Ever wondered what would happen if the Greek gods decided to play their power games in present-day San Francisco? Well, buckle up, mythology buffs and romance enthusiasts, because Abigail Owen’s “The Games Gods Play” is about to take you on one wild ride through the streets of the Bay Area and the hallowed halls of Olympus.
A Cursed Thief and the God of Death Walk into a Bar…
Okay, so they don’t actually walk into a bar, but the premise is just as intriguing. Our protagonist, Lyra Keres, is a down-on-her-luck clerk for the Order of Thieves, cursed by Zeus himself to never be loved. Talk about a rough deal, right? She’s just trying to keep her head down and survive in a city where the King of the Gods reigns supreme. But fate (or rather, a meddling Hades) has other plans for our girl.
Enter the brooding, mysterious, and oddly charming god of the Underworld, who decides to shake things up by entering the Crucible—a centennial contest where gods choose mortal champions to compete for the throne of Olympus. And guess who he picks as his champion? Yep, our cursed, snarky Lyra.
A Game of Gods, Mortals, and Heart-Pounding Action
Owen wastes no time throwing us into the thick of things. The Crucible is a series of deadly challenges that test the champions’ strength, courage, mind, and heart. From battling mythical creatures to solving mind-bending puzzles, Lyra must navigate these trials while trying to figure out why the heck Hades chose her in the first place.
The author’s imagination shines in these challenges. We’re talking Stymphalian birds, poison ivy that comes alive, and a creepy automaton child wielding a butcher knife. It’s like “The Hunger Games” met Greek mythology and had a lovechild with an edge.
Romance that Sizzles Hotter than Hephaestus’ Forge
Now, let’s talk about the romance, because holy Aphrodite, it’s steamy! The tension between Lyra and Hades is palpable from their first encounter. Owen expertly weaves their growing attraction throughout the story, giving us moments that range from tender to downright scorching.
There’s a particular scene involving a kiss that… well, let’s just say it might make you need to fan yourself. The author strikes a perfect balance between the slow-burn development of their relationship and the urgency of their situation.
A Cast of Characters You’ll Love (or Love to Hate)
While Lyra and Hades steal the show, the supporting cast is equally captivating. From the other mortal champions to the gods themselves, each character feels distinct and well-developed. Special shoutout to Boone, Lyra’s fellow thief and longtime crush, whose complex relationship with our heroine adds another layer of depth to the story.
The gods, in particular, are a hoot. Owen’s portrayal of these ancient deities trying to navigate the modern world is both hilarious and oddly relatable. Zeus as a power-hungry CEO type? Aphrodite as a social media influencer? Sign me up!
World-Building that Blends Myth and Modernity
One of the strongest aspects of “The Games Gods Play” is how seamlessly Owen integrates Greek mythology into a contemporary urban fantasy setting. San Francisco becomes a playground for divine shenanigans, with landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge reimagined with a mythological twist.
The author’s take on Olympus and the Underworld is equally impressive. These realms feel both familiar and fresh, with Owen adding her own unique flair to these legendary locations.
Prose that Packs a Punch
Owen’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced, perfect for the high-stakes story she’s telling. Her dialogue crackles with wit and humor, especially in Lyra’s internal monologues. There were several moments where I found myself chuckling out loud at our heroine’s snarky observations.
The action scenes are vividly described, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it. And when it comes to the more emotional moments, Owen knows how to tug at your heartstrings without veering into melodrama.
Themes that Resonate
Beyond the thrilling plot and swoon-worthy romance, “The Games Gods Play” explores some weighty themes. Lyra’s struggle with her curse raises questions about fate, free will, and the nature of love. The power dynamics between gods and mortals serve as a commentary on authority and rebellion.
There’s also a strong undercurrent of found family and the power of friendship, especially as Lyra begins to form alliances with her fellow champions. It adds a touching layer of humanity to a story populated by larger-than-life divine beings.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a couple of small issues that niggled at me. The pacing in the middle section occasionally felt a bit rushed, with some challenges flying by too quickly for my liking. Additionally, a few of the secondary characters could have used a bit more development.
These are minor gripes, though, and didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Urban Fantasy and Mythology Fans
“The Games Gods Play” is a thrilling start to what promises to be an epic series. Abigail Owen has crafted a world that’s both familiar and fantastical, populated by characters you can’t help but root for (or against, in some cases).
If you’re a fan of authors like Ilona Andrews or Jennifer L. Armentrout, or if you enjoy stories that blend mythology with contemporary settings like Rick Riordan’s works, you’ll find a lot to love here.
What’s Next?
This is the first book in “The Crucible” series, and boy, does it set up some tantalizing questions for future installments. What’s Hades’ true motivation? Will Lyra be able to break her curse? And what other divine drama will unfold as the Crucible continues?
I, for one, can’t wait to find out. Owen has definitely earned herself a new fan, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
Final Thoughts
“The Games Gods Play” is a rollercoaster of mythological mayhem, heart-pounding action, and sizzling romance. It’s the kind of book that keeps you up way past your bedtime, promising yourself “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve finished the whole thing.
Abigail Owen has breathed new life into age-old myths, creating a story that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern. Whether you’re a mythology nerd, a romance junkie, or just someone looking for an exciting urban fantasy read, this book has something for you.
So, do yourself a favor: grab a copy, settle in with your favorite ambrosia (or, you know, snack), and prepare to be transported to a world where gods walk among us and love can bloom even in the darkest of Underworlds.
Trust me, by the time you finish, you’ll be thanking the gods—all of them—that this is just the beginning of the series.