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Goddess Games
Three girls. Three fates
One summer they will never forget.
Seneca always gets what she wants. But this time she's reaching for the impossible.
Drew, an elite athlete, is training hard...and running from her past.
Claire seeks salvation from a mistake she can't erase and a secret she's desperate to protect.
Thrown together as roommates at the luxurious mountain spa where wach has landed a summer job, at first Seneca, Drew, and Claire can only see their differences. But if they're going to make it through the summer, they'll have to learn to get along. These unlikely friends may want nothing to do with one another, but fate has another plan....
288 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2007
2 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Niki Burnham
15 books263 followersNiki Burnham is the pseudonym of romance author Nicole Burnham.
You can subscribe to Nicole's newsletter for reader bonuses and the latest news by visiting https://nicoleburnham.com/new-events/
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NOTE FROM NICOLE: My Goodreads library is by no means comprehensive. I have thousands of books on my real (as opposed to my Goodreads) bookshelves. However, my Goodreads library only contains those books I'd give four or five stars and would recommend to friends without hesitation (and I haven't even gotten around to listing all those yet!)
You can subscribe to Nicole's newsletter for reader bonuses and the latest news by visiting https://nicoleburnham.com/new-events/
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NOTE FROM NICOLE: My Goodreads library is by no means comprehensive. I have thousands of books on my real (as opposed to my Goodreads) bookshelves. However, my Goodreads library only contains those books I'd give four or five stars and would recommend to friends without hesitation (and I haven't even gotten around to listing all those yet!)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 9, 2012
I found this to be a little predictable and lacking in substance. the characters had a pretty good background story but it just seemed a little rushed and seemed just be about sterotypes. I read this book in one day. The story line could have dug a little deeper to make it more impactful.
Its still an okay read, something check out if you want to pass the time but nothing too exciting.
Its still an okay read, something check out if you want to pass the time but nothing too exciting.
August 27, 2016
"But you can't let an accident completely change who you are."
See reviews first on my blog
Told in multiple perspectives each chapter we get to see Drew, Seneca and Claire and how their lives were before they arrived at the resort and how they are now in the present as well and what has brought each of them together at the resort.
With each girl having their own problems and ulterior motives for being there at first they don’t see eye to eye on anything. But as they each get to know more about one another and what brought them there as well as which boy they like. We start to see not only how similar they are, but how in working together they help one another get past what’s been holding them back and start looking towards the future.
They also learn that they don’t have to try to do everything alone and act like they are invincible all the time in order to try and get over what happened in the past.
Overall I thought this book was okay. For me sadly it did end up falling kind of flat because for the first half of the book the three characters don’t want anything to really do with each other and spend most of the time avoiding the others.
The part that made me not really enjoy this read is that it become predictable and seemed fairly rushed even though each of the girls had a good back story. I feel like this is one of those books that should have been put into individual ones where each book focus on a different girl, so that we could actually see things more clearly and not feel so stereotyped.
If you want a quick okay summery type of read then this is a good choice.
"If your name is up on a wall somewhere, or listed on a website as the record holder in the 2,000 meters or as winner ata cross-country meet it'll make you feel immortal. Like you can live forever."
See reviews first on my blog
Told in multiple perspectives each chapter we get to see Drew, Seneca and Claire and how their lives were before they arrived at the resort and how they are now in the present as well and what has brought each of them together at the resort.
With each girl having their own problems and ulterior motives for being there at first they don’t see eye to eye on anything. But as they each get to know more about one another and what brought them there as well as which boy they like. We start to see not only how similar they are, but how in working together they help one another get past what’s been holding them back and start looking towards the future.
They also learn that they don’t have to try to do everything alone and act like they are invincible all the time in order to try and get over what happened in the past.
Overall I thought this book was okay. For me sadly it did end up falling kind of flat because for the first half of the book the three characters don’t want anything to really do with each other and spend most of the time avoiding the others.
