The Immortal Game

by Talia Rothschild, A.C. Harvey

An exiled goddess goes on a quest to clear her name and save Mount Olympus.

Galene, daughter of Poseidon, desperately wants to earn her place among the gods. But when a violent attack leaves Mount Olympus in chaos and ruins, she is accused of the crime. Banished from Olympus, Galene sets out to prove her innocence and discovers a more deadly plot—one that threatens even the oldest of Immortals.

Fortunately, she has allies who willingly join her in exile:

A lifelong friend who commands the wind.
A defiant warrior with deadly skill.
A fire-wielder with a hero’s heart.
A mastermind who plays life like a game.

All-out war is knocking at the gates. Galene and her friends are the only ones who can tip the scales toward justice, but their choices could save Olympus from total annihilation, or be the doom of them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology, Young Adult Fantasy, Romance, High Fantasy, Magic

352 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 2021

About the author

Talia Rothschild, Italian American, is passionate about stories in many forms—music, dance, photography, film and, of course, great novels. She believes in thick hot chocolate and creamer in your tea. When she's not happily writing, she's mothering the sweetest baby girl and making memories with her husband. Her debut book The Immortal Game, coauthored with A. C. Harvey, hits the shelves May 2021.

Reviews

[Lia Carstairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart is filled with so much love and happiness for Kostas and Galene🥺

Also, I never imagined that I'd actually like the Olympians??? I shan't ever get tired of Greek Mythology.

I am the daughter of Poseidon, God of Seas.
I will save my friends. I will clear my name.
I will tame the sea.

Here lies Mount Olympus—home of the Greek Gods where they live under rule of the Olympians in peace. Not all of the gods are immortal, though. Each of them must prove their worth to be able to gain immortality, this being done by taking the Immortality Trial. Pass and you are granted immortality—fail, and you must wait another 10 years before taking the test again.

Galene, daughter of Poseidon, has prepared all her life to prove her worth and loyalty, especially after the actions of her brother, Chrysander, years before. However, unfortunate incidents occur eventually leading up to a vicious attack on Mount Olympus that has everyone believing Galene to be the perpetrator. With this, comes her exile from Olympus and the journey amongst friends to uncover the truth and prove Galene's innocence.

"I am worthy of being a deity."

The story followed four POVs and I really liked how distinct their personalities were. Galene is my favourite of the four like she's the quiet type of strong and her character was done spectacularly. And while at times her loyalty towards certain beings seemed foolish, I had to admire it a lot. Even being banished from Mount Olympus, she still felt loyal to the very gods who exiled her. Just wow. I would despise them and look forward to revenge. now what does that say about me?

Also, she's the daughter of Poseidon??? One of my favourite Olympians ahh so how could I not love her?? Apollo will forever remain my #1 favourite

"Because I love you, and someone needed to stand up for you."

Iyana, daughter of Zeus, cares so much for her friends, I adore her loyalty and love for Galene like its' seriously just so sweet. Her stubbornness too when she'd be facing gods she knows are way stronger her like wow I could never. The way she feels like she's useless, especially with the added pressure of being Zeus's daughter yet not having much of his powers... its so sad watching her despair over this. There were moments where she's annoy me but overall her character development was done really well.


Braxtos, the son of Apollo, was probably my least favourite of the gang. He annoyed me at times, but he also had his admirable moments. There wasn't really anything that stood out about him. He was just there for me, I guess.

"Everything is a game."

Kostas, the son of Hermes, is just perfect. First, I mean he's the God of Games, so how cool is that??? And he's always trying to lift the mood up when everyone's acting all depressed, it's so sweet omg. Also, the way Kostas is literally the only reasonable god among the group—I guess that's what happens when you can read others' emotions👀

Okay but Kostas and Galene?? my hearttt they're so adorable omg I adore those two; I was literally shipping them so hard throughout the story. THEY'RE SO CUTE. The wholesome interactions and Kostas flirting with Galene- *screaming* *extreme fangirling* I'm in love.

So sad that this is a standalone because I won't be seeing anymore sweet moments between the two 😭 There will never be enough Kostene (?) me attempting at a ship name scenes.

The other bond I loved here was the one between Iyana and Galene omg their friendship was so heartwarming ahhh and the one between Kostas and Braxtos?? *chef's kiss* Kostas punching Braxtos will forever remain one of my favourite scenes. True friendship indeed.😌


I really should've been able to guess who the culprit was behind framing Galene for the incident at Mount Olympus but my brain really doesn't like to work when the answer is so obvious smh. like it literally ALWAYS has something to do with a certain god. In every Greek Mythology based book I've read it's always them. Why did I think it'd be any different?? (im still trying to be vague in case someone who hasn't read this decides to click the spoiler WHICH YOU SHOULDN'T BE CLICKING UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE BOOK.)

Honestly, I still can't believe the fatherly love I saw from some of the Olympians, especially from both Poseidon and Zeus towards their children like??? I mean, they were still jerks of course, but they were also actually so sweet🥺 Really suspicious if you ask me. I'm not used to this kindness hmmm. But I do really love them <3

Again, I wish this wasn't a standalone because I want more of these characters *sobs* but The Immortal Games had a beautiful and heartwarming conclusion that definitely has me satisfied. The only reason this didn't get 5 stars was because it took awhile to get really engaged with the story and there were some scenes that dragged on a little, but other than that, I loved it!


And now I feel like rereading the Percy Jackson series...


(4.5⭐)



Buddy read with Alex @ The Scribe Owl!! <33


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Many thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for sending me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!

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Pre-read Review:

DAUGHTER of POSEIDON and a GANG OF EXILES???

YES PLEASE

and that cover omg

[✨ Helena ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this complimentary ARC from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

- daughter of Poseidon
- banishment from Olympus
- uncovering of a deadly plot

RTC!!!

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so much fun to read! I am a big fan of mythology-based books and books about loyalty, friendship, adventure, standing up for injustly accused and finding your own way in the world. Add not one but two strong female leads to the mix and you've got me swooning!

Unlike Percy Jackson this book doesn't focus on demi-gods, but rather Young, teenage gods, so there is very little connection with the human world. The main characters Galene, daughter of Poseidon, Iyana,daughter of Zeus, Demetri, son of Ares, and Braxtus are so-called unnamed gods, because they still have to take a special kind of test to earn their immortality and future veneration from humans. There is also Kostas, another adorable character, who has already passed his Trial and has earned his name of the God of Games.

Galene fails her test, although there are some doubts about the fairness of the trial in her case. She is sad, but resigned to try again in future. Then unthinkable happens: Mount Olympus is attacked and Galene is framed for what occured. She is exiled. Her best friend Iyana speaks up in her favour and banishes herself in protest against the unfairness of the Gods' decision. They are joined by Demetri,and later Braxtus and Kostas. Once they reach Galene's previously exiled older brother Chrysander, they will have to make some choices that would test their loyalty to their home and would send them on an unforgettable adventure.

There are several POVs in this book and I loved getting these different perspectives, although I must admit Kostas's was always my favourite, due not only to his character, but also his special abilities. The mix of characters was absolutely perfect, plus they all have to grow and develop in the book to show to the world what they really are and what they are capable of!

The setting and the quest were fantastic- there was so much variety! The pace was excellent- just enough time to let us get to know the characters better and lots of exciting action. One of my favourite scenes was the battle of Iyana with the traitor- it was great to see this generaly quiet and insecure girl realise her power and use it in a spectacular way. Another top moment is the Beast Maker Game, but you have to read the book to find out what it's all about...
Recommended to anyone who loves a good action-packed mythology story.

[Booktastically Amazing · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am still trying to figure out the point of this.

Rating: 😕😕😕 3.4

The book, not the review. The point of the review is to basically force myself into the cocoon of everyone's brains and make them doubt themselves of ever wanting to be my friends. In other words, I'm here to serve out unasked for opinions.

What happens when the Deck of Fates is stacked against you? (don't think I didn't miss the pun)
The description sea-green eyes is used 11 times in a 300-page book. (let's see how long it takes for everyone to begin to hate me when I mention sea-grean eyes excessively)

Let me get out of the way, my first observation upon finishing the story. The girl on the front cover is looking as confused as I felt, she's like 'what is this' and I completely relate. Either she's thinking that or praying to the Gods for better names that are not God of Games.
I'm sorry, I'll try to stop being so salty.

I shall rewind this for better hope of being a decent being.

How does a human snarl sound like?
Why did they repeat Sea-green eyes 11 times?
Are they aware that my mind is indeed exisistent and that I'll remember the powers that belong to each protagonist and know their ancestry, without being reminded of it 875 times per chapter?

Do any of these things sound normal?

If so, please do come in, make yourselves comfortable, and bring out your beverage of choice (mine are  my encapsulated grunts of aggression).
I'm ready to rant the crap out of this.

Because I want to begin as dignified as possible, lets list some things this book mastered. (aka, me trying to find a more engaging manner of discussing the plot)

- [ ] Every chapter ended in a cliffhanger which was the only thing that kept me hooked to the storyline.

- [ ] The plot was quite entertaining, a tad predictable, but I really don't care about that. The twists were good, didn't grab me from the roots of my veins, but did indeed force my fragile sense of responsibility to stay up all night reading it.

- [ ] If I'm being honest, I actually really liked the battle scenes. A little too clean for my taste (not enough gore, not many close deaths that were meaningful, basically zero to no bloodshed. Someone jumped off a cliff? Let's give them a few broken bones.) I liked how the energy and emotions flowed, how the moves were described. It satisfied my slight need for killing stuff, so that's always a plus. (I am not a murderer, please don't come at me. It was a one time occasion-)

- [ ] The pace was a little strange because I didn't understand where in the timeline I was supposed to be in, but the book moved quite quickly and was not as boring as it could've been.

Now, unto the things that ended up being less than satisfactory. (aka, the rest of everything I do in my usual reviews, *snort*)

- [ ] Everything else, I'm done.

- [ ] Of course I'm not done. The writing was a little... um... how do I say this- lukewarm. It was not the best, phrases were repeated continuously and omg, I just realized why sea-green eyes stood out so much. I can't breathe- Galene controls water. Water as in sea. Sea as in sea-green. Omg, are Braxtus eyes flame-red? I'm wheezing. Alright, back to the topic at hand. Or should I say... at fin. Get it? Fish fin? Bahahahah. *booksy is out of commission for the time being*

- [ ] I am back or should I say, tail. I need to stop. How do mermaids have babies though? Darn it, I'm getting distracted like a fish out of sea. (pfffft) The thing is, the whole atmosphere of the story was nice, however, I felt like everyone was a teenager in the 21st century playing make-believe. Take the Beast Maker game. Yes, it is a thing. Tell me it doesn't sound like Pokemon. Don't get me wrong, I was hying the characters something fierce during their battles, but I guess it seemed a tad bit, out of place. Though I must admit, I was at the edge of my seat for every battle with the cards. Conflicted? Heck yes.

- [ ] The mythology aspect was very much present, but not. There were so many missed opportunities this could've gone in and basically failed to see the many walkways to push through.

- [ ] The characters, for this one, I'll need a whole different set-up.

Hallo, okay, the characters. I personally thought they were okay, therefore I shall rant against every one of them. (sense? doesn't make any)

Galene was, by far, one of the best characters. I grew to hate her for her eyes, not her fault but still. I adored her powers and how she controlled them. How ready she was for everything and her strength, be it emotional or physical, were amazing and left my heart feeling content as the whole plot progressed. I loved seeing the ocean through her... (don't you say it, don't say it-) sea-green eyes, and felt as if I was riding atop seahorses and caressing the waves with the tips of my fictional scales. Now, I really don't have anything to dislike her for, because I read about her. Not experience WITH her, you know? I didn't feel like I learned anything about her and that left an empty space that scored this book a thumbs down for me.

