Review of The Things Gods Break (The Crucible, #2) by E.L. Thomas
Sometimes a book comes along that sweeps you off your feet, challenging your perceptions while pulling you into its intricate web of fantasy. The Things Gods Break, the second installment in E.L. Thomas’s gripping The Crucible series, did just that. I was already on board after my revisit of the first book, The Games Gods Play, but this sequel? It catapulted the stakes to a whole new level.
From the very beginning, the premise of time travel and multidimensional resets fascinated me. Lyra Skylar, our determined protagonist, proves to be higher in the pecking order than just a mere mortal. The evolution of her character as the self-proclaimed savior of humanity intertwined beautifully with the revelation that not all titans are malevolent forces. The quote, “some things, no matter if they are destined to face imminent doom, are too precious not to be protected,” resonated deeply, amplifying the stakes of her journey.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The plot grew unwieldy at times, with complex timelines that made my head spin. By the time we hit mid-section, I found myself grappling with repetitive trials—did we really need to face another round of courtroom drama when we just navigated that in the first book? The pacing felt uneven, and some elements, like the illusions, left me confused and somewhat disconnected. Throw in a contemporary mention of TikTok into my Greek mythology-inspired romantasy, and you have my eyebrow raised a notch!
Yet, amid these frustrations, I found myself chuckling over Lyra’s sometimes annoying, yet endearing, personality. Her constant questioning made me want to scream, especially during moments where she’s panting over whether Hades truly loves her. I mean, girl, he made you queen of the Underworld! If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is.
The character development for Hades, though occasionally sparse in the present timeline, was poignant when viewed across his past. Seeing Lyra connect with him at various points in his life was a stroke of genius, validating my fan theories. It was heartbreaking to watch Cronos’s arc come to a tragic end, a striking testament to the weight this series holds. Side characters like Boone, however, were less loveable, especially with his treatment of Persephone, which left a bad taste in my mouth.
The romance, too, had its highs and lows. While the emotional resonance was generally strong, the back-and-forth regarding Lyra’s worthiness of love felt unnecessary and a bit repetitive. It led to some awkward moments, like dishing out intimate moments amidst dire stakes, which felt more like plot devices than genuine emotional beats.
Now, let’s talk about that ending. Hades becoming mortal? A decision I wasn’t a fan of, given Hades’s epic stature. The revelations surrounding Zeus and the entire concept of glamours sparked thrilling theories in my mind, not to mention the eerie deceiver epilogue that left me questioning everything.
In sum, while The Things Gods Break had its flaws—pacing issues, some character regressions, and confusing plot points—E.L. Thomas has woven a tale bursting with creativity and excitement. If you’re a fan of fantasy that challenges the norm and are willing to navigate some choppy waters, this is a journey I recommend. The blend of mythology, romance, and time-bending adventures is worth it, and I can’t help but be impatient for book three. Who’s with me?
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