes during the Crucible competition. The ending, too, manages to get a little more complex than I had initially predicted. But ultimately, I think this just wasn’t for me. Red Tower is hit or miss for me, and this, unfortunately, is the second big miss in my opinion. I’m sure a lot of people will love it - but it didn’t work nearly as well as I personally wanted it to.
Into all this comes our heroine Lyra, a woman who, we are reminded on nearly every page, was cursed by Zeus to be unlovable. That curse, however, seems flexible; on the one hand we’re told no one will even like her or want to ally with her, but on the other, she has a friend who’s willing to take big risks to help her. And, in some moments, it feels like a replacement for character development. And then there’s Hades, an amalgamation of every “shadow daddy” and “bad boy turned soft” trope in the book. He feels assembled from a trope list instead of actual character dimensions.
There are some genuinely entertaining moments in this book, with high stakes and creative, thrilling, almost cinematic scenes during the Crucible competition. The ending, too, manages to get a little more complex than I had initially predicted. But ultimately, I think this just wasn’t for me. Red Tower is hit or miss for me, and this, unfortunately, is the second big miss in my opinion. I’m sure a lot of people will love it - but it didn’t work nearly as well as I personally wanted it to.
September 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 | 🧚♀️🧚♀️🧚♀️ | 🌶️
This book was so much fun and super easy to binge. I loved the main plot and the hints of romance. Did I mention there were trial? I’m a sucker for good trials AND super short chapters
This book was so much fun and super easy to binge. I loved the main plot and the hints of romance. Did I mention there were trial? I’m a sucker for good trials AND super short chapters
September 11, 2024
I want whatever y'all are smoking that contributed to you enjoying this because I am sober and I don't get it.
✧ DNF, never before have I so violently abhorred a writing style and been so viscerally repulsed by a main character
✧ DNF, never before have I so violently abhorred a writing style and been so viscerally repulsed by a main character
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