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: 8.26

43 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

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!
Courtasaurus Rex
Mar 22, 2025
10/10 stars
It has been one week since I finished this book and the audacity of the ending still floors me! I need book two immediately.

I love how these trials are written and the characters are amazing. I was locked in on the intensity of the thrill of each trial.

I am all for mythology, and this book did not disappoint. It is definitely a top read of the year.

Hades was

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