The Games Gods Play (Standard Edition): An Enemies-to-Lovers Greek Gods Romantasy (The Crucible, 1)
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THE INSTANT 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER HOLT Medallion award winner for Speculative Romance of 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards Romantasy nominee of 2024 “This story is my latest obsession.” ―USA Today bestselling author, Devney Perry 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. The Crucible series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book 1 The Games Gods Play Book 2 The Things Gods Break Book 3 The Wrath Gods Reap Read more
Publisher : Entangled Red Tower Books
Publication date : September 3, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 528 pages
ISBN-10 : 1649376413
ISBN-13 : 11
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 6.4 x 1.75 x 9.45 inches
Book 1 of 3 : The Crucible
Best Sellers Rank: #15,719 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #194 in Epic Fantasy (Books) #243 in Romantic Fantasy (Books) #2,274 in Literature & Fiction (Books)
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Kindle
This is one of those reads that grabs you by the collar and does not let go once it finds its rhythm. While the first few chapters felt a little stiff as the story was still stretching into its own skin, everything clicked once the Labors began. The trials are easily the strongest part of the book, offering creative challenges and a constant "no one is safe" energy that kept me flipping pages late into the night. The world is a fun collision of modern settings and Greek mythology. I really enjoyed that the gods were written with a classic morally grey edge rather than being softened or sanitized. They are messy and self-serving in a way that feels appropriate for the source material. Lyra is also a standout lead. Her instinct to humanize everyone around her is refreshing and makes her feel grounded despite all the chaos. As for the romance, I liked it more than I expected. Hades is a compelling character, though I do wish some of the emotional payoff had more breathing room to sit and develop. However, the story knows exactly what it is: a fun, dramatic, and slightly unhinged ride. It is a solid mix of romantasy trials and mythology chaos that I found incredibly addictive.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026 by Kiersten Cassel
Format: Audiobook
📖 The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen Rating: ★★★★☆ If you're looking for a book that throws Greek mythology into a deadly, modern-day arena, then buckle up, because *The Games Gods Play* is exactly that, and I'm giving it a solid 4 stars! My immediate reaction after finishing this one was just how much it felt like a mythological Hunger Games, which honestly, was what drew me in from the start, all that mythology and magic. I went into this thinking a modern-day mythology might be a bit of a fluff and stuff kind of read, but wow, it was so much more than that. The story really surprised me with its depth. The characters, especially Lyra, are incredibly well developed. Lyra is just so likeable, strong, witty, and a total smartass, which I absolutely loved. There's a ton of mystery and political intrigue woven throughout, keeping you on your toes. And while there are some deeply emotional moments, they're perfectly balanced by witty, snarky comments, which is my kind of humor. The gods themselves have such distinct personalities, and it was fascinating to see their capricious and manipulative nature play out, heightening the sense of danger and unpredictability. They really do use mortals as pawns, creating this underlying tension that Lyra has to navigate. But it's not all doom and gloom, the side characters really take on the feel of a found family, which is always a win in my book. The slow-burn romance between Lyra and Hades is captivating. Their initial distrust and wariness gradually gives way to a deeper understanding and connection, and it really challenges your preconceptions about the King of the Underworld, revealing his more nuanced and vulnerable side. This emotional journey between them adds so much richness and poignancy to the overall narrative. There's a moment that really resonated with me, where Lyra whispers, "We’re not butterflies to you,” and then, “We’re eternity.” That quote, for me, is when Lyra truly starts to understand Hades, and it's the beginning of her falling in love. She's communicating to him that he's different from the other gods who see humans as fleeting, like butterflies. Because humans end up in the underworld with Hades, for him, they are not butterflies. It’s a central moment where Lyra lets her guard down and starts to let Hades into her heart. While the mythological premise was super intriguing, I did feel like a few of those mythical elements could have been fleshed out a bit more, but it didn't stop me from devouring the story. Overall, this was a truly satisfying read. 📦 What to Expect ✨ Epic Fantasy 💖 Slow Burn Romance 🔥 Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic 🤯 Complex Politics & Power Struggles 💔 Deep Emotional Growth 🦴 Magical Beasts or Sentient Magic ⚔️ A Lead Who Fights for More Than Survival 📚 Book Tags Keywords: Dark Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Political Intrigue, Found Family, Survival, War Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Enemies to Reluctant Allies, Found Family, Mentor/Protégé, Slow Burn, Power Couple Triggers: Slavery, Violence, War Themes, Grooming (discussed), Sexual Assault (mentioned, not shown), Emotional Abuse, PTSD 🎯 Final Thoughts If you're hungry for fantasy with teeth and tenderness, this belongs on your shelf. Read it. Feel it. Let it ruin you a little.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2025 by Literary Lure
