This book was everything I wanted it to be and more

The angst. The story. The action. I loved everything about it.

The story itself was so unique. I'm a sucker for all Greek retellings but this was written in a new and exiting way. Obviously Lyra's curse wasn't what she thought it was but honestly it wouldn't have turned her into the person she was.

I think one of the most outstanding things about her character is that others in her situation would have become cold and bitter towards everyone, but Lyra genuinely cared. She took her suffering and loneliness and turned it into something good.

Then Hades -- ooooh Hades. Abigail Owen has such a way with brooding male counterparts and Hades was now exception. Everything about his demeanour was perfect for this story

And then that ending.... I cannot wait for book 2.

If you like all the angst and magic and strong heroine -- pick this book up. You will not be disappointed

Abigail Owen’s The Games Gods Play was “beyond any words someone like me could ever hope to craft. Even poets would struggle.” A truer statement has never been made.

Immediately, Abigail sucks you into the story/life of twenty-three-year-old Lyra Keres. Lyra was cursed at birth by Zeus to be unloveable. When she was three, her parents traded her to “The Order of Thieves” to pay off debts. Twenty years later, she’s still working for “The Order” as a clerk, though her debts have long been repaid. While she cares for others, she doesn’t have friends or people who say they love and care about her.

It’s the night before the start of The Crucible and The Order is out in force near Zeus’ temple in San Fransico. In a moment of frustration, Lyra is about to do something that could potentially draw Zeus's ire. She’s stopped by none other than Hades himself. After a little back and forth, the two go their separate ways, but not for long. Hades has never chosen a champion to represent him in The Crucible, but this year is different. To the world’s surprise, including the gods and goddesses themselves, Hades enters the games and chooses Lyra to represent him. And so a woman who has always been invisible and lived in the shadows is about to be thrust into the world of gods and become a legend.

Admittedly, I’m not a reader of mythology books. If you were to ask me to name some of the gods and goddesses, I might be able to name a handful. The Games Gods Play had me craving to learn more about them.

I so loved this story. It’s full of passion, death, and friendship. There are some gruesome moments. But there’s also the theme of found family and sacrifice. I LOVED the touch her and die elements of the story. Oh, I forgot to mention that Hades is VERY much attracted to Lyra, though he tries his best to hide and deny it.

Lyra is truly an amazing heroine. She believes in helping others, sometimes to the detriment of herself. She has a huge heart and doesn’t see herself the way others see her. Lyra and Hades are magnets. Their interactions were fun and frustrating to watch. They are definitely one of my favorite couples.

While The Games Gods Play has romance, the title says it all. The gods and goddesses use the Crucible as a way to have fun and play around with the mortals. They don’t always care about them or what happens to them. For some, the more violent and deadly the game the better. For some, they think they and their chosen champion should win by any means necessary. One thing for sure is that win or lose, Lyra, Hades, the rest of the gods and goddesses, and their champions will never be the same.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Nothing is ever what it looks like. Question everything.”

“You can do this.”

“Quitters never win, and winners never quit. But survivors change the game.”

“I can go one of two ways in life. Become angry and bitter, or deliberately choose to look at each day as an adventure. I chose the latter.”

“Sometimes, bravery isn’t actually bravery. It’s just foolishness wrapped up in a pretty package.”

“Trying is for people who expect to lose.”

“We all do foolish things for the people we love.”

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for arranging a copy for me, after I became obsessed with this book when I saw the amazing reviews.
I seem to be absorbing so many fantasy books lately, but this is the first book I've read that involves any Greek gods or the mythology around them.
I did read up a little on Hades so I had a little background going in, but I don't feel you need it. I took the story isolated from what I had read about, and I enjoyed it so much.
There is a feisty FMC to cheer on and support, when Lyra is chosen by Hades as his nomination in the Crucible tournament. Their relationship is amazing to watch. Hades becomes a 'person' and one that the readers can actually like!
Yes, there is a cliffhanger. I love them, building anticipation, nerves and excitement in the build up to the publication of the next book. I am ready for it!

Think Percy Jackson grew up and stumbled into The Hunger Games, but make it spicier and more devastating. 'The Games Gods Play' had me binge-reading until my eyes burned, each champion's story pulling me deeper into a world where gods are cruel and victory comes at a delicious cost. Owen's masterful blend of mythology, romance, and life-or-death stakes creates an addictive adventure that left me desperate for more. A perfect escape for anyone who likes their Greek myths with a side of slow-burn romance and their heroes beautifully broken.

First, We would like to thank Netgalley and Entangled (Red Tower Books) for allowing us to read this novel early! Thank you so much!

Okay, whether you loved this book or hated it we can all agree on one thing. This novel is beautiful! From its sprayed edges to the pretty artwork. My mouth dropped open when I finally got my hands on the books. It's breathtaking, and thankfully the novel is as good as it looks.

I went through many different reactions while reading this book because one moment I was screaming, and blushing, then the next I was crying and questioning if I should throw this book. At one point, I slapped the book closed and stared at the wall, after a certain scene. (We all know what scene that is)

Overall, I enjoyed the concept of this book. I thought this book was fun, not too serious, and something that anyone could read. However, I do like to mention how this novel felt very young adult. I don’t know if it’s because I’m used to the other book series I've read that is the Dominion series but I kept forgetting that Laya was in her 20’s and not a teenager.

Although I like the way that Laya was with the rest of the champions, and how she so desperately wanted them to like her. It made you want to go into the novel and hug her. Even though she was cursed to never be pick, I think that she really found a family with the gods and the other champions.

The labors of this novel were fun to read, the only downside is that I wanted more. I wanted more action and more risk that came with each labor. I understand that this novel was more about a romance and if I were to choose more intense Labors or romance. Of course, your girl is going to choose the romance.

As for the romance, I loved the banter that she had with Hades. The way that Hades kept calling her his star, was the more adorable thing ever. I honestly cannot wait till the next book!

PS. If anything happens to Boone in the second book I will cry (Just saying)

We read this novel for our podcast called Just One More Page, and if you want to know more about our review than check out my podcast! You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and even YouTube!

What happens when a cursed office clerk for an order of thieves and the most hated god in all of olympus collide? Magic. Abigail Owen’s new spin on the story of Hades is an enchanting read that I could not put down. Combining mythology with a new spin on the Gods of old and their magic systems, taking the reader through an unexpected yet intense journey. While the rollercoaster is insane, and I am convinced Owen deals in pain and emotion, she had me on the edge of my seat, keeping me up reading all night to find out what happens next.

Sprinkled with the right amount of mystery and deception, the story sheds new light on another side of Hades, with Lyra bringing strength and a fight first ask questions later attitude that had me laughing and crying all at the same time. While the journey is difficult, Owen keeps us engaged the whole time, with the slower parts of the story providing a refreshing break from the intensity of the peaks. While I personally would never want to enter the crucible, the story is driven through the reader's ability to feel like they are there, and it did not disappoint. Just be warned this book ends on a cliffhanger, so be prepared to sit and wait for book two.

The Games Gods Play truly is a grown-up Percy Jackson with Hunger Games vibes. I loved the Hades’ love interest twist as it sets it apart from the normal Hades/Persephone retellings I read. Add in Owen’s ability to humanize even some of the “worst” champions throughout (which is really the point if you consider Lyra’s actions), and you have the start of an epic tale in this book. Last but certainly not least, the tension Lyra and Hades give off throughout is SCORCHING.

In short, this book is now a part of my personality until the next one is released.

The Games Gods Play @abigailowenauthor is a refreshing mythological adventure in a world that ignites from the very first page. If you are looking for a book with Percy Jackson series or The Hungers Games vibes this New Adult Romantasy might be for you. An epic adventure filled with Gods, mystical creatures, curses, forbidden love, and a slow burn that sparks spicy. There is also plenty of witty banter, lots of tension, and a ton of heart stopping moments.

Lyra Keres is a loveable badass heroine who must become bold, brave, and willing to do anything to make it to the end. Will she sacrifice those she cares about to advance, or play by the rules? What will happen when her survival depends upon the one God feared by most, Hades?

At 600+ captivating pages there were plenty of characters to love and hate through the twist and turns as we discover who has the strength, wisdom, and heart to make it to the last page. Oh, and be warned, the ending might leave you with a gasp or scream. Abigail and Red Tower Books I hope readers will not have to wait too long to find out what happens next.

I can't wait to get a copy with those sprayed edges - they are stunning!

𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: are posted on the publisher website for those who wish to know.
So thrilled to have had the chance to read an early copy!

The Games Gods Play
by Abigail Owen

𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥. “𝘐𝘧 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥, 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦, 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️

Let me just start out by saying this book left me in an emotional pile of goo and I need therapy. I was so hooked into this plot and the scenes, labors, and setting that Abigail weaves in this book are astounding. I felt like I was a part of the plot! The dynamic between Hades and Lyra was perfection and the tension, secrets, and spice between them had me wanting book 2 immediately! 💗

I thought Lyra was so loyal and fierce! the banter between her and Hades was 😍. She is an amazing person and friend! 🌟

Hades was the perfect morally grey character with so many secrets! His nickname for Lyra had me swooning and I knew that beneath his tough exterior he would have so many layers! I loved the slow burn between him and Lyra! 🔥

The other gods and champions added so much to the plot, but I think one of my favorite characters was Aphrodite! I’m hoping to see more of her in book 2! ⚡️

I thought Boone was the sweetest and I’m not gonna give any spoilers but there was so much emotion for his character! Cerberus and Charon both had Hades best interest at heart and they cared so much for Lyra as well!

This is an immediate must read book!

This is a great twist on the mythology of the Greek gods with a modern day twist all dropped into a play or die setting. This book caught me from the get go and held on. There was so much anxiety through the trials that I wasn’t sure what was going to happen since with this book no one is safe so anything can happen. I really liked the creative take and think people who enjoy a strong and loyal female lead and the anxiety while reading like the Hunger Games trials and a twist on the Greek gods then this book is for you.

A M A Z I N G

This book now has a permanent place in my noggin day in and out. Abigail is a PHENOMENAL writer and I could not and would not put this down. I inhaled it like it was my life line. I loved all the different twists and darker turns in the games, even the ones that had me gasping and shocked and on the edge of my seat.

I cannot put into words how much I was absolutely enthralled by this story! I can’t wait for book 2!

Rated 4.5 Stars

The Games gods Play was something else. It was wild. It was harrowing. It was enjoyable. There were twists, turns, treachery, betrayal and so much more. I loved the world, the magic system and the author's take on Greek mythology. I found it refreshing. I loved the characters even though at times Lyra annoyed me, her decisions man, her decisions. Even though I got why she was the way she was it still annoyed me. That said, I found it highly enjoyable and entertaining and I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Do I recommend this? Yes, yes I do.

OH. MY. GODS...
ALL THE STARS ⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐
Greek gods that choose mortal champions every century to compete in labors in order to choose the next King or Queen of the Gods is the concept I didn't know I needed in my life.
Lyra, a member of the Order (a band of thieves) since she was a very little girl gets caught near Zeus's temple by none other than Hades and is chosen as his champion for the Games. (Which is also the first time Hades has chosen to participate in the crucible.)
Each god and goddess has their own champion and all of the characters are so well written with quirks and depth. Lyra is a contradiction in that she deeply cares for others, even her competitors, though she doesn't expect the same in return. I love her sass and the way she isn't a bit afraid of Hades when EVERYONE else is.
Hades is exactly what I pictured he'd be: 🔥 hot and hot headed, but with a surprising side that is only for a select few. The way their relationship between God and champion morphs into something else is so organic and I loved going on the journey with them.
This story is like a runaway train I couldn't get off of until I finished it. The adrenaline I felt when reading each one of the labors was real. And the pacing of the story was just enough that I was able to catch my breath just to have it taken away again for the next labor.
The glimpses of the underworld were top tier and I loved meeting Cerberus (my new fave book dog) and Charon.
What I wasn't expecting was the way the story ended and the hole in my life until the next book in the series comes out. I will definitely be giving this one a reread to see what theories I can come up with until then.

Take the lore of Greek Gods, drop them into a modern day setting and shake up some of the relationships, then you will see how Games Gods Play is a must read. I was hooked from the first stone flying through to the last door closing. I couldn't put the book down and read it in two days. I really enjoyed that it wasn't a Persephone Hades retelling. It gave nuances to the Greek gods and their perceived roles that have felt flat other times. If you enjoy a bit of the fate of the world competitions mixed with slow burn vulnerability and love I would high suggest The Games Gods Play!

The gods are at it again using mortals for their entertainment pleasure. But this time the god of death has something to add and Hades has more to offer than just your death!

I already knew this was going to be good but it truly exceeded my expectations! It blew me away! I was so invested and absorbed into every word of this book.

Abigail Owen’s magical talent of storytelling transported me into the world of the gods and I am never leaving. This book has it all!!! Tension, bit of a love triangle, slow burn, morally grey characters and games that could get you killed! The chemistry between the characters feels so real. You easily absorb their emotions and feel like you’re a part of the story. And now I feel like i’ve been tossed out into the snow in my underwear pounding on the door trying to get back in! I can’t wait for the next book. I already miss everyone!

The biggest shout out and thank you to Kaye Publicity and the publisher, Entangled Publishing, for giving me the opportunity to read The Games Gods Play early and providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

I’ve always thought movies and books are an experience and uniquely so to each person that watches/reads them. Just as each person’s experience is unique, the aspect of the content that calls to them is unique too. For some it’s the reviews, for some the trailer, or the blurb, the representation, the quotes, the hype etc,. I’ve spoken before about the two types of lures I’ve experienced that drew me to books: one, the cover and the other, the blurb; but for the first time it was an excerpt that sparked my interest. When the publisher had shared the link to the excerpt for The Games Gods Play, it was simple curiosity that drove me to click on it. But once I’d read the little excerpt that describes a moment between the primary characters, there was just something about the protagonist’s voice that drew me in and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

The world-building in any story—especially in a genre like high fantasy—is what can make or break a book. Abigail Owen is clearly very aware of that, because she begins establishing the rules, elements and nature of the world in The Games Gods Play from the very first page. The author has created a delectable blend of familiar and novel; with well-known Gods and legends from the Greek Mythology paired with dangerous competitions, high stakes and heart-moving characters. The above elements are then supported by Owen’s unpredictable and immersive take on all these aspects by entwining them together into a rush of an experience that has you by the throat.

