The Games Gods Play
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.
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Abigail Owen
Abigail Owen is a storyteller who thrives in blending the mystical and the romantic, creating worlds where magic, danger, and passion collide. Best known for her award-winning paranormal romance and upper YA fantasy romance, Abigail crafts fast-paced plots, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy heroes that leave readers eagerly turning pages. Her books aren't just about love—they're about fierce women finding their strength, their heart, and a love that keeps them fighting until the very end.
The Crucible
In The Crucible series, the gods are more than distant legends—they're active players in a high-stakes game where mortal lives are the prize. At the intersection of modern life and ancient mythology, the series brings a thrilling, action-packed narrative that challenges the boundaries between the divine and the human.
It all begins with The Games Gods Play, where Lyra, a seemingly ordinary office clerk, is thrust into the deadly contest of the Crucible by Zeus himself. But this is no typical battle. Instead, it’s a game of wit, strength, and cunning, where survival requires more than just physical prowess—it demands a deep understanding of the gods' manipulation and ruthless agendas. With each trial, Lyra discovers new depths of strength within herself and a dangerous connection to the god of the Underworld, Hades.
The Crucible consists of two books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
