Many thanks to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for the arc and for giving me the opportunity to read and review the book.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:

~ The artwork on the cover was what grabbed my attention to this book and once I read the blurb it was sealed.

~ This has a Greek mythology inspired plot line with everyone being descendants of mythical gods with different magical abilities with a focus on ancient Olympic games and I loved it as I am really into mythical plots a

~ This also is a gender-bent Herculian retelling where annually the Empresses choose 10 people all over the land through a lottery and are granted one wish in exchange for a task of the Empresses choosing.

~ These tasks are no walk in the park as the dual-headed Empresses are cunning, devious, and manipulative and has no interests of granting these wishes unless it benefits them.

~ The heroine of the plot Gen's wish is to save her dad who has been imprisoned and is being accused for murder.
~ And the protagonist Castor is a show off, selfish, and vindictive character who only cares about fame and power. Her wish is to take over her kingdom which she thinks is her birthright but her brother Lux had inherited because he is a male heir by hook or crook.

~ Gen and Castor are tasked to complete the 10 tasks the Empresses have chosen and whoever completes the most number of tasks will be granted their wish. And this book follows the twists and turns they both take completing these life threatening challenges.

~ The strong female cast was another plus point of this storyline. And I loved all the characters including the support characters.

~ The author's style of writing is magical; it helps you to vividly imagine every scene and transports you into that world with all your imagination with ease.

~ This was also a fast paced book that had me hooked from the very beginning and I just could not put it down. This is one book you'll be up reading all night.

~ The plot twists were really cool and got me more excited to be reading.

~ Castor that perfect enemy character that gosh I couldn't stand her. Hahah!

~ That one part with the infinity whale broke me and made me hate castor even more.

~ I got Avatar vibes with the elemental magic, Lux's mist elk reminded me of the patronas from Harry Potter, and the mind workers who can communicate with animals made me think of Eliza from the Wild Thornberry's.

~ Also travelling by infinity whale made me think of moby dick.

~ The slow burn romance between Gen and Lux is very minimal and mainly towards the latter part of the book and has not much of prominence. And the plot also has very minimal LGBTQ representation with Castor's love interests.

~ I thought the ending was a little bit too fast like a flip of a switch. Gen who was hated, shunned, and insulted all the while all of a sudden being praised was a bit too unrealistic for my liking.

~ Also that last plot twist that's leading to book two really drove me mad. I felt what happened was unjust but the empresses cannot be trusted.

~ Rachel Menard has created a beautiful fantasy world in The Game of Strength and Storm that until the very end I didn't realize there will be a part two. And I am definitely gonna grab it because I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review!

This book was so unexpectedly good! I don’t know why, but I didn’t really go in with high expectations, but I ended up really enjoying this book!

A big part of why the book was so good is because of the solid world building and how well it was explained. There’s a magic system, several islands, history and all that, which may come off as a lot and at times confusing, but the author did such a great job of explaining everything in its own time without dumping a lot of info on the reader all at once.

I really felt for Gen and she was definitely my most favourite character of the entire book. I really found myself rooting for her, even though we read through the eyes of her competitor (Castor) too.
Castor could have used some more work or scenes in the book. There’s potential of giving her a strong character arc, but she didn’t get nearly as much page time as I’d have liked, so I hope that maybe in a sequel there might be more of her.

Now, I also don’t know if the physical copy will have a map, but it would really be an addition to the book, so I really hope there will be one!

I am amazed! It was so beautifully done and the images are wonderful. It was a breath of fresh air to read this book and I want more!

4.5 stars!

I was blown away by this vividly colorful and wildly imaginative world. Talk about fierce and strong female characters! The characters were all so different, driven, and memorable. My absolute favorites were Gen and the different animals (including her relationships with them), Pollux, and Bale.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order this year and will recommend it to students.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my review. all thoughts and opinions are my own.