The writing, in my opinion, is this book’s strongest feature. Owen has chosen to have The Games Gods Play unfold through the eyes of her FMC, Lyra. The book reads on a knife edge between humour and heart-wrenching emotions; a difficult balance to acquire and maintain, without taking away from the seriousness of the theme and at the same time not letting the readers drown in it. The visuals that Owen paints with her words, the characters she introduces and makes us fall in love with, the emotional and physical challenges she creates, escalates and resolves are all written with the kind of skill and finesse that keep you immersed in every moment.

The plot in this book was so wonderfully hidden, unravelling in layers, that it surprises us each time one peels back to reveal more of the truth. Despite having read the whole book, I truly believe I only have some of the puzzle pieces, but do not have enough information to put them together. There’s a very clear plot purpose to this book and my favourite part is that the moment you underestimate it, you learn just how well Owen has played you. Additionally, being a reader most of my life, it’s very rare I read a book that surprises me as much or as many times as The Games Gods Play did. I could guess exactly one thing and I got it both right and wrong in this nearly 600 page book wherein a lot happens—sometimes on the very same page.

The characters in this book are aplenty; which is to be expected given the number of Gods there are (and then add to that each of their champions). With high fantasy, most authors usually introduce characters slowly; sometimes even over the course of a series. However Owen did no such thing, she took a risk and it paid off! It’s one thing if there are a multitude of characters that you don’t need to remember or know, and another thing entirely when there are many characters that add important information and serve plot purpose and are required to be known and remembered. The Games Gods Play is the latter and the author has done a fantastic job incorporating her primary and secondary characters into her story at perfect intervals and over and over to firmly establish them in our minds and hearts. A special mention to how much I enjoyed that the author chose to depict her protagonist as someone painted in misery, but at the same time somehow always looking up at the stars. Additionally, given that it’s Lyra’s voice I’d fallen in love with and single person perspectives are my favourite narrative style to read, this book felt like it was written for me.

As mentioned earlier, this book is nearly 600 pages, but does it feel that way? Absolutely not. The pages race by you, the words acting as your ride and you’re flying, feeling absolutely powerless to put a stop to or change course at any point. Owen’s got the wheel and you’re a passenger to her whims; and what an experience the journey was!

Five stars! Are you looking for a rush? Or are you looking for a book that can tug your heart right out of your chest and trample it? Or maybe action, romance, adrenaline, found family, magic and secrets? If the answer to any of this is yes, then read The Games Gods Play. If the answer or all of this is yes, then definitely read The Games Gods Play.

Please check trigger warnings, there is content in this book that can be triggering to some. Happy reading.

This was best book to get me out of a reading rut. It started slow but makes sense as it needed to show Lyras background as a clerk to the order of thieves. Cursed as unlovable Lyra gains respect from her fellow champions by being a fearless leader hell bent on keeping everyone else alive even if it means her own death. Her dynamic with Hades was just so carefully crafted as a witty and sassy love story. I love me a morally gray God. I admit I cried several times. This story takes some dark and unexpected turns. The focus on family and the bonds that make or break you was just soo well woven. 10/10 would read again.

Wowie! This book was absolutely fantastic! I did NOT want to put it down. It made me feel all the emotions... my jaw got the ground more than one!!! This book is hunger games meets Percy Jackson, with a dash of romance and a ton of sexual tension!

Meet Lyra. She's been cursed since the day she was born. Once every century, the Greek Gods hold the crucible. They chose a mortal to represent them in the 12 labors. This year is different... for the first time, EVER Hades chooses a champion (Lyra). Everyone is set against them, and Hades can not win. Therefore, Lyra can not win.

Loved how fast paced and small the chapters were it felt like I breezed through this book. I loved all the different characters and the labors were intriguing. I wish there had been more Greek mythology aspects. I’m 100% not generally a fan of modern day settings meet fantasy bc I find it very hard to pull off in a serious way. This toed the line for me in that aspect and also read very YA minus one spice scene. I’m eager for book 2 Thank you Netgalley and Red Tower books for the eARC!

This story captivated me from the start with its thrilling mix of Greek mythology and modern-day drama. Lyra, a cursed office clerk, unexpectedly becomes Hades' champion in a deadly contest among gods. The stakes are sky-high, with intense, pulse-pounding action and a slow-burn romance that had me hooked. I loved the depth of the characters, especially Lyra, who humanizes everyone around her, even during this brutal competition. The rich world-building and mythology references are spot on, making the story even more immersive. This book is a must-read for romantasy fans, and I’m eagerly anticipating the sequel. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished.