The Immortal Games

October 16, 2023
Every Blood Moon, the gods of Olympus each select a teenage human to serve as their champion in the Immortal Games, a deadly series of trials that bring honor and riches to the victor. Ever since her older sister—who was chosen by Zeus—was killed in the games, 16-year-old Ara has hoped to be selected by Zeus as well, so she could slay him in revenge. She is instead chosen as Hades’s representative, and is unexpectedly drawn to the gentle, peaceful lord of the Underworld as he does his best to help her survive the deadly competition. Her childhood friend Theron is also a participant, complicating matters and further testing her loyalties and resolve. Little does she know that a wager between Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus will determine who gains power over all three of their domains, placing even more weight on her necessary victory. Greek myth enthusiasts may be unsatisfied by the narrative’s surface-level take on the gods and stories. Still, there’s plenty to enjoy in this fast-paced, high-adrenaline historical fantasy by Avery (The Doomfire Secret), who interweaves themes of romance and revenge into a brutal blend of Greek mythology and the Hunger Games by way of the CW. Characters are described as having varying skin tones. Ages 12–up. Agent: Helen Boyle, Pickled Ink.

November 1, 2023
A mortal girl and a Greek god fight for the future of their world. Sixteen-year-old Ara has spent the five years since her sister Estella's death training to exact revenge on the one responsible: Zeus. Estella was killed during the Immortal Games, a competition between the Gods where mortals are used as tokens for their entertainment. Ara's only hope of fulfilling her oath to Estella is to be chosen as a token herself. When Ara almost dies while saving her mother from a fire, Hades rescues her and selects her as his token. She's plunged into the trials with 11 other mortals, including childhood friend Theron. While Ara loathes the Gods, Hades is not what she expected, and their relationship quickly grows. As the competitors find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations, Ara must decide if her newfound relationship with Hades is more important than vengeance, and Hades must determine whether his love for Ara matters more than the fate of the world. Told in Ara's and Hades' alternating perspectives, the novel is compelling, with riveting action sequences. Mythological elements, from the gods to lesser-known monsters, are seamlessly included. While the character development is rushed at times, resulting in some relationships feeling shallow, Ara's and Hades' motivations ring true throughout. Characters are diverse in appearance, with skin that is variously described as "sun-bronzed," "almost translucent," and dark, "with a deep luster." A fun, fast-paced tale set in the perennially popular world of Greek mythology. (map, pronunciation guide, author's note) (Fantasy. 13-18)

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January 1, 2024
Grades 7-11 When it comes to the world of Greek mythology, it's not just the stories that immerse us. It's also the intriguing backgrounds of the gods and goddesses who reside there. In The Immortal Games, Greek mythology propels an action-packed story marked by themes of revenge, personal strength, and overcoming abuse. Sixteen-year-old Ara has been living in anger and grief after her sister was killed in the brutal Immortal Games, meant to entertain the gods. Those who participate in the games are not promised survival, but Ara is determined to be chosen so that she might murder Zeus, the god responsible for her sister's death. The fast-paced story picks up as Ara throws herself into the competition along with the other 11 chosen contestants, one being her best friend. Vivid action scenes and Ara's unexpected relationship with Hades will keep readers glued to the page. Written from Ara's and Hades' points of view, the story gives its characters depth along the way. Hand to fans of dystopian books such as Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games (2008).

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