The Goddess Games

by Erica Rue

Sixty contestants.
One charming prince.
A woman desperate to change her stars.

The Atlanteans, humans taken from ancient Greece, have returned in their gleaming starships to evacuate Earth, starting with the contestants of the Goddess Games. When nineteen-year-old Chloe Woods enters the games, she doesn’t want to win. Winning means marrying the Atlantean prince, and she has her heart set on a different prize. If she makes it to finals, she will control her own destiny on Atlantis.

But Prince Leonidas Agathon makes her reconsider her plans. As she navigates the trials, Chloe sees a side of the prince he hides from the cameras. But she’s hiding something too, and her secrets might cost her more than her spot in the games.

The competition grows more intense as Chloe faces cosmic storms, spiteful rivals, and clashing teammates. When deadly attacks from anti-Atlantis rebels threaten the prince’s life, and by extension, the alliance between Earth and Atlantis, she must find the rebel hiding among the contestants. If she fails, she’ll lose the incredible new life—and love—within her reach.

The Goddess Games is perfect for fans of The Selection (Kiera Cass) and The Atlantis Grail series (Vera Nazarian).

285 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Erica Rue captivates readers with fast-paced, sci-fi adventures filled with puzzles, mythology, and romance. Her female-led stories explore curiosity, self-discovery, and connection with others.

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I just finished this book, and stayed up way too late to do so! But it was worth it. Even though now I’m dying to read more of Chloe’s story and find out what happens next!
This book had all of the right motivations to keep me reading. Plenty of action, a good plot, tension between rivals, rebels and secret plots, as well as a great but clean romance. It was a hard book to put down and didn’t take me long to finish once I was invested in it.
The story starts out on a dystopian earth that is slowly crumbling more each day. The FMC Chloe, joins a group of 60 young women all competing for an Atlantean prince’s hand in marriage as a plan to save many people on earth. But not everyone wants to be saved… Chloe is relatable in that she has real problems and trust issues, and doesn’t just fall easily for a handsome face. Throughout the competition, there is mistrust, fierce rivalry, betrayal, and of course, romance.
Anyone who is a fan of Kiera Cass’s The Selection will greatly enjoy this book.
I can’t wait until it is released in September so I can get a physical copy for myself! And I’m already looking forward to reading book two…

••• Content warning: some language, no spice •••

Thank you so much to Book Sirens and Erica Rue for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun concept and thought the overall feel worked with this universe. It was everything that I was looking for from the description and cover. I enjoyed how well the characters were wonderfully done and worked in this scifi element going on. It was a great opening chapter to Atlantis Crown series and thought Erica Rue wrote this perfectly. It had that young adult element and enjoyed the romance aspect overall. I'm excited to read more in this series and from Erica Rue.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Molly Persson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goddess Games - Erica Rue
5+✨
Holy Goddess what did I just read? I am obsessed! Erica you can’t leave a girl hanging like that. I need more now!
I was in love with the story from page 1, I devoured it in one day and I could not put it down. The whole universe Erica has created sucked me in like a black hole. Our FMC Chloe is not only sassy and funny, she is also driven by revenge and heart break. Thinking she isn’t good enough because a boy broke her into a million pieces, most of us have been there right? So reading about a girl overcoming that is inspiring and empowering. One of my favourite lines Chloe said was “𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥’𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘴, 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩”
I don’t know why but I just loved it and it made me laugh out loud. Anyway here is what this book will give you,
🪐Dystopian Earth ruined by people
🪐Trials
🪐Space
🪐The Selection x The Atlantis Grail
🪐Sci-Fi
🪐Romance
🪐Traitors
🪐Royalty romance
🪐Olympian mythology
This book will be released on September 26th! I highly recommend you get it!
Thank you BookSirens, Erica and Starwoven Books for this ARC! I am leaving this review voluntarily💕

[Timea B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chloe and Flora are two young women living on a dying Earth, where the only hope for humanity is relocating to Atlantis, a space colony. To ensure cooperation between Earth's inhabitants (known as Gaians) and the Atlanteans, a marriage alliance is planned. Prince Lee of Atlantis is bound to choose a Gaian bride, and thus the Goddess Games are born. In this competition, 60 selected women must prove their strength, agility, intelligence, diplomacy, courage, kindness, and beauty as they vie for the prince’s heart.