Format: Kindle
I’m rather partial to the Greek myths. Most modern interpretations stick too close the original tales and ideas. Which makes it hard to compete with the originals. Abigail Owen does something truly unique here. You don’t have to like the mythos to enjoy the story. BUT, if you do, it’s different in a way that feels fresh and exciting. I haven’t liked a Hades twist this much since James Woods. He’s charming, sexy, and different in a way that feels like honoring the original story, and fixing the problematic aspects. The Underworld is given a fresh and fulfilling update as well. Then there’s our protagonist Lyra. Honestly, from sentence one she had me hooked. Abigail is the queen of banter, and Lyra is the brain child who captures it all beautifully. I’ve never been more fond of heroine. She’s complex and achingly real. I love the way she sees everyone but herself. It’s a masterpiece in character depth I simply love. Not only is this a must read, it’s a must listen too. This is my first experience with Piper Goodeve, and it was perfection. She embodies the story and brings each character to life. Her Aphrodite is stellar. She jumped out of the audio so much I couldn’t help smiling. One of my favorite audio reads yet. I intentionally listened to this slowly so I could enjoy it longer. It is and has been my happy read. I will reread often, just for the joy of hearing it all over. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (6/5) An instant classic for me ✨ Highlights Fresh, addictive Greek myth retelling that feels both modern and respectful Banter that sparkles A Hades you’ll fall for fast Lyra is an all-time favorite FMC—layered, witty, painfully human Audiobook narration was absolute perfection 💫 Genres Mythology Retelling Urban Fantasy Trials & Games Romantasy 🏷️ Themes Identity & self-worth Power & autonomy Desire vs destiny Love, loyalty, and sacrifice ⚖️ Pacing Steady and immersive, with momentum that keeps pulling you deeper into the Underworld. 🩶 Tone Witty, romantic, and emotionally rich—dark mythos with a bright heartbeat. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ One scene, but detailed enough to earn it. ⚠️ Content Warnings Mythological violence, death/Underworld themes, emotional trauma references. ℹ️ Notes Highly recommend on audio—Piper Goodeve brings this story to life in a way that feels like magic.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026 by Lauralibby88
Format: Kindle
This book completely pulled me out of my reading slump. The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen gave me exactly what I didn’t know I was craving: Greek mythology thrown into a brutal, high-stakes competition with sharp humor, emotional depth, and a romance that absolutely simmered. I went in expecting something fun and fast-paced. I got that — but I also got layered characters, political intrigue among the gods, and a story that kept me fully locked in. It has that “mythological Hunger Games” energy, but it never feels like a copy of anything. It stands on its own. Lyra is such a strong FMC. She’s cursed by Zeus to never be loved (which is rude, honestly), she’s a thief, and she’s suddenly chosen by Hades to compete in the Crucible — a deadly competition where gods use mortals as their champions to determine who will rule Olympus. She’s snarky and sharp, but also deeply compassionate. Her humanity is what makes her shine, especially in a world where gods treat mortals like disposable pawns. And Hades… I mean. This might be one of my favorite Hades portrayals. Broody? Yes. Powerful? Obviously. But also calculating, strategic, and unexpectedly layered. The slow-burn dynamic between him and Lyra was one of my favorite parts. Their banter actually felt natural to me — playful but purposeful — and when the emotional walls started cracking? I was fully invested. There’s a shift in their connection that feels earned, not rushed, and I loved watching that trust build. The games themselves were so creative. Each trial felt distinct and high stakes, and I genuinely found myself paying attention to the details — the different gods, their champions, the abilities won along the way. It’s action-heavy, but not chaotic. Everything has weight. I also loved the found-family vibes that develop among some of the competitors. In a story where betrayal is always possible, those small alliances and moments of loyalty really hit. Is it wildly twisty? Not necessarily. But it doesn’t need shocking reveals to be compelling. The tension, the pacing, and the character dynamics carry it beautifully. And while it ends with a bit of a hook for the next book, it didn’t feel cruel — just enough to make me very ready for more. Quick summary: The Games Gods Play follows Lyra, a cursed thief chosen by Hades to compete in the Crucible — a deadly competition among mortal champions to determine which god will rule Olympus. As trials grow more dangerous and political tension among the gods escalates, Lyra must survive the arena while navigating a complicated and slow-burning connection with the King of the Underworld himself. Greek gods. Deadly trials. Banter. Slow-burn Hades romance. Found family. Political tension. High stakes. Easy five stars for me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
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Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2026 by Amalie
The Games Gods Play is a fast-paced, mythology-infused fantasy romance that takes familiar gods and legends and gives them a modern, action-packed spin. With a blend of romance, suspense, and a dash of snark, Abigail Owen delivers a story that’s undeniably entertaining—even if it occasionally leans into cliché. The novel follows Lyra, a cursed mortal working in relative obscurity for the Order of Thieves—until Hades, the enigmatic and feared god of the Underworld, selects her as his champion in the Crucible, a deadly contest that determines who will rule Olympus. As the gods meddle and mortals bleed, Lyra finds herself at the heart of a power game far beyond anything she ever imagined. The book’s greatest strength lies in its readability. It's easy to get swept up in the action, banter, and high-stakes drama. Lyra’s sarcasm and grit make her a likable protagonist, and the chemistry between her and Hades, while very much "instalust," will appeal to fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope. However, this relationship could have benefited from more gradual development and emotional layering. The story also introduces an intriguing twist involving Persephone, which adds depth to Hades’ character, but it arrives late and isn’t explored as fully as it could be—leaving readers wishing for more insight before the abrupt cliffhanger ending. From a world-building perspective, the book presents an imaginative Olympus-meets-modern-Earth setup, but doesn’t always capitalize on its potential. Some aspects feel underdeveloped, and side characters lack the weight to make a lasting impression. In short, The Games Gods Play is perfect for readers looking for a light, myth-inspired escape with drama and divine danger. It’s not groundbreaking, and it doesn’t dive too deep, but it entertains—and sometimes, that’s exactly what a reader is looking for. Those who enjoyed the first book will likely stick around for the sequel to see where Lyra and Hades go next.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2026 by Caleb B
Format: Hardcover
It’s a fun and fast paced story, but the story felt a bit shallow and like an odd mix of modern myths that wouldn’t exist if they hadn’t been built off of the fragments of Greek myths that were twisted and warped (simply because the passage of time paired with a poorly preserved culture tends to do that), and Christian beliefs masquerading as Greek myths… I liked the snarky quips of the characters, that did make it a fun read! But the characters had opportunities to develop really interesting deep connections that were flat out ignored and that could have highlighted the Greek myths in interesting ways with modern commentary, but it just didn’t take those opportunities… and the end kinda felt like it was just the thing the author wanted to have happen to her, but it wasn’t exactly justified and ignored some important loopholes. Also there was a point when she suddenly had extra pearls whenever she needed them out of nowhere and it wasn’t addressed. I think the author just lost count and likely didn’t have beta readers to point out the count was wrong? That was confusing. And it happened with several other items too. The continuity was not well done. And at one point they were at the bottom of the ocean, but then she wanted to mention how bright the sun was and it suddenly wasn't set at the bottom of the ocean anymore? The bottom of the ocean is so deep it’s pitch black and light can’t reach there. I’m a scientist, I can explain in depth how and why. If there was a magic sun due to the gods down there, it wasn’t explained at all and left me very confused. And as attractive as Hades seemed to be, what’s with the booktok obsession with secretive men lately? That not healthy and feels like an easy out for authors to not have to develop character as much as they could have. Please tell me the next book in the series has beta readers who are not afraid to comment on moments when continuity completely vanishes and things stop making sense. It felt like the end had been written in a rush and wasn’t as well planned as it could have been. And if it was that easy to add new gods and goddesses wouldn’t there be hundreds of new ones in the several thousand years since Greek religion *didn't* fall that should be a part of the world building lore? The number of plot holes that got bigger at the end pissed me off. Also Zai would have been a better choice. He was the only character who was nice because he could be. But nope, setup for B (trying to reduce spoilers) to be the rival love interest for book 2. And only 1 of the male characters who interacted with the main female more than 2 times didn’t end up falling at her feet when she was supposed to be “unlovable”. Really? I was hoping the curse was going to be something different than she expected. Like they could love her but couldn’t tell her, that would have been a lot more interesting, but nope. Also why didn’t Jackie call out a certain Z? Not to mention D? Honestly, Jackie should have been the Deus Ex Machina character that could have stopped so many things from going as poorly as they did, but it was like the author forgot she was there… And what was with the k-dramas and jeans obsessions that ALL of the Greek gods and goddesses seemed to have? Having lived in jeans for too long myself, they are NOT comfortable to wear around all the time, and everyone I know can’t wait to ditch the jeans for comfy clothes at the end of the day. Is this Greek or Western? Pick ONE! However everyone does love grey sweatpants… do with that what you will 😉 Cute that the author seems to be a fan of Lore Olympus! Which I’m guessing inspired this. It reads kinda like a LO fanfic from a new author that’s good but doesn’t have enough time to fully develop the characters and plot yet. I love fanfics, but this needed more development time before being brought to light. I’m guessing the publishers forced her to push this out while it was half baked to take advantage of the rising tide of Greek Mythology that’s taking the world by storm rn (if you haven’t found EPIC the musical yet, but love Greek myths, go give it a listen! It’s such a well developed version of an old myth! Quite the opposite