Iyana was there. She was cute. Her silvery hair made me want to strangle her because it was mentioned so many times, however, her super enhanced abilities moved me to her end of the court whenever we were in her perspective. Always loyal, loving to a fault, gentle in her heart. Until the last pages, that is. The last chapters saved this whole thing from the 2-star trash can.

Braxtus was the gentle giant with fiery disposition and a love to burn for eternity. Can you tell I don't know anything apart from that? Even though I read the book? Yeah, I can tell too.

My baby, the one guy that had more than a half tank of personality, Kostas. *every squeal of mine resounds in the distance* I loved him. I craved for his chapters like I was starving for some donuts to mangle, everything that came out of his mouth was infused with so much beautiful intelligence. His power with sensing auras endeared him to me more than anyone ever did throughout the course of the clean battlefield as mentioned above. Dark, tall and with a severe penchant of smirking and delivering puzzle pieces, this guy here stole the whole show. Nay, carried it on his back.

Demitri, Son of Ares (that was mentioned like 56 times), I feel bad for having such conflicted feelings for you. Perhaps your father's legacy of delicious villainy raised your status in my mind, or maybe, you're actually worth having a thought about. Either way, you were wasted potential. There, I said it. All of them were missing something.

(Beware! Salty Booksy taking the floor)

I didn't enjoy the friendships as much as I thought I would. Superficial, too light, too many holes in the spectrum of friendliness, and frankly, best friends? I bet the woman who kindly asks you to pick a can of produce in the supermarket know them better than their counterpart ever will.

I won't even mention the romance. I'll start crying. And not because of the perfection, because there wasn't any. Sweetness? Absolutely. Tension or chemistry? As if. I'm pretty sure if I start kissing a wall, it will have as much feeling as everything there.

On a closing note, I'm actually really sad that this book failed this badly with me. So much potential, so many expectations, none were made useful. I would've loved to see the character's parents interact with them, I wanted to know more about how Zeus treated his children, how Ares disciplined his kid, how Poseidon sang his daughter to sleep. The plot was a nice reprieve from the sea-green eye and the God of Games (again, come on. God of Trickery. Something else, please), the writing was not the worst and the characters didn't make me want to go on a killing spree. *le sigh* I shall go now to search for some epic music. If a book doesn't bring the fabulously bloody war to me, I'll bring the vicious battle to it.

Last note on the friendship:

“After a few more paces, Galene pulled Iyana to a stop. “I could never ask for a truer friend, Iyana. And … I’m so grateful you came with me.”
Iyana grinned. “I told you you wouldn’t regret it.” Then her tone grew more serious. “Not even the Fates could end this friendship.”
Galene pulled Iyana in and hugged her tightly. “Stay safe…”
“… but fight hard,” Iyana finished.”


I'm goign to die alone.
..........................................
I don’t know where this went wrong.
Oh wait, I actually do, when it repeated ‘sea-green eyes’ eleven times.

I shall return when I’ve punched the wall sufficient times to calm my sea green temper.

[Alex (The Scribe Owl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

See this review and more at my blog, The Scribe Owl!

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to Lia @ Chain of Novels for being a stellar buddy read partner! <3

4.5/5 stars

The Immortal Game is a fantastic take on Greek mythology perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who want something more YA than middle grade.

I had huge expectations, and I'm so glad that The Immortal Game lived up to them! Ever since I got hooked on Percy Jackson at the age of eight, I've loved Greek mythology. I had books and books of them, some fiction stories and others the real myths. I'm always on the hunt for a new mythology book, and this one was nearly perfect!

Galene, daughter of Poseidon, desperately wants to win her immortality and take her place among the gods. But when Olympus is attacked from the inside, she is wrongly accused and exiled. Banished from her home, Galene sets out to earn her way back. Thankfully, she's not on her own. Four other allies join her in her quest to earn her way home and save Olympus.

There are four POVs in this story. While that could be confusing, I was absolutely delighted. I love a large cast of main characters! There were five of them on the main quest, which seems like the perfect number! I was a little worried that with four MCs and one standalone 400-pager we wouldn't get enough character development, but I'm more than happy to be wrong sometimes! All four of them were developed well and thoroughly.

The characters themselves were unique and compelling. Galene was the main main character, but that didn't mean that the others didn't get their time to shine! I admired Galene's courage, Kostas's wits, Braxtos's passion, and Iyana's quiet strength. I also loved that we had a character who couldn't fight but was able to win with his intellect! That isn't something we see a lot in high fantasy, so I'm infinitely happy to see it.

While I loved all the questing parts with all my heart, I could have done without the war and all the massive battles. When you have the small fights that come with a five-person quest, everything seems very personal. As soon as you add armies, you can't focus on the characters much and everything becomes distanced from the reader. The quest was a five-star while the war was only a four-star, which is where the 4.5 came from.

All in all, I really loved this book. It scratched that mythology itch that I've had since Percy Jackson, and I'm so happy to add another Greek mythology book to my repertoire.

[Jen ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5/5 Stars***

The Immortal Game was an enthralling story that swept me away! Trials, friendship, teamwork, and twists laced through the pages and made for such an exciting read! If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, then you should definitely pick up this book.

I’m the reason they’re leaving, Galene thought with a heartthrob, and they’re more prepared for this than I am.

This story started off with heart pounding scenes that quickly pulled me in. The children of the Gods and Goddesses had to battle a combination of mythological creatures that were terrifying. Upon winning their Trial, they were granted eternal life. But from Galene’s Trial, she was led down a path where she was accused of a deadly attack and banished from her home, Mount Olympus. In a quest to prove her innocence she was joined by four others. The journey and this group of outcasts had me turning the pages as fast as I could to see what happened next!

"Being a hero is about fighting for something bigger than yourself, despite the obstacles, despite the fear.” He caught her gaze again. “You did that for Galene. You do that every day.” - Braxtus and Iyana

My heart became attached so quickly to this group of outcasts. We had Galene daughter of Poseidon, Iyana daughter of Zeus, Kostas son of Hermes, Braxtus son of Apollo and Demitri son of Ares. With every step they took, it felt like there was an insurmountable obstacles in their way. Not only was it physically challenging, and we got to watch the powers and gifts each of them had. But it was also mentally taxing too. They knew they had to work together, even if there were struggles between some of those in the group. So I loved watching them learn to trust, put faith and try to have each other’s backs every step of the way.

She tumbled backward through the air.
And smiled.
Stretching her hands to either side, she unleashed the tempest inside her.

The story alternated between four of the characters and while that’s usually not my thing, I loved this format! Each of them became that much more entrenched in my heart and I was shocked how equally invested I was in each of them! My heart ached as they faced different fears and worked their way through personal struggles. But from beginning to end they grew. And the friendship between Galene and Iyana and Kostas and Braxtus warmed my heart. On top of that, there were two different romances I was rooting for. I don’t want to say anymore other than my heart was so, so, so happy with how it all turned out! Plus I loved that this story made it feel as though I was watching a movie play before my eyes.

Galene fell, a sob tearing from her lungs.
Gold ichor pooled around his head, his bare arms and legs stained with deep golden bruises. His eyes were closed, his lips parted, his body still.
She clawed her way to him, shuddering with sobs.

The Immortal Game led us down a path filled with peril and friendship! If you love Greek Mythology, like I do, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with all of the elements that can be found in this tale. From the characters, to their richly imagined world, to even the mythical creatures that nightmares were created from, so much can be found in these pages! I was so happy that my favorite Gods, Goddesses and even creatures I was terrified of were included in this epic quest and battle. This is a book I can’t wait for my littles to read and I think it would be a great transition for when they’re ready to step from MG to YA!

“Believe it or not, I still don’t want to hurt you.”
“Funny,” she growled. “Because I do.”
She pulled back and let a spike fly.

PS While this is a standalone that ends absolutely fabulously, I can definitely see other stories panning out in this world in the future *fingers crossed*.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this review is not going to be eloquent because I am so EXCITED about the release of this book. I mean, THE IMMORTAL GAME deserves all the praise,. All the accolades. I don't get to read many books based on Greek myths (I am not a Percy fan so don't even try with me) so this was a breath of fresh air that kept me up way too late.

Fun fact: I originally typed breast of fresh air, so there's that for how out of my mind I am after reading this book.

In the blurb, we know that a group of teen gods have to save Mount Olympus from a threat outside their borders, but you're not prepared to read not one, not two, but four POVs, and all of them unique and fierce and lovable in their own rights. That being said, you have a lot to love to about this here book.

We open the story with Galene as she preps for a high stake challenge to earn immortal status. But things so awry and she's blamed for an attack on Mount Olympus and subsequently banished. Her best friend exiles herself as well, as does her boyfriend and boyfriend's friend so we have our little fellowship who journey outside their home to locate Galene's exiled brother to find a way to retrieve their status. But as with most books at their ACT 1 stage, things don't go as planned and the four friends embark on an adventure filled with non-stop action, mythical creatures, and magic.

Did I mention the boys in this book are swoon-worthy and fierce?

Galene finds herself in a race for her life and the life of her family back in Mount Olympus. But can she trust those around her?

What I have been rambling about is a fine example of superior storytelling. I cannot get over how fast-paced and heart-wrenchingly good this book was. I wasn't prepared. I feel attacked.

The world-building is superb. The stage is set for a good ol' monster of Greek myth and it was so nice to see the gods at their classic cruelness. I think it's the same with the fae; I like my higher powers mean and nasty, yet harboring a soft spot for love.

If I don't get multiple copies of this book I may just die.

Let's circle back to the family. Galene is hell-bent on proving herself even after her banishment but soon realizes her family is not only by blood but by friendship and by those who are loyal and willing to fight for justice right along with her.

There's some romance, but it's not overpowering to the story. I believe in Galen's case, it's a slow burn.

Final thoughts: Um, loved it? Read if you love reading and books and plots that make you cheer and feel things.

[Ritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours, as well as the author and publisher for giving me a copy of “The Immortal Game” in exchange for an honest review!

Action-packed, beautifully written, and fierce!

I wish this wasn’t a standalone. I need more of these characters.

"I am the daughter of Poseidon, God of the Seas.

I will save my friends. I will clear my name.

I will tame the sea."

Galene is such a badass. She’s honestly so cool. I love her personality and her strength. (And Poseidon is my favorite greek god so . . . ) I found her inner conflict really interesting, with one side being her loyalty to Olympus and the Olympians, and the other her anger at being punished for a crime she didn’t commit. Her inner struggles added a whole new depth to her character and it was really fascinating reading about it.

She leaned close to whisper in his ear. “I’m done with your games.”

This queen. Iyana is a queen, no one can argue with me. I love her so much. Her character development was amazing. She goes from a shy, sweet girl to a brave, strong warrior and I was there for it. I love her loyalty and her friendship with Galene, and just the way she cares about her. Iyana is probably my favorite character, and that’s saying something because I loved Kostas.

Speaking of Kostas . . .

"Everything is a game."

Kostas and Galene are so cute— I literally can’t. And Kostas is the best. He’s the son of Hermes, and the God of Games (which is actually so cool). I love that he can read other’s emotions and how he’s always trying to cheer everyone up. He’s so sweet and is probably the most level headed of the group. I loved his romance with Galene and his friendship with Braxtus is honestly the best. Also, the fact that Kostas low-key ships Iyana and Braxtus is so amazing (“Kostas looked to Braxtus. He would love her better.“)

"Being a hero is about fighting for something bigger than yourself, despite the obstacles, despite the fear."

