Book Club Review: The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

The Games Gods Play

Abigail Owen

The Crucible, #1

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Published Date: September 3, 2024

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Retelling, Fiction

503 Pages / 17 Hours 57 Minutes

Date Read: December 16-23, 2025

Format: 🎧

Source: Spotify

As always, if you prefer a spoiler free review please read my quick review instead of the in depth review below.

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About the Book

Thanks to Zeus, Lyra has lived in the Order of Thieves with a curse. During a random encounter with Hades, Lyra gets thrown into The Crucible-a deadly contest held by the Gods where mortals compete to decide the next rule of Olympus.

Quick Review (Spoiler Free)

I love Greek mythology. When I saw this, I knew I would like it. And it honestly didn’t disappoint. I loved The Hunger Games series and I really felt like this had a good edge to it like that series did. This book had a lot of great characters. The modern, urban setting gives it a unique feel, dark edge, and an interesting twist. The pacing felt good throughout the entire story. And man, that ending…

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Now, let's get into the details!!

This book had a lot of great characters. I really enjoyed getting to see all the pairings between the Gods and the human champions. I also enjoyed getting to see the dynamic of the relationships with Lyra and all the other champions as well as her home.

The modern, urban setting gives it a unique feel. Having the games be set this way gave a dark edge to it. By having the games “aired” to the public and the champions be pulled from normal life was an interesting twist.

The pacing felt good throughout the entire story. I went into this knowing it would be the first in a series, which made me really excited to read the next book once I got to the end of this one. And man, that ending…

I felt confused on the beginning of the relationship between Lyra and Hades. I wish there was a little more of a smooth transition and explanation than what was given that he just happened to be there and she just happened to be his chosen champion. Yes, I know it gives an explanation but it feels like there should be more to it.

Ratings