Holy. Smokes.
I read a lot of fantasy. A lot of YA. A lot of it can get murky and predictable, boring and tedious. Not this one. This book was INCREDIBLE. The ending- chefs kiss. Gen, castor, and Pollux are memorable characters in their own rights. This was like …. The excitement of Six of Crows, meets the imagery of The daughter of the Pirate King, with the ruthlessness of Red Queen. If you like those books- you’ll LOVE this one. I’m excited for more by Rachel!

What an amazing book. I am absolutely raving about it. It had everything you could ever want in a fantasy book. I could not stop reading I was absolutely enthralled by it and I hope that there is a sequel to this book as I will be definitely getting it.
GO READ IT!!

Thanks to NetGalley, Flux and North Star Editions for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Game of Strength and Storm by Rachel Menard was intriguing, magical and wholesome. This was my first time ever reading Greek mythology re-telling story and it was really fun read. Elements of magic, mythical creatures, romance, danger, sadness, courage and thrill - perfect mix for YA fantasy audience. Writing and world-building was lovely and captivating - reader would easily imagine all the situations that are described in this book.

For me the beginning was bit slow but after couple of chapters things started to pick up some pace. And it has exciting action scenes! Characters were well written, interesting and funny. Their choices, motivations and consequences for their actions were pretty relatable and understandable.

So, if you are looking for fantasy story with magic, badass heroines, mythical animals, impossible obstacles, found family troupe and romance.- this is the book.

Also, GORGEOUS cover! Really eye-catching and inviting. :)

Wow, wow, holy wow! This was such an imaginative and enthralling read, I was super excited to receive an eARC, and this book certainly did not disappoint.

I have been waiting for a YA feminist Greek-mythology book like this! It is absolutely on point! A gender-bent Hercules filled with strong female characters, epic adventures, and a host of Greek mythology turned on their head in such an innovative fashion. Gen and Castor make gripping characters, and all the side characters are a delightful motley riot!

The plot is engaging, unique, plenty of action, and full of intrigue. Two badass magical heroines undertake the deadly ten labours set in a reimagined Grecian world. It’s definitely a fast-paced page turner. Menard has created such a fascinating world and system, I was instantly sucked into her words. All I need now is a physical copy of the book to house in my collection because is certainly going to be read quite a few times.

Rachel Menard has delivered such an exceptionally creative debut series. Its an entertaining adventure that left me eagerly anticipating the next one! A great publication to the start of year! Let the games begin!

Thankyou to Netgalley and Flux books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

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🐳Five Infinity Whale Stars 🐳

A GAME OF STRENGTH AND STORM is a richly drawn gender-bent Hercules retelling where every year, the Olympian Empresses grant the wishes of ten people chosen by lottery, but at a steep price. Genevieve, a powerful mind worker who can speak to animals, hopes to free her father from prison. Castor wishes to rule the island of Arcadia. She is furious that her birthright might pass to her brother Lux simply because he is a male heir. The writing and rich world building is absolutely gorgeous, from the descriptions of Castor and Lux’s storm maker rainbows 🌈 and magic, to the magical sea whales 🐳 that Gen can control with her blood.

The empresses assign each of the lottery entrants a task, and as a surprise at the end, tell Gen and Castor that they will race to complete the labors themselves. Whomever gets the most wins and gets their wish granted. I loved the way the book followed the Greek mythology but with modern day twists. The Lion’s Den Casino. The Hydra. The Mares. I rather loved that Lux fights using a violin with magical strings that casts spells. So cool! I found Genevieve’s backstory where we learned more about her mother’s history with Hippolyta, particularly interesting.

The ensemble cast was very well written. I enjoyed all of the characters in this novel, but Lux, the softer sibling who was often overlooked, was a special favorite. I loved the scenes with the infinity whales. 🐳 Author Rachel Menard brings such a lovely magic to her fantasy writing where you just want to step into the pages of the book. And as Gen, Lux, Castor and Bale get further entwined in the empresses’ heartless assignment, it is clear each task may wind up costing them more than they can bear.

Spoilers...


So many cool reveals and twists especially as we reached the end with a nifty Greek god surprise that has me needing book two!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from Flux Books and NetGalley for review purposes.

