Immortal Games

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. (Jan.)