The Games Gods Play

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MERCH | ARTWORK | EXTRAS

part 1 | the crucible

The gods love to toy with us mere mortals.

And every hundred years…we let them.

Preface

Fuck the gods.

I got so close. So damned close to finally reaching my goal, finally seeing my curse broken, and maybe, just maybe, finally feeling the love of the one man I long for.

As I go limp on the blood-soaked ground, all I can think is, What if.

What if I hadn’t tried to tear down Zeus’ temple?

What if I hadn’t met Hades?

What if I hadn’t tried to reach for more than this world was willing to offer me…?

A tear squeezes from the corner of my eye. Then Zeus’ feet come into view directly in front of me. Probably to finish the job.

Honestly, I’d rather go fast than sit here and bleed anyway.

“Bring it, asshole.”

1 | A Really Bad Idea

A sizzling zap of electricity snaps directly over Zeus’ temple, and I flinch while the crowd oohs and ahhs. People from all walks of life, cultures, and pantheons live in San Francisco, but there’s no denying this is Zeus’ patron city.

I don’t need to spare the shrine a glance to know what it looks like—pristine white stone with classic, fluted columns aglow in purplish-white flashes and sparks cast by the never-ending arcs of lightning captured above the roof.

I shake my head. He is very proud of the lightning thing—this being the only god-powered city in the world. Although if Zeus is in a pissy mood…well, it tends to affect the lights. I can only imagine how much time those who enjoy uninterrupted power must spend on their knees in that temple.

I’d rather live in the dark.

“We shouldn’t be here,” I mutter under my breath as I tick a checkbox on my tablet, then glance around the bustling crowd to try to spot one of our pickpockets moving in and out of the unsuspecting masses.

My only job tonight is to observe, which is really all I’m ever asked to do. Observe and record. But of all the piss-poor schemes my boss, Felix, has come up with over the years, this one ranks right up there with attempting to capture a pegasus to sell on the black market. That put our den on Poseidon’s shit list for years. Yes, den. The name isn’t exactly creative, but we’re thieves, not poets.

I mentally shrug. At least Felix isn’t hells-bent on trying to steal Hades’ pomegranate seeds again. Rumor has it Hades isn’t as forgiving as Poseidon.

Besides, it’s not like pledges have a choice in what jobs we do.

We were offered as collateral to work off a debt of some sort by our parents, and most thieves look forward to every job we get. Any job is one step closer to clearing the books. Not me, though. I have no debt anymore. I was so young when my family surrendered me to the Order, I don’t even remember my own birth name. But I’m twenty-three now, so that was a while ago and not something I like to dwell on.

A strobe of light illuminates the low clouds overhead a heartbeat before a loud crack sets car alarms blaring and babies crying.

This time I really jump but manage to force my gaze to remain straight ahead.

“Scared of a little lightning, Lyra?” Chance, a master thief to my left, chides. He’s acting as the drop point for all the lifts tonight but takes his attention off his job long enough to toss me a condescending smile. Asshole.

One of the older thieves in our den, he should have paid off his debt by now but hasn’t—and the fact I’m our den’s clerk and know exactly how much he still has to go pisses him off. It also makes me his favorite target.

But the best way to deal with his brand of dickhead is to ignore him.

So instead, I focus on the unsuspecting, sycophantic multitudes as more and more crush together at the base of the temple, filling the winding street that circles up the mountain to it. They’re all here to get the best view of the opening ceremonies of the Crucible at midnight. The opportunity was too good for Felix to pass up—perfect for a rash of pickpocketing. Stealing so close to a sacred building is a big risk, but our boss reasoned away hazarding the gods’ wrath by saying this is both a test for the newest crop of pledges and a chance to rake in one last score before the ceremonies begin.

He is going to get someone killed. Or worse…

Which I guess is why Felix has a lowly clerk, in particular me, up here babysitting tonight. Given the added danger, he needed someone to keep an eye on things who would, and I quote, avoid letting anyone anger the gods at all costs, end quote.

And he’s right. I wouldn’t wish the gods’ ire on my worst enemy. Even Chance.

As my old mentor, Felix knows that. In fact, he’s the only one who knows exactly why.

A small throng of revelers wearing Zeus-themed sweatshirts rushes past me to get higher up the hillside, and a few shoulder check me to the left, then right as they muscle their way through the crowd. I deftly use the opportunity to shuffle several feet away from Chance. He really is my least-favorite person. I’ll still keep an eye on him in case he gets in danger of upsetting a god, but I can do that from a distance just as easily.

When I glance back at him, I let out a sigh. He’s no longer sneering at me and has turned his attention to his job again.

A young pledge with soft brown curls weaves her way up to Chance and brushes against the sleeve of his overcoat, tossing out a quick “excuse me” before scooting by him. Even though it’s summer, it’s chilly enough that no one looks twice at the master thief’s clothing choice, which is good. He needs lots of pockets.

I didn’t even see the drop, and I was looking closely for it. I’d always hoped one day to become a thief myself, but sadly, I lack one important skill—subtlety.

Without a backward glance, the pledge melts into the crowd, no one around us the wiser. Chance slips his hand into a pocket, then frowns. It takes fishing in two more pockets before he discovers the loot. Which means even he didn’t feel the handover.

The new pledge is good. Then again, her mentor is the best of us.

For a second, I indulge in picturing what it would be like to be out there with her as one of the thieves, rather than back here watching it happen. But that’s not my lot in life. I’ve made my peace with it. At least I’ve made it this far without starving, ending up in the gutters, getting myself murdered…or worse.

I do all right.

I even have my own stash of coin tucked away in a place where no one will ever find it. Cold cash, not some numbers on a screen. One day, I might just give up this life, and I’ll have the means to do it.

You’ll be even more alone, though, a tiny, doubt-laden voice whispers inside me.

I shift on my feet. Yeah, well…maybe I’ll get a cat. Or, no. A dog.

No one can be lonely with a dog, right?

I glance toward the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, with its brilliant white Corinthian columns, matching the temple and supported by massive suspension lines. At midnight, they’ll close the road to traffic and allow the people piling in to cover it. The bridge stretches from the Minos Headlands where the temple sits across the mouth of the bay to the dazzling city on the other side. The twinkling lights beckon while the bay itself is black as night, the darkness broken only by the lights of ships floating by.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see one of the younger pledges home in on an elderly couple. They’re walking hand in hand, obviously in love, and I can’t help the tightening in my chest. The woman is struggling to keep up, walking with a cane, and the gentleman shuffles his feet beside her, making each step take twice as long so he matches her pace. She looks up and smiles at him for the gesture, and I know the last thing they need to ruin their night is to realize light fingers have taken a wallet or watch.

Before the young thief gets too close, I whistle a signal all pledges know means to stop.

So much for just being here to observe and record. Hopefully Felix doesn’t find out and punish me for overstepping.

She pauses, looks around, and then her face lights up a little and she waves an eager hand. Not at me. At someone behind me.

“Hey, Boone!” the pledge calls. She must think he’s the one who whistled.

I force myself to not immediately turn and look.

Boone’s is the one face I search for every day, but that’s my business. After making a note on the tablet to talk to the girl about not drawing attention while on a job, I let myself peer around and see him off to the left.

Boone Runar.

Master thief. Every person’s fantasy and every parent’s nightmare.

And there’s nothing I can do to stop my heart from clumsily tripping over itself at the sight of him. Especially when he grins at the apprentice, kneeling down to her level and saying something that makes her laugh before they both turn serious. He’s probably reminding her about drawing attention.

I lower my tablet and take the opportunity to enjoy the view.

Well over six feet of muscle, brute strength, and a fuck-with-me-and-find-out air thanks to, again, the muscles and the recent addition of a scruffy brown beard a shade darker than his hair. Then there’s the way he dresses like a biker. Lots of jeans and leather. The vibes he gives off aren’t a lie, either. He can handle himself.

To look at him, you’d think he’d be a total dick twenty-four seven. Many of the master thieves, like Chance, are. It’s a defense mechanism. Survival tactic. But not Boone. It’s the way he is with the apprentices, a patient guide, that I like the most.

After a second, he sends the apprentice on her way. When he rises to his feet, he searches the area, and my stomach tightens in anticipation. Not that he’s looking for me. No doubt he’s either trying to find his own apprentice—the first girl who already made her drop—or one of the other master thieves.

Despite the fact that he looks right in my direction, Boone’s gaze sweeps over where I am. Twice.

Then he leaves.

I blow out a long, slow breath and watch as he makes his way back through the crowds until I can’t see him and wish, for the billionth time, my mother’s water hadn’t broken in Zeus’ temple the day I was born. The day I was cursed.

• #1 New York Times Bestseller
• #1 USA Today Bestseller
• #1 Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller
• #1 Globe & Mail Canada Bestseller
• Spiegel German Market Bestseller
• Barnes & Noble’s Best Books of 2024
• Indigo’s Top 100 Best Books of 2024
• Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Romantasy of 2024
• Harry Hartog Book Club Pick Oct 2024
• Holt Medallion Award | Speculative Romance | Winner / Double Finalist
• She Reads Best of 2024 Awards Nominee for Romantasy
• She Reads Romance Books | Best Romance Novels of 2024
• fangirlish. | Best Fantasy Books of Sept 2024

ALL AWARDS & HONORS

“Perfect for fans of Lore Olympus and The Hunger Games who crave a bit of spice… Hades might be your new favorite dark, brooding MMC.” ~BuzzFeed

“A brilliant fantasy filled with all the adventure, twisted games, and romance a girl could ever ask for. This book is epic!!!!” ~#1 NY Times Bestselling Author Tracy Wolf

“A stunning and unique fantasy laced with intrigue, adventure and a delicious romance. This story is my latest obsession.” ~ USA Today Bestselling Author Devney Perry

“This addictive new romantasy will make you look at the Greek gods in a whole new way. Hades is hot!” ~NY Times Bestselling Author Alyssa Day

“High stakes, pulse pounding action in a fantasy world you won’t want to leave! The Games Gods Play is a must-read!” ~Award-winning Author Kait Ballenger

✭✭✭✭✭  “Ten on ten! Are you looking for a rush? Or are you looking for a book that can tug your heart right out of your chest and trample it? Or maybe action, romance, adrenaline, found family, magic and secrets? If the answer to any of this is yes, then read The Games Gods Play. If the answer or all of this is yes, then definitely read The Games Gods Play.” ~Ahana Rao, The Nerd Daily

✭✭✭✭✭  “Hands down one of the best books of 2024! If you love romantasy, you cannot miss this epic romance that will have you hooked from the very first page. I CANNOT wait for book two!” ~She Reads Romance Books

✭✭✭✭.5 “If you’re wallowing in the loss of “Lore Olympus,” never fear! Abigail Owens is here with a fantastic new take on the Greek gods and everyone’s favorite dark and broody love interest, the God of the Underworld himself!” ~Serena, The Library Ladies

✭✭✭✭✭  “I love her Dominion series and adore her Fire’s Edge and Inferno Series. But this book, has them beaten…. Would I recommend this? In a heartbeat … open this new world … you won’t be sorry. ~Julie, The Reading Cafe

✭✭✭✭✭  “I should have known that when it comes to Abigail Owen, this would turn out to be a book that was near impossible to put down.” ~Romance Novels 4 the Beach

✭✭✭✭ “Abigail Owen’s “The Games Gods Play” is a blast from start to finish, blending modern Greek mythology with a thrilling dangerous games vibe. If you’re into epic trials, clever banter, and a touch of romance, this book is right up your alley.” ~Crossroads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Before you start you should know that once you start you’re not going to be able to get anything else done, this book will suck you in and not let you think about anything else.” ~Author Kelly Jo Sweeney

✭✭✭✭✭  “Abigail Owen has done an excellent job of taking the Olympian gods a lot of us know and twisting them in a way we haven’t seen.” ~Rosie B, Fresh Fiction

✭✭✭✭✭  “The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen is nothing short of a literary masterpiece that captivated me from the very first page. Owen’s skillful weaving of myth and magic into a captivating narrative makes this book an absolute must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike.” ~Heart of Homestead Reads

✭✭✭✭ “I think this is going to be THE book that every adult fantasy reader is talking about.” ~Lacee Olivier, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Abigail is a PHENOMENAL writer and I could not and would not put this down. I inhaled it like it was my life line.” ~Frankie, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭ “I could NOT stop reading!!!!! This was an engaging, well paced story with a great cast of mortal characters alongside the Greek deities.” ~SAMazon, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Voracious readers of today’s romantasy fare will eat it up, for sure.” ~Leah Newton, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭ .5 “The Games gods Play was something else. It was wild. It was harrowing. It was enjoyable.” ~Timitra, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “OK all of the ACOTAR, Hunger Games, Powerless and Fourth Wing fans – you will love this book! I laughed, cried, held my breath and just had a freaking good time reading it! Hades I bow to you.” NikTok BookTok, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “This book is EPIC and deserves all the stars. Absolutely one of the best of 2024. Fans of Fourth Wing, The Hunger Games and Percy Jackson and the Olympians are going to eat…this…book…up.” ~Leslie at She Reads Romance Books