Much like The Selection series by Kiera Cass, our female lead is reluctant to enter the competition but becomes a frontrunner after a few accidental encounters with Prince Lee. While her original goal is to protect the prince and uncover a hidden rebel, her growing connection with him challenges her initial plans. As she discovers Prince Lee’s charm, kindness, and thoughtfulness, the idea of becoming his wife starts to feel less like an obligation and more like a real possibility.

👑Though the plot may follow a predictable structure, it remains highly enjoyable, especially for fans of competition-based romances. The writing is straightforward and engaging, with well-defined characters who bring life to the story. I also appreciated the references to Greek mythology sprinkled throughout the book, which added an extra layer of elegance and tied in nicely with the Goddess Games concept.
👑However, the worldbuilding, while intriguing, feels somewhat underdeveloped. Given the sci-fi setting, I found myself wanting more depth and clarity about Atlantis and the reasons behind Earth’s collapse. The rebellion subplot, while interesting, is only lightly touched upon, and the motivations of the rebels—particularly the choice to resort to violence—could have been explored in greater detail.

⚠️SPOILER ALERT⚠️

One character that stood out in an unfortunate way was Lily, the sister of Brett (Chloe`s past crush, who betrayed her and left her heartbroken). From the start, we are repeatedly shown that she is aligned with the "villains" and painted as a morally reprehensible character. That`s exactly the reason why the revelation that Lily is the true villain of the story felt predictable and less impactful.

While the book's twists weren’t entirely surprising, Lily’s role as the ultimate villain was foreshadowed so heavily that it detracted from the suspense. This reveal, despite being important to the plot, lacked the punch it could have had.

👑Despite these minor setbacks, I thoroughly enjoyed the overall concept of the Goddess Games and the thrilling dynamics of the competition. The romance between the lead and Prince Lee is a standout, and the love triangle (or rather, love polygon) keeps the tension high. For fans of The Selection or dystopian romance, this book is an absolute page-turner.

My final rating: 3.5 stars/moons 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑. While it may have its flaws, the addictive nature of the competition-driven storyline makes this book impossible to put down. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys romance with a healthy dose of suspense and intrigue.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read if a little predictable. It’s definitely got a sci-fi vibe to it which is really interesting. There’s a lot mixed in here that I really enjoyed; the dystopian world, the trials and the Greek mythology. It felt a little nostalgic reading this, reminded me of when I was younger and devoured all the dystopian books that were trending. I think this would be perfect for people that enjoyed The Selection. It was entertaining and easy to read, plus it’s not too long so if you’re looking for a nice quick read then this would be great.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gunvor · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all - I can’t wait for the second book.

I loved this book. It takes place sometime in the future. A future that seems sad and not the best for man kind.

Chloe - a girl that works at a warehouse - which is something she has to do - but definitely not her dream, as she had applied for a weather analyst apprentienship but didn’t get - due to circumstances that we learn more about as the story goes.

The Goddess Games are a competition for all human girls between 18-22 where they can try and win the Atlantean Princes hand in marriage - Chloe has no interest in attending - but a small talk with the mayor changes her mind.

Chloe is a girl that loved her family and her extended family - her best friend Flora and her family. She enters the competition to help find the traitor and also to help her family to leave earth - hopefully for a brighter future - but at no time does she forget about her extended family.

Chloe meets new girls and slowly creates new friendships. As the days goes and she slowly get to know the Prince - she realizes that she is getting feelings for him and she struggles with these feelings.

In the end - Chloe does realize who the traitor is - but it is almost to late and she also becomes a person of interest.

I like the ending and I can’t wait to read the next book - as the competition isn’t finished, but there are not that many girls left and I want to know how Chloe does - hopefully she ends up with the Prince and all the accusations about what intentions the Atlantean’s have aren’t true.

I can definitely recommend reading this book - it takes you on quite a journey and it has competition, lies, enemies, friendship, love and royalty in it.

[Ariel Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

**🌟 Book Review: *The Goddess Games* by Erica Rue 🌟**

📚 *Genre*: Contemporary Romance | Fantasy | Mythology

*The Goddess Games* by Erica Rue is a captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and mythology that immerses readers in a high-stakes competition where love, destiny, and extraordinary challenges collide. The story is set in a fantastical universe where Prince Agathon, a powerful royal figure, seeks a bride to unite two distinct worlds—Earth and Atlantis. Contestants from both realms are thrown into a fierce competition, each vying for the prince's favor while facing trials that test their strength, wit, and heart.

Prince Agathon stands at the center of the story, a symbol of hope for uniting these realms, and the contestants—each with their unique backgrounds and motivations—bring depth and emotion to the competition. Their characters are crafted with complexity, driving the tension and romance throughout the novel.

Erica Rue's writing is both vivid and emotionally rich, pulling readers into a world of mythological grandeur. The author’s descriptive style paints a picture of a universe that blends the modern and the divine, while the intensity of the competition keeps the narrative fast-paced and thrilling. Though the intricacies of the plot and the rich world-building may require a bit of focus, the rewards for readers are plenty, with layers of mythology and heart-wrenching moments.

Overall, *The Goddess Games* is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy romance filled with intrigue, royal drama, and fierce rivalry. The mythological undertones add a unique twist, making this a thrilling and enchanting read for fans of romance with a celestial edge.

[Aria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goddess Games is an utterly enchanting blend of cozy sci-fi, royal intrigue, and slow-burn romance that swept me off my feet from page one. Erica Rue delivers a beautifully crafted story that feels both whimsical and emotionally grounded, perfect for fans of character-driven fantasies with a touch of space magic.

The premise is fresh and imaginative — a young woman is plucked from Earth and brought aboard a spaceship bound for Atlantis, where she must compete in a series of trials to earn the title of princess. But this is no typical competition. The trials are as much about heart and courage as they are about politics and survival. There’s drama, secrets, and tension laced throughout every chapter, with just enough suspense to keep the pages turning late into the night.

The romance is slow and satisfying — think longing looks, secret meetings, and misunderstandings that hurt in the best way. The prince is charming but layered, and the chemistry between him and the protagonist builds with every encounter. Their relationship develops organically, making the emotional payoff all the more rewarding.

What I really loved was how cozy the book feels despite the high stakes. Even with rebels trying to sabotage the trials and end the prince’s life, there’s a warmth in the writing that makes this story a comfort read. The characters are well-developed, and the protagonist’s growth is both believable and inspiring.

I’m already desperate for Book Two — Erica Rue left just enough open questions to keep me hooked without feeling cheated. If you're looking for an atmospheric, romantic adventure with heart and high stakes, The Goddess Games is your next obsession

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book from the beginning! There's so much twists, turns, mystery and, of course, a little bit of romance. I loved the characters and reminds me of The Selection Series.

I love Chloe's character. How she is a strong FMC that overcomes her past and how she looks forward to the future. She cares about her family and friend's family a lot. She would do anything for them. When she is approached into volunteering for the Goddess Games, she is reluctant at first but is reminded of her love for her family and friend. Knowing that they will be in the first wave to go to Atlantis. Once she arrives, she is only looking into her mission to find the rebel among the contestants. However, she didn't plan on having feelings for the prince. Now she is torn on whether to give her heart another try at love or if she should close off herself to the one person that she can give her heart to.

So many women vying for the prince's attention, so much drama. Will Chloe find out who the rebel truly is? Will she open her heart once again or will she stay closed off?

Can't wait to read the next book in this series! I have truly enjoyed it!

I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mallory Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think the Bachelor—but set in space with a lot of Greek mythology woven into the mix.

Earth is dead, and the only way forward is to evacuate with the Atlanteans, descendants of Ancient Greece who were taken into space by the extraterrestrial Olympians, now returned to rescue the people of Earth. To unite their peoples, Atlantean Prince Leonidas Agathon agrees to marry a Gaian (Earth) woman, with that honor going to the victor of the Goddess Games (essentially the Bachelor on a spaceship).

Chloe, the FMC, enters the contest not to marry the prince, but to secure one of the coveted 12 finalist spots and with it, a noble title that would give her control and direction in her life. But it turns out the prince is charming (and "princely"—IYKYK), and real feelings start to grow as she spends more time with him. (And, in my opinion, Lee is deserving of these feelings—he's a prince with a heart of gold who loves books and deserves the best the world has to offer!)

The premise and lore are so cool, the other contestants are all very well fleshed out, and the cliffhanger is brutal (I want moreeeee). If you like YA coming-of-age books, space operas, the Bachelor or similar shows, Greek mythology, royalty romance, and a swoon-worthy MMC, go pick up The Goddess Games!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was fantastic. Very quick read for me.
I was drawn to this book because several years ago I read Keira Cass's The Selection and loved it. So same concept but much different world.
Chloe knows in her mind that a prince of another world would never pick her so why even try (that is my mentality) but when it is suggested to her that she should make a go of it if just to protect the prince from rebels within the group of ladies competing for the prince's hand in marriage, she makes a run for it if only to get her family on the first wave of refugees leaving the planet. Planet Earth is dying and there is not much time left to relocate to another planet.
Going into this Chloe has no idea what she is going to face in the games or trials as they are called in the book but she learns she is made of tougher stuff than she ever thought she could be. Then she actually meets the prince and begins to get to know him and really likes what she sees and hears. I just loved all of it and cannot wait for book 2 to be released.

So many women vying for the prince's attention, a rebel hidden among them, and you can imagine how much drama is flying around with so many women. The women in the games have to learn to work together and end up helping each other even though they are all pitted against one another.

Thank you so much to Book Sirens and Erica Rue for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Goddess Games starts with a dystopian Earth near unlivable through the greed of humankind. People survive in the few habitable areas left. A visit from the Atlanteans, however, provides the means to escape a dying planet.

To create cohesion between the people of Earth and the people of Atlantis, the Prince of Atlantis will marry and Earthling. And so the concept of the Goddess Games is born.

The competition theme to win a bride or groom is one that is often used in fantasy, but I enjoyed this one because of the Greek mythology woven into the story.

I found the ending to be abrupt even though I knew that this is book one of a series and I did get a bit irritated by the female main character. I read a lot if Teen/YA books, but at times I felt really old reading this book. Having said that, I would have given 3 and a 1/2 stars if I could.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Courtney Gilsdorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ this book was really cute!!! It’s mythology inspired with a bachelor vibe (yes like the reality TV show) set in a dystopian earth/atlantis world. It’s a single POV that follows Chloe as she enters the Goddess Games and competes against 60 other women to win over the Prince and give her family a better life than they had on Earth. No spice but I really enjoyed the banter between Chloe and Lee. Not only is Chloe super sassy and a badass but also incredibly relatable. Fighting self-doubt is something most women struggle with on the daily and getting to watch Chloe grow through it was truly inspiring to read. It was a great story that I finished on a lazy Sunday and I cannot wait for book 2!

“If only she knew that I was more of an avenger than a protector” - Chloe

Thank you Erica and Book Sirens for the ARC! I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

TL;DR: Good easy read, fun characters, interesting story. Elimination competition with old Atlantis twist.

It took a little to get into the story, but the FMM was easily likable and had early story real life problems that made her relatable. Once the story started the “goddess games” she became even better. The plot of humans destroying Earth is easily believable and the rescue from the Atlantean’s is a nice sci-fi twist to the elimination games style. The characters were developed well to clash with one another. Excited to read the next book in this series when Erica is done writing it!

I found two minor typos in the ARC, but nothing that would turn me away from the book. Easy read, fun story!

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book and I’m on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait for the next book.

Chloe is from earth and has not much to lose but a lot to gain. She has a spiteful ex and a not so great job in a factory. After being passed over for a weather analytics person, Chloe decides to enter the Goddess Games to marry a prince and connect Earth with Atlantis. During the games, she learns more about herself and what she wants in life while making new friends. One downside is there are rebels who want to ruin the goddess games. How will Chloe help?

This story is a mix of hunger games meets the selection. It’s a must read with many twists and turns.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this one as a mood read, and just got swept away. The Goddess Games was a wonderful read full of puzzles and Atlantean lore.

Facing a ruined earth with Atlantis as their rescuers, Chloe gets roped (kinda literally—ropes course anyone?) into participating in a contest for the Prince’s hand in marriage to unite Earth & Atlantis’ two peoples. We get our classic dating show personalities, the bold, the drama, the seemingly too perfect. And then tossed into the mix, I really appreciated Chloe’s sarcasm and lack of perfection. She’s a girl just out there trying to make the best of the crappy hand she’s been dealt, and she does it well.

I think you’ll fall for Atlantis’ hunky prince right alongside Chloe!

*Clean read

[Netty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to @erica.rue.author for the ebook.

The Goddess Games by Erica Rue

This is an enjoyable & fun YA science fantasy romance. Chole the FMC enters the games as a chance for her family to leave earth for a better life, as the planet is dying.

With 60 young women competing in several trials to win the hand of the prince, there's plenty of catty back biting, kind of life Americas Next Top Model in space 😂

I loved that there was a mix of types of trials from physical, to etiquette & mental puzzles.

Chole & Lee the MMC have good banter & the romance is tentative, but this is YA 😉

A fun fast paced read & I'm already stuck into the next one!

#YA #ScienceRomance #FantasyRomance #nettyslibrary #BookReviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Im a big fan of The Selection series. I’m a big lover of books that incorporate Greek gods/mythology in some way. So a book/series that combines the two? Sign me up.

I very quickly fell in love with the setting of this book and its characters. I absolutely devoured Lee and Chloe’s banter throughout the whole book. Their stolen moments. Their growth. Their whole relationship really. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the women and Atlantis!

My only complaint is that I now have to wait for book 2 but i am SO excited to get more.

[Jemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and it flowed throughout the book.

At times it did lose its way and the story could have being re-jigged, but overall it was good.

I liked the main character m, she was independent, brave, confident. She also showed her vulnerability, which was nice to see, as I could relate to the character.

The prince was ok… he could have had a bit more depth to him or more background about him. But he had good development over the story.

I will read the next part to the story as I want to see how the goddess games ends for everyone and if there is a twist to the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jade Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, seriously - I need book two in my hands now because that book was something else! 😍 It has all the elements that I love - Greek mythology, trials, a cinnamon roll love interest, rebel plotting, strong female MC and her friends, - and even some elements new to me that I enjoyed - like the futuristic aspect with the starship 🚀

It’s set in a world, where Earth is failing and so we intend to move to Atlanta. The Prince there wants to bridge the gap by marrying a female Earthling - and so creates the Goddess Trials. These are trials based on Greek mythology eg the Athena trial tests wisdom.

Think the series The Selection but futuristic and with a Greek spin. ♥️

I loved it 🙇‍♀️

[Kristin]

I loved this book. First off the writing flowed so smoothly it was easy to read. I love a good mystery and spent the entire book trying to figure out who the traitor was. It definitely wasn't who I thought it would be. I am so excited for book 2 to come out. I almost thought Chloe would be kicked out of the competition and was wondering how they would change the storyline. I definitely recommend this book. Not a lot of heat in it but for a good mystery and science fiction I will reread this book again.

[Ελένη Καραχανίδη · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a quick question before writing a couple of words about the BEST ROYALTY ROMANCE book of the Tera by far... When is part 2 on plz? Like yesterday would be a good answer but tomorrow can work too. I simply CANNOT WAIT.
The story, the plot, their chemistry, a twist that may is implied, the realistic dystopia..everything was fantastically great.
And what to tell about the descriptions. The clothes? The feeling? If you r looking for a book to fall in love with, this is definitely the one!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Odette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is absolutely incredible! It offers a fascinating glimpse into a future world on the brink of collapse due to our own actions, while also reimagining the Greek gods as extraterrestrial beings. The protagonist, Chole, enters the goddess games with the intention of gaining social status and thwarting the rebels’ plot to assassinate the prince. However, everything changes when she meets the prince face to face. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to uncover the identity of the rebel. I can't wait to dive into the next book in this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goddess Games is book 1 in The Atlantis Crown by Erica Rue. Chloe is 19 and although she doesn't want to be part of the games, she does join in for the hand of the Prince. I found the fantasy to be interesting from beginning to the end. I think the characters are excellent and the story was so good. I am not sure about the royal family from Atlantis… are they really friends or foe? I can't wait to read book 2! I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Taaibah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I started yesterday, read til the middle of the night and picked it and finished it this morning… A great read that just kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next… a few twists and turns throughout and definitely some self doubts with the main character….

And what an ending….

A really great read…

[tre.wandereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved it! It was a blast to read and I could not put it down. It was enthralling and captivating. the suspense and the romance and most of all, it was a delightfully entertaining! The characters were strong and willful and they had just enough sass to be funny. I liked the overall world developed, something to be excited to read about in the future!

[C.J. Hawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked SO FAST. Something about Rue's writing drew me in and refused to let go. The blend of mythology and science-fiction is something I can't get enough of. Watching Chloe learn to trust herself and her heart warmed mine, and I cannot wait to read the rest of her story. Highly recommended for sci-fi fans who love a sweet, high-stakes romance.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced copy and my review is free and my own 💕


I enjoyed this book, I love a good futuristic earth book. I like how it involves Olympians and games. I do think the plot could’ve been a bit more developed and the characters a bit more as well. I do like the thought behind the games and trials. Overall a good YA read and I am looking forward to the next book!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Binged this read in one night! Easy to follow story with plenty of setup for the rest of the series. I really enjoyed the choice of location for it - definitely sets it apart from other similar concepts. Excited to see how it all plays out!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read. For a 19 year old, the FMC is fairly mature, but she makes sense due to her upbringing. The writing was top notch and well-articulated. The chemistry between the FMC and the prince was well done and I really liked his character. There was a fairly predictable track to the plot, but it didn’t in anyway detract from the enjoyability of the read.
Would 100% recommend.