The part that made me not really enjoy this read is that it become predictable and seemed fairly rushed even though each of the girls had a good back story. I feel like this is one of those books that should have been put into individual ones where each book focus on a different girl, so that we could actually see things more clearly and not feel so stereotyped.
If you want a quick okay summery type of read then this is a good choice.
"If your name is up on a wall somewhere, or listed on a website as the record holder in the 2,000 meters or as winner ata cross-country meet it'll make you feel immortal. Like you can live forever."
March 9, 2010
i like this book a lot, i finished it within a week. its a little confusing in the beginning, but towards the end, it clears up a lot.
i also would like to say that the story was a little "bland" at the start to. it didn't catch my attention like other books have.
it also has some pretty heavy stuff in there about teen pregnancy, and religion(god), so if your bias against any of those don't read it, cuz then 1/3 of the book you'll hate. it also makes you think more about making better choices in life.
good book, not my ultimate fav, but i recommend it for 9th grade and up.
i also would like to say that the story was a little "bland" at the start to. it didn't catch my attention like other books have.
it also has some pretty heavy stuff in there about teen pregnancy, and religion(god), so if your bias against any of those don't read it, cuz then 1/3 of the book you'll hate. it also makes you think more about making better choices in life.
good book, not my ultimate fav, but i recommend it for 9th grade and up.
June 23, 2008
The prose was amusing and the characters well written, but the author had a hard time conveying the passage of time. The transitions were also lacking, making the plot jump in awkward lurches. As a result, the transformation of the characters from enemies to friends didn't quite ring true.
June 6, 2009
Meh...It was bearable...I didn't understand why she called the book Goddess Games after I read it...it's pretty much about 3 girls who all try to find themselves during the summer, and are working at a spa while doing it...but that's pretty much all they have in common...
January 27, 2012
I honestly thought that this was going to be about goddesses, but it wasn't. And yet I enjoyed it quite a bit, although I wouldn't recommend it to any guy, I'll recommend it to any girl who feel down on herself. This really made me want to do yoga and go on a nice hike! :)
March 7, 2020
The sweet feeling of finishing a book you’ve had on theTBR shelf since you’ve started tracking on Goodreads is one I’m feeling now
Surprised how much I ended up liking this book, considering after chapter three I didn’t know if I wanted to continue reading it
Surprised how much I ended up liking this book, considering after chapter three I didn’t know if I wanted to continue reading it
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Summer jobs at the plush King's Crown Resort and Spa hopefully hold the answers for three teens in search of solutions to their very different problems.
Seneca is used to having whatever she wants. The daughter of an Academy Award-winning actress, Seneca has grown up with the "haves" and doesn't have much patience with the "have nots." Unfortunately, that has all changed. Her mother's job offers have been few and far between since her break up with a famous Hollywood movie mogul. Now Seneca is hoping her job at the resort will result in a boost for her mother's career.
Claire already knows all the ins and outs of the summer resort and its snobby crowd of guests because she's one of the locals. Most of her previous year was spent dating the popular young son of one of the regular members. Clubbing, partying, and drinking were the order of business for Claire her entire junior year. She hides a secret that is the reason she's chosen not to work in the family business this summer. Instead, she's trying to mend her wild ways and get in touch with God and her spiritual side.
Then there's Drew. She's hoping a summer away from Fort Leavenworth and her depressed mother will help her confront her demons. Loss of a loved one has turned her into a compulsive runner determined to use this summer to train in the higher altitude. But perhaps she is really just running from her problems instead.
The start of the summer is pretty rocky as the three roommates attempt to fit their very different personalities into one tiny cabin. Tempers flair and sides are chosen as they privately struggle with their personal troubles. However, as the summer unfolds, each girl finds things they weren't expecting -- new friendships and better understandings of where their lives may be headed next.
In GODDESS GAMES, Niki Burnham blends gossip and celebrity with the struggle to overcome life's hurdles. Teens will relate to the characters and their search for meaningful relationships.
Summer jobs at the plush King's Crown Resort and Spa hopefully hold the answers for three teens in search of solutions to their very different problems.