I’m not a big fan of Greek mythology retellings but this was quite intriguing. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this fast-paced thrilling adventure. I was definitely interested more in the story of Castor than Gen and can’t wait to find out more about Cas in the sequel!

Review provided on my Goodreads page:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4470298734

Whether or not you are a fan of mythology, there is much to enjoy about Game of Strength and Storm. Menard takes on the Herculean task (pun intended) of reimagining the labors of Hercules as a young-adult fantasy novel. She balances the world-building, action, and character development perfectly and we are left with an exciting, high-stakes romp through a world of peril and magic.

The highlight of Game of Strength and Storm. is its strong female cast. The book is teeming with Girl Power and I’m here for it! First, there is our heroine Gen, a supernaturally strong warrior who can mind-meld with animals and who just wants to rescue her wrongfully imprisoned father. She is cast against our protagonist Castor, who has the power to control storms and is fighting to win her place in a patriarchal monarchy. But my favorite females are the dual-headed Empresses who set the action in motion and who are both devious and manipulative and so much fun to hate!

The author has a very strong sense of plot-pacing and world-building. The action never lags despite the onerousness of having seven labors. I feared that it might get repetitive, but each labor brings with it a new setting, new characters/creatures and new obstacles to overcome. And Menard manages to move us through her story in a delightful way. We island-hop through the world by pirate ship, winged chariot and whale’s mouth!

Strong women, magical creatures, fast-paced action and a touch of romance all make for the bounteous and fun-filled reading experience that is Game of Strength and Storm. What more could you ask for?

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from Netgalley and North Star Editions. All opinions are my own.
Comment

This story grabbed me from the beginning! Very unique take on magic and mythology. Can't wait for Book 2!

For fans of Percy Jackson

DNF at 34%

I had a hard time reading and starting this book and that by no means implies that the book itself is bad. it's just the way it's written and the quick thrust into the world was genuinely confusing to me and i couldn't keep up with anyone.

I absolutely adore modernized mythology/classic tales or myths told with new twists. Also, the ability to communicate with animals is a superpower I have always wanted so that hooked me fast even though. THE COVER FOR THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL BTW.

i will try and read this book later on, because i do think it's worth another shot.(the rating doesn't judge the book)

Game of strength and storm review

4.5/5 ✨

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC, the rating and below opinion are my own.

This was a fun book to read and I enjoyed the labors- which reminded me of the ones Hers gave Hercules. I enjoyed the characters and their challenges with the labors as well as the development of a romantic relationship with two characters. I also enjoyed the animal friends then Gen has a long the way (and oh so sad and happy some moments are).

I did find Cas to be particularly hard to like as she’s a brat through the whole book, but I think that was the point. But I did enjoy Gen and Pollux as characters. I do think Cas helped to add some additional struggles to the characters which was nice.

I do look forward to book two! I need to know how this ends for Gen.

A ton of magic, badass heroines, animal companions, impossible tasks, found families and slow-burn romance. 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 increasingly complex 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.

I adored this book! Menard blew me away with this magic system. She managed to make it feel unique and refreshing without over explaining, which is very hard to do. I felt like I was thrown right into this magical world with those who bottle storm for money and others who whisper to whales. I’m a sucker for soft boys, found family, and slow burn, so this book was perfect for me. It was also just really…fun? I loved following the characters as they raced to try to complete these seemingly impossible tasks in a world meant to make those tasks more impossible. The pacing of the novel was great. It was steady enough to let me get to know the characters and quick enough to keep my adhd brain turning pages. The writing flowed so well, and the author excelled at making each POV feel very distinct. The characters were all a bit flawed and I loved that about them. Gen is a badass heroine, who is strong and passionate and determined, but gets in her own way once or twice because of it which made me love her more because she felt real. And I think one of my favorite parts about this book is that Menard truly made this Hercules retelling her own. Hercules is one of my favorite stories so I was thrilled to read this, but I loved, loved that Game of Strength and Storm could hold it’s own. I am so happy that I was able to read an eARC of this book pre-release and I can’t wait to have a physical copy on my shelf!! Please pick it up!

