More adventures in the strange and fascinating world introduced in Game of Strength and Storm (2022).This duology closer continues to riff on Greek mythology. Despite Gen's winning the contest, the cruel conjoined Red and Crystal Empresses of Olympia named her the loser. They plan to hold her father hostage while Gen steals the Cerberus and golden apples from neighboring empire Elysium. Gen, joined by StormMaker siblings Castor and Pollux as well as Bale, Pollux's servant companion; thief Adikia; and deaf MetalBender Flek, heads off, knowing her actions will incite a war. The heart of this volume is relationships rather than adventures, and combined with the largely one-dimensional characterization, this makes for a less appealing read. Close third-person narration provides insights into Gen's, Pollux's, and Castor's minds, while the rest of the team seems to exist primarily to propel the plot forward. Gen and Pollux fixate on their relationship, complicated by Gen's MindWorker powers that are triggered when they kiss, while Castor thinks about money and power-and sometimes Adikia. Those occasional softer moments are subsumed by her inability to show empathy for others, however. Readers may find it hard to cheer for the team even if they are already invested in the characters who are diverse in fantasy races and species.An intriguing setting but let down by limited character development. (Fantasy. 13-18)

Gr 8 Up —A new adventure stirs in the bizarre and complicated world of Olympia, inspired by Greco-Roman mythology. Gen should have won the contest in Game of Strength and Storm, but the Empress declared her loser. Her father will remain a hostage until she can complete more heroic tasks from myth. Gen has MindWorker powers; she and a group of StormMakers and MetalBenders make up a cast of diverse friends who propel this novel. The story revolves around characters rather than the quest-oriented plot readers will remember from the first book, making this duology closer a slower, less inspiring read. VERDICT Despite tying up loose ends, the book may leave readers unsatisfied. Not recommended for purchase.—Emmy Neal