Masterfully executed--the perfect balance of worldbuilding and character building, with one of the most interesting story arcs I've read in recent years. This one is a CAN'T MISS!

I will say that the last 50 or so pages need to be read very closely in order to keep up with what's going on, but it's SO worth the extra attention!

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.***

The African Mythology in this really intrigued me as it is something I have never read before so it was definitely a unique setting for me for delve into!

This book I feel had such a great potential and a great premise but fell a little flat on the execution, the trials felt a little dull and underwhelming, and a little rushed at times. I wish we had more time exploring those.

I think this should be a series rather than a standalone! A lot of information is given and not enough time was spent on the main aspect of the book I was excited about.

The Ancient's Game by Loni Crittenden offers an intriguing premise with its mix of magic-infused craftsmanship and political intrigue, but it struggles to fully capitalize on its potential.

Kellan DuCuivre’s story as a forbidden makecraft user is compelling, especially when paired with the high-stakes competition of the Makers’ Gauntlet. The worldbuilding around Nanseau and its Guild of Engineers is detailed and imaginative, though at times the lore feels overwhelming, with too much exposition slowing the pacing.

Kellan is a likable protagonist, and her relationship with her adoptive father Edgar is heartfelt and genuine. However, her budding romance with the illegitimate son of a prominent family feels rushed and underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth needed to make it memorable. Similarly, the threats targeting Gauntlet competitors create tension, but the resolutions often feel predictable and fail to deliver the impact one might expect from a mystery element.

While the narrative touches on themes of legacy, betrayal, and survival, it doesn’t dive deeply enough into them to leave a lasting impression. The stakes of Kellan’s journey are clear, but the execution of the plot feels uneven, with a mix of thrilling moments and drawn-out sequences that hinder the flow.

Ultimately, The Ancient's Game is a decent read for fans of magical competitions and steampunk-esque settings, but it doesn’t quite rise above the ranks of similar YA fantasy offerings.

The condition of Kellan's adoptive father is worsening. Not just that, but the makeshop they run is on the brink of ruin. The only solution is go to Riz and find the makecraft that can help him. But Kellan is forbidden to use makecraft. And know she got thrust into dangerous thing, and she must compete to get the spot of a maker's apprentice.

I'm not much of a reader of fantasy. It was hard for me to digest. And it is my fault that I didn't get into the story. The world building left me confused, Kellan's situation just left me blank, and the competition was something I didn't understand.

Again, this was a me-problem for not putting all my attention to this book. I honestly owe this book a reread because it doesn't deserve me.

What I do understand is the sense of found family, protecting what you belive in, and staying true to who you are. Those themes really popped out through the book. It was so fun to meet the other characters through Kellan's eyes and how each placed in her heart.

Overall I could have done better as a reader, because I knew it has so much more to offer. I guess this book just wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed this. I thought that the world and the magic system was really unique--the magic was really steampunky, which I was a big fan of. The plot felt novel, which has been increasingly hard to do, in my opinion. The characters were okay, I wasn't overly excited about them but they were objectively pretty well written. This was a really solid book, and I am interested in seeing what happens next and hopefully getting more from this author in the future!

The Ancient's Game was an interesting and intriguing read. One that was unique in the way it was told and also the world and magic system. Some of the world building was a bit wonky and confusing but I loved the ingenuity of it. The magic system in ways was reminiscent of steampunk. I liked the cast of characters and look forward to seeing what comes next with them. I found this to be an enjoyable read and recommend to those looking for something a little different.

This book felt really unique as far as plot, and I loved the magic system. I was engaged throughout - although I wasn't massively keen on the characters, the action and the fantasy aspect kept me eagerly reading along.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a review copy

4.5 rounded up. This book was incredibly original and impeccably written. The story and characters were larger than life. I wish it had been longer and that there was more world-building on page; at times it felt the story was reigned back a little, which left me wanting more. 🥲

It's a true fantasy novel with unique magic, trials, found family, political intrigue, and tension. The maker magic is really interesting with its runes and what Kellan discovers about them. Kellan is a strong FMC who fights for what she wants and never gives up. I love her relationships with Axel, Lou, and Cyn. It's clear she has found people to belong with. The world Kellan discovers is a great addition that adds to the plot. I did wish the pace moved a bit faster in the beginning.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It combines the best parts of Full Metal Alchemist with Afro-Diasporic mythology; there are automatons and spirits, alchemists and monsters, a competition full of duplicitous and dangerous pledges and the kind of lush prose I wanted to wrap myself in. And then there was the romance! I just can't get over what an world this book invited me into. I will definitely be reading any sequel by this author, and their future works. The creativity and Black excellence is just amazing.