Reading this book was such a treat. It reminded me why I love fantasy so much. From the first page, we enter the author's world and it's just a fascinating place to be. The world building gets started right away and there isn't a huge world building thrown at us right away like in some fantasy. There is a good bit in its early pages but it comes in throughout the book so we aren't bombarded, which I appreciated. I liked Gen right away. I loved seeing all those parts of her character grow throughout the book. I liked her more and more as she grew more comfortable with her strength and confident as a competitor against Castor. I didn't like Castor at all, but she was a good, well developed character so I liked not liking her. Everything she did made sense and her motivations were clear. That said, these qualities made her a worthy adversary to Gen in this competition. The side characters: Pollux, Bale, and our wonderful animals were stunning additions to the story and great found family for Gen.

The plot was great! Very fast pacing and exciting action. There were a few aspects that I could've gone without (third act "betrayal" arc was meh and some of Castor's chapters felt a bit slower compared to the rest of the chapters). I also wanted more about the Empresses and their history and how they became these feared beings with so much control when this is a world where pretty much everyone has power of some kind. This was such a phenomenal fantasy. There are a lot of stories with Greek mythology inspiration, but this one still managed to be original and interesting.

I received a copy of the netgalleys of this book in exchange for my review. Game of Strength and Storm by Rachel Menard tells the story of Gen, a former circus performer trying to rescue her wrongfully imprisoned father and Castor sister to the heir apparent to Arcadia, a country who can control, manipulate, bottle, and sell storms! Both girls enter a contest where the Olympian Empresses grant wishes of ten people who win the lottery. However, as with all magic (and everything else) nothing is given for free. Gen has the magical ability to speak to animals and is the last of the Mazons (Amazonians) who draws strength from the Earth but mostly only in her ancestral homeland. The girls are pitted against each other to complete the tasks wished for by the other lottery winners in order to have their own wish granted. They must use their cunning, strength, and unique skills to master increasingly complex and worrying tasks, the last of which involves bringing the empresses the head of a Hydra. And if you know anything about ancient mythology, you know how problematic that ask is.

First, I absolutely adore modernized mythology/classic tales or myths told with new twists. So when I heard about Game of Strength and Storm, I was all about it. The start of this book is a little slow. I don’t really care that Gen’s new clothes are dirtier than she’d like but I do love the fact that she is traveling in the mouth of a Whale! Also, the ability to communicate with animals is a superpower I have always wanted so that hooked me fast even though I don’t know what it’s like to have a parent in prison, let alone wrongly imprisoned. I do know what it is to feel like you don’t belong. To think everyone hates you, is staring at you everywhere you go, whispering about you.

I instantly connected with Gen because of those things. Castor, not so much. But soon there was Pollux who abides by the tragically misunderstood artist tope, something I also love. Watching these teens fighting for their own autonomy, battling mythical monsters, making deals with unsavory characters, and taking on Sisyphean challenges like cleaning up a never-ending pile of horse poop was fantastic. I loved just about every minute of it even if the fight scenes were a bit too long and took place slightly more often than I would have liked.

As much as I personally did not want to be friends with (or on the wrong side of) Castor, I thought she was a wonderfully written character who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty but who is not merely strong because she can fight good. She will do whatever it takes to get what she wants, even if it means hurting the people she loves. Gen is, surprisingly the same way she just goes about it differently. Where Castor will strike physical blows to her own family, Gen cuts herself off from the world, refusing to accept help, love, or friendship from anyone. Please read this book. The cliffhanger ending makes me want very much to read the sequel but we won’t get that if people aren’t buying and talking about this book. 4.5 stars out of 5.

Why do I do this to myself???

And by 'this' I mean start books without knowing if it's a series and then going NOOOOO I NEED BOOK 2 RIGHT NOW.

I love sapphics and soft boys. I love retellings and evil queens. The magic was *muah* and the twists kept me guessing. Was there anything I didn't love about this book? Probably the urge to race until the very end because I just HAD to know what happened. Wait that doesn't count. I loved this book. And of course I need to mention the cover because it's just beautiful.

Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this ARC!