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Titan Games
Helen has lost her marketing job and is about to lose her house when she is contacted by a town of psychedelic hippies and misfits. She accepts work promoting the town’s organic farming produce, and decides the best way to do this is to enter a local athlete into a drug fueled enhanced Olympics.
Billy doesn’t want to go, chances are he is going to be annihilated and it will all be too embarrassing. But his hometown is relying on him. And at the back of his mind he has always wondered how he would stack up against the best of the decathlon.
Pitting some hippy vegan against steroids, in a public arena, is a bridge too far for Titan Games CEO Mr Weeks. Even a 3rd place in any event would send the pharmaceutical sponsors into a meltdown. He’s not having it. Something must be done.
A warm, zany, feelgood adventure about friendship that attempts to answer the questions - Can a man outrun a deer? Are lentils better than cocaine? And is Mickey Mouse indeed a blackfella.
Billy doesn’t want to go, chances are he is going to be annihilated and it will all be too embarrassing. But his hometown is relying on him. And at the back of his mind he has always wondered how he would stack up against the best of the decathlon.
Pitting some hippy vegan against steroids, in a public arena, is a bridge too far for Titan Games CEO Mr Weeks. Even a 3rd place in any event would send the pharmaceutical sponsors into a meltdown. He’s not having it. Something must be done.
A warm, zany, feelgood adventure about friendship that attempts to answer the questions - Can a man outrun a deer? Are lentils better than cocaine? And is Mickey Mouse indeed a blackfella.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 19, 2025
This book is full of humor and satire and very unique. I thought the premise was rather interesting: imagine an olympic style competition where anything goes: performance enhancing drugs and sneaky tricks are encouraged. But what happens when a contestant wants to play a clean game?
I really liked how this book doesn’t take itself too seriously. I liked the satire and some of the messages in the story. It’s a little wacky and wild and an overall quick read!
3.5 ⭐️ Rounded to 4.0
I really liked how this book doesn’t take itself too seriously. I liked the satire and some of the messages in the story. It’s a little wacky and wild and an overall quick read!
3.5 ⭐️ Rounded to 4.0
July 17, 2025
What a unique plot! Something so different and a lot of fun.
I’ll admit it took me a little bit of time to fully get into this, working out all the characters and what their parts were, but once the games began I was fully invested!!
Imagine the Olympic Games if you will, then imagine all the athletes taking drugs and enhancing themselves so much they appear deformed! Welcome to The Titan Games, where nothing is as it seems. Everything is enhanced - right down to all the food, which is produced specifically to that persons needs.
Then meet Helen, tasked with promoting a town’s organic produce, she heads off to the games with Billy, the towns best athlete and hope to raise awareness and money for their cause.
As predicted, nothing goes to plan. They are certainly not welcome and anything you can imagine goes wrong for them.
I loved the determination of the under dogs, sticking to their beliefs no matter what, never giving in and calling it a day. You will be standing on the side lines cheering for the Wongii team by the end. There are certainly some stick out characters that you will be fully invested in, wondering just how they will survive these games!
It’s fast paced, it’s fun, it’s full of humour (but maybe a slightly darker kind!) If you are offended by drug use and the extreme use of it in sport, this might not be the book for you, but if you can see the satire behind it and take this book for what it is, a bit of fun, you will enjoy it, but maybe you will always watch the Olympics in a slightly different way!
July 27, 2025
Firstly, I’d like to thank @lovebookstours and Mark Toohey for the opportunity to read this book. The cover of the book is striking in its bright red appearance and graphics- it doesn’t really give much away to the content, which makes it more appealing to me!
This is a fast paced, humorous satire which follows drugs vs organic produce in competition sports, in a unique book highlighting the importance of sticking to your beliefs, never giving in, and when to know to call it a day!
The writing style is straight forward and makes for quick reading! The chapter lengths are prefect to keep you engaged- they’re not too long and keeps the story flowing!
If you’re wanting a wacky, quick and easy read- then this is the book for you! However, if you are offended by drug use in sports, then I’d maybe think twice before embarking on this journey!
Overall ratings:
🌟 4/5
☠️ 2/5 (TWs GMOs, drug use, stealing)
July 22, 2025
Titan Games by Mark Toohey.
