Game of life and death: Lyra's fight for freedom!

Game of life and death: Lyra's fight for freedom!

Abigail Owen's latest novel "The Games Gods Play - Shadow Seduced 1" will be published in October 2024 and will be published in a new edition in June 2025. The title, which is published by dtv Verlag, is available as a hardcover and costs EUR 29.00. On 690 pages, the author takes readers into an exciting world of gods and myths. The novel is translated into German by Julia Schwenk and receives detailed feedback in a review by Carsten Kuhr on Phantastiknews.

At the center of the story are the chaotic Crucible Games, which take place every 100 years. The gods compete against each other to gain the throne of Olympus. Hades, the god of the underworld, has the task of sending his fighter Lyra into this competition. Lyra, who is cursed by Zeus and previously worked for the Order of Thieves, is challenged to complete twelve feats of heroism. Her relationship with Hades is strained as he intervenes in her competition and names her as his champion.

Characters and development

Lyra is introduced as an unsympathetic, impulsive and know-it-all protagonist. However, she is also shown to be tough and selfless as she feels the need to save everyone while suffering from the curse that takes away her ability to love. Hades, on the other hand, is described as a "bad boy" with a soft heart who develops strong feelings for Lyra. The two characters are characterized by their complexity and are perceived by readers as interesting and multi-layered.

The characters are numerous: a total of 24 gods, goddesses and their champions are part of the story. This leads to a wealth of intrigue and challenges that unfold throughout the competitions. The description of the gods and their rules is detailed, although occasionally difficult to understand, which is due to the fast pace of the narrative and short chapters.

Style and themes

Abigail Owen's narrative style is lively and gripping, although the beginning of the novel seems chaotic. The readers experience the challenges of the games in a constant interplay. The cruel rules that were set for the heroic deeds are comparable to the “Hunger Games”. Nevertheless, the entertainment value remains high and readers are captivated by the plot twists.

The romantic aspects of the story have received consistently mixed reviews. While some readers appreciate the interesting development between Lyra and Hades, others feel let down by the romantic moments. Despite these critical voices, the novel offers an exciting, twist-filled introduction to the world of “Shadow Seduced”. The republication could appeal to a wider readership and further increase interest in the fantasy genre.

In summary, it can be said that “The Games Gods Play – Shadow Seduction 1” is a work that impresses with complex characters, an exciting plot and a well-constructed world. Readers can look forward to a successful mix of action, mythology and emotional conflicts. Further information can be found at Fantastic News and Owl matz.