Braxtus was probably my least favorite character. I didn’t really care about him, though I shipped him and Iyana from the beginning. He could be really infuriating, but I guess I understood why he acted so reckless. But he did really annoy me.

The world building was pretty good. It wasn’t as detailed as I would have liked it, because greek mythology is such an interesting subject there could have been so many different ways the authors could have gone. But it wasn’t an info dump either, so I can’t really complain. I just wish it was a little more rich and comprehensive.

There were two things I didn’t love about this book; the pacing and the culprit. Let me explain.

The pacing was a bit off. Most times, it was nice and fast-paced, but it took me quite a long time to actually be interested in the story. I feel like a book should draw you in from the start, but despite the fact that the book jumps right into the action, it felt a bit flat and it took me some time to start caring about the characters (Except for Kostas. I loved him from the beginning). I wish we got to see more world-building right from the start.

And the person who framed Galene? That was obvious. Maybe it’s just because I watch a lot of mystery, but I was able to guess who framed Galene pretty quick. I wouldn’t want the culprit to change, but I just want it to be less obvious. I feel like most people would be able to guess who it was.

But overall, I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading about mythology, or just wants a quick and fast paced read.











Loved it.

Review to come.

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of LORE by Alexandra Bracken and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Galene fails to conquer a beast and therefore loses her opportunity for immortality. She’s then set up for a crime and banished from the mountain of the gods. Her best friend Iyana refuses to believe her guilt and goes after her with her boyfriend. The god of games follows as well with his friend. Together they meet Galene’s banished brother and learn of a plot to destroy the gods. They must use all of their unique powers to save themselves and their home.

Full of action and adventure, this story is fast-paced and fun. There’s also two sweet side plot romances that add spice to the story. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, this book is for you!

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, go girls! This tightly woven, well-crafted, debut work of art converted me to the power of teen fantasy to captivate and inspire! It’s true—I come from a world of non-mythical creatures and non-fiction. I don’t do typically do mega fights and contests against beasts in my normal genres of reading, podcast listening, intentional reading… LOL…

That said, I have seen in THE IMMORTAL GAME the creative power to raise pro social issues, the tugs between worlds we want to live in or have lived in, the power to stand in one’s voice and speak up against seen and unseen powers, the working of gifts for good or evil, the question of whether ends justify the means, all tucked into a fast-moving, consistent drama behind the Olympians and Galene and Iyana’s quests—at first and at last—as they navigate tyranny and chaos and fight bravely for what matters most—with friends whose powers played magnificently into the unfolding of the plot—feeling other’s emotions, controlling water, figuring out life’s games, noticing auras…etc.

I marvel at these authors’ ability to Iive and breathe their characters, not overcast, but complex enough for the storyline—around the gods’ and goddesses’ known environment and rules, and choices around what and whom to be loyal to, in the quest for what really matters, the fight for justice, the sacrifices love calls forth in us, and more.

Full of catchy one-liners and that reflect an understanding of life beyond their ages, it’s well-written, definitely adventure-and-fantasy-packed! Kudos to Talia Rothschild and AC Harvey for the research, creativity, passion, and persistence that went into this debut fantasy work! Yes, read!

[Lia Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book whet my appetite for a Greek myth reading binge, and I'm so sad it's over!

From the first chapter, I was immersed in the story of these four POV characters and how their fates depended on each other not out of necessity, but out of love and honor. My favorite relationship definitely was between the two best friends, Galene and Iyana, who in turns stand up for each other, support each other, and help each other bloom.

The thing that shocked me most about this YA read was how many excellent ideas and intricacies of magic and character were packed into these pages. Iyana's empowering arc, how Kostas' powers shape his view of the world, the Beast Maker game... This story gave my brain so much to chew on even as it flung me through fast-paced action and adventure from the heights of Mt. Olympus to the depths of the ocean for a twist and climax that I could NOT put down. My biggest criticism here is that it could easily be twice as long. More please!

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Nicholas Binge · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

So I read this whole book in under 24 hours. I literally could not put it down. There is action - good, well-written, exciting action - from page one and it carries through the rest of the book.

More importantly, if you're a bit of a Greek mythology nerd (who isn't?), this book is an absolute goldmine of fun. Ever wanted to see a creature with the heads of Cerberus and the wings of Pegasus? The body of a Gryphon and mind of a Centaur and the eyes of a Cyclops? Rothschild and Harvey develop a magic system that is both true to Greek myth and just so damn fun. I want to be able to play the Olympian game of Beast Maker so much (video game spin off, anyone??)

That's not to mention all the other classical figures and ideas our characters encounter, from Daedalus to Charybdis, from Sirens to Olympians.

The main characters had everything you want from a book like this - authentic challenges and flaws, honest and personal growth, great twists and some cracking fight scenes.

If you're into fast paced action YA, or if you're into your Greek mythology, or if you just want a really fun read, I'd point you in the direction of this book. But have another one lined up, because you'll get through this one quick!

[Beth Mendelsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In this new twist on Greek mythology, all children of the god must participate in the Immortality Trials to earn their place on Mount Olympus and gain their immortality. The children of the main gods must take their trials 3 years before the other godly children. Galene, daughter of Poseidon, is taking her trial, which proves to be an impossible task resulting in her failure to pass. Shortly after her event, Olympus is violently attacked and Galene is blamed. She is unjustly exiled and four young gods, Iyana (daughter of Zeus), Demetri (son of Ares), Braxtus (son of Apollo), and Kostas (son of Hermes and Iris) follow her to help clear her name. Galene searches for her previously banished older brother, Chrysander, and soon discovers that he and his group are planning a deadly plot against the oldest immortal Olympians. Using her godly gifts, she and her friends quest for a relic that will either save or destroy Olympus.

Most Greek mythology novels focus on demigods – half human, half god. This YA novel focuses on young full-blooded gods. This is a great book for older readers who have moved on from the Percy Jackson series. It is set up as a stand-alone book but the authors have left the door open for possible sequels. I would recommend The Immortal Game for readers in grade 6 and up.

#TheImmortalGame #NetGalley

[Brody Killian · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I read an ARC version of this book in exchange of an honest review*

I received this book April/19/2021 at 10:15am and finished it April/21/2021. I have never finished a book sooner then 2 weeks, but as soon as I read the first page I was so captivated with this book. I couldn't put this book down. my wife had to actually take my phone away so I could do make chores and go exercise. I stayed up every night till 2am reading (btw not a good idea with a toddler). the action builds with each character as the story continues, as well as with the romance just tears at your heart strings, also the authors had done there research on Greek mythology and am very impress at how well it is written. This book had the hairs on my arms and back standing in suspense with every page I turn, it also had me heart broken with compassion for characters as I read.

First things first I am a fanboy when it come to Greek mythology in a book, everyone has such an interesting take on it which is what good my interested in this book. Then I picked this book up and found my self eagerly reading, racing to get to the next page. There is a game in the book called Beast maker, boy does that need to be a game. the creative Genius of this game alone speech to the brilliance of the writers, If it came out I wouldn't be able to restrain myself from buying it and start building my Deck of Fates, creating different combinations of mythical creatures so we can battle to the death.

Secondly, I am a Huge sucker for romance and nothing fills that itch more then a love triangle. They always get me good. This book will have you happy, in-love, melting, moved, crying, and filled with rage while the story progresses. It will have you cheering. lastly it will have you falling in-love.

If you like Greek Mythology, Romance, and fight sense then this is the book for you, its Well written and fast paced, and an over all amazing book to read. if you want to gain your own opinion of this book go pre-order it on amazon and tell your friends about it because I know I will be recommending it to all my friends.

[Don Merkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished devouring the soon to be released book “The Immortal Game” YUM! What’s not to love? The Grecian pantheon and their unruly teens with all their growing pains and growing super powers, jealousies, true love, true friendships, betrayal, breathtaking adventure and intrigue, epic battles with cool weapons fighting horrendous mythical beasts, intriguing riddles with lives and even the very existence of Mount Olympus hanging in the balance...(burp). A delicious read! #theimmortalgame

[Wendy Rothschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in from the 1st chapter and kept my interest throughout. I have never been a fan of Greek mythology, but this story really drew me into it. I enjoyed the characters and the unique situations they faced. Great for fans of Fantasy or Mythology.

[F. A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already preordered this book and think this book needs as much buzz and love as possible. This was everything I could want from a book on the Greek Gods and Mount Olympus and so much more. Also if you love a standalone and do not want to read a long series then this is a book for you. The authors do such a great job with a complete story arc in one story. The world building is incredible. You get great character development with multiple POVs which also helps the plot fast paced. There is non-stop action right from the get go. I am highly recommending this as a must read! 5 out of 5 Stars.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Game

Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours, Netgalley and the authors for providing me with a copy.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Review:
Well this book, this absolute gem of a book was everything I didn’t know I wanted or needed. I have a deep, unfaltering love of all things Greek. Especially mythology.

Gods? Gimme!
Rag-tag bunch of misfits? I NEED IT.
Trials and tribulations? I’m sold.
Romance that doesn’t overshadow the awesome plot? TAKE. MY. MONEY.

This fabulous book pretty much ticked all the boxes for me. The pacing was great and I loved that things didn’t necessarily come easy to the MCs. Usually I’m not that fond of anything more than a dual-pov but this book was so easy to follow and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the perspectives of the 4 MCs.

The character progression throughout is very well done, we see the situations from each of the main characters and the different perspectives and their motives behind them progress nicely and keep your turning the page.

This book will appeal to anyone who has an interest in Greek Mythology and particularly for those who enjoy a more plot driven story rather than romance driven.

[Alexander Delacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Game is a perfect read for fans of the Percy Jackson series and for readers looking for a new twist on Greek mythology. Told from the perspectives of several young Olympians who must pass impossible tests in order to secure their own immortality, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, justice, and power. Readers will identify with Galene’s thirst to prove herself, Braxtus’s unrequited love, and Iyana’s self-doubt. The story’s villains are also relatable and raise important questions about the dividing lines between good and evil. This action-packed story is a well-written YA novel that won’t disappoint.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by Talia Rothschild and A.C. Harvey, The Immortal Game is a thrilling tale of an exiled goddess and her trials to save those who abandoned her.

Galene is the daughter of Poseidon. She's also an exile of Mount Olympus, and the only way to find her way home and earn her place among the gods is to earn their respect. A task easier said than done.

To do what she aims, she must prove who was truly behind the attack she was blamed for. She has to find the traitor among the gods and do so before they can cause more damage to the home she desperately desires to return to.

"I am the daughter of Poseidon, God of Seas.
I will save my friends. I will clear my name.
I will tame the sea."

Apparently, this month has been a month for Greek Mythology for me! Between this and Ariadne, I had a few good books on the lineup. With that in mind, I thoroughly enjoyed The Immortal Game.

This is a novel that hits on many elements that I am especially fond of when it comes to mythology. The corruption and pain that deities can bring with them. The compulsion to fit in and join them. The need to prove one's worth. It's all there and so much more.

In total, there are four perspectives in The Immortal Game – something that I had not expected. I thought that Galene would take the lead, and that would be that. Yet there are three other characters worth mentioning as well: Iyana (daughter of Zeus), Braxtos (son of Apollo), and Kostas (son of Hermes).

"Everything is a game."

Long story short, I loved all four characters, but I especially love the interactions (and romancE) that budded from their presence. It made The Immortal Game even more fun and thrilling than I had anticipated, and that in itself is pure perfection.

Thanks to Swoon Reads and #XpressoTours for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Erin (erinevelynreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Immortal Game follows Galene, daughter of Poseidon. To gain immortality and claim her place among the gods, Galene must be tested. When she fails the test and is framed for the destruction of Olympus, she is exiled. She set out to prove her innocence, along with a few friends, only to unearth a plot to destroy Olympus. Desperate to save her home, and clear her name, she and four of her friends set out on a quest. They must find a mythical instrument, and warn the gods before it’s too late.

This is such a fun adventure novel! It’s perfect for fans of Greek mythology, but you do not need to be a lover of Greek mythology to enjoy The Immortal Game.

I think my favorite part about this story was the great characters. Galene is wonderful. She wants to become an immortal and look out for her friends and family. While Galene is the protagonist, the story is told in the third person and each chapter focuses on Galene or one of her friends. Without giving too much away, the story has plenty of romance and twists and turns.

Although it’s not listed as a series, I’m hoping that there will be a sequel! I would definitely check this one out if you are a fan of YA adventure novels!

Thank you to Xpresso Tours, Netgalley, and Swoon Reads for the review copy! All opinions are my own.

[Ruei (Ruei's Reading Corner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full Review & Blog Tour: https://rueisreadingcorner.blogspot.c...

Galene, the daughter of Poseidon, has looked forward to earning her spot as a god on Mount Olympus but a murder prevents her from doing so and even more, she gets blamed and exiled forever.

Aside from Galene leaving, her friends also decide to go with her. When she comes across a plan that threatens to ruin Mount Olympus, she and her friends must stop it at all cost and prove Galene's innocence.

I didn't like the multiple POVs as much as I had thought. To me, it was a little underdeveloped but had potential. It was also full of adventure, but it was a little slow in the middle. However, the ending was better and I enjoyed it.

I did like the Greek mythology in it. In 5th grade, I lived for the Goddess Girls series by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams which got me into books on Greek mythology ever since.

Overall, The Immortal Game was an action-packed story about Galene and her friends saving mount Mount Olympus from destruction. The Greek mythology was a nice touch and for the most part, I enjoyed reading it.

**Thank you so much to NetGalley and TBR and Beyond Tours for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour!**

[Melisa Longhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially thought that another book themed on Greek mythology was beating a dead horse - I was SOOOOOOOOO glad that I was wrong! This book is INCREDIBLE!!!

This book was soooooo satisfying to read! The authors took facets of Greek mythology that I haven't seen in novels, and used them throughout the book in new and unique ways! For example, the Deck of Fates is something so original, I'm a little mad that I didn't think of it first. It takes characteristics of different mythological creatures and combines them into one unique beast, bringing an element of unexpected excitement throughout the novel whenever it's used. I love that this book is different from the Percy Jackson series - it was a very refreshing read, and took me on a new adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has a little bit of everything: romance, adventure, fantasy, action, betrayal - exactly my kind of book! The relationships - friendships and romantic relationships - grew at a steady pace throughout the book, and were perfectly timed so that I never felt like I had to wait impatiently for something to happen. The characters were also developed steadily - I never felt like they were stalling in their development, which is something I appreciate. The entire novel flowed very smoothly, while still keeping me engaged and invested in what happened to Galene, Kostas, Iyana, Braxtus, Demitri, and every other Olympians and creatures.

The real test of a great book, in my eyes at least, is how it answers the question, "Is this a world I would like to experience in real life?" And my answer is DEFINITELY! This world and plot was so so so so dope. This is the kind of book that makes you want to be 6 years old again, pretending that you have Iyana's control of the wind, or fighting with your sister over which one of you will be Galene, or giggling with your friend during class because the cute boy with the curly hair sitting a few rows in front of you reminds you of Kostas and you're absolutely twitter-pated. If you're looking for a fun, epic novel that shows off the wonders of Greek mythology and brings a punch of action, adventure, and the most adorable love stories, READ THIS BOOK. It will make you feel young and wild and free again. While I'm definitely sad that it's not a series, it is a wonderful standalone, and the ending will definitely leave you feeling satisfied.

Also, I want a personal Deck of Fates for reasons. Please and thank you.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Camilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series came out I was a fanatic! I loved thinking up scenarios where I was a demigod and imagining new stories. Well...I definitely never imagined anything close to the story of the Immortal Game. What an amazing job Rothschild and Harvey did! And what makes this story unique, is that it’s a story about gods, not demigods, but new olympians that you’ve never heard about.

So let’s get down to the nitty gritty. I’ll start with the pros because there were sooo many:
- The world. I loved the fresh take on Mount Olympus, especially the Deck of Fate and the gods’ receiving room.
- Kostas. Talk about a cool power! And the way the authors showed it made his perspective very interesting.
- The description. You know when authors hit that sweet spot of just enough to let us see the world but not let the plot get bogged down by too many words? The description was perfect for me. That said, if you’re a reader that loves long pages of epic fantasy description, this book might not be for you.
- The changing perspectives. I’m a reader that can definitely get frustrated by perspective changes and want to skip to my favorite character’s perspective. That didn’t happen in this book, woot!
- The fresh take on sirens and the last 1/3 of the book. 😱

Alright I could totally go on about positives, but so as not to make this review unbearably long I’ll mention some cons:
- Questions. There weren’t really any plot holes in this book, but as I read there were some questions I wanted answered. Fortunately by the end of the book most of them were! But a couple of them could have been addressed a bit sooner to make me feel more satisfied.
- Romance. Okay, I’m a sucker for those brooding male romantic interests and this book didn’t have that. However, though this book has romance in it, it isn’t a romance and sometimes those are the best kind of stories! So I’ll give the authors a pass on this one.