This was a fun read for me. It's definitely different. I saw the cover and immediately signed up. It did take some getting used to. Especially with characters and the games and food, etc. Even the character names were different. It's unique. I loved the humour. I couldn't put it down once I reached the Olympics part. It took me a few days to read it. If you like fun, quirky, and humorous reads, this is definitely for you.
This was a fun read for me. It's definitely different. I saw the cover and immediately signed up. It did take some getting used to. Especially with characters and the games and food, etc. Even the character names were different. It's unique. I loved the humour. I couldn't put it down once I reached the Olympics part. It took me a few days to read it. If you like fun, quirky, and humorous reads, this is definitely for you.
July 17, 2025
Drug-fuelled. Wholesome. Oh so odd.
I can safely say that ‘Titan Games’ is unlike any book I’ve ever read before. Not only is its plot unique but Toohey has a great ability to paint such a vivid image of things and people that I truly hope are imaginary and not from experience. The story follows advertiser, Helen, as she takes on a job of trying to advertise the organic produce from the town of Wongii. To do this, they decide to enter Billy Uke - local athlete - into the Titan Games (a competition sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and carried out by drug enhanced ‘creatures’) to showcase the impact an organic diet can have. However, they come across their fair share of adversity as the man in charge, Mr Weeks, decides this is not the correct tone for his games. What ensues is a struggle for food, an observation of drug-addled athletes and the power that friendship and loyalty can have. Will yams overrule cocaine? Will bananas with legs become the next big thing? Read it to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and found it a refreshing read. I found the light-hearted tone and almost ‘silly’ caricatures of the drug-fuelled athletes to be highly effective in exploring the issues of drugs, pressure and a world in decline without it being ‘too much’. I loved the mishmash of characters Toohey brought together to save the town - though they were very hard to follow and differentiate in the beginning as we were introduced to tons of key people within the first few chapters. A particular favourite for me was Rubi, the fainting goat, who managed to find a purpose - who’d have thought it? I also want to take a minute to admire the artwork on the cover as it perfectly fits the book and its plot.
Overall - good idea. Humorous at points. Great characters. Maybe next time add a character list at the beginning that we can refer to? I say next time as I secretly am hoping for a sequel?
I can safely say that ‘Titan Games’ is unlike any book I’ve ever read before. Not only is its plot unique but Toohey has a great ability to paint such a vivid image of things and people that I truly hope are imaginary and not from experience. The story follows advertiser, Helen, as she takes on a job of trying to advertise the organic produce from the town of Wongii. To do this, they decide to enter Billy Uke - local athlete - into the Titan Games (a competition sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and carried out by drug enhanced ‘creatures’) to showcase the impact an organic diet can have. However, they come across their fair share of adversity as the man in charge, Mr Weeks, decides this is not the correct tone for his games. What ensues is a struggle for food, an observation of drug-addled athletes and the power that friendship and loyalty can have. Will yams overrule cocaine? Will bananas with legs become the next big thing? Read it to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and found it a refreshing read. I found the light-hearted tone and almost ‘silly’ caricatures of the drug-fuelled athletes to be highly effective in exploring the issues of drugs, pressure and a world in decline without it being ‘too much’. I loved the mishmash of characters Toohey brought together to save the town - though they were very hard to follow and differentiate in the beginning as we were introduced to tons of key people within the first few chapters. A particular favourite for me was Rubi, the fainting goat, who managed to find a purpose - who’d have thought it? I also want to take a minute to admire the artwork on the cover as it perfectly fits the book and its plot.
Overall - good idea. Humorous at points. Great characters. Maybe next time add a character list at the beginning that we can refer to? I say next time as I secretly am hoping for a sequel?
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July 15, 2025I'm not really one that likes sports, but I LOVE sports movies. There's always something so endearing about an underdog winning against the status quo. That's where TITAN GAMES comes in- it's goofy, quirky, quick, and I loved the main characters that I was rooting for.
TITAN GAMES takes place in a universe not so different from ours where there are the Olympics, and then there are the Titan Games, which are everything the Olympics are not. Held at Guantanamo Bay, these games are powered by pharmaceutical companies, and the contestants have taken a combination of every drug possible. This results in athletes with Mickey Mouse hands and giant feet, food that's chemically altered for each contestant, and corporate sponsors galore.
Enter Billy- an indigenous Australian who enters the games, but he is determined to do it organically. Helen, a down on her luck marketing professional, is hired to promote the town of Wongii and Billy's run in the games. From here, the story breaks down into a very unique and endearing sports story that had me cheering for Billy until the very end. Mark Toohey has a fun sense of humor, and the story feels like it gets more and more absurd as it does charming.
While I don't think there are any life changing aspects of this book, it's a refreshing read that rests on levity. I really loved our main characters, especially Helen and Manohar. It really felt like one of those old sports movies that you've watched a thousand times and you'll probably watch a thousand more.
TITAN GAMES takes place in a universe not so different from ours where there are the Olympics, and then there are the Titan Games, which are everything the Olympics are not. Held at Guantanamo Bay, these games are powered by pharmaceutical companies, and the contestants have taken a combination of every drug possible. This results in athletes with Mickey Mouse hands and giant feet, food that's chemically altered for each contestant, and corporate sponsors galore.
Enter Billy- an indigenous Australian who enters the games, but he is determined to do it organically. Helen, a down on her luck marketing professional, is hired to promote the town of Wongii and Billy's run in the games. From here, the story breaks down into a very unique and endearing sports story that had me cheering for Billy until the very end. Mark Toohey has a fun sense of humor, and the story feels like it gets more and more absurd as it does charming.
While I don't think there are any life changing aspects of this book, it's a refreshing read that rests on levity. I really loved our main characters, especially Helen and Manohar. It really felt like one of those old sports movies that you've watched a thousand times and you'll probably watch a thousand more.
July 6, 2025
“Superhero pee worth $100,000.”
“Athletes come and go, Helen; it is the t-shirts that last.”
I originally got this book purely because I thought the cover was intriguing, and Titan Games did not disappoint! Think of this book as if the Olympics and the fight between natural/organic and pharmaceutical industry had a baby. Helen is desperate for work, and the town of Wongii is desperate to save their town. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right? You’d be mostly right because Helen helps the town, and their star athlete, Billy, compete in the Titan Games — where athletes from around the world are using drugs or enhancements to win. The kicker? Wongii is competing in the games 100% natural. Titan Games is funny, refreshing, and doesn’t take itself too seriously which was nice to see. If you’re looking for a quick & fun read, look no further! Thank you to @MarkToohey1231 and @LoveBookTours for the ARC!
“Athletes come and go, Helen; it is the t-shirts that last.”
I originally got this book purely because I thought the cover was intriguing, and Titan Games did not disappoint! Think of this book as if the Olympics and the fight between natural/organic and pharmaceutical industry had a baby. Helen is desperate for work, and the town of Wongii is desperate to save their town. Sounds like a match made in heaven, right? You’d be mostly right because Helen helps the town, and their star athlete, Billy, compete in the Titan Games — where athletes from around the world are using drugs or enhancements to win. The kicker? Wongii is competing in the games 100% natural. Titan Games is funny, refreshing, and doesn’t take itself too seriously which was nice to see. If you’re looking for a quick & fun read, look no further! Thank you to @MarkToohey1231 and @LoveBookTours for the ARC!
July 10, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if someone threw corporate satire, science weirdness, and a fever dream into a blender and hit purée—Titan Games is it.
This book has a wild premise; you’ll question your grip on reality at least three times per chapter. And the plot? Think of it less like a story and more like a series of loosely connected events held together by vibes and stoner thoughts. A lot of questions are raised, and unfortunately, very few are answered in the end. But you know what? That’s part of the charm. This is NOT a book you read to understand the universe. It’s a book you read when your brain says, “I need a break from everything that makes even a sliver of sense.”
It’s quick, it’s goofy, and it’s definitely an escape from reality! Perfect for those days when you just want to say, “Sure, why not?” to whatever madness comes next.
Recommended for: fans of absurdist fiction and chaos with a dash of caffeine.
This book has a wild premise; you’ll question your grip on reality at least three times per chapter. And the plot? Think of it less like a story and more like a series of loosely connected events held together by vibes and stoner thoughts. A lot of questions are raised, and unfortunately, very few are answered in the end. But you know what? That’s part of the charm. This is NOT a book you read to understand the universe. It’s a book you read when your brain says, “I need a break from everything that makes even a sliver of sense.”
It’s quick, it’s goofy, and it’s definitely an escape from reality! Perfect for those days when you just want to say, “Sure, why not?” to whatever madness comes next.
Recommended for: fans of absurdist fiction and chaos with a dash of caffeine.
July 18, 2025
So, what can I say about Titan Games? It really is unlike anything I've ever read before.
It's so unique, quirky and fun and very refreshing to read something so individual.
Without giving too much away, the basic premise surrounds the "Titan Games", an alternative kind of Olympic Games, where the participants are all chemically enhanced, shall we say, ha ha. That is until Helen, who's tasked with promoting the town's organic produce, decides to enter a local, clean athlete, in an effort to prove that natural is best, and to get some exposure for the town's produce.
What follows is a hilarious, light-hearted story that certainly does not take itself too seriously. It's packed to the brim of full of great, colourful characters and laugh out loud moments.
If you're looking for a quick, fun read, look no further.
4 stars from me.
It's so unique, quirky and fun and very refreshing to read something so individual.
Without giving too much away, the basic premise surrounds the "Titan Games", an alternative kind of Olympic Games, where the participants are all chemically enhanced, shall we say, ha ha. That is until Helen, who's tasked with promoting the town's organic produce, decides to enter a local, clean athlete, in an effort to prove that natural is best, and to get some exposure for the town's produce.
What follows is a hilarious, light-hearted story that certainly does not take itself too seriously. It's packed to the brim of full of great, colourful characters and laugh out loud moments.
If you're looking for a quick, fun read, look no further.
4 stars from me.
July 18, 2025
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover. It piqued my interest, as did the blurb.
I enjoyed reading about the town of Wongii and what made them decide to enter Billy into the Titan Games. The town sounded like a really quirky place.
When the Wongii crew got to the Games, the book then started to get a bit off the wall with the descriptions of the fellow athletes, trainers, food, etc. There were a lot of underhand dealings going on, which made the story interesting.
It was a strange experience reading this book, although it did have a lot of laugh out loud moments and some fun characters as well as an underlying message.
I had never heard of "stoner comedy" before, but I understand it is a genre some people enjoy. It was definitely a quirky, fun read but not really my type of book. I am glad I read it though.
I enjoyed reading about the town of Wongii and what made them decide to enter Billy into the Titan Games. The town sounded like a really quirky place.
When the Wongii crew got to the Games, the book then started to get a bit off the wall with the descriptions of the fellow athletes, trainers, food, etc. There were a lot of underhand dealings going on, which made the story interesting.
It was a strange experience reading this book, although it did have a lot of laugh out loud moments and some fun characters as well as an underlying message.
I had never heard of "stoner comedy" before, but I understand it is a genre some people enjoy. It was definitely a quirky, fun read but not really my type of book. I am glad I read it though.
July 22, 2025
I really liked this book. It was so fun. I loved the concept of Titan Games and the whole idea behind them.
The cover is great. Food vs Drugs. It has captured the Titan Games well. It's a great design job and I love how colourful it is.
The book is very well written and flows nicely. I love the humour in the book. The book was very difficult to put down!
The setting was interesting. I learned something new about Guantanamo Bay! I had no idea it was in Cuba. I thought it was in Central America. It was interesting to see how the prison had been converted. I also liked the wee village in Australia!
The characters were all a lot of fun. They fit into the story so well. I liked Billy. He was a sweet man. Helen was a good lady too. She tried so hard.
I definitely recommend this one!
The cover is great. Food vs Drugs. It has captured the Titan Games well. It's a great design job and I love how colourful it is.
The book is very well written and flows nicely. I love the humour in the book. The book was very difficult to put down!
The setting was interesting. I learned something new about Guantanamo Bay! I had no idea it was in Cuba. I thought it was in Central America. It was interesting to see how the prison had been converted. I also liked the wee village in Australia!
The characters were all a lot of fun. They fit into the story so well. I liked Billy. He was a sweet man. Helen was a good lady too. She tried so hard.
I definitely recommend this one!
July 25, 2025
Wow, what a wild ride! The cover caught my eye, but the hilarious, unpredictable adventure inside had me laughing out loud. Who knew a drug-fueled alternative Olympics could be this entertaining? Helen's mission to revive a town of quirky hippies with organic produce is as heartwarming as it is outrageous. The clash between clean athletes and pharmaceutical-enhanced competitors leads to both wild antics and unexpected friendships. Can they really stand a chance, or will the odds be stacked too high? With quirky questions like whether a man can outrun a deer, this book is a rollicking good time! Totally worth it for a feel-good escape! 🌈🏅Absolutely loved every moment of this one!
July 22, 2025
"Though the war on drugs, etc., had ended (drugs won, by the way), Guantanamo Bay remained a legal black hole."
I decided to read this book looking at the mesmerizing book cover. But, the story did not disappoint me. The pharmaceutical industries' setup was interesting to read. It had been a long time since I had touch based upon these medical terms (it was only when I was a student), and it took me back to my student days when I studied pharmaceutical biotechnology. The pace of the book is good and keeps you intrigued throughout.
I decided to read this book looking at the mesmerizing book cover. But, the story did not disappoint me. The pharmaceutical industries' setup was interesting to read. It had been a long time since I had touch based upon these medical terms (it was only when I was a student), and it took me back to my student days when I studied pharmaceutical biotechnology. The pace of the book is good and keeps you intrigued throughout.
June 29, 2025
I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and I’m going to be honest, I didn’t like it initially. I couldn’t get into the story… so I stopped reading. I picked it back up after a few weeks and gave it another chance, and I’m glad I did. The characters were fun and the plot itself was absolutely unique.
July 14, 2025
thank you to the author and lovebooktours for sending me a copy!
I am going to be honest, I couldn't quite get into it at first.
I put it on pause as I had other books to read and when I picked it back up to give it another try, I was glad I gave myself a bit of a break as I enjoyed it, the characters were fun and the plot was something new and exciting.
I am going to be honest, I couldn't quite get into it at first.
I put it on pause as I had other books to read and when I picked it back up to give it another try, I was glad I gave myself a bit of a break as I enjoyed it, the characters were fun and the plot was something new and exciting.
July 25, 2025
This book is wacky and quirky. Not what I would usually read but I thought I’d give it a chance.
It follows the story of Helen Ellis trying to promote the town of Wongii in Australia. To do this, Billy is entered into the Titan Games, kinda like the olympics but everyone is on drugs, steroids and whatever else they can use. Billy’s campaign is all about clean eating.
We know going into the games that Billy is going to be the underdog, so we’re rooting for him to at least do something, even if it’s just place higher than a few people.
I enjoyed this book, I liked the underdog element, I liked Helen’s ability to keep spinning things to work to her advantage.
The writing is just great. Very descriptive and very funny in places. There was one scene in particular I just laughed out loud at.
It was a nice easy read 🥰🥰
It follows the story of Helen Ellis trying to promote the town of Wongii in Australia. To do this, Billy is entered into the Titan Games, kinda like the olympics but everyone is on drugs, steroids and whatever else they can use. Billy’s campaign is all about clean eating.
We know going into the games that Billy is going to be the underdog, so we’re rooting for him to at least do something, even if it’s just place higher than a few people.
I enjoyed this book, I liked the underdog element, I liked Helen’s ability to keep spinning things to work to her advantage.
The writing is just great. Very descriptive and very funny in places. There was one scene in particular I just laughed out loud at.
It was a nice easy read 🥰🥰
November 29, 2025
What a read! Though it took me a minute to get started, I tumbled right into the chaos of the Titan Games. Without spoiling, the ending left nothing to be desired. The chapter lengths were just right and it made for a quick read while still including all the right world building for the notional plot.
In my final reading session of this book I couldn’t help but reflect beyond the humor and pick out a theme that speaks to me greatly; comparison is the thief of joy. What an example is our hero of the novel, Billy Uke.
Im a fan to say the least. Gunalcheesh, Toohey.
In my final reading session of this book I couldn’t help but reflect beyond the humor and pick out a theme that speaks to me greatly; comparison is the thief of joy. What an example is our hero of the novel, Billy Uke.
Im a fan to say the least. Gunalcheesh, Toohey.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews