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The Enigma Challenge
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26An action-packed novel following an unlikely duo as they race across Europe in a dangerously high-stakes competition worth millions
“Romancing the Stone meets The Da Vinci Code . . . You’ll find mile-a-minute pacing, Tracy-and-Hepburn chemistry with a dash of spice, and a twist around every corner. Completely captivating and absolutely irresistible!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan
You have solved the kickoff puzzle. There will be five additional puzzles to solve. Players have five minutes to confirm PIN after locating the final solution. The Enigma Challenge begins now.
Zoe Wilder has the unflashy, solitary life of an academic, studying ciphers in literature at a California university. When her research takes her to a cryptology conference in Madrid, she’s not expecting to trigger the Enigma Challenge, a clandestine puzzle competition few dare to enter.
The Enigma Challenge is an infamous competition with impossibly high stakes: Lose, and your identity is wiped forever. It doesn’t take long for Zoe to realize that she’s in over her head. Enter Dane Seaver: the mysterious hacker who insists they team up. Dane knows the Enigma Challenge—its secrets, its players—and Zoe knows ciphers. For better or worse, they need each other.
Six days, five puzzles, three countries, and innumerable rivals. What’s more, the spark of attraction between them becomes harder to ignore, but distractions are dangerous. With twelve million dollars and multiple lives on the line, the Enigma Challenge is anyone’s game. Will Zoe and Dane come out unscathed against the other players—and each other?
“Romancing the Stone meets The Da Vinci Code . . . You’ll find mile-a-minute pacing, Tracy-and-Hepburn chemistry with a dash of spice, and a twist around every corner. Completely captivating and absolutely irresistible!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan
You have solved the kickoff puzzle. There will be five additional puzzles to solve. Players have five minutes to confirm PIN after locating the final solution. The Enigma Challenge begins now.
Zoe Wilder has the unflashy, solitary life of an academic, studying ciphers in literature at a California university. When her research takes her to a cryptology conference in Madrid, she’s not expecting to trigger the Enigma Challenge, a clandestine puzzle competition few dare to enter.
The Enigma Challenge is an infamous competition with impossibly high stakes: Lose, and your identity is wiped forever. It doesn’t take long for Zoe to realize that she’s in over her head. Enter Dane Seaver: the mysterious hacker who insists they team up. Dane knows the Enigma Challenge—its secrets, its players—and Zoe knows ciphers. For better or worse, they need each other.
Six days, five puzzles, three countries, and innumerable rivals. What’s more, the spark of attraction between them becomes harder to ignore, but distractions are dangerous. With twelve million dollars and multiple lives on the line, the Enigma Challenge is anyone’s game. Will Zoe and Dane come out unscathed against the other players—and each other?
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
S.C. Godfrey
4 books39 followersSC Godfrey is the author of The Enigma Challenge (2026 from Viking Penguin). She's also the author of A Very Typical Family and The Second Chance Hotel writing under Sierra Godfrey. When not working on books, she can be found reading fast-paced, exciting thrillers, mysteries, and romance. She lives in the Bay Area with her family. Find her at sierragodfrey.com or on Instagram/Threads @sierragodfrey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
December 6, 2025
This book was incredible and so unique. With fast-paced writing, vivid descriptions, and heart-pounding scenes it felt like an actual action movie. From the moment I picked it up I was hooked!
Dr. Zoe Wilder is an American academic cryptologist at a conference in Madrid. After ending things with her boyfriend Eric, she decides to enter the Enigma Challenge. Unfortunately, Zoe has no idea she’s just entered into a game with the highest stakes imaginable. Lose or drop out, and your entire identity will be permanently deleted. Solve the five puzzles and win, and you will receive 12 million dollars.
Dean Seaver, cybersecurity expert and Eric’s enemy number one, realizes the Enigma Challenge has begun and requests they team up. Suddenly, Zoe finds herself in a do-or-die situation as she learns just how far others will go to win. Dane and Zoe decide they must put some trust in one another as they fight to win and stay alive.
This was great from start to finish. I loved the ending and would love it even more if there was a sequel one day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Zoe Wilder is an American academic cryptologist at a conference in Madrid. After ending things with her boyfriend Eric, she decides to enter the Enigma Challenge. Unfortunately, Zoe has no idea she’s just entered into a game with the highest stakes imaginable. Lose or drop out, and your entire identity will be permanently deleted. Solve the five puzzles and win, and you will receive 12 million dollars.
Dean Seaver, cybersecurity expert and Eric’s enemy number one, realizes the Enigma Challenge has begun and requests they team up. Suddenly, Zoe finds herself in a do-or-die situation as she learns just how far others will go to win. Dane and Zoe decide they must put some trust in one another as they fight to win and stay alive.
This was great from start to finish. I loved the ending and would love it even more if there was a sequel one day!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
I wasn't sure about this one for a while, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it wound up being fun (if a little repetitive in its relentless pursuit of the mystery). It's over the top, sure - but in a (mostly) good way, like a blockbuster movie. If you expect to not only suspend disbelief but throw the whole concept of it out the window early on, you'll find yourself on a wild ride that moves quickly and shuffles you about in zany ways.
The characters, plot, and pacing are all presented in an oversaturated technicolor bonanza of details that are engaging - and nerve-wracking. I did find some of the early back-and-forth with the puzzles to feel repetitive, but things smoothed out as the Challenge progressed, and from there to the end was a manic flurry of activity that I found quite entertaining. The last half definitely brought this solidly into four-star territory for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
The characters, plot, and pacing are all presented in an oversaturated technicolor bonanza of details that are engaging - and nerve-wracking. I did find some of the early back-and-forth with the puzzles to feel repetitive, but things smoothed out as the Challenge progressed, and from there to the end was a manic flurry of activity that I found quite entertaining. The last half definitely brought this solidly into four-star territory for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A great book featuring main character Dr. Zoe Wilder who is a cryptologist from the San Francisco Bay area. She has traveled to Madrid to present a paper with the support of her boss and significant other, Eric. Zoe has a bigger objective: to play in the annual Enigma Challenge. Little does Zoey know how high the stakes are for losing.
The first clue brings Zoey to a famous statue in Madrid where she finds not only an encrypted clue to be solved but also Dane Seaver. Dane is heavily involved in cyber security. and is Eric's archnemesisis. He may either prove Zoeys knight in shining armor or her ticket to "being deleted".
As Zoey continues to solve clues, most of the time being in grave danger, she waves her way through European capital cities. I
I love the depth the author writes in to her characters. The descriptive way she writes about the locations of the clues, the chases, and even scenes between characters makes the reader feel as if they are present sometimes almost painfully so.
S. C. Godfrey has written books before under her given first name. I'm thinking the move toward the change is because of the change in the genre? Im following the author now as I'd love to hear all about her research on some of the aspects of this well-written novel.
Highly recommend. One of my few 5 stars this year.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and VikingPenguin in exchange for an honest review.
The first clue brings Zoey to a famous statue in Madrid where she finds not only an encrypted clue to be solved but also Dane Seaver. Dane is heavily involved in cyber security. and is Eric's archnemesisis. He may either prove Zoeys knight in shining armor or her ticket to "being deleted".
As Zoey continues to solve clues, most of the time being in grave danger, she waves her way through European capital cities. I
I love the depth the author writes in to her characters. The descriptive way she writes about the locations of the clues, the chases, and even scenes between characters makes the reader feel as if they are present sometimes almost painfully so.
S. C. Godfrey has written books before under her given first name. I'm thinking the move toward the change is because of the change in the genre? Im following the author now as I'd love to hear all about her research on some of the aspects of this well-written novel.
Highly recommend. One of my few 5 stars this year.
This ARC was provided by NetGalley and VikingPenguin in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2025
i did not want to get off this rollercoaster ride of a book! it is action packed from the start. this reminds me of The Amazing Race but from a cryptography perspective.
i enjoyed the buildup of the romance between the main characters. all i got to say is poor Zoe, she went through the ringer in this book :(
the found family element is so sweet and added emotional depth to the plot.
the cliffhanger should be a crime, i need the next book now!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC.
i enjoyed the buildup of the romance between the main characters. all i got to say is poor Zoe, she went through the ringer in this book :(
the found family element is so sweet and added emotional depth to the plot.
the cliffhanger should be a crime, i need the next book now!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the eARC.
April 6, 2026
Review of an advanced copy received from NetGalley.
Full video review is available @DarinasReads BookTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8gRRdwg/) and Bookstagram (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWyirZ...).
I went into this book believing it is going to be Dan Brown Robert Langdon kind of action adventure with puzzles and treasure hunting elements.
While I got some of it, including detailed descriptions of beautiful landmarks across Europe, it was mostly underwhelming because it quickly turned into a romance at times switching to a silly romcom with the main character acting as a teenager even though she is a 30-year-old well-known cipher researcher.
There was nothing in the description about the romance being the main aspect of the story.
Most of the time I had a strong feeling that I was reading a YA novel. The main character’s infatuation with the physical appearance of a man overruled all common sense. She blindly trusts his every single word even though she just met him under very dubious and suspicious circumstances.
She wants to solve the notorious Enigma Challenge to win a main prize yet she knows nothing about the nature of these challenges. Everything she knows about them comes from a stranger who separates her from everyone saying that she is in danger and needs to follow him. So follow she does. All across Europe. And makes everything he says even when he outright tells her to break the law or gives her unknown medicine.
The whole panties situation is ridiculously cringy. She lost her panties he found them, tucked them into his pocket and later told her that he couldn’t stop thinking about them while tending to her wrist with these dirty panties.
They are trying to solve 5 hard puzzles while being chased by other murderous players and their lackeys. Instead of focusing on evading them, surviving and outmaneuvering them, they stroll and dine in public places while she is constantly drooling over his muscled body. Focus! Are you here for a tryst or do you want to live long enough to win? 🤦♀️
The additional spicy scene felt unnecessary and too over-descriptive for an action adventure. My honest opinion: it would be better if it remained “behind closed doors” book, without the explicit scene.
This whole concept of deleting identities of all who played but lost, all returning players with hired teams of mercenaries, tailored puzzles… While being fun, it is also such an overstretch.
There is a twist at the end. But I saw it coming from afar.
The book’s reading target audience is very limited due to the genre blend. It’s too brainy, too action packed and too over descriptive with the landmarks for romcom readers, and too silly and juvenile vanilla for action adventure readers.
My recommendation for the team: adjust the book blurb to reflect its plot accurately and reach its target audience. This will help to ensure book’s success.
Full video review is available @DarinasReads BookTok (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8gRRdwg/) and Bookstagram (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWyirZ...).
I went into this book believing it is going to be Dan Brown Robert Langdon kind of action adventure with puzzles and treasure hunting elements.
While I got some of it, including detailed descriptions of beautiful landmarks across Europe, it was mostly underwhelming because it quickly turned into a romance at times switching to a silly romcom with the main character acting as a teenager even though she is a 30-year-old well-known cipher researcher.
There was nothing in the description about the romance being the main aspect of the story.
Most of the time I had a strong feeling that I was reading a YA novel. The main character’s infatuation with the physical appearance of a man overruled all common sense. She blindly trusts his every single word even though she just met him under very dubious and suspicious circumstances.
She wants to solve the notorious Enigma Challenge to win a main prize yet she knows nothing about the nature of these challenges. Everything she knows about them comes from a stranger who separates her from everyone saying that she is in danger and needs to follow him. So follow she does. All across Europe. And makes everything he says even when he outright tells her to break the law or gives her unknown medicine.
The whole panties situation is ridiculously cringy. She lost her panties he found them, tucked them into his pocket and later told her that he couldn’t stop thinking about them while tending to her wrist with these dirty panties.
They are trying to solve 5 hard puzzles while being chased by other murderous players and their lackeys. Instead of focusing on evading them, surviving and outmaneuvering them, they stroll and dine in public places while she is constantly drooling over his muscled body. Focus! Are you here for a tryst or do you want to live long enough to win? 🤦♀️
The additional spicy scene felt unnecessary and too over-descriptive for an action adventure. My honest opinion: it would be better if it remained “behind closed doors” book, without the explicit scene.
This whole concept of deleting identities of all who played but lost, all returning players with hired teams of mercenaries, tailored puzzles… While being fun, it is also such an overstretch.
There is a twist at the end. But I saw it coming from afar.
The book’s reading target audience is very limited due to the genre blend. It’s too brainy, too action packed and too over descriptive with the landmarks for romcom readers, and too silly and juvenile vanilla for action adventure readers.
My recommendation for the team: adjust the book blurb to reflect its plot accurately and reach its target audience. This will help to ensure book’s success.
December 5, 2025
This incredible book started off with a bang and just kept on going! I'm posting this review at 2 in the morning because I could not put it down. I read it during work (shhh...) and right through the night.
It starts off in Madrid, where Dr Zoe Wilder gets rid of her man/boss and enters the contest of her life. Who knew solving ciphers, which are Zoe's expertise, and puzzles could win millons? At the same time, it could cost her life. She teams up with Dane Seaver, who is easy on the eyes, and travels through Europe to try and win the Enigma Challenge.
One of my favorite parts about this book was looking up places they went to and seeing the beautiful things they saw. It put me right there with them as they traveled.
I highly recommend The Enigma Challenge and I'm hoping for a sequel!!!
Thank you big time to Viking Penguin, S.C. Godfrey and NetGalley for the ARC of The Enigma Challenge
It starts off in Madrid, where Dr Zoe Wilder gets rid of her man/boss and enters the contest of her life. Who knew solving ciphers, which are Zoe's expertise, and puzzles could win millons? At the same time, it could cost her life. She teams up with Dane Seaver, who is easy on the eyes, and travels through Europe to try and win the Enigma Challenge.
One of my favorite parts about this book was looking up places they went to and seeing the beautiful things they saw. It put me right there with them as they traveled.
I highly recommend The Enigma Challenge and I'm hoping for a sequel!!!
Thank you big time to Viking Penguin, S.C. Godfrey and NetGalley for the ARC of The Enigma Challenge
January 1, 2026
The Enigma Challenge is fast-paced, engaging, and really well written. The challenges themselves were complex, but they were explained clearly enough that they were easy to follow—and they actually made me curious about learning and messing around with ciphers myself. I also liked how much the story moved around; even with all the location changes, each place felt vivid and easy to picture. The interactions between the main characters and side characters felt natural and believable, which made the whole story even more enjoyable to read.
I flew through this book way faster than I expected because it was so action packed. I look forward to the next book!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I flew through this book way faster than I expected because it was so action packed. I look forward to the next book!
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2026
oh my gosh. we need a part ii immediately pls 😊😅🥹
February 14, 2026
Thanks to Viking, Penguin Random House, and NetGalley for providing this eARC!
Action/adventure: 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
What a FUN book! The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking what a great movie it would make. It had everything - mystery, suspense, puzzles, adventure, friendships, found family, forced proximity, love. The side characters were great, I adored Luca and Xhan! Is it over the top and completely unrealistic? Absolutely! But that’s what made it so fun!!
Is there going to be a sequel?? It ended in a way that left things open maybe. I would read it if there was!
#theenigmachallenge #netgalley
Action/adventure: 4/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
What a FUN book! The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking what a great movie it would make. It had everything - mystery, suspense, puzzles, adventure, friendships, found family, forced proximity, love. The side characters were great, I adored Luca and Xhan! Is it over the top and completely unrealistic? Absolutely! But that’s what made it so fun!!
Is there going to be a sequel?? It ended in a way that left things open maybe. I would read it if there was!
#theenigmachallenge #netgalley
December 14, 2025
ARC review! 5 stars
I couldn't put this down. The plot was so unique and the FMC and MMC had amazing chemistry. I thought the spice was just the perfect amount. I really felt like I was in Europe, especially Spain. The ending had me absolutely screaming and I really hope we are getting a second book! I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes The Amazing Race & the puzzles and riddles in Survivor. Loved it!
Oh, and this line will live in my head forever, rent free.
"I haven't stopped thinking about them." -Dane
🥵🔥
Thank you Victory Editing for this arc!
I couldn't put this down. The plot was so unique and the FMC and MMC had amazing chemistry. I thought the spice was just the perfect amount. I really felt like I was in Europe, especially Spain. The ending had me absolutely screaming and I really hope we are getting a second book! I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes The Amazing Race & the puzzles and riddles in Survivor. Loved it!
Oh, and this line will live in my head forever, rent free.
"I haven't stopped thinking about them." -Dane
🥵🔥
Thank you Victory Editing for this arc!
December 3, 2025
I had so much fun with The Enigma Challenge. It’s perfect for grown fans of The 39 Clues series, the amazing race and national treasure. The plot kicks off right away and never slows down, and I loved how the mystery kept expanding in ways that actually surprised me. The characters were great and had fantastic chemistry.
This is one of those books where you think you’ll read a chapter before bed and suddenly it’s way later than it should be. If you like high stakes, clever twists, and an easy to fall into reading experience, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. I’m already tempted to reread it, especially if we get a sequel! Definitely one of top reads for 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This is one of those books where you think you’ll read a chapter before bed and suddenly it’s way later than it should be. If you like high stakes, clever twists, and an easy to fall into reading experience, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. I’m already tempted to reread it, especially if we get a sequel! Definitely one of top reads for 2025!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
December 6, 2025
The pacing of this book was very fast and exciting. Similar vibes to National Treasure or the DaVinci Code. I thought the romance happened a little too fast but I guess that’s what happens when you are running for your lives! A very enjoyable read.
February 4, 2026
Goodreads really needs a .5 star because I'd actually rate this 4.5. This book was a fun read that I did not want to put down. It was fast-paced with some fun twists. While I rooted for the main character, I appreciated her flaws (I hate when main characters are practically perfect). And, "touring" Europe as part of the game was an added bonus!
Plot - Academic Zoe has studied cryptology and is a master of cryptograms, having learned them from her father. At a conference in Madrid, Zoe innocently joins the Enigma Challenge, a puzzle "game" running across Europe with a huge prize and huge stakes, which she does not know when she signs up.
Spoilers - I don't love romances, and this one had just the right amount of romance. Plus, the romance factors into the plot and into whether characters can be trusted.
Thank you to NetGalley for the preview copy.
Plot - Academic Zoe has studied cryptology and is a master of cryptograms, having learned them from her father. At a conference in Madrid, Zoe innocently joins the Enigma Challenge, a puzzle "game" running across Europe with a huge prize and huge stakes, which she does not know when she signs up.
Spoilers - I don't love romances, and this one had just the right amount of romance. Plus, the romance factors into the plot and into whether characters can be trusted.
Thank you to NetGalley for the preview copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dr. Zoe Wilder is a young academic attending a cryptography conference in Madrid for the first time. She's there to present a paper, but she's even more intrigued by something called the Enigma Challenge held each year and kicked off at the conference.
"Information about the Enigma Challenge is elusive. I heard about it years ago as a graduate student, but anyone I talked to about it said, 'I've never played it, so I don't know how it works.' Internet searches reveal frustratingly little. Here's what I know: The game consists of five puzzles, and they change every year. Supposedly there's one puzzle that kicks off the game, a throwaway puzzle, at this conference."
There's an unspecified cash reward, rumored to be millions. And millions of dollars make people go to extremes.
When Zoe is the first to solve the puzzle that kicks off the competition, suddenly she has a target on her back, literally. We quickly realize that competitors will strong-arm, threaten, physically attack, and even kill to win the competition. We also realize how high the stakes are: if you enter the competition and lose, you are 'deleted', meaning your identity is wiped completely.
Zoe must flee Madrid in pursuit of the next puzzle to solve, and in doing so she enters into a loose partnership with a man named Dane Seaver. Seaver is familiar with the competition, having won it twice previously, and so he acts as a guide to fill in the blanks. As a previous winner, he's also a multi-millionaire, which comes in handy as the pair must traverse Europe as they unlock increasingly difficult ciphers to solve. It also doesn't hurt that he's "obscenely handsome," as Zoe puts it.
Comparisons to The Da Vinci Code will be inevitable, and warranted. The European setting, a symbology/cryptography professor with a photographic memory, solving intriguing puzzles while a dark element tries to stop them—one might think this is a retread...but it's not. Godfrey creates an interesting game, an even more interesting collection of puzzles, and a set of characters and circumstances that leave plenty of room for a sequel.
Where The Da Vinci Code was a straight thriller/adventure, and any romantic tension between Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu was G-rated, Godfrey ups the spice in The Enigma Challenge. Being constantly pursued day after day accelerates the connection between Zoe and Dane, and there is no shortage of sexual tension throughout. I had joked when reviewing This Story Might Save Your Life earlier this year that it was a new genre-bending mashup of mystery and romance that we could call 'romanstery'; this one is in a similar vein, but much more of a romance+thriller. Perhaps a 'thrillance'?
The end result is a book that propels along at a breakneck pace; our main characters rarely have a moment's peace, and as a result neither does the reader. There are enough layers to separate it from average books in the space, and the heavier romance element, while more than I was expecting, actually worked within the story. We're left with an entertaining romp that kept me pinned to the page up until the final bombshell reveal. A strong start to a narrative that seems destined for future installments.
"Information about the Enigma Challenge is elusive. I heard about it years ago as a graduate student, but anyone I talked to about it said, 'I've never played it, so I don't know how it works.' Internet searches reveal frustratingly little. Here's what I know: The game consists of five puzzles, and they change every year. Supposedly there's one puzzle that kicks off the game, a throwaway puzzle, at this conference."
There's an unspecified cash reward, rumored to be millions. And millions of dollars make people go to extremes.
When Zoe is the first to solve the puzzle that kicks off the competition, suddenly she has a target on her back, literally. We quickly realize that competitors will strong-arm, threaten, physically attack, and even kill to win the competition. We also realize how high the stakes are: if you enter the competition and lose, you are 'deleted', meaning your identity is wiped completely.
Zoe must flee Madrid in pursuit of the next puzzle to solve, and in doing so she enters into a loose partnership with a man named Dane Seaver. Seaver is familiar with the competition, having won it twice previously, and so he acts as a guide to fill in the blanks. As a previous winner, he's also a multi-millionaire, which comes in handy as the pair must traverse Europe as they unlock increasingly difficult ciphers to solve. It also doesn't hurt that he's "obscenely handsome," as Zoe puts it.
Comparisons to The Da Vinci Code will be inevitable, and warranted. The European setting, a symbology/cryptography professor with a photographic memory, solving intriguing puzzles while a dark element tries to stop them—one might think this is a retread...but it's not. Godfrey creates an interesting game, an even more interesting collection of puzzles, and a set of characters and circumstances that leave plenty of room for a sequel.
Where The Da Vinci Code was a straight thriller/adventure, and any romantic tension between Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu was G-rated, Godfrey ups the spice in The Enigma Challenge. Being constantly pursued day after day accelerates the connection between Zoe and Dane, and there is no shortage of sexual tension throughout. I had joked when reviewing This Story Might Save Your Life earlier this year that it was a new genre-bending mashup of mystery and romance that we could call 'romanstery'; this one is in a similar vein, but much more of a romance+thriller. Perhaps a 'thrillance'?
The end result is a book that propels along at a breakneck pace; our main characters rarely have a moment's peace, and as a result neither does the reader. There are enough layers to separate it from average books in the space, and the heavier romance element, while more than I was expecting, actually worked within the story. We're left with an entertaining romp that kept me pinned to the page up until the final bombshell reveal. A strong start to a narrative that seems destined for future installments.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an E-Arc of this books in exchange for an honest review
4.5 Rating
From a young age Zoe Wilder has always had a thing for puzzles due to her father. This love for all things puzzles helped in schooling and leading her toward the game called "The Enigma Challenge". This game is puzzles that lead to one giant grand prize, at least that's all Zoe can really find about it online.
When her research leader to a cryptology conference in Madrid she doesn't expect to start the dangerous game of The Enigma Challenge that consists on 5 puzzles to solve with a time limited final. Not only did Zoe start the game but she was not prepared for fellow competitors to do anything to win; lie, cheat, steal, even kill to be named the winner. The Enigma Challenge is unlike other popular challenges. This game may be popular enough for a speaker at the conference to point out where the sign up machine is but not popular enough for information to be found all over the internet...unless the lack of information is for a reason. Zoe soon finds out from a hacker named Dane that the Enigma Challenge is not something people sign up for without proper research. This challenge consists of one starter puzzle to gather attention to get people to sign up and the first person to input the correct answer with their information starts the whole thing. Followed by 5 puzzles of different difficulty and type where the answer to the puzzles lead to the next ones and risky results. With each puzzle there are winners who get the answers and losers who either dont get the puzzle on time or dont solve on time. Little did Zoe know before signing up that the losers dont just get to go on with their life being able to walk away with the memory of playing the game, no, the losers get deleted. Wiped from ever existing, identities gone, proof of anything they have ever done gone, bank accounts empty and dis attached to their name, everything is "deleted". Some even dont make it out of the game alive due to other players willing to kill to win. With the choice to quit no longer an option Zoe must trust the one person her she was been warned against since coming here, Dane.
Will Zoe survive all the way to the end?
Will Dane betray her for the prize money?
Will Zoe lose more than just her identity but maybe even her heart?
Who came be trust?
What will this years puzzles consist of and will there be a hidden theme or plan making this game not like all the others?
Overall like this story and all the action packed pages of the puzzles and how they were solved. There was a lot of repetition that bugged me for a while but after half way mark that little factor didnt happen as much and I am hopping gets edited out of the final edition.
I also personally would have liked less of the romance story line because it took away from the thrilling challenge/game plot but I can also see how it is needed for somethings to progress in the story.
If there is a second book i will be looking into it when the time comes.
4.5 Rating
From a young age Zoe Wilder has always had a thing for puzzles due to her father. This love for all things puzzles helped in schooling and leading her toward the game called "The Enigma Challenge". This game is puzzles that lead to one giant grand prize, at least that's all Zoe can really find about it online.
When her research leader to a cryptology conference in Madrid she doesn't expect to start the dangerous game of The Enigma Challenge that consists on 5 puzzles to solve with a time limited final. Not only did Zoe start the game but she was not prepared for fellow competitors to do anything to win; lie, cheat, steal, even kill to be named the winner. The Enigma Challenge is unlike other popular challenges. This game may be popular enough for a speaker at the conference to point out where the sign up machine is but not popular enough for information to be found all over the internet...unless the lack of information is for a reason. Zoe soon finds out from a hacker named Dane that the Enigma Challenge is not something people sign up for without proper research. This challenge consists of one starter puzzle to gather attention to get people to sign up and the first person to input the correct answer with their information starts the whole thing. Followed by 5 puzzles of different difficulty and type where the answer to the puzzles lead to the next ones and risky results. With each puzzle there are winners who get the answers and losers who either dont get the puzzle on time or dont solve on time. Little did Zoe know before signing up that the losers dont just get to go on with their life being able to walk away with the memory of playing the game, no, the losers get deleted. Wiped from ever existing, identities gone, proof of anything they have ever done gone, bank accounts empty and dis attached to their name, everything is "deleted". Some even dont make it out of the game alive due to other players willing to kill to win. With the choice to quit no longer an option Zoe must trust the one person her she was been warned against since coming here, Dane.
Will Zoe survive all the way to the end?
Will Dane betray her for the prize money?
Will Zoe lose more than just her identity but maybe even her heart?
Who came be trust?
What will this years puzzles consist of and will there be a hidden theme or plan making this game not like all the others?
Overall like this story and all the action packed pages of the puzzles and how they were solved. There was a lot of repetition that bugged me for a while but after half way mark that little factor didnt happen as much and I am hopping gets edited out of the final edition.
I also personally would have liked less of the romance story line because it took away from the thrilling challenge/game plot but I can also see how it is needed for somethings to progress in the story.
If there is a second book i will be looking into it when the time comes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book (expected publication date of August 11th, 2026) in exchange for my honest feedback!
Come one, come all, the elusive Enigma Challenge is about to start! While the rules are very much unclear, and the puzzles are unpredictable, the prizes are life-changing, and consequences are unfathomable.
As an academic cryptologist, Zoe loves a good puzzle. However, when she signs up for the Enigma Challenge, she might not have appreciated the risks involved. Suddenly, she is running all around Europe with the incredibly handsome and inscrutable Dane Seaver, trying to solve puzzles that seem specifically tailored to her own academic work, all while trying to avoid being killed by numerous villains who have apparently never taken a class on ethics. Everyone seems super shady, and nobody is being forthcoming with her, so how can she know who to trust?
This book was so much fun! There was so much danger, risk, and excitement! The adventure was unpredictable, and I couldn’t put this book down! (I may have missed my train stop while reading this…)
Am I becoming a fan of romance novels?? I still don’t think I enjoy genre romance, but when it’s mixed with a horror or thriller, I can get into it (when it’s done well). Sure, the romance here was predictable, but it was still fun. I really liked the chemistry between Zoe and Dane, and it didn’t feel too cliche, and it didn’t feel like it fell into too many tropes.
One really fun aspect of this book was all of the fun locations it journeyed to. It felt like I was sightseeing at the Louvre, and in the wilderness of Scotland, etc. The author did a great job of painting the scene of all of these gorgeous places, without it droning on.
But really, the reason to read this book is the adventure. Zoe has to solve all of these cyphers, to help a mysterious and seemingly-evil organization, while working with an attractive man she wants to trust, all while avoiding multiple scary villains who only care about winning the game, no matter the cost. There was not a dull page in the entire book. (And, without spoiling the ending, THAT is how you write a good cliff-hanger! It should have been predictable—all the signs were there, but wow, I did not see that coming at all!)
Part of me wanted to try solving the cyphers by myself (for which we weren’t given enough info—we didn’t have the tour guide book, or the maps). But, on second thought, that would’ve made it feel too Nancy Drew. The challenges had to be too difficult to leave to the reader, as they had to be challenging for a leading expert in the field. It meant I had to go along with the story, rather than trying to solve everything myself, but it really did work.
I didn’t really know what to expect going into this book. But wow, it was such a fantastic read. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Come one, come all, the elusive Enigma Challenge is about to start! While the rules are very much unclear, and the puzzles are unpredictable, the prizes are life-changing, and consequences are unfathomable.
As an academic cryptologist, Zoe loves a good puzzle. However, when she signs up for the Enigma Challenge, she might not have appreciated the risks involved. Suddenly, she is running all around Europe with the incredibly handsome and inscrutable Dane Seaver, trying to solve puzzles that seem specifically tailored to her own academic work, all while trying to avoid being killed by numerous villains who have apparently never taken a class on ethics. Everyone seems super shady, and nobody is being forthcoming with her, so how can she know who to trust?
This book was so much fun! There was so much danger, risk, and excitement! The adventure was unpredictable, and I couldn’t put this book down! (I may have missed my train stop while reading this…)
Am I becoming a fan of romance novels?? I still don’t think I enjoy genre romance, but when it’s mixed with a horror or thriller, I can get into it (when it’s done well). Sure, the romance here was predictable, but it was still fun. I really liked the chemistry between Zoe and Dane, and it didn’t feel too cliche, and it didn’t feel like it fell into too many tropes.
One really fun aspect of this book was all of the fun locations it journeyed to. It felt like I was sightseeing at the Louvre, and in the wilderness of Scotland, etc. The author did a great job of painting the scene of all of these gorgeous places, without it droning on.
But really, the reason to read this book is the adventure. Zoe has to solve all of these cyphers, to help a mysterious and seemingly-evil organization, while working with an attractive man she wants to trust, all while avoiding multiple scary villains who only care about winning the game, no matter the cost. There was not a dull page in the entire book. (And, without spoiling the ending, THAT is how you write a good cliff-hanger! It should have been predictable—all the signs were there, but wow, I did not see that coming at all!)
Part of me wanted to try solving the cyphers by myself (for which we weren’t given enough info—we didn’t have the tour guide book, or the maps). But, on second thought, that would’ve made it feel too Nancy Drew. The challenges had to be too difficult to leave to the reader, as they had to be challenging for a leading expert in the field. It meant I had to go along with the story, rather than trying to solve everything myself, but it really did work.
I didn’t really know what to expect going into this book. But wow, it was such a fantastic read. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You have solved the kickoff puzzle.
The Enigma Challenge begins now.
Zoe is a cryptologist... leading a rather normal, unassuming... boring life as a cryptologist studying ciphers in literature at a California university. That is until her research leads her to a cryptology conference in Madrid, Spain...and she finds herself involved in a dangerous competition with stakes that are far too high...and if you lose? Your identity is gone forever.
It doesn't take long for her to realize that she is in far over her head. That's when a mysterious hacker makes his appearance... Enter Dane Seaver... who knows the Challenge's secrets and its players. Regardless of how this ends up... for better or for worse, they need each other.
Twelve million dollars lies at stake. Six days. Five puzzles. Three countries.
Multiple lives at risk.
Will Zoe and Dane make it through the Challenge unscathed? Even more important... will their growing feelings for each other grow more... or will they be shattered apart?
Allow me to tell you now, grab on to something, and hold onto it tight... because you are absolutely not prepared for the wild ride that The Enigma Challenge will take you on. This starts off with a bang, and then descends into a rapidly dropping, utterly thrilling rollercoaster of a ride... one that I found so utterly thrilling that I just kept reading and reading until I was finished with it at 3 am in the morning.
And oh my stars, can S.C. Godfrey write. The scenery! She writes in such a vivid fashion that the whole novel seems to spring to life... and throughout the whole thing I almost felt as though I was experiencing the cities for myself... the sights, the smells, and the landmarks that each of these cities is known for...even though I have only managed to visit one or two of them myself. She then uses this same vivid imagery and wraps it into a masterful, heart-racing tale of puzzles, symbols, and ciphers... where danger lurks around every corner... all at the same time, we have a blossoming relationship as our two main characters get to know each other.
There is plenty here that will keep you engaged, and there is also plenty more that will leave you yearning to know more about the Challenge, about its puzzles, and all-in-all, the ultimate winner of the prize. S.C. Godfrey's writing is always a delight, and I cannot wait to see what she releases next.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books, Viking Penguin, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in advanced! All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews may be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
The Enigma Challenge begins now.
Zoe is a cryptologist... leading a rather normal, unassuming... boring life as a cryptologist studying ciphers in literature at a California university. That is until her research leads her to a cryptology conference in Madrid, Spain...and she finds herself involved in a dangerous competition with stakes that are far too high...and if you lose? Your identity is gone forever.
It doesn't take long for her to realize that she is in far over her head. That's when a mysterious hacker makes his appearance... Enter Dane Seaver... who knows the Challenge's secrets and its players. Regardless of how this ends up... for better or for worse, they need each other.
Twelve million dollars lies at stake. Six days. Five puzzles. Three countries.
Multiple lives at risk.
Will Zoe and Dane make it through the Challenge unscathed? Even more important... will their growing feelings for each other grow more... or will they be shattered apart?
Allow me to tell you now, grab on to something, and hold onto it tight... because you are absolutely not prepared for the wild ride that The Enigma Challenge will take you on. This starts off with a bang, and then descends into a rapidly dropping, utterly thrilling rollercoaster of a ride... one that I found so utterly thrilling that I just kept reading and reading until I was finished with it at 3 am in the morning.
And oh my stars, can S.C. Godfrey write. The scenery! She writes in such a vivid fashion that the whole novel seems to spring to life... and throughout the whole thing I almost felt as though I was experiencing the cities for myself... the sights, the smells, and the landmarks that each of these cities is known for...even though I have only managed to visit one or two of them myself. She then uses this same vivid imagery and wraps it into a masterful, heart-racing tale of puzzles, symbols, and ciphers... where danger lurks around every corner... all at the same time, we have a blossoming relationship as our two main characters get to know each other.
There is plenty here that will keep you engaged, and there is also plenty more that will leave you yearning to know more about the Challenge, about its puzzles, and all-in-all, the ultimate winner of the prize. S.C. Godfrey's writing is always a delight, and I cannot wait to see what she releases next.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books, Viking Penguin, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in advanced! All thoughts and opinions are my own and the rest of my reviews may be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5+ stars
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book in advance.
WHAT A WILD RIDE! The Enigma Challenge is impossible to put down! And almost impossible to catch your breath along the way. From Madrid to France to Scotland...
Dr. Zoe Wilder (love that name!) isn't really certain what she's gotten herself into when she enters the Enigma Challenge. She's only heard rumors and tales about the challenge: Five puzzles must be solved for ONE WINNER to TAKES IT ALL. And All could be millions of dollars in cash. But there are rumors that Losers are "deleted"... their electronic identities wiped out. It's also whispered that perhaps Losers are permanently deleted, as in murdered.
Zoe is a cryptologist who learned from her father how to solve ciphers and now specializes in ciphers in modern literature. At a Cryptology Conference in Madrid, Zoe has to quickly decide if she can trust her now ex-boyfriend/boss Eric or Dane Seaver the bold, fascinating American that Eric can't stand and constantly warns her to avoid. Since Eric is such a PITA and Dane is so appealing and seems to know more about the Enigma Challenge, Zoe blows off Eric and escapes chaos at the conference by running with Dane. Except Zoe has something that the other Enigma Challenge Contestants want - a book with the next clue and the skills to win.
Twists, turns, constantly on the run, sketchy acquaintances, menacing monsters, and a companion who seems to know a lot but keep secrets, Zoe finds herself not only trying to solve the ciphers first but stay alive and out of the hands of those who may very well wish to kill her. Can she trust Dane? Is he telling her only what he wants her to know or is he truly helping her?
And when Zoe starts to fall for Dane, will she get more than her heart broken? Because Zoe discovers that once she starts this challenge, she can't just back out without the real possibility of being deleted in very way imaginable.
If you love action, adventure, mysteries, spies, and suspense, this book has it all with a bit of steamy romance thrown in. I'll be looking for upcoming books by S.C. Godfrey. This debut hits it out of the park!
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book in advance.
WHAT A WILD RIDE! The Enigma Challenge is impossible to put down! And almost impossible to catch your breath along the way. From Madrid to France to Scotland...
Dr. Zoe Wilder (love that name!) isn't really certain what she's gotten herself into when she enters the Enigma Challenge. She's only heard rumors and tales about the challenge: Five puzzles must be solved for ONE WINNER to TAKES IT ALL. And All could be millions of dollars in cash. But there are rumors that Losers are "deleted"... their electronic identities wiped out. It's also whispered that perhaps Losers are permanently deleted, as in murdered.
Zoe is a cryptologist who learned from her father how to solve ciphers and now specializes in ciphers in modern literature. At a Cryptology Conference in Madrid, Zoe has to quickly decide if she can trust her now ex-boyfriend/boss Eric or Dane Seaver the bold, fascinating American that Eric can't stand and constantly warns her to avoid. Since Eric is such a PITA and Dane is so appealing and seems to know more about the Enigma Challenge, Zoe blows off Eric and escapes chaos at the conference by running with Dane. Except Zoe has something that the other Enigma Challenge Contestants want - a book with the next clue and the skills to win.
Twists, turns, constantly on the run, sketchy acquaintances, menacing monsters, and a companion who seems to know a lot but keep secrets, Zoe finds herself not only trying to solve the ciphers first but stay alive and out of the hands of those who may very well wish to kill her. Can she trust Dane? Is he telling her only what he wants her to know or is he truly helping her?
And when Zoe starts to fall for Dane, will she get more than her heart broken? Because Zoe discovers that once she starts this challenge, she can't just back out without the real possibility of being deleted in very way imaginable.
If you love action, adventure, mysteries, spies, and suspense, this book has it all with a bit of steamy romance thrown in. I'll be looking for upcoming books by S.C. Godfrey. This debut hits it out of the park!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read 33% and then I skimmed the rest.
I'm so disappointed! The synopsis sounded so promising, kind of Dan Brown-esque with a dash more romance. I'm a massive fan of mystery/romance mash-ups, whether they're romance-forward, mystery-forward, or an even split. This seemed to be exactly my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what was supposed to motivate me to keep reading.
Let's start with the plot: it moved too fast, too soon. Right from the start, we're thrown into mayhem and intrigue and we're never given a chance to catch our breath. Stakes and tension are all well and good but it gets old when that's all there is. And it's fairly predictable. The big twist at the end was so obvious! Instead of making me want to read more, it felt anticlimactic.
For a story about puzzles and cyphers, we don't get to experience much of the puzzling out process. They find a puzzle and bam! Zoe knows the answer and explains the process to Dane (and us) after the fact. It would've been nice to puzzle it out with Zoe, see a bit more of her thought process.
But I shouldn't be surprised because the characters are not compelling. There's so much telling that I wasn't able to connect with either of them. Zoe in particular had a muddy personality. I would imagine that someone who made solving puzzles and cyphers her life's work would be more curious and suspicious in nature. She just blindly trusts a stranger because . . . he tells her to? He exhibits a basic level of human decency? It doesn't make sense. I also had a hard time believing she couldn't find ANY information about the Enigma Challenge in her research. And for a 30-year-old, she reads like she's 22---especially with all that early drama with her boss/mentor.
Dane's personality is that he's a hacker and . . . he's hot? I need more than that.
The romance wasn't believable at all, and the writing of the steamy parts was clunky.
I think this has potential but it needs more work. As it stands, I wouldn't recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so disappointed! The synopsis sounded so promising, kind of Dan Brown-esque with a dash more romance. I'm a massive fan of mystery/romance mash-ups, whether they're romance-forward, mystery-forward, or an even split. This seemed to be exactly my cup of tea.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what was supposed to motivate me to keep reading.
Let's start with the plot: it moved too fast, too soon. Right from the start, we're thrown into mayhem and intrigue and we're never given a chance to catch our breath. Stakes and tension are all well and good but it gets old when that's all there is. And it's fairly predictable. The big twist at the end was so obvious! Instead of making me want to read more, it felt anticlimactic.
For a story about puzzles and cyphers, we don't get to experience much of the puzzling out process. They find a puzzle and bam! Zoe knows the answer and explains the process to Dane (and us) after the fact. It would've been nice to puzzle it out with Zoe, see a bit more of her thought process.
But I shouldn't be surprised because the characters are not compelling. There's so much telling that I wasn't able to connect with either of them. Zoe in particular had a muddy personality. I would imagine that someone who made solving puzzles and cyphers her life's work would be more curious and suspicious in nature. She just blindly trusts a stranger because . . . he tells her to? He exhibits a basic level of human decency? It doesn't make sense. I also had a hard time believing she couldn't find ANY information about the Enigma Challenge in her research. And for a 30-year-old, she reads like she's 22---especially with all that early drama with her boss/mentor.
Dane's personality is that he's a hacker and . . . he's hot? I need more than that.
The romance wasn't believable at all, and the writing of the steamy parts was clunky.
I think this has potential but it needs more work. As it stands, I wouldn't recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Pamela Dorman Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2025
Zoe Wilder es una investigadora apasionada por los códigos, que llega a un congreso en Madrid buscando nada más que presentar su trabajo y escapar de su exnovio y controlador jefe. Pero cuando tropieza con una serie de números escondidos en la estatua del Ángel Caído, desata sin saberlo un juego clandestino que nadie admite conocer pero que todos temen: la Enigma Challenge, una competencia donde resolver mal no implica perder puntos, sino perder la propia identidad.
En ese camino aparece Dane Seaver, un experto en seguridad que no solo ha ganado la Enigma Challenge dos veces, sino que también arrastra tantas sombras como habilidades. Lo que comienza como una alianza incómoda se convierte en un dúo obligado a confiar el uno en el otro mientras huyen de jugadores violentos como el 1982, ladrones de pistas, asesinos contratados y, lo peor de todo, ProtoDark, la organización criminal que dirige la competencia desde las sombras.
Mientras Zoe demuestra que su talento supera al de todos los criptólogos profesionales que la subestimaron, también descubre traiciones que la golpean más fuerte que cualquier ataque físico: la revelación de que tanto su excomo Dane estaban involucrados con ProtoDark mucho antes de que ella entrara en juego. Aun así, Zoe avanza, resuelve el último acertijo y enfrenta el dilema final: ganar significa ser reclutada por los mismos criminales que intentaron destruirla; perder significa ser “borrada” del sistema por completo.
Sin más salida que la victoria, Zoe redefine el juego, aprovechando sus propias reglas y convirtiéndose en la única persona capaz de derrotar a un grupo que lleva años reclutando a los mejores. En una competencia diseñada para quebrar a cualquier jugador, Zoe demuestra que los rompecabezas no se ganan por fuerza, sino por claridad, resistencia y la capacidad de ver patrones que los demás pasan por alto.
___
Zoe podrá ser inteligente, pero le falta sentido común.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
En ese camino aparece Dane Seaver, un experto en seguridad que no solo ha ganado la Enigma Challenge dos veces, sino que también arrastra tantas sombras como habilidades. Lo que comienza como una alianza incómoda se convierte en un dúo obligado a confiar el uno en el otro mientras huyen de jugadores violentos como el 1982, ladrones de pistas, asesinos contratados y, lo peor de todo, ProtoDark, la organización criminal que dirige la competencia desde las sombras.
Mientras Zoe demuestra que su talento supera al de todos los criptólogos profesionales que la subestimaron, también descubre traiciones que la golpean más fuerte que cualquier ataque físico: la revelación de que tanto su excomo Dane estaban involucrados con ProtoDark mucho antes de que ella entrara en juego. Aun así, Zoe avanza, resuelve el último acertijo y enfrenta el dilema final: ganar significa ser reclutada por los mismos criminales que intentaron destruirla; perder significa ser “borrada” del sistema por completo.
Sin más salida que la victoria, Zoe redefine el juego, aprovechando sus propias reglas y convirtiéndose en la única persona capaz de derrotar a un grupo que lleva años reclutando a los mejores. En una competencia diseñada para quebrar a cualquier jugador, Zoe demuestra que los rompecabezas no se ganan por fuerza, sino por claridad, resistencia y la capacidad de ver patrones que los demás pasan por alto.
___
Zoe podrá ser inteligente, pero le falta sentido común.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced copy of The Enigma Challenge by S.C. Godfrey from NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books/Viking in exchange for an honest review. I knew this book would be a delight as soon as I read the first paragraph and realized the main character, Dr. Zoe Wilder, was in Madrid, Spain. S.C. Godfrey masterfully describes some of my most beloved places in the world: Madrid and Barcelona, Spain and Paris, France. I can almost taste the jamón Ibérico from the food market stalls in Spain and the smell the Beaujolais wine from the Parisian bistro alongside Zoe and Dane. She makes me want to see Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat, and Loch na Sealga in Scotland, too.
Alongside the alluring descriptions of these legendary European cities is an interesting premise. Zoe specializes in ciphers and travels to Madrid for a cryptology conference where she soon finds herself in the middle of a life or death race to solve 5 puzzles in the famed, secretive Enigma Challenge. Aka, the Hunger Games for nerds. She pairs up with a mysterious, handsome man named Dane, and together they race across Europe, trying to solve the puzzles, escape getting killed by other Enigma Challenge players, and avoid getting their identities erased by the Challenge organizers: ProtoDark. Oh, and there's a $12 million prize for the winner, too.
The plot is fast-moving and exciting. You can clearly tell that S.C. Godfrey knows and loves these locations. She describes them accurately and adoringly. I loved the cipher-solving aspect as well because it was so different and interesting (pictures or illustrations of these in the book would be fantastic). My only pain point is that I find Zoe and Dane's relationship to be a little bit off-putting. There's not a lot of depth or chemistry there, and I don't quite believe it. To be honest, I think the relationship could develop later, over time, because I SMELL A SEQUEL/SERIES! I loved that the ending was left open and I will be first in line to read what comes next.
Alongside the alluring descriptions of these legendary European cities is an interesting premise. Zoe specializes in ciphers and travels to Madrid for a cryptology conference where she soon finds herself in the middle of a life or death race to solve 5 puzzles in the famed, secretive Enigma Challenge. Aka, the Hunger Games for nerds. She pairs up with a mysterious, handsome man named Dane, and together they race across Europe, trying to solve the puzzles, escape getting killed by other Enigma Challenge players, and avoid getting their identities erased by the Challenge organizers: ProtoDark. Oh, and there's a $12 million prize for the winner, too.
The plot is fast-moving and exciting. You can clearly tell that S.C. Godfrey knows and loves these locations. She describes them accurately and adoringly. I loved the cipher-solving aspect as well because it was so different and interesting (pictures or illustrations of these in the book would be fantastic). My only pain point is that I find Zoe and Dane's relationship to be a little bit off-putting. There's not a lot of depth or chemistry there, and I don't quite believe it. To be honest, I think the relationship could develop later, over time, because I SMELL A SEQUEL/SERIES! I loved that the ending was left open and I will be first in line to read what comes next.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Some books ease you into the story. S.C. Godfrey’s The Enigma Challenge grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t let go until the final page.
A huge thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and Viking Penguin for the gifted copy.
This was such a fun read. The kind where you tell yourself you’ll stop after one more chapter, then suddenly realize you’ve been reading for hours because you need to know what happens next.
Dr. Zoe Wilder is a cryptologist from the Bay Area who travels to Madrid for a conference and finds herself pulled into the mysterious Enigma Challenge. What begins as a puzzle-solving competition quickly turns into a dangerous race across Europe filled with clues, secrets, and rivals who will do almost anything to win.
I loved Zoe from the start. She’s smart, determined, and constantly trying to stay one step ahead as the stakes keep getting higher. I spent most of the book rooting for her and wondering what trouble she’d find herself in next.
Then there’s Dane Seaver.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of him at first, which only made him more interesting. Watching Zoe and Dane work together while navigating danger, distrust, and undeniable chemistry was one of my favorite parts of the story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I haven’t stopped thinking about them.”
The puzzles and cryptology elements were fascinating without feeling overwhelming, and I never felt lost as Zoe unraveled each new challenge.
I also loved the travel aspect. From Madrid to Paris and beyond, the settings made the adventure feel even bigger and more immersive.
The pacing was fast, the villains were easy to hate, and the found-family relationships added just the right amount of heart.
And that ending…
Let’s just say I immediately wanted the next book.
If you love National Treasure, The Da Vinci Code, high-stakes adventures, clever puzzles, found family, and a touch of romance, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Have you ever finished a book and instantly wished the sequel was already sitting on your shelf?
A huge thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and Viking Penguin for the gifted copy.
This was such a fun read. The kind where you tell yourself you’ll stop after one more chapter, then suddenly realize you’ve been reading for hours because you need to know what happens next.
Dr. Zoe Wilder is a cryptologist from the Bay Area who travels to Madrid for a conference and finds herself pulled into the mysterious Enigma Challenge. What begins as a puzzle-solving competition quickly turns into a dangerous race across Europe filled with clues, secrets, and rivals who will do almost anything to win.
I loved Zoe from the start. She’s smart, determined, and constantly trying to stay one step ahead as the stakes keep getting higher. I spent most of the book rooting for her and wondering what trouble she’d find herself in next.
Then there’s Dane Seaver.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of him at first, which only made him more interesting. Watching Zoe and Dane work together while navigating danger, distrust, and undeniable chemistry was one of my favorite parts of the story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I haven’t stopped thinking about them.”
The puzzles and cryptology elements were fascinating without feeling overwhelming, and I never felt lost as Zoe unraveled each new challenge.
I also loved the travel aspect. From Madrid to Paris and beyond, the settings made the adventure feel even bigger and more immersive.
The pacing was fast, the villains were easy to hate, and the found-family relationships added just the right amount of heart.
And that ending…
Let’s just say I immediately wanted the next book.
If you love National Treasure, The Da Vinci Code, high-stakes adventures, clever puzzles, found family, and a touch of romance, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Have you ever finished a book and instantly wished the sequel was already sitting on your shelf?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed The Enigma Challenge by S.C. Godfrey. It is an entertaining blend of mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance that kept me turning pages from beginning to end. The novel moves at a brisk pace, and each chapter introduces new twists that make it difficult to predict what will happen next. The author also does an excellent job of bringing the European settings to life, making the story feel like an exciting international adventure. The story follows Dr. Zoe Wilder, a university scholar whose expertise in codes and ciphers unexpectedly draws her into a secret competition unlike anything she has imagined. What begins as an academic trip becomes a dangerous race across several countries, where solving complex puzzles is only one part of surviving. Along the way, Zoe reluctantly teams up with Dane Seaver, an experienced cybersecurity expert who knows far more about the mysterious competition than he initially reveals. As they work together to unravel clues, they must also determine whom they can trust while staying one step ahead of rivals who are willing to do almost anything to win.
I enjoyed the combination of intellectual puzzles and nonstop action. The cryptographic challenges add an extra layer of intrigue without slowing the pace, while the developing relationship between Zoe and Dane gives the story emotional depth. Although some plot developments require a willingness to suspend disbelief, the fast-moving narrative makes it easy to become immersed in the adventure. Overall, I found The Enigma Challenge to be an enjoyable and satisfying thriller. It successfully combines suspense, clever puzzles, memorable settings, and engaging characters into a story that is both exciting and entertaining. Readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers with international settings, hidden secrets, and a touch of romance will likely find this book to be a rewarding read.
#TheEnigmaChallenge #NetGalley #vikingbooks
I enjoyed the combination of intellectual puzzles and nonstop action. The cryptographic challenges add an extra layer of intrigue without slowing the pace, while the developing relationship between Zoe and Dane gives the story emotional depth. Although some plot developments require a willingness to suspend disbelief, the fast-moving narrative makes it easy to become immersed in the adventure. Overall, I found The Enigma Challenge to be an enjoyable and satisfying thriller. It successfully combines suspense, clever puzzles, memorable settings, and engaging characters into a story that is both exciting and entertaining. Readers who enjoy intelligent thrillers with international settings, hidden secrets, and a touch of romance will likely find this book to be a rewarding read.
#TheEnigmaChallenge #NetGalley #vikingbooks
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What an enjoyable story this was, full of interesting characters – the good as well as the bad – and with vivid descriptions of Madrid, Barcelona, Paris and parts of Scotland. It made me want to go there myself again (because I’ve visited those places already), to walk the streets and taste the food and wine. It’s so good to see a story where people, although on the run the most of the time, try and find comfort in delicious food and drink.
Zoe Wilder travels to a conference on cryptology in Madrid. She’s pursuing a PhD on this subject, especially about crypto in literature. To be honest, it made me want immediately to browse the internet and find more on this subject. I’ve always been interested in the Enigma machines and how they were invented and how they played a big part in WWII. Anyway, I discovered to my great joy that there is a virtual museum dedicated to Crypto (named Crypto Museum) and from there on, I of course landed on pages about Bletchley Park. The result is that I will plan a visit to Bletchley Park sometime in the spring next year 😉. Something I should have done years ago already, but well… And obviously Bletchley Park has nothing to do with this book but it’s nice that just surfing a little now made me decided to really go there.
Anyway, back to Zoe and Dane, the handsome and very interesting man she meets on her first day in Madrid. And from there one, the story takes off at a neck breaking pace that only stops at the very end. There are multiple layers in this story and although some of it is quite obvious, it is all very neatly executed and it was nice to learn something about crypto systems. It’s all a bit over the top to be honest but sometimes you just need to read a story like this and just enjoy yourself.
Thanks to Pamela Dorman Books and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Zoe Wilder travels to a conference on cryptology in Madrid. She’s pursuing a PhD on this subject, especially about crypto in literature. To be honest, it made me want immediately to browse the internet and find more on this subject. I’ve always been interested in the Enigma machines and how they were invented and how they played a big part in WWII. Anyway, I discovered to my great joy that there is a virtual museum dedicated to Crypto (named Crypto Museum) and from there on, I of course landed on pages about Bletchley Park. The result is that I will plan a visit to Bletchley Park sometime in the spring next year 😉. Something I should have done years ago already, but well… And obviously Bletchley Park has nothing to do with this book but it’s nice that just surfing a little now made me decided to really go there.
Anyway, back to Zoe and Dane, the handsome and very interesting man she meets on her first day in Madrid. And from there one, the story takes off at a neck breaking pace that only stops at the very end. There are multiple layers in this story and although some of it is quite obvious, it is all very neatly executed and it was nice to learn something about crypto systems. It’s all a bit over the top to be honest but sometimes you just need to read a story like this and just enjoy yourself.
Thanks to Pamela Dorman Books and Edelweiss for this review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Enigma Challenge by S.C. Godfrey follows cryptographer Zoe through Europe as she competes in the super secret Enigma Challenge game for the prize of twelve million dollars. Zoe is in Madrid to give a talk on cryptography when she learns of the game and decides to play, despite warnings of how dangerous it is. Everything about this game, from the founders to the players to the actual game play is very hush hush so Zoe doesn’t really know what she is getting herself into before it’s too late. She meets Dane, twice before winner of the Challenge, who she has never met but heard lots about (nothing good) and they team up to win the prize. The game takes them to Portugal, Paris and Scotland where they solve puzzles and evade danger at every turn. In the end, of course someone wins the prize pot, and the ending of the book foreshadows a sequel for sure.
I was so intrigued by the plot of this book. Lover of puzzles, travel and a good action movie, I thought this sounded perfect to me. While it was a fun quick read, I didn’t feel the flow was great. One second they are relaxing eating a meal as if they haven’t a care in the world, the next moment they are running for their lives. There was no good in between, and the chases got a bit stale. The puzzle aspect was a little disappointing as well because I hoped that they would be spelled out so the reader could solve it along with Zoe. But they were elaborate and confusing and we didn’t get that chance to play along. Lastly, while I enjoyed certain characters (Dane and his friends), I do not feel we got enough depth to any of them. I would have enjoyed a longer book that gave a bit more about each of the main characters.
Nonetheless, this was an easy read and I do think it would make a great movie, it wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for my ARC.
I was so intrigued by the plot of this book. Lover of puzzles, travel and a good action movie, I thought this sounded perfect to me. While it was a fun quick read, I didn’t feel the flow was great. One second they are relaxing eating a meal as if they haven’t a care in the world, the next moment they are running for their lives. There was no good in between, and the chases got a bit stale. The puzzle aspect was a little disappointing as well because I hoped that they would be spelled out so the reader could solve it along with Zoe. But they were elaborate and confusing and we didn’t get that chance to play along. Lastly, while I enjoyed certain characters (Dane and his friends), I do not feel we got enough depth to any of them. I would have enjoyed a longer book that gave a bit more about each of the main characters.
Nonetheless, this was an easy read and I do think it would make a great movie, it wasn’t as good as I hoped it would be. Thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Enigma Challenge by S.C. Godfrey is a thrilling romp across Europe, blending cryptic puzzles with a race against time; and the ultimate threat of being “deleted.” Think Dan Brown vibes, but instead of solving a murder, our heroine is trying to prevent her own.
Dr. Zoe Wilder, an academic cryptologist specializing in literary ciphers, heads to Madrid to present her research at a cryptology conference. Fresh out of a toxic relationship with her boss, Eric, Zoe enters the annual Enigma Challenge without grasping its deadly stakes. The rules? Solve five increasingly complex puzzles before anyone else. The prize? Millions. The losers? Completely erased—degrees, accounts, social security numbers, everything wiped from existence. No wonder the competition is fierce…and dangerous.
Enter Dane Seaver, a two-time Challenge champion and millionaire heartthrob. He offers his assistance, but what’s his real agenda? Can Zoe trust him, or is he playing his own game? Together they follow the clues across Spain, France and Scotland while evading the competitors who will stop at nothing to win.
The puzzles escalate from simple substitution ciphers to more complex Vigenére ciphers with keywords, inviting readers to “play along.” The clues they reveal are cryptic yet rewarding, especially for those familiar with European landmarks, art, and cultural icons.
The story moves at a breakneck pace, mixing action-adventure with romantic tension and a dash of spice. While some twists lean predictable, the fun lies in unraveling the clues and racing alongside Zoe. It’s an engaging, puzzle-packed adventure perfect for fans of cerebral thrillers with a romantic edge.
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A special thanks to NetGalley, Viking Penguin Publishing and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Zoe Wilder, an academic cryptologist specializing in literary ciphers, heads to Madrid to present her research at a cryptology conference. Fresh out of a toxic relationship with her boss, Eric, Zoe enters the annual Enigma Challenge without grasping its deadly stakes. The rules? Solve five increasingly complex puzzles before anyone else. The prize? Millions. The losers? Completely erased—degrees, accounts, social security numbers, everything wiped from existence. No wonder the competition is fierce…and dangerous.
Enter Dane Seaver, a two-time Challenge champion and millionaire heartthrob. He offers his assistance, but what’s his real agenda? Can Zoe trust him, or is he playing his own game? Together they follow the clues across Spain, France and Scotland while evading the competitors who will stop at nothing to win.
The puzzles escalate from simple substitution ciphers to more complex Vigenére ciphers with keywords, inviting readers to “play along.” The clues they reveal are cryptic yet rewarding, especially for those familiar with European landmarks, art, and cultural icons.
The story moves at a breakneck pace, mixing action-adventure with romantic tension and a dash of spice. While some twists lean predictable, the fun lies in unraveling the clues and racing alongside Zoe. It’s an engaging, puzzle-packed adventure perfect for fans of cerebral thrillers with a romantic edge.
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A special thanks to NetGalley, Viking Penguin Publishing and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sometimes, being contrary can be dangerous. After her ex-boyfriend warns her not to enter The Enigma Challenge, Zoe Wilder doesn’t stop to consider why there is no fine print. What follows is a suspenseful race across Europe with an irresistible man and dire stakes.
Even before the challenge begins, the suspense is already simmering. We know Zoe is going to enter; we know Dane Seaver is going to be significant, but seeing things coming down the pipeline only prepares us so much. The literary cryptograms are fascinating, as is learning about various types of cryptograms. Zoe is, therefore, convincingly brilliant, albeit a bit impulsive. The controlling exes and evildoers are suitably horrific. Zoe’s relationships with her father and sister are heartbreaking, tender, and indomitable. Her new friends bring warmth and an electric anticipation. These characters sing.
The Enigma Challenge is the kind of book that’s hard to put down. It’s fast; it’s driven — excellent craftsmanship. However, there is a brief order-of-operations issue — one that the narrative acknowledges and largely smooths over, though it lingers just enough to feel like something a security expert might have caught sooner. It was momentarily jarring, but the fantastic pacing, the intriguing cryptograms, and edge-of-your-seat suspense pulled me right back in.
If you like your suspense interwoven with a little mystery, logic puzzles, and romance, The Enigma Challenge is perfect for you. It’s tremendous fun, thought-provoking, and deadly dangerous!
Thank you, Viking Penguin, for the opportunity to read The Enigma Challenge. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I voluntarily wrote this review.
Even before the challenge begins, the suspense is already simmering. We know Zoe is going to enter; we know Dane Seaver is going to be significant, but seeing things coming down the pipeline only prepares us so much. The literary cryptograms are fascinating, as is learning about various types of cryptograms. Zoe is, therefore, convincingly brilliant, albeit a bit impulsive. The controlling exes and evildoers are suitably horrific. Zoe’s relationships with her father and sister are heartbreaking, tender, and indomitable. Her new friends bring warmth and an electric anticipation. These characters sing.
The Enigma Challenge is the kind of book that’s hard to put down. It’s fast; it’s driven — excellent craftsmanship. However, there is a brief order-of-operations issue — one that the narrative acknowledges and largely smooths over, though it lingers just enough to feel like something a security expert might have caught sooner. It was momentarily jarring, but the fantastic pacing, the intriguing cryptograms, and edge-of-your-seat suspense pulled me right back in.
If you like your suspense interwoven with a little mystery, logic puzzles, and romance, The Enigma Challenge is perfect for you. It’s tremendous fun, thought-provoking, and deadly dangerous!
Thank you, Viking Penguin, for the opportunity to read The Enigma Challenge. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I voluntarily wrote this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun, fast-paced read and adventure fiction/thriller is one of my favorite genres. It kind of felt like The Amazing Race, except the main character is solving cryptograms instead of doing physical challenges while being chased across Europe by dangerous people. It also reminded me of one of those 2010s blockbuster action movies where there’s always something happening.
The story follows Zoe, a cryptography professor who gets pulled into a deadly puzzle competition called the Enigma Challenge. She teams up with a mysterious hacker, and together they have to solve clues, race across Europe, and stay one step ahead of the people trying to take them down.
I’ll be honest, I had no idea how to solve any of the ciphers, and most of it went completely over my head, so I definitely skimmed over those parts. But I do think solving ciphers is a really cool concept, and I liked how they added to the mystery and adventure of the story. I also enjoyed how much the story moved around Europe. Each location felt vivid and easy to picture, which made the journey more interesting.
The characters and their interactions felt natural, and I enjoyed seeing the relationships between the main characters and side characters develop. I flew through this book faster than I expected because it was so action-packed and there was always something happening.
You definitely have to suspend your disbelief a little because some parts are pretty unrealistic, but I didn’t really mind since it fit the action-movie vibe. If you’re looking for a thriller with puzzles, danger, and a lot of adventure, this is a fun read. The way this book ended also makes me hope we get a second book because I’m curious to see what happens next.
Thank you to netgalley and viking penguin for the ARC!
The story follows Zoe, a cryptography professor who gets pulled into a deadly puzzle competition called the Enigma Challenge. She teams up with a mysterious hacker, and together they have to solve clues, race across Europe, and stay one step ahead of the people trying to take them down.
I’ll be honest, I had no idea how to solve any of the ciphers, and most of it went completely over my head, so I definitely skimmed over those parts. But I do think solving ciphers is a really cool concept, and I liked how they added to the mystery and adventure of the story. I also enjoyed how much the story moved around Europe. Each location felt vivid and easy to picture, which made the journey more interesting.
The characters and their interactions felt natural, and I enjoyed seeing the relationships between the main characters and side characters develop. I flew through this book faster than I expected because it was so action-packed and there was always something happening.
You definitely have to suspend your disbelief a little because some parts are pretty unrealistic, but I didn’t really mind since it fit the action-movie vibe. If you’re looking for a thriller with puzzles, danger, and a lot of adventure, this is a fun read. The way this book ended also makes me hope we get a second book because I’m curious to see what happens next.
Thank you to netgalley and viking penguin for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy.
The Enigma Challenge was a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen next. From the moment Zoe Wilder becomes involved in the mysterious Enigma Challenge, the story moves at an intense pace and rarely slows down.
Zoe is an academic who specializes in literary ciphers, but her quiet, solitary life is turned upside down when a cryptology conference in Madrid pulls her into a dangerous underground competition. With only six days to solve five puzzles across three countries, the stakes are incredibly high. Failure means losing more than the competition—it means having your identity erased forever.
I really enjoyed following Zoe and Dane as they traveled from Spain to France and Scotland while trying to stay ahead of the other competitors. The international settings added excitement to the story, and the constant movement made the adventure feel urgent and unpredictable. The action never seemed to stop, and each new challenge brought another layer of danger, mystery, and suspense.
The puzzles, secretive players, international chase, and twelve-million-dollar prize kept the tension high. Although there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth or development, the nonstop action and entertaining premise made this a very enjoyable read.
Overall, The Enigma Challenge is an exciting, fast-paced thriller filled with cryptology, danger, puzzles, international intrigue, and a touch of romance. If you enjoy stories involving secret competitions, clever challenges, globe-trotting adventures, and high-stakes suspense, this is definitely a book to add to your reading list.
The Enigma Challenge was a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen next. From the moment Zoe Wilder becomes involved in the mysterious Enigma Challenge, the story moves at an intense pace and rarely slows down.
Zoe is an academic who specializes in literary ciphers, but her quiet, solitary life is turned upside down when a cryptology conference in Madrid pulls her into a dangerous underground competition. With only six days to solve five puzzles across three countries, the stakes are incredibly high. Failure means losing more than the competition—it means having your identity erased forever.
I really enjoyed following Zoe and Dane as they traveled from Spain to France and Scotland while trying to stay ahead of the other competitors. The international settings added excitement to the story, and the constant movement made the adventure feel urgent and unpredictable. The action never seemed to stop, and each new challenge brought another layer of danger, mystery, and suspense.
The puzzles, secretive players, international chase, and twelve-million-dollar prize kept the tension high. Although there were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth or development, the nonstop action and entertaining premise made this a very enjoyable read.
Overall, The Enigma Challenge is an exciting, fast-paced thriller filled with cryptology, danger, puzzles, international intrigue, and a touch of romance. If you enjoy stories involving secret competitions, clever challenges, globe-trotting adventures, and high-stakes suspense, this is definitely a book to add to your reading list.
November 14, 2025
This book is a genre unto itself—it’s hard for me to put my finger on, but this exactly the type of book I love! It has National Treasure-esque qualities with the puzzles and cryptology and fast-paced adventure feel. I have so many compliments—fantastic title, engrossing premise, compelling characters, and incredible European setting!
Plot: Dr. Zoe Wilder is technically in Madrid for a cryptology conference—off the record, she’s there to participate in the notorious Enigma Challenge. With no idea of what the contest entails, she relies on adrenaline and newfound ally, Dane Seaver, to get her through the five puzzles that lie ahead. Luckily, puzzles and ciphers are Zoe’s thing. As she and Dane traipse across Europe solving each stage of the challenge, they start to build a rapport beyond just working well together. More than just puzzles stand in the way of the multi-million dollar prize—there are players who are out for literal blood. Oh and of course another incentive to win is avoiding identity deletion—the fate of all other players. Worth playing for? I’d say so.
Y’all—the only bad thing about this book is that it’s not being published until August 2026! But put it on your list now! This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and if I had the power to do so, I’d demand a sequel! We the readers need more Zoe & Dane! More action, more everything pretty please! I will be thinking about The Enigma Challenge for a while and am so impressed by Godfrey’s writing. This book was captivating from cover to cover—chef’s kiss in every way!
Thank you so much to Viking Penguin, S.C. Godfrey, and NetGalley for the ARC of The Enigma Challenge
Plot: Dr. Zoe Wilder is technically in Madrid for a cryptology conference—off the record, she’s there to participate in the notorious Enigma Challenge. With no idea of what the contest entails, she relies on adrenaline and newfound ally, Dane Seaver, to get her through the five puzzles that lie ahead. Luckily, puzzles and ciphers are Zoe’s thing. As she and Dane traipse across Europe solving each stage of the challenge, they start to build a rapport beyond just working well together. More than just puzzles stand in the way of the multi-million dollar prize—there are players who are out for literal blood. Oh and of course another incentive to win is avoiding identity deletion—the fate of all other players. Worth playing for? I’d say so.
Y’all—the only bad thing about this book is that it’s not being published until August 2026! But put it on your list now! This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and if I had the power to do so, I’d demand a sequel! We the readers need more Zoe & Dane! More action, more everything pretty please! I will be thinking about The Enigma Challenge for a while and am so impressed by Godfrey’s writing. This book was captivating from cover to cover—chef’s kiss in every way!
Thank you so much to Viking Penguin, S.C. Godfrey, and NetGalley for the ARC of The Enigma Challenge
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