All in all 5/5. Awesome job on your debut!

***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not actually a fan of Greek mythology so I don't read very much of books related to it. However, I did have a lot of fun with the Percy Jackson series and The Immortal Game sounds a bit more like the series in that protagonist plus friends are going on an adventurous quest which I thought could be fun; it did not disappoint.

The novel opens with Galene, main protagonist, about to face her trial to earn her place among the gods. It's a pretty exciting start to the novel with more exciting action to come in the second half of the story. I must admit I felt that it dragged a bit during the actual quest journey but that may also be because of the love triangle. This is my pet peeve so unfortunately, that's taken off 1 star but I have to confess that it could've been worse. The fact that I finished reading this novel does mean that the love triangle is only just slightly annoying; just have to persevere 'til just after halfway and it gets better.

There are 4 POVs in this novel but there are 5 in the quest... that in itself is a bit too cluey! I don't know if it was meant to be a twist but it was definitely not at all surprising. While I do like all characters especially the girls as they appear to have grown the most in this story, I think we could do with 1 or 2 less POVs. The girls, Galene & her BFF, Iyana, grew stronger & stronger throughout and in the end, truly came into themselves which I really loved to see in my female protagonists.

Overall, I enjoyed The Immortal Game especially the latter half which is love-triangle-less and action-packed. It's an easy read to relax & unwind with.

My thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for having me on this tour and  copy of ebook in exchange of honest review

[Emmie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOADS OF FUN

Wow, what a ride! I loved this book so much. Sometimes, it's been a wild year in the world and you just want to read something genuinely fun--and boy did this deliver.

As a Greek mythology fan, there were a lot of clever little details slipped in here, but the world is also its own thing, with its own cool details and quirks. Galene is a great protagonist, but I like that she isn't on her own. I love cool teams ups. It's fun to see everyone's different powers and the complex dynamics between our ragtag group.

TRUE LADY FRIENDSHIP

Some YA books don't have any female friendship (sob), and some just have it in the background. Not this book. The friendship between Galene and Iyana is truly at the heart of the book! It motivates the characters decisions! It it complicated and beautiful! I loved every second of it!

Also, as a final note, I think this book would be a great foray into YA for younger readers who are just aging into the genre (though you'll still like it if you're older, I'm thirty lol). It's got some deeper themes, lots of action, and a cute romance(s)? but nothing super heavy or dark or steamy.

FINAL VERDICT

5/5 stars for Percy Jackson vibes, cool world-building, and a killer female friendship

[Jessica Belmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Game by Talia Rothschild & A.C. Harvey is full of intrigue, heart-pounding quests, and excellent characters. I love Greek Gods, so this YA Fantasy was right up my alley.

The Immortal Game grabs you from page one, and throws you right into the action. This never slows down. The narrative races to the end of the book at a heart-pounding race, and never gives you a chance to set the book down.

The authors clearly put research into this novel. It felt real, and nothing felt like it was rushed over. The Immortal Game is expertly crafted to be a book you won’t be able to stop reading once you pick it up.

Highly recommended!!

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out this review on my blog!

The Immortal Game — 3.75⭐️
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I hardly turn down any Greek myth-inspired story so when I got the chance to participate in The Immortal Game blog tour, I took it without a doubt. Turns out, it was one of the best decisions I made last month. The Immortal Game was a rich, compelling, and exciting read with twists that would leave you wanting more.

We are introduced by Galene, Poseidon’s daughter, through a Trial against mythical monsters. Every Gods and Goddesses went through this Trial if they want to be immortal. I liked how the story picked up fast because before we know it, Galene was accused of a deadly attack and banished from her home, Mount Olympus. In the journey to prove her Innocence, she was joined by four others. Despite their differences, their banter and teamwork made me eager to see what will happen next!

“Being a hero is about fighting for something bigger than yourself, despite the obstacles, despite the fear.”

Let me introduce you to the group of outcasts that had me rooting for them from the start. We had Galene daughter of Poseidon who was daring and confident, Iyana daughter of Zeus (my favorite!) who was brave and gentle, Kostas son of Hermes who intrigued me with his little games, strong-willed Braxtus son of Apollo, and charming Demitri son of Ares.

What I love about a story with a group of characters who went through a lot together is the growth, not just as an individual but as a whole. This gang is no different, started as nobody with different goals then they came together as one. They supported each other so they could overcome their fears, terrifying monsters, and so much more. I loved their banter, the arguments they had, the thrilling and heart-pounding experiences. Before I know it, they had my heart because their friendship was simply precious.

“Between all of us we have”—she glanced around the circle—“tides, a brilliant mind, fire, wind, your insane combat skills…”

Overall, The Immortal Game was an epic, spectacular YA fantasy. The richly imagined world combined with interesting characters, fantastic plot, mythical monsters, and earth-shattering plot twists made me feel like I was watching it all played out in my mind. If you love Greek mythology and currently looking for a great standalone fantasy, I recommend you to check this one out!

Note: The quotes were taken from the ARC. Please keep in mind that there could be changes in the published version.

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[Cole Richins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most teenage girls worry about friends and dating, not whether or not they are qualified to become an immortal goddess through brutal trials that have you risk life and limb. This book was a thrill to read and explores and introduces the mythology of the Greeks in a fun and innovative way. The characters are well written and you can't help root for them when they fail and cheer for them when they succeed. There are several fun concepts and ideas that the authors incorporated well into this book. If you are a fan of mythology and adventure with a little bit of romance, this book will definitely check all those boxes.

[Betty Rothschild · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such amazing writing. A lot of good descriptions that let you feel that you were there. For someone who has a hard time imagining action scenes, this book really helped me visualize quite easily. Many of the character's relationships really carry the story along and makes it feel realistic. I loved it, and I'm sincerely hoping these authors publish more of their work!