The Games Gods Play (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Crucible, 1)

The Greek gods (alive, well, and totally arrogant in our modern world) are selecting a leader by pitting mortals against each other in brutal tests. Powerful, enigmatic Hades wants in for the first time in millennia, but his chosen competitor has her own agenda—and a bone to pick with Mount Olympus.

Zeus always wins. Aphrodite plays dirty. Will Hades’ headstrong champion prove it isn’t just the gods who can play the game?

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Published Sep 3, 2024

592 pages

Average rating: 8.24

45 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

thosehipereads
Jun 25, 2025
6/10 stars
If you ignore what has been written for Greek mythology, this is an enjoyable read. I liked the trials. I teared up when someone is affected. I also enjoyed the 2 spicy scenes. Looking forward to the next book!
BreakdownsInMotion
May 31, 2025
8/10 stars
I saw this gorgeous cover and sprayed edge at BAM, read the blurb, and placed the audiobook on hold IMMEDIATELY. I enjoyed this. It had violence, slow burn (and when the spice did happen, it was spicing), a compassionate FMC with a backbone, real flawed characters, Hades
Anonymous
May 21, 2025
6/10 stars
I could not stop picturing hades from the Disney movie Hercules for a good majority of the book
Anonymous
May 20, 2025
10/10 stars
WOW. I listened to this book any moment I could. It’s like a crossover between Hunger Games, *insert any romantasy book here,* and Greek Gods and I ate it up.
So fun and with that cliffhanger?!
I need the next one now.
Anonymous
Mar 27, 2025
6/10 stars
3.25 stars

I have so many mixed feelings. While this book was really fun to read and enjoyable with a great plot, I felt myself wanting more for the relationships and plot scenes. It almost felt rushed since there were so many trials to go through. Lyra felt more like a YA but Hades brought it to an Adult read. There were two scenes that I was close to crying, but it moved on to the next scene so quickly and I would’ve loved to sit in it and connect with Lyra. I’m very curious to see where this series will go though and am hoping for more Aphrodite!

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