Lyra Keres serves as an office clerk for the Order of Thieves in modern-day San Francisco. Greek gods exist, Olympus not far from the city. Every 100 years, the 12 gods hold a contest in which the winner becomes the King of the Gods. But to avoid destroying the world with their powers, they choose a mortal champion to fight on their behalf. This time, Hades decides to enter the contest. And he chooses Lyra to be his champion. Cursed by Zeus while still in her mother’s womb, she already has low opinions of the gods and their games. Now she must participate in the 12 labors – a challenge that could easily result in her death. Not only does she lack natural fighting skills, but the other champions agree that she cannot win – Hades cannot become King of the Gods. Add Hades’ seemingly romantic feelings towards her, and Lyra has her work cut out for her. The Games Gods Play by award-winning author Abigail Owen is a high-stakes spin on Greek mythology, in which Lyra must use every tool she has for a chance at victory and maybe even love.
Book
Lyra’s mother’s water broke while in Zeus’s temple. Apparently, Zeus was so offended by the incident that he cursed Lyra to never know love. She is capable of feeling that emotion – but no one will ever love her for as long as she lives. When she was a toddler, her parents sold her to the Order of Thieves to pay off a debt. Since then, she’s served as the clerk – keeping track of the thieves and pilfered items the group collects. On the night of the Crucible’s commencement, she runs into Hades. And leaves quite the impression. So much so that he chooses her as his champion. In exchange for her victory, he promises to lift the curse that has made her life sad and lonely. She agrees, and thus begins her whirlwind journey in The Games Gods Play.
Each labor is based on the god it represents. And Lyra must find a way to not only survive, but win a majority of the labors in order for Hades to become King of the Gods. But finding allies proves to be a challenge, as many of them agree that cannot happen. So not only must she navigate each challenge with only her intelligence and overall humanity, but avoid becoming the target of the other 12 champions. Plus, the more time she spends with Hades, the more she learns about him and his motives. And she can’t help the growing attraction that they feel towards each other. Lyra knows that he cannot offer her what she might want – a real chance at love. And becoming too close to this particular god could compromise their whole plan.
Review
Abigail Owen knocks it out of the park with The Games Gods Play. While a majority of readers are familiar with Greek mythology, Owen doesn’t let up on the world-building and interesting mortal characters that get roped into the challenge. The story is fast-paced, emotionally engaging and highly entertaining. Readers will love Lyra from the first moments they meet her. Smart-mouthed and warm-hearted, Lyra is a protagonist that most will relate to. She made me believe that even I could stand a chance in the Crucible. Add in some sexual tension with none other than the King of the Underworld, and readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough. Those who love fantasy and Greek mythology with some romance sprinkled in will love The Games Gods Play.
Abigail Owen joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about creating a world out of well-known lore and plans for the sequel. Keep an ear out for the episode and preorder The Games Gods Play, available September 3.
