The Things Gods Break by Abigail Owen Book Review: Hades Will Burn the World for His Cursed Mortal Prize
- Joao Nsita
- 9 hours ago
- 8 min read
Introduction
How far would you go for love? Would you challenge the gods? Would you burn the world to save one person? In Abigail Owen’s electrifying new romantasy, The Things Gods Break, these aren't just hypotheticals—they are the heart-pounding reality for the King of the Underworld. This highly anticipated sequel to The Games Gods Play plunges readers back into a world of treacherous deities, ancient curses, and a love powerful enough to shatter creation itself. For fans of epic fantasy romance and Greek mythology retellings, this book isn't just a must-read; it's an obsession waiting to happen. It’s a story of sacrifice, power, and a forbidden love that defies fate. Prepare to be consumed by this dark, divine, and utterly addictive paranormal romance.
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Book Summary
Picking up directly after the soul-crushing cliffhanger of the first book, The Things Gods Break finds our mortal heroine, Lyra, trapped in Tartarus, the gods’ most infamous and inescapable prison. But she’s not just a prisoner; she’s the cursed prize in a deadly divine game. More horrifyingly, she discovers she is the living key to releasing the Titans, monstrous beings twisted by millennia of rage whose freedom would spell the end of the world. To survive, Lyra must endure a series of horrifying trials designed by ancient, malevolent forces, pushing her to the brink of her humanity. Each challenge forces her to tap into a strength she never knew she possessed, potentially transforming her into a weapon the gods themselves will fear. Meanwhile, Hades, the formidable King of the Underworld, is consumed by a single goal: freeing the woman he loves. He’s ready to break every sacred rule, defy every Olympian, and unleash his full, terrifying power to save her. The central conflict is a masterpiece of tension: Hades's quest to save Lyra is a direct path to unleashing the Titans. Their epic romance is pitted against the fate of the entire world, creating stakes that are nothing short of apocalyptic.
Author's Style and Craft
Abigail Owen is a master of the romantasy genre, and her craft shines brighter than ever in this novel. Her writing is a potent cocktail of fast-paced action, intricate world-building, and sizzling romantic tension. The narrative, told primarily from Lyra’s first-person perspective, is immersive and immediate, pulling the reader directly into the horrors and wonders of Tartarus. Owen’s depiction of this mythological prison is a standout achievement—it’s a living, breathing character in itself, full of unique dangers and dark beauty. The pacing is relentless, a perfect reflection of the constant peril Lyra faces. Yet, Owen skillfully weaves in moments of profound emotional depth and steamy intimacy, allowing the relationship between Lyra and Hades to develop and strengthen even amidst the chaos. The dialogue is sharp and laced with a modern wit that makes these ancient gods feel accessible, while still capturing their immense power and arrogance. Character development is key; Lyra’s evolution from a cursed mortal to a formidable force is both believable and deeply empowering.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Beneath the thrilling plot and swoon-worthy romance, The Things Gods Break explores profound themes that resonate with timeless human experiences. The novel is a powerful examination of fate versus free will. Is Lyra merely a pawn in a divine game, or can she seize control of her own destiny? This question drives her character arc and challenges the very foundations of her world. The book also delves into the nature of power and corruption, showcasing how even gods can be brought low by jealousy and fear. Sacrifice is another central theme, explored through the lens of Hades’s desperate love. His willingness to risk everything embodies the ultimate romantic ideal, asking the reader to consider what lines are worth crossing for love. As he says, “Because to save me…the god of death will burn the world.” This single line encapsulates the novel’s core tension between personal love and universal duty. The story uses the ancient myths of Titans and Olympians as a canvas to explore these modern-day struggles, making it a truly compelling fantasy romance.
For another book that skillfully blends magic and romance, check out our review of Scary In Love by Holly June Smith.
Strengths
This book is a masterclass in high-stakes fantasy romance. Its primary strength lies in the perfect balance between plot and character. The trials of Tartarus provide a thrilling, action-packed narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Each challenge is creative and terrifying, showcasing Owen's imaginative world-building. But the true heart of the story is the epic romance between Lyra and Hades. Their connection is forged in fire and shadow, an intense, soul-deep bond that feels earned and utterly compelling. The chemistry is electric, and the spicy scenes are both passionate and emotionally significant. Lyra’s character arc is another significant achievement. She is a strong female character who is not defined by her trauma but is forged by it, growing into a powerful figure who can stand as an equal to a god. The stakes are astronomically high, not just for the couple but for the entire world, which makes their journey all the more gripping and unforgettable. This is the kind of book that BookTok dreams are made of.
Areas for Improvement
While The Things Gods Break is an exceptional sequel, it’s not a standalone novel. Readers absolutely must read The Games Gods Play first to understand the characters, the world, and the complex political landscape of the gods. Newcomers who jump in here will find themselves completely lost. Additionally, while the intense focus on Lyra and Hades is the book's greatest strength, some readers might wish for more development of the secondary characters and the Olympian court intrigue. The narrative is so tightly focused on the central couple's plight in Tartarus that the wider world occasionally feels distant. However, this is a minor critique of a story that deliberately prioritizes the epic, world-ending stakes of its central romance. For readers invested in Lyra and Hades, this laser focus will be seen as a definitive plus, enhancing the intensity of their journey.
Comparative Analysis
Abigail Owen’s series carves out a unique space in the booming romantasy genre, particularly within the popular Greek mythology subgenre. Fans of Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness will adore the dark, possessive, and utterly devoted Hades that Owen has created, as well as the steamy romance. However, Owen’s series places a stronger emphasis on high-fantasy action and world-ending stakes, reminiscent of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s blockbuster series, From Blood and Ash, which also features a sheltered heroine discovering her immense power. Where Owen truly innovates is in her detailed and harrowing depiction of Tartarus itself, turning the setting into a crucible that forges the characters and their relationship. While a webcomic like Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus focuses on a modern interpretation and character drama, The Things Gods Break delivers a more classic epic fantasy feel, packed with monsters, magic, and divine warfare.
If you enjoy a great sports romance, take a look at our review of Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey.
Target Audience
This book is a perfect match for adult readers who crave high-stakes romantasy with a strong mythological backbone. If your bookshelf is filled with titles by Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kerri Maniscalco, or Raven Kennedy, you need to add this series to your collection immediately. It’s specifically for those who love the Hades and Persephone trope, forbidden love, a "touch her and you die" hero, and a strong female character who saves herself. Readers looking for a fast-paced plot, detailed world-building, and plenty of spice will be thoroughly satisfied. Content warnings are appropriate for violence, graphic descriptions of monsters and mythical trials, and explicit sexual content. This is a new adult/adult fantasy romance that does not shy away from its darker elements.
Personal Impact
I am so excited for this book and am trying not to count down the days to its release, but it’s really hard since I absolutely adored The Games Gods Play, book one of this series, which released last year. It was such a great book but left you with a tease for this book with Lyra stuck in Tartarus. The cliffhanger was brutal, but I can say with certainty that the wait was worth it. If you love Greek mythology-based romantasy books like I do, then quickly catch up on this series so you can dive into book two because it’s a great one!
Conclusion
The Things Gods Break is a stunning achievement—a sequel that not only lives up to the hype but surpasses it in every way. It is an epic, breathtaking, and deeply romantic journey into the heart of darkness. Abigail Owen has cemented this series as a must-read in the romantasy genre. This isn't just a love story; it's a saga of defiance, survival, and the earth-shattering power of a love that even the gods must fear. Prepare for a story that will break your heart and then piece it back together again.
About the Author
Abigail Owen is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author of paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She loves a good plot twist and a happily ever after. A fourth-generation Texan, she resides in Austin with her own real-life hero and their two children, who are the center of her universe. When she's not writing, she's a mom, a wife, and a CrossFit enthusiast. She is known for creating fierce heroines, dominant heroes, and addictive stories that keep readers turning the page.
For more on Abigail Owen, visit her Official Website, follow her on Goodreads, and check out her page at Entangled Publishing.
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FAQ Section
1. Is The Things Gods Break a standalone novel? No, it is the second book in the Dominion of the Gods series. You must read the first book, The Games Gods Play, to understand the plot.
2. What is the spice level of this book? The book is for adult audiences and contains several explicit, steamy scenes. It would be considered medium-to-high on the spice scale.
3. What mythology is this series based on? The series is heavily based on Greek mythology, featuring gods like Hades and other Olympians, as well as mythological locations like Tartarus and creatures like the Titans.
4. What romance tropes are featured in the book? This book features several popular tropes, including Hades and Persephone retelling, forbidden love, forced proximity, "touch her and you die," and a hero who would burn the world for the heroine.
5. Is there a major cliffhanger at the end? While the main conflict of the book is resolved, the ending sets the stage for the next book in the series, leaving readers eager for more.
6. How is Lyra, the main character, portrayed? Lyra is a strong female character who undergoes significant growth. She starts as a cursed mortal but evolves into a powerful and resilient figure capable of challenging gods.
7. Who is the author, Abigail Owen? Abigail Owen is a bestselling author known for her paranormal and fantasy romance novels that are filled with action, spice, and strong relationships.
8. Are there any content or trigger warnings? Yes, the book contains themes of violence, death, imprisonment, and sexually explicit content. It is intended for a mature audience.
9. What makes this Hades and Persephone retelling unique? This retelling stands out due to its focus on high-stakes fantasy action, the detailed world-building of Tartarus, and the premise of the heroine being the key to unleashing the Titans.
10. When is the book's release date? The Things Gods Break is scheduled to be released on October 21, 2025.
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