The Games Gods Play (Standard Edition) (The Crucible, 1)

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

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Published Sep 3, 2024

528 pages

Average rating: 7.98

208 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

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KarlaVO

Feb 04, 2026

7/10 stars

Deadly Games, Greek gods, Hades and the underworld let's not forget cerebrus. Good characters

Lexiiiiiii Reads

Nov 23, 2025

7/10 stars

7⭐️ I enjoyed this book though it didn’t live you to the hype. First off, this book is fast paced and the trials were really interesting! I really enjoy anything with the Greek gods, and I enjoyed this story of Hades. I had a hard time connecting with Lyra, but I did feel like I understood her, and where she was coming from even if she was a bit whiny? I also appreciated that she wasn’t amazingly talented or extra special. She was smart and strategic, but didn’t give chosen one vibes. I adored Hades and his yearning. I also really enjoyed their banter. The side characters were just kind of meh, I think Zai was the best, but I didn’t get attached to every one else. I also sometimes struggled with the writing and had a hard time comprehending and visualizing some scenes? I sometimes had to go back and slow down to visualize it. Now my biggest problem with the book is there are plot holes. Like the fact that she is unlovable? I saw quite the opposite in the book. I did however read the second one already, so I know those plot holes are sort of explained, but if you don’t pick up the second one, your just kind of in the dark which sucks. Over all, I thought it was entertaining and fast pace. I look forward to the third one!

Michalmarie123

Nov 01, 2025

Jill

Storms

Sep 11, 2025

10/10 stars

Love best writing story telling and would definitely read again

BookedOnLife

Aug 11, 2025

8/10 stars

I liked that this was a new take on the “contest to survive / winner takes all” trope. I thought the ending was good and I will definitely be reading book two when it’s released in a few months. There were a few story problem areas for me and some things were a bit too convenient. However, I was invested in the story the entire time despite my minor qualms. I would recommend this as more of a YA read and it’s a good time the entire way through! Buckle up and get ready for a ride!