of this book…) Overall summary: SO MANY PLOT HOLES… idk if I want to read book 2. It would be cute to meet P and I’m guessing the whole “thief saw it coming despite not having prophecy or foresight” thing was for a plot reason, but it needs to make sense to be compelling to read. As it is currently set up for book 2 I am purely annoyed with it being forced into a second book when it would have been fine as a one off. And the unnecessary ascendance of the character at the end that was not well justified and felt like overly Christian marketing. It could have been done the normal way. That level up wasn’t warranted. It was just because the author wanted it to happen to her that way. Plot points that aren’t justified aren’t earned. Also it gives an easy out for the book 2 plot setup that means book 2 isn’t even needed according to Greek mythology. Can someone please teach this author more about Greek myths and how Christian holidays might have come from pagan holidays but that does not mean Christian beliefs are just masked Greek beliefs? Especially the “Hades is bad because he’s the dark one who deals with death” which is the opposite of the actual myths. I am so frustrated at how that book just ended when it had so many golden opportunities to tie in myths with deep meanings and make the characters more compelling that were just flat out ignored! This could have been so much, but it just fell flat. I only finished reading it because I wanted to know if it was going to go the distance and deepen the story like I had hoped, but it didn’t. I had a much more compelling “is X probably happening because of Y” in my head than what was utilized in the story, post-crucible. I am rather disappointed. The humor was the most compelling part of it. I will have to bring more of Lyra’s humor into my everyday! She is certainly better at that than I am! That part I quite enjoyed!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2025 by Nic
Format: Kindle
This book. Wow. Just wow. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down, it should get more than 5 stars kind of book. I fell head first into the story and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The Greek mythology based storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, and the writing was addictive. The world building was phenomenal, woven together scene by scene, layer by layer until it became a living breathing place full of three dimensional beings. Plus, this epic fantasy will have you feeling all the deep emotions - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, knuckle biting, raging, and cheering. I was right there with Lyra feeling all the things and by the end I was in love with Hades. Lyra is a human who is cursed by Zeus, bartered to the Order of Thieves at the age of three to pay her parent’s debt and is friendless and loveless. On the night when the once a century Crucible’s participants are to be chosen, Lyra encounters Hades. And for some inexplicable reason, Hades joins the Crucible for the first time ever and names Lyra as his champion. The 13 champions must participate in 12 labors devised by the Gods to entertain themselves and for the chance to win prizes and hopefully escape death. The God whose champion wins the Crucible is crowned King of the Gods and the champion gets a boon as well as abundance for their families and their homeland. Hades agrees to lift Lyra’s curse if she wins. Thus begins the God centered Crucible filled with arrogant Greek gods, terrifying monsters, impossible tasks, difficult choices, pain, death, and heaps of physical and emotional overload. Regardless of the winner, none of the Champions will be the same at the end assuming they live through it. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, spicy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, supernatural creatures, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series and seeing what happens next with Lyra and Hades because that ending…
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Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2024 by Tammy Moldovan
Format: Kindle
Oh, how this book pulled me in right from chapter one, and left me reeling through to the very last chapter. I love Greek myth retellings, and Abigail Owen managed to weave a perfect blend of mythology and modern into Lyra and the other contestants’ trials. I immediately loved Lyra - a girl cursed by Zeus to be unlovable - and my admiration only grew for her throughout the Crucible trials. Between the humans chosen by the gods and goddesses and the whole of the Greek pantheon (plus Hades) itself, there were so many characters to love and hate. As usual when it comes to the Greek gods, there were a lot of secrets and tricks up their sleeves, particularly when it came to Hades himself. I loved this version of Hades, though. While he had a lot of secrets and ulterior motives, he had the perfect amount of smolder and love for his chosen family, making him the ultimate love interest for a character who’s never been loved. The back and forth between Lyra and Hades (and Lyra and Charon. And Lyra and Cerberus) was top-notch. While Lyra might not have known why Hades chose her for most of the Crucible, it was clear from the very beginning that Lyra belonged more with Hades than she ever did with her found family in the Overworld. I loved the creativity that Owen put into each trial. Not only was each physical challenge unique, but the way the gods and goddesses gave secret favors and boons to their humans added an extra layer of uncertainty to each task. Nothing was certain, and I loved all the players in this game. The ending made me gasp out loud, and I can’t wait to read the next chapter in Hades and Lyra’s story.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025 by Books Jen Recs