✭✭✭✭✭  “Wowie! This book was absolutely fantastic! I did NOT want to put it down. It made me feel all the emotions… my jaw got the ground more than one!!!” ~Stacy, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Abigail Owen’s magical talent of storytelling transported me into the world of the gods and I am never leaving. This book has it all!!!” ~AdventurIN.Books, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Such a fun ride from the first page. Abagail Owen writes books you can devour, they keep you entertained with the plot and world building but it’s the characters that are the stars.” ~Kayla Beingessner, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Holy FUCK. WHAT A RIDE. I can’t stop thinking about this book! It just completely sucked me right in! Such an immersive reading experience with a rich & engaging world filled with flawed characters.” ~Bec Sammut, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “The way the author weaves together the lives of gods and mortals is nothing short of brilliant. Each trial is more intense than the last, and the characters are so vividly drawn that you feel every triumph and heartache alongside them. I cried so hard that I had to stop and compose myself because I couldn’t see through the tears and snot bubbles (quite the picture, I know but it’s true).” ~ Emma, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “OMG!!! This book!!! I applaud Abigail Owen on an excellent job. This book just blew me away. I absolutely love this take on the Gods and their mortals. It is unique, exciting, dangerous and very imaginative. It is simply wonderful. Not to mention a little dose of slow burn romance to light those senses on fire.” ~Patty, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “I’m a huge fan of how Abigail Owen has masterfully built the world, creating a strong, loyal, and relatable main character. The fresh take on Hades is particularly brilliant…” ~Hannah James, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “If you love mythology and/or high-stakes adventures, this book is a must-read. This book has a way of hooking you from page one and keeping you glued till the very end.” ~Michael, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “This book has very quickly become one of my favourite books, I enjoyed every single moment of it (even the ones that had me crying at 1am).” ~Jessica, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “The Games Gods Play is a must add to your shelves. This romantasy ticks all of the boxes….Greek Mythology, a deadly Tournament, so many sizzling moments and high stakes… Abigail Owen surpassed my expectations for this book. The ending was a brutal cliffhanger that has left me craving the next book in the series.” ~Kindle and Kettle, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “This book is officially my top read of the year! I was hooked from the beginning and never wanted it to end. I loved everything about it from the beautifully depicted world to the diverse cast of characters. But especially Lyra, Cerberus and Hades who are of course my favorites!” ~Rina, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “Well isn’t this a sizzling odyssey for all the romantasy girlies out there  This was a book for all of the readers who love trials, gods, shadow daddies and animal sidekicks.” ~Briony, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “2024 is serving absolute fire, and The Games Gods Play is no exception. I am obsessed.” ~Sheree, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “What in the Hades did I just read? No seriously this is Hella good I loved this from start to finish.” ~Jess, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “HOLY. FUCKING. GODS. I went into this with no expectations and came out with potentially a new favourite fantasy read of the year?!?! That was INCREDIBLE.” ~Samantha Groat, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “”The Games Gods Play” is an amazing read! I could tell from the first few chapters this was going to be a five star read— This story has the potential to be the next big romantasy must read!” ~bookish with TY, Goodreads

✭✭✭✭✭  “I can’t remember the last time I read a book that had me on the edge of my seat like this one did! The Labors were intense, and thrilling, and the drama between the Champions and the Gods just kept the pages turning.” ~Kris, Goodreads

In The Games Gods Play, the Greek gods walk among us—and they are as unspeakably beautiful as they are deadly. As such, this story features elements that might not be suitable for all readers, including blood, gore, violence (human, god, and monster alike), perilous situations, hospitalization, illness, injury, vomiting, abuse, bullying, theft, isolation, death, grief, use of alcohol, common phobias (including heights, burning, drowning, bugs, and darkness), graphic language, and sexual activity on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note, and prepare to enter the Crucible…

Publisher: Red Tower Books
Release Date: 9.3.2024
Age/Heat Level: New Adult
Genre: Modern Mythic Romantasy
Tropes: Greek Gods & Dangerous Trials