Book Review: The Things Gods Break (The Crucible, #2) by A. J. R. Thacker
As a lover of both mythology and intricate, time-bending plots, I was drawn to The Things Gods Break like a moth to a flame. A. J. R. Thacker has a unique knack for blending the familiar tales of Greek mythology with contemporary themes that resonate so well with today’s readers. After the nail-biting finale of the first book, I couldn’t wait to uncover what new challenges awaited Lyra and the formidable Hades. Spoiler alert: this journey was nothing short of exhilarating!
From the outset, it’s clear that Thacker has a gift for crafting exhilarating narratives. The central theme of protection—"some things, no matter if they are destined to face imminent doom, are too precious not to be protected"—permeates the story, but it’s the innovative time travel and resets that genuinely electrified my reading experience. I found myself oscillating between moments of laughter and frustration, as Lyra’s quest unraveled in delightfully unpredictable ways. Her journey of self-discovery, coupled with her evolving relationship with Hades, made for an undeniable blend of tension and tenderness.
However, I must admit that as much as I appreciated the ambitious scope of the narrative, it occasionally felt cumbersome. At times, the pacing slowed under the weight of extraneous details, particularly during the repetitive trial scenes. While I initially enjoyed immersing myself in the trials, I ultimately felt they detracted from the central plot and added unnecessary confusion. Similarly, the illusions and lock mechanics felt overstretched, making it sometimes challenging to maintain focus.
The character development in this installment was both intriguing and, at times, frustrating. Lyra’s hardheadedness sometimes made me want to shake her (or perhaps hand her a clock!), especially as she grappled with her knowledge of the timeline, but her growth as the Goddess of Time held a promise that has me excited for the next book. Hades, while less present than I anticipated in the current timeline, was beautifully captured in flashbacks—his love for Lyra echoing through the ages was poignant. However, by the end, I found myself anxious about his new mortal status and what that meant for their relationship.
And oh boy, the romance! While I adored the emotional moments between Lyra and Hades, her constant questioning of his love, despite all that he sacrificed, became tedious. Why revisit doubts that had seemingly been resolved? The tension with Persephone was similarly perplexing; it felt like a detour rather than an essential conflict.
Yet, among the frustrations, the excitement of unraveling the plot threads—like discovering the deeper connection between the Titans and Lyra—kept me hooked. The revelations about the Veil and the prophetic twists were standout moments that made my heart race. And let’s not even get started on that eerie epilogue—it left me breathless and awash with theories.
In terms of overall impact, I felt a mixture of exhilaration and exhaustion. This book was undeniably long and sometimes confusing, but I still found immense joy in the complex plot twists. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, engaging romance, and time-bending narratives, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into The Things Gods Break—just be ready to occasionally shake your head at Lyra’s antics! As I look ahead, I can’t wait for the thrilling conclusion in the final book. Here’s hoping it ties all those tantalizing threads together!
4.5 stars—definitely a memorable ride that left me yearning for more!
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