Fresh Fridays: On Friday, I review a brand new series (ie. only has one book released so far) to see if the series is worth keeping up with. Here is this week’s offering:
The Crucible Series
Other books planned to be in the series:
Synopsis for The Games Gods Play (from Goodreads):
THE GODS LOVE TO PLAY WITH US MERE MORTALS. AND EVERY HUNDRED YEARS, WE LET THEM …
I have never been favored by the gods. Far from it, thanks to Zeus.
Living as a cursed office clerk for the Order of Thieves, I just keep my head down and hope the capricious beings who rule from Olympus won’t notice me. Not an easy feat, given San Francisco is Zeus’ patron city, but I make do. I survive. Until the night I tangle with a different god.
The worst god. Hades.
For the first time ever, the ruthless, mercurial King of the Underworld has entered the Crucible—the deadly contest the gods hold to determine a new ruler to sit on the throne of Olympus. But instead of fighting their own battles, the gods name mortals to compete in their stead.
So why in the Underworld did Hades choose me—a sarcastic nobody with a curse on her shoulders—as his champion? And why does my heart trip every time he says I’m his?
I don’t know if I’m a pawn, bait, or something else entirely to this dangerously tempting god. How can I, when he has more secrets than stars in the sky?
Because Hades is playing by his own rules … and Death will win at any cost.
Author: Abigail Owen
Series: The Crucible
# of Books: 2 (Full Reading Order Here)
Book Order: Chronological
Complete?: No
Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Action
Heat Rating: Toasty
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Date: September 2024 – ongoing
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a mythology inspired novel so I was eager to dive into this new series! I’ve read Abigail Owen’s Dominions Series but as I was waiting for my hold for the 3rd book in that to come in, I snuck this read in!
What I Liked:
–The Crucible Competition–
I’m sure this book concept will be compared to The Hunger Games and I totally see why. I definitely got those vibes but this is still unique thanks to the gods and their investments into the outcome of the competition. This book is action packed from start to finish!
–Never Trust the Gods–
Just like the Fae, I know when the Greek Gods are involved, deceit isn’t far behind. I loved the various twists and turns that happened throughout the novel. You never know who you can trust and that just made me eager to see what would happen next!
What I Didn’t Like:
–The Romance–
My only disappointment is the romance. I was not feeling it AT ALL! I’m not sure if it was the audio or just the whole idea of it that didn’t work for me. Maybe if it had more of a slow burn I’d have gotten on board? It did feel rushed and almost out of nowhere.
My Audiobook Experience:
I’m glad I read this as an audiobook, even if I suspect it impacted my like of the story’s romance (though I really don’t think it was the biggest factor). It’s a great production and I think it brought the hardship of the Crucible competition to life in a way that I wouldn’t have gotten had I just read the text.
My Expectations for the Rest of the Series:
So many unanswered questions! I can’t wait to see what happens next! I’m also hoping with more air-time for the romance I can get on board with it.
My Rating: 3/5
The Games Gods Play 3/5 | Book 2 TBP
I loved the concept of this series and I hope everything can be taken to the next level in the sequels.
Read if You Like: romantasy, mythology
Avoid if You: dislike romantasy, action
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games Series #1)
- The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (Goddess Test Series #1)
- Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis (Thieves’ Gambit Series #1)
