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Jeweled Goddess #1
Godmaker
Today, Bia is a Goddess, but her claim to immortality hangs in the balance.
All she knows is her mountain-top citadel with its god-honed buildings and endless comforts. However, this glorious place tolerates only greatness, and she must prove herself in order to stay.
Bia is agile with the sword, but she has no ability to make her a real contender in the yearly competition. What chance does a Skillbarren have against opponents who can control the elements, seize the mind, or wield any number of unimaginable powers?
None.
Bia could surrender and become a mortal. But that would mean dishonor and exile. Three clashes—only one warrior can survive. It’s impossible for Bia to triumph with nothing more than her wits and her sword. But she must win—or die.
All she knows is her mountain-top citadel with its god-honed buildings and endless comforts. However, this glorious place tolerates only greatness, and she must prove herself in order to stay.
Bia is agile with the sword, but she has no ability to make her a real contender in the yearly competition. What chance does a Skillbarren have against opponents who can control the elements, seize the mind, or wield any number of unimaginable powers?
None.
Bia could surrender and become a mortal. But that would mean dishonor and exile. Three clashes—only one warrior can survive. It’s impossible for Bia to triumph with nothing more than her wits and her sword. But she must win—or die.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2018
14 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Ingrid Seymour
115 books964 followersIngrid Seymour is a USA Today Bestselling Author. When she’s not writing books, she spends her time working as a software engineer, cooking exotic recipes, hanging out with her family and working out. She writes young adult and new adult fiction in a variety of genres, including Sci-Fi, urban fantasy, romance, paranormal and horror.
Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She is a dreamer and a fighter who believes perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true.
She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, two kids and a cat named Ossie.
Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She is a dreamer and a fighter who believes perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true.
She lives in Birmingham, AL with her husband, two kids and a cat named Ossie.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 8, 2018
Who among us hasn’t dreamed about picking up a sword and going full Berserk (or Amazon) on the world? Most of us will never do it. Those who will attempt it should be strapped to walls in some sort of Asylum. Reading about warriors is another matter entirely.
The Godmaker is a short (160 pages), action-packed novel. Bia is a Skillbarren Goddess - her godly powers remain dormant, and no one knows if they'll ever activate. Unfortunately, the time of trial has come and all young God aspirants will face each other on the arena and only one will ascend. Others will die or become mortals - a fate considered worse than death by most godlings. Once you become a supreme being, losing it is not a viable option.
There's a lot to like about Godmaker - it focuses on storytelling rather than world-building and descriptions. Everything that happens, happens for a reason and serves to move the plot forward. Every word counts, and there're no embellishments or distractions. The story's structure is clear and easy to follow. While the plot is rather straightforward, it remains exciting - the trials Bia faces are dangerous, fights are nicely choreographed and violent, and the tension never drops.
The setting and plot are strongly influenced by Hunger Games, Roman Gladiators and Wonder Woman. The story takes place in a mountain-top citadel and we see little of the world outside it. Gods loathe humans and treat them like cattle. We learn there's a human city not far away from the citadel but basically, that's it. The world is slightly underdeveloped.
The trials faced by Bia, her friends and foes kept me glued to pages, but they're not really inventive. We've seen all of it done in books and movies (gladiator-style games where kids fight to the death facing each other on the arena, pits filled with snakes and acid, facing inner fears and illusions). The setting remains generic. Short and terse sentences make it quick to read though.
Bia is well written. As a goddess who loathe humans and weakness, she's not the most relatable character ever. But I liked her. She's dedicated and loyal to her friends. She's sharp and determined to change the cruel traditions of the citadel. To do so, she has to survive. Not an easy task. She could always surrender and become mortal, but that would mean dishonour and exile. Her mother is powerful and influences hungry Goddess. She would never forgive her daughter losing a trial. So, yes, there's a mother/daughter conflict I'm sure will be further explored in the sequels.
Bia feels realised as a character. Her friends and her mother remain two-dimensional and a bit flat.
Overall, it's a solid page-turner with a strong final twist softened by an Epilogue. A good pick for readers looking for a kick-ass warrior who's ready to change her world.
The Godmaker is a short (160 pages), action-packed novel. Bia is a Skillbarren Goddess - her godly powers remain dormant, and no one knows if they'll ever activate. Unfortunately, the time of trial has come and all young God aspirants will face each other on the arena and only one will ascend. Others will die or become mortals - a fate considered worse than death by most godlings. Once you become a supreme being, losing it is not a viable option.
There's a lot to like about Godmaker - it focuses on storytelling rather than world-building and descriptions. Everything that happens, happens for a reason and serves to move the plot forward. Every word counts, and there're no embellishments or distractions. The story's structure is clear and easy to follow. While the plot is rather straightforward, it remains exciting - the trials Bia faces are dangerous, fights are nicely choreographed and violent, and the tension never drops.
The setting and plot are strongly influenced by Hunger Games, Roman Gladiators and Wonder Woman. The story takes place in a mountain-top citadel and we see little of the world outside it. Gods loathe humans and treat them like cattle. We learn there's a human city not far away from the citadel but basically, that's it. The world is slightly underdeveloped.
The trials faced by Bia, her friends and foes kept me glued to pages, but they're not really inventive. We've seen all of it done in books and movies (gladiator-style games where kids fight to the death facing each other on the arena, pits filled with snakes and acid, facing inner fears and illusions). The setting remains generic. Short and terse sentences make it quick to read though.
Bia is well written. As a goddess who loathe humans and weakness, she's not the most relatable character ever. But I liked her. She's dedicated and loyal to her friends. She's sharp and determined to change the cruel traditions of the citadel. To do so, she has to survive. Not an easy task. She could always surrender and become mortal, but that would mean dishonour and exile. Her mother is powerful and influences hungry Goddess. She would never forgive her daughter losing a trial. So, yes, there's a mother/daughter conflict I'm sure will be further explored in the sequels.
Bia feels realised as a character. Her friends and her mother remain two-dimensional and a bit flat.
Overall, it's a solid page-turner with a strong final twist softened by an Epilogue. A good pick for readers looking for a kick-ass warrior who's ready to change her world.
April 7, 2018
Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games in Ingrid Seymour’s Godmaker, and, strangely, I wasn’t as crazy about this one as such a comparison would have you believing I would be. I’m sure many will love this one, and will gladly dive deeper into the Jeweled Goddess series, but I wasn’t as blown away by this one as I thought I would be.
Godmaker is an interesting story, one that will leave you curious throughout. However, I feel as though some of the uncertainty was not a good thing. Being curious about where things will go and wanting to know more about the world is all well and good, yet I felt as though I spent quite a bit of this book not understanding things. Details that should have been given early on to help understand the world building and events seemed to be left out, and there were times when I thought I had missed information – only for the details to follow a bit later. I know many people dislike information dumps in books, yet there were times when I felt as though this book could have done with one. Such was my preference, anyway.
Another aspect I believe prevented me from enjoying this one as much as I had expected to was the characters. There was an interesting story unfolding regarding our leading lady, but I failed to connect with her at any point in the story. In fact, I was rather indifferent to the entire cast. Had I enjoyed the characters more, I believe I would have enjoyed this story more.
I can see where many would enjoy this one, but on a personal basis it wasn’t for me.
Godmaker is an interesting story, one that will leave you curious throughout. However, I feel as though some of the uncertainty was not a good thing. Being curious about where things will go and wanting to know more about the world is all well and good, yet I felt as though I spent quite a bit of this book not understanding things. Details that should have been given early on to help understand the world building and events seemed to be left out, and there were times when I thought I had missed information – only for the details to follow a bit later. I know many people dislike information dumps in books, yet there were times when I felt as though this book could have done with one. Such was my preference, anyway.
Another aspect I believe prevented me from enjoying this one as much as I had expected to was the characters. There was an interesting story unfolding regarding our leading lady, but I failed to connect with her at any point in the story. In fact, I was rather indifferent to the entire cast. Had I enjoyed the characters more, I believe I would have enjoyed this story more.
I can see where many would enjoy this one, but on a personal basis it wasn’t for me.
May 16, 2018
Amazing book! Overall I really enjoyed it. Lots of action in this Roman gladiator-style games where kids ("Potentials") fight to the death. The book is well written and the setting is a very neat idea. It's definitely a page-turner, I finished this book in 1 sitting! I wish the characters' backgrounds were a bit more developed. I'm excited for the next book!
March 31, 2018
I received an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I liked this book. I didn't love it, but I liked it. For the most part, the writing was good, the world well developed, and it was written in a way that was easy to understand. I particularly liked how the main character, Bia, was presented. I didn't really like her as a person, but I did like how she was strong and a badass, but not over the top. She was capable of defending herself and didn't always need someone to help her, but when she did she wasn't afraid to accept that help. She knew her limits, and that's an element of the story I particularly liked.
That being said, I did have some issues while reading. I was a little confused about some elements at first because they weren't explained right away (my confusion was later cleared, but it was a while). There were also some inconsistencies with details, but I'm hoping that these will be noticed and changed before the release date. The characters as a whole were also a problem for me as a whole because I didn't really love any of them, and I didn't really hate any of them. They felt real, yes, but I also felt disconnected from all of them, only experiencing minor disappointment when someone died before moving on. This created a barrier between me and them and prevented me from truly becoming immersed in the story. Despite these issues I did enjoy Godmaker and am interested to see where Ingrid Seymour takes the story next.
I liked this book. I didn't love it, but I liked it. For the most part, the writing was good, the world well developed, and it was written in a way that was easy to understand. I particularly liked how the main character, Bia, was presented. I didn't really like her as a person, but I did like how she was strong and a badass, but not over the top. She was capable of defending herself and didn't always need someone to help her, but when she did she wasn't afraid to accept that help. She knew her limits, and that's an element of the story I particularly liked.
That being said, I did have some issues while reading. I was a little confused about some elements at first because they weren't explained right away (my confusion was later cleared, but it was a while). There were also some inconsistencies with details, but I'm hoping that these will be noticed and changed before the release date. The characters as a whole were also a problem for me as a whole because I didn't really love any of them, and I didn't really hate any of them. They felt real, yes, but I also felt disconnected from all of them, only experiencing minor disappointment when someone died before moving on. This created a barrier between me and them and prevented me from truly becoming immersed in the story. Despite these issues I did enjoy Godmaker and am interested to see where Ingrid Seymour takes the story next.
April 10, 2018
I have not read any books from Ingrid Seymour for quite a while now. Reading Godmaker reminded me why I loved her books so much. She is great at world building, creating a place that burrows into your mind, until living and breathing there feels natural for you. My imagination took me to a world of full of gods, except it was not what I expected. These gods are not the stereotypical, mythical ones Ive read about before, No, these have constant power struggles, and there opinion of us mere humans is tangible. There presences runs alongside a storyline that finds one strong female character, whose life there gives you a story full of hate, murder and feelings not normally accompanied alongside gods. The story is mainly told in the first person of this character, which personally I prefer. However much she thought she knew of her life above the clouds, it didn’t prepare her for the battles ahead. Her supporting characters that we hear snippets about, is still enough for them to help develop her character as the story continues, so you do get, friendships, loyalty and commitment opposing the hate that surrounds her....You feel the resulting form of originality of thought, expressions and imaginative creative writing from the author who gets this across easily and realistic enough to keep you totally absorbed while the plots conspire to keep your attention..... There is a lot going on in this first book, however I felt it was more about developing the stage for what’s to come in the rest of the series, and I can’t wait to read the rest, as I get the feeling Ingrid Seymour is going to continue showing us her distinguished, illustrious and exceptional creative talent
March 18, 2018
This is a NON-SPOILER REVIEW. GODMAKER is the first book in the new Jeweled Goddess series by Ingrid Seymour. For those who haven't read Ingrid Seymour before this is an amazing introduction to her brilliant world building. For those who have read her other books, you will be delighted by GODMAKER. Although a series opener, there is no cliffhanger ending. There are questions to be answered, but this book could be read as a stand alone and be satisfying. This is a clean read that will pull you in and keep you flipping pages to the very last page. I could not put this book down once I started reading. Bia is a Skillbarren Goddess in a world where you are valued by your GodSkill. As a Skillbarren the only way to remain in Joya d'Diosa with her family and friends, Bia needs to fight in “The Trials” and win. In typical Seymour fashion, you have a host of support characters that you will want to befriend and learn more about. Bia is a worthy main character that shows great promise.There is an underlying dystopian feel (think Maze Runner or Hunger Games, but not in the literal sense) that the Trials inspire, but there is so much more to this storyline. I highly recommend this entertaining and emotion evoking read to anyone looking for an addictive escape into the fickle world of Gods and Godesses and those who would, well that would be telling!
April 8, 2018
DID SOMEONE SAY GOD???
Ok, I really have to say this straight up, from the start. I was hooked. No kidding. I was drawn in from the first page and stayed frozen to my seat holding my breath at times. I could just sit here and tell you all about the book. I could tell you just how fantastic I thought it was. I could tell just how vivid the descriptions were that made it so life like and real. But come on. You read the blurb. You've read what the other readers are saying. No, I don't know what they're saying or thinking. I can't read minds and their opinions don't make it any less of a great read. I mean come on guys, we all think for ourselves. At least I hope some of you can. Seriously I think Ingrid rocked this read. She layed the plot and the storyline flowed so smooth and effortlessly it was like an artist's take on the scene before him and capturing it on canvas. She has such an awesome gift that leaves you wanting more and reading the story over and over. Yes, I did that. What can I say. I love it. With all its twists, turns and unpredictable surprises that captures your attention and holds it till the last word. The characters were realistic and their roles well played. I can't wait for the next adventure because I already know just how kickass it's going to be. Thanks so much Ingrid for sharing your gift with us.
Ok, I really have to say this straight up, from the start. I was hooked. No kidding. I was drawn in from the first page and stayed frozen to my seat holding my breath at times. I could just sit here and tell you all about the book. I could tell you just how fantastic I thought it was. I could tell just how vivid the descriptions were that made it so life like and real. But come on. You read the blurb. You've read what the other readers are saying. No, I don't know what they're saying or thinking. I can't read minds and their opinions don't make it any less of a great read. I mean come on guys, we all think for ourselves. At least I hope some of you can. Seriously I think Ingrid rocked this read. She layed the plot and the storyline flowed so smooth and effortlessly it was like an artist's take on the scene before him and capturing it on canvas. She has such an awesome gift that leaves you wanting more and reading the story over and over. Yes, I did that. What can I say. I love it. With all its twists, turns and unpredictable surprises that captures your attention and holds it till the last word. The characters were realistic and their roles well played. I can't wait for the next adventure because I already know just how kickass it's going to be. Thanks so much Ingrid for sharing your gift with us.
April 4, 2018
Bia is a Potential goddess, but she has not lived a wonderful life. Her mother has no use for her, her sisters make fun of her, and she has endured taunts, humiliation, and practical jokes most of her life because she is Skillbarren (no Godskills). From birth children are taught to think they are better than humans, but the adults are willing to lose their seventeen-year-old children each year in the trials or if they Descend and become humans forever. Bia is determined to fight in the trials, but can she survive without any Godskills? Will she have to face, and possibly kill, her best friends? There are some characters I enjoyed meeting—Godmaster Neo; Bia’s friends Elina, Delfos, and Romer. However, if you need someone evil in this story, it is Bia’s mother, who is willing to do anything or hurt anyone for her own purposes. This story has strong friendships, brutality, suspense, and a surprise ending. I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what happens next. I received an advance reader copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
April 9, 2018
This book by Ms Seymour surprised me in a good way. I was not so much impressed by her Djinn series. This one, however, will keep me reading on to the next book. She had some serious world building skills in this book. So much so that I could not stop turning the pages. Also, the characters are fantastic. Each one had very distinct personalities, some you’ll love, some you’ll be disgusted with. The characters in this book who have turned eighteen and have potential to be God’s must survive the trials planned for them, much like Hunger Games, but more gruesome I think. Lots of action and intrigue in the battle scenes which were described very clearly. Rivalries were fierce. Injuries gruesome. Unexpected deceptions. Heartbreaking loss of close friends. I can hardly wait for what Ms Seymour has in store in the next book. I highly recommend reading this book for those who love the dystopian genre.
April 21, 2018
I love Ingrid Seymour’s novels do it’s no surprise that I was delighted to get my hands on Godmaker, Book 1 of her new Jeweled Goddess series. This book is, quite simply, superb and definitely recommended. It had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters. I frankly adore Bia and love the concept of a competition that she needs to win to remain a goddess. It is exactly the mix of The Hunger Games and Wonder Woman (a book and movie that are both among my favorites) promised in its publisher’s blurb. The rest of the cast if characters is pretty amazing as well. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - these two books definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book set is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend.
March 16, 2018
Even in the wonderful world of the gods there is injustice and evil. Bia has to prove herself as a worthy god in order to stay in her world, or she could be banished to the human world, or she could die - ending it all.
I liked this book a lot. Bia is a strong female character put in a position to choose between friendship and her future. In her world, such things as kindness and integrity are not enough - you have to prove yourself through a deadly sport once you have come to age. It's much like the Hunger Games in a world like Wonder Woman's.
April 2, 2018
Being a Goddess is everything. Training from age four until age seventeen to take a test to kill or be killed, unless you are lucky enough to get a jewel that you could become something for the Goddess and be saved as a Goddess. Life is cruel and to fight for one's own life in the final stage is terrible hard. Humans are horrible and hated by the Goddess and to be used as they see fit. This book has strong characters that make it very enjoyable to read! Good storytelling. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
April 3, 2018
This is another great start to a new series by Ingrid. Bia is born a Goddess, but she's got to talent. This means that she needs to fight to survive the trials to remain in her version of heaven and home. With a mother who is barely able to conceal her disgust for the daughter and sisters who have shown her no affection, Bia survives with her close knit group of friends. However even in her close alliance there may be troubles. How is she going to survive the trials? Is she going to chose to fight, or simply descend with the rest of the untalented gentry. Superb.
April 18, 2018
Since the beginning of the story I was very interested. It engaged me right away and kept my focus for the majority of my reading. It took me some time to figure out what-is-what and who-is-who, but it wasn’t long, and I didn’t get bored in the process.
I enjoyed the overall story line and would love to know more about the characters. It might sound like a downside to some (and I don't want to give you any spoilers) that the ending of the book wasn't a complete surprise to me. Overall, it was easy to read, enjoyable enough to keep my attention, and good enough for me to want to read more.
I enjoyed the overall story line and would love to know more about the characters. It might sound like a downside to some (and I don't want to give you any spoilers) that the ending of the book wasn't a complete surprise to me. Overall, it was easy to read, enjoyable enough to keep my attention, and good enough for me to want to read more.
March 17, 2018
Wow, love Ingrid Seymour books. We have Gods. They think that human are useless and dirty. But are the God's any better the way they treat their own. Bia is are lead character that you have to love. She has always been look down on because she does not have godskill even her mother will have nothing to do with her. What will happen during the battles? Will the friends live or die? I received an arc copy for my honest review.
March 25, 2018
This was so different from any other books about the Gods, I have read and I loved it. Bia and the other potentials are getting ready to face the trials that will decide who stays, who is banished and who dies. This is a very interesting world and I love seeing how everyone interacts with the others around them as well as the different godskills. Interesting twist I didn't see coming and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
April 29, 2018
Different
A different twist on the Gods and Goddesses. Story was action packs and suspenseful but I feel the character's especially the main could have been more. I also was lost at first because some things were not explained until later in the story and some I still do not fully understand, like the jewels. Either way it did not bore me and kept me interested. Hope the writer redoes this book to polish it into a gem.
A different twist on the Gods and Goddesses. Story was action packs and suspenseful but I feel the character's especially the main could have been more. I also was lost at first because some things were not explained until later in the story and some I still do not fully understand, like the jewels. Either way it did not bore me and kept me interested. Hope the writer redoes this book to polish it into a gem.
April 30, 2018
A good start
In a good start to a new series, this story gives you a glimpse into the life of a Potential goddess. Her resignation to die in the trials to come, and then her struggles during the course of it. Even though the Godmasters have thwarted every preparation she made to advance, in the end an unlikely ally gives her hope.
I enjoyed reading this, and look forward to more.
In a good start to a new series, this story gives you a glimpse into the life of a Potential goddess. Her resignation to die in the trials to come, and then her struggles during the course of it. Even though the Godmasters have thwarted every preparation she made to advance, in the end an unlikely ally gives her hope.
I enjoyed reading this, and look forward to more.
March 26, 2018
This is a great start to a new series that I can't wait to discover. Ingrid Seymour has a crafted a world incredibly rich and colourful in detail. The character work is of an equally high standard to say Nothing of the writing. I was sucked into the story from the first sentence and just had to keep turning the pages. I was even surprised by the ending, which has left me on tenterhooks.
April 3, 2018
This is the first book that I have read by this author and the book is the first in the new Jeweled Goddess series. This book is so different from other books that deal with the Gods and it was refreshing. Plenty of action and suspense to keep you flipping the pages. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 12, 2018
An interesting concept for a book. The world building was well written and you could feel the cold unfeeling way the Potential’s were treated. The Gods and Goddesses were so cruel and haughty and there way of life unbelievable. The final battles come and there are many surprises. While you want to have Bia win, you also wish she didn’t have to. And enjoyable read.
April 10, 2018
My seventh read from Author Ingrid Seymour and the first in a new series Jeweled Goddess. A well-written, well-developed story with well-developed characters. As in the earlier books from this author I couldn't wait to turn the next page! I look forward to the next book in this series.
February 26, 2018
*Review coming soon*
April 13, 2018
What a book. Great action, amazing characters to make your time reading outstanding. Received a free copy and reviewed because I love this book.
August 4, 2019
My heart was pounding a lot of the way through this. Constant action and some hunger games esque fighting.
I absolutely loved it.
I absolutely loved it.
July 2, 2022
This was a blend of Hunger Games and Percy Jackson. I enjoyed this read but was left wanting something I can't put my finger on.
April 21, 2018
Godmaker is the first in the Jeweled Goddess series and it did it's job perfectly introducing the characters and laying the groundwork for the series. I was engaged from start to finish by the characters and descriptive world building. The story flows at a nice pace with no fluff added in my opinion. I look forward to more in this series and from this author.
April 4, 2018
Superb read. Well written with a great plot and characters. This story has friendships, suspense, and a surprise ending. The life of a potential is hard. You are taken from your parents at a young age and forced to train until the day of the trials which will determine if you live, die or descend. Bia is a Potential goddess, but she hasn't had a wonderful life. Her mother has no use for her, her sisters make fun of her, and she has dealt with taunts and humiliation most of her life because she is Skillbarren (no Godskills). From birth children are taught to think they are better than humans, the adults are willing to lose their seventeen year old children each year in the trials or if they Descend and become humans forever. Bia is determined to fight in the trials, but can she survive without any Godskills? I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 7, 2018
I've enjoyed every single one of Ingrid Seymour's book that I have read so far and The Godmaker is no exception!!! I can not wait for book two.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews