A review by lacrimaeignis
A Game of Fate, by Scarlett St. Clair
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved A Game of Fate even more so than A Touch of Darkness! While AGOF is labelled as Hades' POV of ATOD it is so much more than that. The story is it's own, but some of the scenes do overlap as it is occuring at the same time as ATOD.
As someone who got a degree in Classics with a focus in mythology, it is very difficult for me to find and enjoy mythological retellings. It's so easy to spot the authors who think research is just reading the Wikipedia page. But Scarlett St. Clair isn't that type of author. It is clear she has a love for the myths and has done thorough research into the different versions of a single myth and choosing and adapting what works best for her tale. She is able to reach a modern audience and stay true to the original myths while making them new at the same time.
I adored all of the subtle Easter Eggs and the interactions/relationships with the various gods. I was so happy to see her give realistic interpretations of them! It was amazing to be able to delve further into Hades' psyche and his motives. And see the gods as these beings who are just as flawed as humanity. Gods who make mistakes and are forced to deal with the consequences and find solutions to right their wrongs.
Oh and we can't forget the level of spiciness this novel offers. It takes a little while to get there but when it happens, the spice just keeps building. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and delve even further into these timeless characters!
As someone who got a degree in Classics with a focus in mythology, it is very difficult for me to find and enjoy mythological retellings. It's so easy to spot the authors who think research is just reading the Wikipedia page. But Scarlett St. Clair isn't that type of author. It is clear she has a love for the myths and has done thorough research into the different versions of a single myth and choosing and adapting what works best for her tale. She is able to reach a modern audience and stay true to the original myths while making them new at the same time.
I adored all of the subtle Easter Eggs and the interactions/relationships with the various gods. I was so happy to see her give realistic interpretations of them! It was amazing to be able to delve further into Hades' psyche and his motives. And see the gods as these beings who are just as flawed as humanity. Gods who make mistakes and are forced to deal with the consequences and find solutions to right their wrongs.
Oh and we can't forget the level of spiciness this novel offers. It takes a little while to get there but when it happens, the spice just keeps building. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and delve even further into these timeless characters!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Alcohol, and Blood