enchanted_reads26's review
3.0
Immediately thrown into a world of lore and adventure. I love hearing all the mythological aspects of this book. I love all the challenges our main character goes through, it shows her determination to save what’s left of her family. Overall an enjoyable book and can’t wait to read the next one.
justgeekingby's review
4.0
Originally posted on Just Geeking by.
Content warnings:
Game of Strength and Storm is a brilliant reimagining of Greek mythology, transferring the mythological tales into a sprawling fantasy world where characters and creatures of legend inhabit islands. Every aspect of the world-building is shaped from Greek mythology, right down to the landscapes and fauna. As someone who has always been drawn to mythology, and Greek in particular, I fell in love with the world Menard created very quickly.
Her characters are just as likeable, with Gen the half Mazon (Menard’s version of Amazons) placed in the role of hero, and Castor in the role of anti-hero. Both have a unique set of abilities, and when they both use their lottery wish to ask the Empresses for something life changing the Empresses are eager to get something out of the deal. The thought of placing the two young women up against each other in a test is too good to resist. Gen and Cas find themselves with a choice; walk away with nothing or complete the impossible list of tasks that the other lottery winners have requested from the Empresses. And for good measure the Empresses have thrown in a few others, such as kill the hydra.
If this is sounding a bit familiar, it should. Game of Strength and Storm is a genderbent retelling of the labours of Hercules. The tasks that Gen and Cas have to complete are pulled straight from the myth, however, that’s where the similarity ends. This is a whole new story and while there are some similarities between Hercules and Gen’s story (mass murder and a link to family appear in both), they are very different otherwise. The story of what happened with Gen’s family is heartbreaking, and the history that Menard has woven for the Mazon’s is hauntingly beautiful.
Likewise, Cas’ story cuts just as deep. I called her the anti-hero of this story and circumstances beyond her control have forced her into that role. She’s a headstrong woman in the last patriarchal hold out, the only Island where succession goes to the next male heir and female offspring are pawns to be married off for influential and political gains. Despite spending years trying to prove to her father that she’s the woman for the job, her father refuses to budge and still only sees her for her gender. Cas is also attracted to women rather than men, so her island’s archaic laws will trap her in a loveless marriage no matter who the match is with.
As you can imagine, Cas’s father is not going to be best pleased when he finds out what Cas is trying to do, so it’s not just her freedom and future that is on the line. She’s on a clock to outrun her father’s fury and his goons, and she’s got the money, influence and storm powers to do it. No one is getting in her way. Enter Pollux, aka Lux, her twin and this is where things get very interesting. Normally at this point in the story it’s obvious where this is going to go; sibling rivalry. It was refreshing to have a sibling actually care about the other and meddling to prevent their sibling winning for wholesome reasons.
Lux doesn’t care about being in charge of their family’s powerful company, he doesn’t want to inherit. He just wants to be left alone to do his own thing which is completely different to what his father and sister believe that their ability to capture and bottle storms should be. The family has been selling the weather to the highest bidder for three generations now, including weaponising it, and Lux has found his own unique way of using their abilities which they do not recognise. Both of them have written him off entirely, however, he’s the male heir and tradition dictates that he will inherit. He would much rather have nothing to do with it, however, Lux sees it as the only way to undo the mistakes and tragedies that his family have had a hand in. That’s if he can stop Cas from winning, but before that he has to save her from their father’s wrath.
The fact that it allows him to help Gen, the famous circus performer he fell in love with long ago, is of course, just a bonus
Content warnings:
Spoiler
There are some scenes of violence, including one particularly aggressive fight between the two main characters. Genocide takes place off the page and is retold through flashbacks and memories. The topic of genocide is discussed throughout the book. References to several deaths, including mass murder, off page are referred to in flashbacks. There is one brutal animal death and other scenes of animal cruelty. The book engages with and discusses themes of patriarchy, forced marriage, misogyny, and abuse (emotional and physical).Game of Strength and Storm is a brilliant reimagining of Greek mythology, transferring the mythological tales into a sprawling fantasy world where characters and creatures of legend inhabit islands. Every aspect of the world-building is shaped from Greek mythology, right down to the landscapes and fauna. As someone who has always been drawn to mythology, and Greek in particular, I fell in love with the world Menard created very quickly.
Her characters are just as likeable, with Gen the half Mazon (Menard’s version of Amazons) placed in the role of hero, and Castor in the role of anti-hero. Both have a unique set of abilities, and when they both use their lottery wish to ask the Empresses for something life changing the Empresses are eager to get something out of the deal. The thought of placing the two young women up against each other in a test is too good to resist. Gen and Cas find themselves with a choice; walk away with nothing or complete the impossible list of tasks that the other lottery winners have requested from the Empresses. And for good measure the Empresses have thrown in a few others, such as kill the hydra.
If this is sounding a bit familiar, it should. Game of Strength and Storm is a genderbent retelling of the labours of Hercules. The tasks that Gen and Cas have to complete are pulled straight from the myth, however, that’s where the similarity ends. This is a whole new story and while there are some similarities between Hercules and Gen’s story (mass murder and a link to family appear in both), they are very different otherwise. The story of what happened with Gen’s family is heartbreaking, and the history that Menard has woven for the Mazon’s is hauntingly beautiful.
Likewise, Cas’ story cuts just as deep. I called her the anti-hero of this story and circumstances beyond her control have forced her into that role. She’s a headstrong woman in the last patriarchal hold out, the only Island where succession goes to the next male heir and female offspring are pawns to be married off for influential and political gains. Despite spending years trying to prove to her father that she’s the woman for the job, her father refuses to budge and still only sees her for her gender. Cas is also attracted to women rather than men, so her island’s archaic laws will trap her in a loveless marriage no matter who the match is with.
As you can imagine, Cas’s father is not going to be best pleased when he finds out what Cas is trying to do, so it’s not just her freedom and future that is on the line. She’s on a clock to outrun her father’s fury and his goons, and she’s got the money, influence and storm powers to do it. No one is getting in her way. Enter Pollux, aka Lux, her twin and this is where things get very interesting. Normally at this point in the story it’s obvious where this is going to go; sibling rivalry. It was refreshing to have a sibling actually care about the other and meddling to prevent their sibling winning for wholesome reasons.
Lux doesn’t care about being in charge of their family’s powerful company, he doesn’t want to inherit. He just wants to be left alone to do his own thing which is completely different to what his father and sister believe that their ability to capture and bottle storms should be. The family has been selling the weather to the highest bidder for three generations now, including weaponising it, and Lux has found his own unique way of using their abilities which they do not recognise. Both of them have written him off entirely, however, he’s the male heir and tradition dictates that he will inherit. He would much rather have nothing to do with it, however, Lux sees it as the only way to undo the mistakes and tragedies that his family have had a hand in. That’s if he can stop Cas from winning, but before that he has to save her from their father’s wrath.
The fact that it allows him to help Gen, the famous circus performer he fell in love with long ago, is of course, just a bonus
bonnerbooks's review
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review
I started off really liking this book. And honestly I still like it. But I ended up DNFing this book.
The concept is so clever and imaginative and I really like it. But the actual plot ended up being rather predictable and it just hasn’t hooked me. I got 37% of the way through this book before I put it down officially but I have been trying to read this book for a few weeks now and just have no urge to pick it back up ever.
Normally I rate a book I DNF 1 star but I’m giving this book 2 stars because it is something I think lots of people will enjoy and could get really hooked on. But I believe the target audience may be slightly younger than me (I’m 23) despite it advertised as general YA. I feel like if I read this as a young teen I would have adored it. Right now I can say I only like it but not enough to pick it back up and finish.
I started off really liking this book. And honestly I still like it. But I ended up DNFing this book.
The concept is so clever and imaginative and I really like it. But the actual plot ended up being rather predictable and it just hasn’t hooked me. I got 37% of the way through this book before I put it down officially but I have been trying to read this book for a few weeks now and just have no urge to pick it back up ever.
Normally I rate a book I DNF 1 star but I’m giving this book 2 stars because it is something I think lots of people will enjoy and could get really hooked on. But I believe the target audience may be slightly younger than me (I’m 23) despite it advertised as general YA. I feel like if I read this as a young teen I would have adored it. Right now I can say I only like it but not enough to pick it back up and finish.
ashleym10148's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
archuxinyues's review
4.0
sapphic rep!! cant wait for next book , sufficiently interesting worldbuilding imo , unexpected twists / ending and love mythology inspirations
thiane_reads_sa's review
4.0
Round up to 4.5 stars⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this fantastic book.
Thrilling, adventurous and fully loaded with a fresh and unique magic system that will have you hooked from page one. As a reader I absolutely love retellings, so when I saw this was a gender-bent Hercules Greek mythology retelling I couldn’t get started fast enough.
The plot revolves around an Olympian empresses annual lottery that usually grants 10 people their wishes. This year around the game was changed where the rules now place two girls head-to-head in order for only one to make their wish and have it granted. In the left corner, we have an orphan named Gen, last of the Mazon tribe,coming in with the magical ability to speak to animals and her wish for her father to be set free from prison and their names cleared. Rumbling in the right corner is Castor, royalty, full-time stormmaker with the wish that her islands archaic laws be demolished so she can become rightful heir of Arcadia.
Both these two girls are cunning, smart and determined. With impossible tasks, set in a world that make it even harder, who will complete it all and have their wish granted?
This was an epic story full of twists, excitement and scenes that made me audibly gasp. I loved that there were multiple POV’s and I have to say Pollux has my heart, he is such a cinnamon roll.
Don’t miss out on this amazing retelling and crazy ride that is this book. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two. Fingers crossed for a team-up!
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this fantastic book.
Thrilling, adventurous and fully loaded with a fresh and unique magic system that will have you hooked from page one. As a reader I absolutely love retellings, so when I saw this was a gender-bent Hercules Greek mythology retelling I couldn’t get started fast enough.
The plot revolves around an Olympian empresses annual lottery that usually grants 10 people their wishes. This year around the game was changed where the rules now place two girls head-to-head in order for only one to make their wish and have it granted. In the left corner, we have an orphan named Gen, last of the Mazon tribe,coming in with the magical ability to speak to animals and her wish for her father to be set free from prison and their names cleared. Rumbling in the right corner is Castor, royalty, full-time stormmaker with the wish that her islands archaic laws be demolished so she can become rightful heir of Arcadia.
Both these two girls are cunning, smart and determined. With impossible tasks, set in a world that make it even harder, who will complete it all and have their wish granted?
This was an epic story full of twists, excitement and scenes that made me audibly gasp. I loved that there were multiple POV’s and I have to say Pollux has my heart, he is such a cinnamon roll.
Don’t miss out on this amazing retelling and crazy ride that is this book. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two. Fingers crossed for a team-up!
energyrae's review
4.0
An olympian fantasy? Yes, please! Gen and Castor each have their reasons for entering the lottery. But when they’re pitted against each other, things heat up, and lives, present and future, are at stake. The blurb promises an adventure, and it wasn’t wrong.
Told in alternating viewpoints, I would cheer on Gen, her persistence and strength, and then when we switched to Cas, even when her actions were extreme and cringey, I wanted to see her succeed. Menard wrote strong characters who, while on opposite sides, had good reasons for what they were doing. The addition of Pollux to Gen’s team added a whole new level.
This is such a fun read. I love the depth of the world, the magic, and the characters. Each new task brought new talents, magical creatures, mythology, and lore. Game of Strength and Storm is well-researched with a fun twist that added tense and kind moments throughout. Overall, this is an addicting, fast-paced adventure with a bit of romance. I can’t wait to see where Menard takes this series.
Told in alternating viewpoints, I would cheer on Gen, her persistence and strength, and then when we switched to Cas, even when her actions were extreme and cringey, I wanted to see her succeed. Menard wrote strong characters who, while on opposite sides, had good reasons for what they were doing. The addition of Pollux to Gen’s team added a whole new level.
This is such a fun read. I love the depth of the world, the magic, and the characters. Each new task brought new talents, magical creatures, mythology, and lore. Game of Strength and Storm is well-researched with a fun twist that added tense and kind moments throughout. Overall, this is an addicting, fast-paced adventure with a bit of romance. I can’t wait to see where Menard takes this series.
sofiasshelves's review against another edition
4.0
i was provided an arc of this book via netgalley in exchange for a honest review. thank you to the publisher, the author and netgalley. all thoughts are my own.
the short version of my review could simply be "this was so fun, i had the time of my life reading this book"
in this story, we follow both genevieve and castor as they enter an annual lottery in which people can request something from the empresses - for a price. castor wants to inherit rather than her twin brother and is angry at being passed over for being born a woman. genevieve wants her father out of prision, and to have their name restored after he was accused of murder.
the book is a reimagining of the 12 labors of hercules/heracles, and it was such a great adaptation. i wanted to mention that first of all because the way the author adapted the greek mythology in this was so fun. it felt done in a way that someone who wasn't interested in mythology could still enjoy this, and obviously to anyone who likes mythology it's so fun to see both the references and how the labors were reworked to fit in the new world created.
the world was also very fun - i loved the magic systems and how balanced everything felt. the pace was also very fast paced and i couldn't stop turning the pages which also great if you are someone who enjoys fast paced books like me.
as far as characters go, i also wanted to mention how great castor is as a character. i haven't felt so much for a character i also disliked in... well, maybe ever. the way the author managed to make me feel bad for her despite every rational thought i had was nothing short of great. my thoughts are my complicated than that but i don't want to get into spoilers and also i do want to see how things progress in the next book, but at least in this one, castor was fascinating. gen was also a great character. she might be a bit more 'generic' in being the hero way, but she had some really great moments as well. and last but not least, pollux was a very nice surprise as a character. i also really loved how things changed depending on the perspective that things were being seen.
i think the one reason why i'm rating this four star rather than five is that it does rely a bit on the miscommunication trope for a particular part of the plot to happen and i'm not fond of that trope, personal preference there. that and the romance felt very very fast, while i didn't mind much because of how sweet it was and i was won over, it did bother me a bit at the end when i realized how little time had passed.
overall i just loved how things were adapted personally. i was also left with questions and curious at the end which i count as a good thing - if i finish a book and want more, want to know what happened next, that's a great thing. overall? just a really fun read.
the short version of my review could simply be "this was so fun, i had the time of my life reading this book"
in this story, we follow both genevieve and castor as they enter an annual lottery in which people can request something from the empresses - for a price. castor wants to inherit rather than her twin brother and is angry at being passed over for being born a woman. genevieve wants her father out of prision, and to have their name restored after he was accused of murder.
the book is a reimagining of the 12 labors of hercules/heracles, and it was such a great adaptation. i wanted to mention that first of all because the way the author adapted the greek mythology in this was so fun. it felt done in a way that someone who wasn't interested in mythology could still enjoy this, and obviously to anyone who likes mythology it's so fun to see both the references and how the labors were reworked to fit in the new world created.
the world was also very fun - i loved the magic systems and how balanced everything felt. the pace was also very fast paced and i couldn't stop turning the pages which also great if you are someone who enjoys fast paced books like me.
as far as characters go, i also wanted to mention how great castor is as a character. i haven't felt so much for a character i also disliked in... well, maybe ever. the way the author managed to make me feel bad for her despite every rational thought i had was nothing short of great. my thoughts are my complicated than that but i don't want to get into spoilers and also i do want to see how things progress in the next book, but at least in this one, castor was fascinating. gen was also a great character. she might be a bit more 'generic' in being the hero way, but she had some really great moments as well. and last but not least, pollux was a very nice surprise as a character. i also really loved how things changed depending on the perspective that things were being seen.
i think the one reason why i'm rating this four star rather than five is that it does rely a bit on the miscommunication trope for a particular part of the plot to happen and i'm not fond of that trope, personal preference there. that and the romance felt very very fast, while i didn't mind much because of how sweet it was and i was won over, it did bother me a bit at the end when i realized how little time had passed.
overall i just loved how things were adapted personally. i was also left with questions and curious at the end which i count as a good thing - if i finish a book and want more, want to know what happened next, that's a great thing. overall? just a really fun read.