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A review by woodsbookclub
Game of Strength and Storm by Rachel Menard
5.0
A ton of magic, badass heroines, animal companions, impossible tasks, found families and slow-burn romance. Brace yourself, because this book has it all.
Once a year, the Olympian Empresses grant the wishes of ten people selected by a lottery for a price. But this time, they change the rules and pit two girls against each other; they have to be the ones granting the wishes and only one will have her own desire fulfilled. Inspired by Greek mythology, specifically the Ancient Olympic Games, this fast-paced fantasy novel by Rachel Menard follows a dangerous competition between two 17-year-old girls: Gen, a former circus performer trying to free her wrongfully imprisoned father, who was sentenced to life for a mass murder she knows he didn’t commit; and Castor, who plans to rule Arcadia, but only after the island’s archaic laws are changed and her brother, Pullox, is no longer the rightful heir.
The main characters are diverse and quite intriguing. Genevieve, also known as Gen, is a MindWorker (she can connect, talk and influence animals to their bidding through feeding them her hair, spit or blood) and the last one of the all-female Mazon tribe (which was apparently extinct by Gargareans, an all-male tribe). Born with a fancy title, Castor, Lady of Storms, has endless money and the power to control storms. Both must use their cunning, strength and unique skill-set to master seemingly impossible tasks, including bringing to the empresses the head of a Hydra.
I love Gen: she’s determined, smart, passionate and kind. As for Castor, not so much. I mean, I would love her to be strong-headed, ambitious and proudly queer if she wasn’t too cruel most of the time; she does whatever it takes to get what she wants, even if it means hurting the people she loves. Her brother, Pollux, is the complete opposite: a misunderstood artist with a big heart and a knack for building and playing the violin.
As for the story per se, it was fast-paced but steady, which means the author let us know the characters, their backgrounds and even the lore of the world without ever leaving us dry for action. The writing is compelling and easy to read, and each POV was also very distinct. The twist at the end was expected but leaves space for a fun sequel, which I appreciate (and hope it brings us a much-need map!).
Thanks to NetGalley, Flux and North Star Editions for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
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Teens of Olympia Gen and Castor race to be the first to complete the better half of 12 nearly impossible tasks to obtain their greatest desire. Only one will win. The other walks away with nothing--if she walks away at all.
A ton of magic, badass characters, cute sidekicks, found families and slow-burn romance. What's not to love? It is fast-paced and enthralling, and I can't get enough of Gen. I tried to draw her on Procreate with a new blouse (after trying to draw her original outfit and suck at it, but it ended up cute, I guess), so I hope it peeks your curiosity. I love, love, love her (and Pollux, and even Castor, who's queer, ambitious and unapologetic btw!)
Once a year, the Olympian Empresses grant the wishes of ten people selected by a lottery for a price. But this time, they change the rules and pit two girls against each other; they have to be the ones granting the wishes and only one will have her own desire fulfilled. Inspired by Greek mythology, specifically the Ancient Olympic Games, this fast-paced fantasy novel by Rachel Menard follows a dangerous competition between two 17-year-old girls: Gen, a former circus performer trying to free her wrongfully imprisoned father, who was sentenced to life for a mass murder she knows he didn’t commit; and Castor, who plans to rule Arcadia, but only after the island’s archaic laws are changed and her brother, Pullox, is no longer the rightful heir.
The main characters are diverse and quite intriguing. Genevieve, also known as Gen, is a MindWorker (she can connect, talk and influence animals to their bidding through feeding them her hair, spit or blood) and the last one of the all-female Mazon tribe (which was apparently extinct by Gargareans, an all-male tribe). Born with a fancy title, Castor, Lady of Storms, has endless money and the power to control storms. Both must use their cunning, strength and unique skill-set to master seemingly impossible tasks, including bringing to the empresses the head of a Hydra.
I love Gen: she’s determined, smart, passionate and kind. As for Castor, not so much. I mean, I would love her to be strong-headed, ambitious and proudly queer if she wasn’t too cruel most of the time; she does whatever it takes to get what she wants, even if it means hurting the people she loves. Her brother, Pollux, is the complete opposite: a misunderstood artist with a big heart and a knack for building and playing the violin.
As for the story per se, it was fast-paced but steady, which means the author let us know the characters, their backgrounds and even the lore of the world without ever leaving us dry for action. The writing is compelling and easy to read, and each POV was also very distinct. The twist at the end was expected but leaves space for a fun sequel, which I appreciate (and hope it brings us a much-need map!).
Thanks to NetGalley, Flux and North Star Editions for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
----
Teens of Olympia Gen and Castor race to be the first to complete the better half of 12 nearly impossible tasks to obtain their greatest desire. Only one will win. The other walks away with nothing--if she walks away at all.
A ton of magic, badass characters, cute sidekicks, found families and slow-burn romance. What's not to love? It is fast-paced and enthralling, and I can't get enough of Gen. I tried to draw her on Procreate with a new blouse (after trying to draw her original outfit and suck at it, but it ended up cute, I guess), so I hope it peeks your curiosity. I love, love, love her (and Pollux, and even Castor, who's queer, ambitious and unapologetic btw!)