"The Things Gods Break" is the second book in Abigail Owen's Crucible trilogy.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
My most recent book is "The Things Gods Break," the second book in my Crucible trilogy featuring Greek gods and deadly trials set in a modern world and featuring Hades as the hero (but not Persephone as the heroine). Inspiration for this book came in pieces. I was finishing the final book in my Dominions series and exploring the system of goddesses, and thought it would be really fun to write a prequel focusing on them. But then I came up with combining the deadly trials element, and it didn’t fit that world. So shiny new idea! I have been obsessed with Greek mythology since I was a child (thank you original Clash of the Titans), and know it well. It ended up being the perfect combination with the trials from my story. And of course, I love a morally gray hero, so only Hades would do!
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
I love for my books to reflect the world around me — and to me, the world is far more beautiful because of all the different people in it. It would be an awfully boring place if we were all exactly the same. There are so many different experiences, backgrounds, lives, stories, and ways to love — which is such an incredible thing, and something to celebrate.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
To me, reading is how I explore the world. Through books, I get to travel to places both fantastical and real, to live a thousand different lives filled with new emotions, moments, and perspectives. Each story lets me walk in someone else’s shoes, see through their eyes, and experience the beauty, heartbreak, and wonder of their journey. Reading broadens my understanding of others and, in many ways, of myself. It reminds me how vast and varied the human experience is — and how every story, whether whispered or shouted, has something to teach us.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
The Crucible series is modern day Greek mythology meets deadly trials. In a world where the Greek gods still thrive, the gods got sick of Zeus and kicked him off the throne. This started a war that eventually leveled Olympus. The gods were so devastated, they instituted the Crucible Games. Every 100 years, each of the 12 gods and goddesses of the pantheon select mortal champions to compete in 12 trials that each creates. The mortal winner of the games patron god or goddess then becomes king or queen of the gods for the next 100 years. Hades has never participated, but this time, for reasons of his own, he chooses Lyra Keres as his champion. Lyra must then compete in the Crucible Games, which is book 1, The Games Gods Play. And book 2 of the trilogy, The Things Gods Break, continues the story from there!
What can fans expect from your book?
Readers can expect vast, magical worlds to get lost in, characters to fall in love with, and fast-paced plots that keep the pages turning. Above all else, they’ll find swoon-worthy romantic relationships that lead to a hard-earned Happily Ever After (at least by the end of the series!). My goal is that readers discover not only escape and adventure within my stories—but also love, and above all, hope.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I am currently working on three projects. Two are super-secret and I can’t share details yet, but they are the first books in two brand new romantasy series. And, of course, I am working on the third and final book in the Crucible series (and having a blast)! At the same time, I’m also enjoying traveling and getting to meet incredible readers from all over the world!
