The Things Gods Break: The Crucible 2

love love love the relationships in this series! cant wait for the new release this year!

I love a good twist on Greek mythology, and this book absolutely delivered on that front. As anyone who reads my reviews regularly knows, I am a sucker for trials. Give me danger, tests, strategy, secrets, and characters being pushed to their absolute limits, and I am seated. This book gave me exactly that, but then it also decided to throw in a chaotic concept of time just to make sure my brain was fully spinning. And honestly? I had so much fun with it. The way time was developed in this story completely mindfucked me in the best way. It was messy, twisty, confusing, and ambitious, but I was into it. I can absolutely see how it might not work for everyone, especially if you prefer a cleaner, more straightforward plot, but I was happily along for the ride. I loved trying to piece together the story as it happens, and what it all meant for the characters. This book expanded the world in such a fun way. We got more history, new characters, bigger reveals, rewritten versions of events, and a deeper look at the mythology and magic behind everything. Every time I thought I had a decent grip on what was happening, the story would shift again, and I loved that chaotic energy. Was I confused at times? Absolutely. Was I having the best time anyway? Also absolutely. I seriously enjoyed this one so much. I wouldn’t say I’m fully obsessed, but I am definitely invested, entertained, and more than ready to pick up the next book once it’s out.

Absolutely enjoyed this 2nd book! Abigail Owen really took a challenge with this book. It read as a time travel scheme that coincided with the events of the first book. There were so many twist and turns that seemed confusing at first but made sense as time fell back into place. Can’t wait for the 3rd book to see how this ends!!

6⭐️ This book wasn’t my favorite, it felt like there was too much going on, and suddenly Boone was a main character? Also why did Lyra suddenly become defenseless in it? I felt like everyone was trying to protect her like she was made of glass but all she was the only one who could save them? I did still enjoy it, but it was chaotic to say the least. Also, you shouldn’t need to write a second book to explain your plot holes in your first book……

Abigail Owen definitely took it up a notch with The Things Gods Break. She crafted a narrative with the sequel that turns the first book into a completely different story. The book picks up right where the first one left off – Lyra and Boone are stuck in Tartarus with the Titans. Lyra is going through it again, and yes her sassy fed-up-with-the-world attitude is in full swing. Even better is that Boone is also losing his patience – which is equal parts hilarious and hot. Lyra is up against another set of tasks in order to escape – but if she does, then the Titans are released as well. And according to popular opinion, that could be catastrophic.

Readers who wanted to get to know Hades on a deeper level will be thrilled with The Things Gods Break. Not only do we get some chapters in his POV, but we see meaningful events from his perspective, through “flashbacks” with Lyra. We see more of where his story began and how hard he fell for her. I can’t share much more in detail without spoiling the book. Just know that it does not disappoint.

I will warn readers that there is a bit of a learning curve with the sequel. I was a bit confused starting out, learning with Lyra what exactly was going on and why. But once readers push past it, then the party really gets started and doesn’t stop until the final page. Oftentimes, authors are under a lot of pressure to deliver a sequel that is just as meaningful and entertaining as the first. I can confidently say that Abigail Owen not only accomplished this, but it somehow makes the first book better.

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