Seneca is used to having whatever she wants. The daughter of an Academy Award-winning actress, Seneca has grown up with the "haves" and doesn't have much patience with the "have nots." Unfortunately, that has all changed. Her mother's job offers have been few and far between since her break up with a famous Hollywood movie mogul. Now Seneca is hoping her job at the resort will result in a boost for her mother's career.
Claire already knows all the ins and outs of the summer resort and its snobby crowd of guests because she's one of the locals. Most of her previous year was spent dating the popular young son of one of the regular members. Clubbing, partying, and drinking were the order of business for Claire her entire junior year. She hides a secret that is the reason she's chosen not to work in the family business this summer. Instead, she's trying to mend her wild ways and get in touch with God and her spiritual side.
Then there's Drew. She's hoping a summer away from Fort Leavenworth and her depressed mother will help her confront her demons. Loss of a loved one has turned her into a compulsive runner determined to use this summer to train in the higher altitude. But perhaps she is really just running from her problems instead.
The start of the summer is pretty rocky as the three roommates attempt to fit their very different personalities into one tiny cabin. Tempers flair and sides are chosen as they privately struggle with their personal troubles. However, as the summer unfolds, each girl finds things they weren't expecting -- new friendships and better understandings of where their lives may be headed next.
In GODDESS GAMES, Niki Burnham blends gossip and celebrity with the struggle to overcome life's hurdles. Teens will relate to the characters and their search for meaningful relationships.
May 17, 2008
One summer. Three completely different girls. All working at the same place, and sharing the same room. There’s Seneca, who’s trying very hard to get her mother back into the good graces of Hollywood movies so she won’t fall far from her life as the daughter of a celebrity. Hopefully, she’ll meet a big producer and secure her mother an Oscar. Next, there’s Claire, who has ditched her old partying days after what happened last Spring Break. She’s now trying to get in touch with God, Joan-of-Arc style, and is determined to be a good girl. Finally, there’s Drew, the athlete who’s running away from the depressed mother that can’t move on with life after her husband’s death.
I expected something completely different from this book it’s not even funny. I hate it when titles seem to imply something about the book, but when you actually read it, you realize it’s a whole different meaning. Like, oh sure, it makes sense, but you’re still disappointed because it’s not about what you thought it was going to be. That’s exactly what happened here. I picked up this book thinking it was about something like the three Goddesses of Fate, because there are three girls and the title and the blurb mentions goddesses. Now, I know it’s just about finding your inner self. As good as that topic is, I still wish it could have been what I expected it to be.
Nikki Burnham has always delivered interesting stories. I prefer her first person point of view books, and I especially enjoyed Sticky Fingers (about date rape drugs) but this one isn’t as good. It even gets a bit boring during the emotional moments where Drew is breaking down in front of Rob. And it’s not quite realistic and coincidental that they’re the only three girls who are doing yoga the night of a thunderstorm/storm. I just found myself not quite believing it: the storyline, the characters, the actions. Crazy Spring Break that ends up in getting a certain somebody pregnant, and then a miscarriage? So dramatic I feel like I’m watching a sad, mopey Korean show.
I expected something completely different from this book it’s not even funny. I hate it when titles seem to imply something about the book, but when you actually read it, you realize it’s a whole different meaning. Like, oh sure, it makes sense, but you’re still disappointed because it’s not about what you thought it was going to be. That’s exactly what happened here. I picked up this book thinking it was about something like the three Goddesses of Fate, because there are three girls and the title and the blurb mentions goddesses. Now, I know it’s just about finding your inner self. As good as that topic is, I still wish it could have been what I expected it to be.
Nikki Burnham has always delivered interesting stories. I prefer her first person point of view books, and I especially enjoyed Sticky Fingers (about date rape drugs) but this one isn’t as good. It even gets a bit boring during the emotional moments where Drew is breaking down in front of Rob. And it’s not quite realistic and coincidental that they’re the only three girls who are doing yoga the night of a thunderstorm/storm. I just found myself not quite believing it: the storyline, the characters, the actions. Crazy Spring Break that ends up in getting a certain somebody pregnant, and then a miscarriage? So dramatic I feel like I’m watching a sad, mopey Korean show.
December 27, 2014
Goddess games by Niki Burnham is about three girls getting jobs at the King's Crown Resort for the summer. Seneca is a girl who thinks she entitled to everything she wants but as her mother's career gets bleaker and bleaker, Seneca has to try to find a way to get her mother's career back on track. Claire is the girl next door, down to earth but she is trying to find a way past her partying and drinking ways by finding God in her life. Drew is the independent type, who comes to the resort to further her athletic abilities but also a way to escape Kansas and everyone feeling sorry for her after losing her father in Iraq.
Over the summer, these three girls are able to create a friendship and bond that help them with each of their issues.
Overall, Niki Burnham created an enjoyable quick read. She managed to mix in just the right amount between real issues with gossip and celebrities, which makes it not too serious and not too comical.
Over the summer, these three girls are able to create a friendship and bond that help them with each of their issues.
Overall, Niki Burnham created an enjoyable quick read. She managed to mix in just the right amount between real issues with gossip and celebrities, which makes it not too serious and not too comical.
March 15, 2014
It was a very touching story about three girls from different backgrounds. All are trying to escape and save their selves in one way or another. In their attempt to find themselves, they grow close and tell their stories.
Personally, I would have loved to hear Claire's story expanded on just a little bit more. There is a simplicity in the writing that heightens the meaning of it. It was very well written and I can't wait to read more from the fabulous Niki Burnham.
Personally, I would have loved to hear Claire's story expanded on just a little bit more. There is a simplicity in the writing that heightens the meaning of it. It was very well written and I can't wait to read more from the fabulous Niki Burnham.
July 5, 2012
Loved it! Seneca and Jake are so cute together; hopefully he can bring some of that snobby side of her and longing for Hollywood away. Love Drew--running is a blast, but sometimes I wished she would open up more. Loved Claire the most and I'm so sad for her that she's carrying Aaron's baby when he dumped her. Guys can be so shallow!
March 14, 2014
This book made me smile because of its optimistic ways. It taught me a lot about friendship and gave me a slightly different outlook on life. I enjoyed how the reader got to see the different personalities of each girl. This book was a great easy holiday read and awesome if your looking for an easy and relaxing book!
June 5, 2016
Quick read. Didn't realize it was about 3 teenagers. I would have enjoyed it more if the main characters were in their 40s at least. Oh well. Fairly typical girlfriend/boyfriend stuff. No goddess games. Just a yoga class called Goddess Yoga wherein the girls figured out that they need to live in the present.
August 5, 2016
This one took me a bit to get into but it seemed like we had to have each "goddess'" issues described to show how broken they were. Nice when it got going and the truth came out. Of course then the book ended... go figure!
June 16, 2008
A book about finding yourself, and finding that you may have friends where you thought there was none. An ok plot line. A good summer read
August 8, 2008
couldn't get into it.
November 9, 2008
I'm not done reading it so no review yet! ^_^
June 16, 2010
I'd give it 4 and a 1/2 stars if I could!!!!
July 15, 2010
My guilty pleasure, cheesy teen drama.
November 27, 2010
Only halfway did I truly enjoy. It started off slow. But all in all a thumbs up because it inspired me
July 31, 2011
Decent. The book over-all wasn't great, but the ending was cute.
August 25, 2012
Had a cute ending.
December 19, 2012
Loved it! I've been trying to find a fairly priced copy around Corvallis, Oregon but haven't had any luck :(
October 24, 2016
A girl dates a boy and is having troubles. I love this book because it is very funny and teaches you a lot of things about life.
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January 28, 2009its really good sofRA
January 30, 2009
I wasn't sure I was going to like when I first started, but it turned out cuter than I expected.
June 17, 2010
It was a cute book to pass the time with. A little cliche, but good nonetheless.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews