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The Ares Trials #2

The Savage God

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In order to save my only friend’s life, I am being forced to complete three Trials set by the Lords of War; Pain, Panic and Terror. And I have to work with the most arrogant, stubborn, untrustworthy jerk in Olympus to do so. Ares not only won’t teach me how to use my powers, he also keeps trying to steal them. And he's crossed a line that should be unforgivable.

Something connects me to the brutish God of War though. Something more real than I’ve ever experienced in my life. There’s more to him than he shows the world, and the more I fight alongside him, the deeper into his soul I can see. Which makes the betrayal so much worse.
He and my sphinx-shifter cat know more about who I am and where I came from than they’re telling me. And in order to stay in the world of Olympus, a place where anything is possible and I’m no longer an outcast, I need to be able to use my magic.

For all my determination to save Joshua and learn to use my powers, an equal part of me needs to understand Ares. It's a part of me I simply can't seem to switch off. I need to know why I hear the drums of war when I look into his eyes, and why flames dance in his irises and my body utterly betrays me when he’s near. And even more, I need to know if he feels the same.

The Savage God is the second book in the Ares Trials, which is intended for adults and is packed with magic, mythology and enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn soulmate romance!

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2021

447 people are currently reading
1298 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Raine

39 books2,563 followers
Eliza Raine writes Greek mythology inspired fantasy that is fast paced, full of new worlds and creatures and sprinkled with a healthy dose of romance. She lives near Reading in England with her husband, three cats and outrageously cute puppy. She has a BA Hons in History and has a deep-rooted passion for mythology and stories about women who don't need rescuing.
She can usually be found reading fairytale retellings, playing board games or binge-watching Netflix shows.

You can read some of Eliza's stories for free by visiting her website at www.elizaraine.com

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367 (17%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Adricrisuruta.
1,842 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2021
I want to kill Aphrodite right now. Damn goddess. Goddess of love and she's nothing but a nuisance.

I didn't like the ending of this book. Again we end up not knowing the secrets that Ares and Olympus are hiding.

It's better that Bella discovered Ares' true self now than when she was head over heels in love and not able to fight him.

It wasn't pleasant, but I like that Enyo knows the darker side of Ares and how much the god of war must change to be her mate. Plus she's said it herself: she loves him and she's not going to abandon him.

Another book without clearing so many questions about Bella's origin and why her banishment to the land of humans.

Looking forward to the next book.
204 reviews32 followers
February 26, 2021
"Ares was an ass. He had the bod, of a man, and the temperament of a teenager." --a sassy unchecked teenager from a semi-broken home that never checked his temper and made him go to day care bc they couldn't handle him from an early age. All of this still holds true in book 2.

This book is shorter than the first one. About 170 pages. It reads like a second book but it's not so bad that it's not interesting. Bella starts the book off by going after the demon who kidnapped Joshua and then the second round of the trials begins. There is tension, terror and tears in this one. Still not all mysteries are solved.

Profile Image for Michelle Dohring.
239 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2021
This is the second book in the Ares Trials. The book begins right where we were left wanting more in book one. The sexual tension between Ares and Bella is hot! When they finally let their passion out it is consuming. They continue to bicker but it is more difficult for them to hide their true feelings. Ares shows he has a vulnerable side with his feelings for Bella. Hopefully they will work out what they need to do so they can be together. This a very good story that keeps you turning the pages. I cannot wait for book three. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for die_lesende_Nachteule.
894 reviews26 followers
August 31, 2021
Da der erste Band so klasse war, folgte gleich der zweite Band der Ares Tribunale aus der Feder von Eliza Raine.
Das Cover ist wieder ein echter Blickfang und es wird wieder flüssig erzählt. natürlich wieder aus der Sicht unserer Protagonisten.
Die Story geht spannend weiter und es geht stellenweise prickelnd zur Sache.

Und so langsam gibt es einen Hass Charakter, nämlich Aphrodite. Die Frau treibt einen in den Wahnsinn. Was habe ich mich über ihre Art geärgert.

Auch der zweite Band konnte mich sehr gut unterhalten und fesseln und bekommt 5 von 5 Sterne. Dazu gibt es noch eine Leseempfehlung.
Profile Image for dd_wonderland_of_books.
113 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2021
Ok first of, I read the hades trials and fell in love but I think that this one was even better?

Characters:
Ok bella is just so amazing, she is strong, she is basically the female version of Ares but with compassion and love. I do have to say that she was like irritating at the beginning but boy did she flourish, the goddess of war. About Ares, I think we all know how Ares is portrayed, the arrogant ball of energy. Well I loved that they started with that but that Ares slowly changed and became more compassionate (eventhough he still remained himself) and chose the good side. Aphrodite is just a bitch 😂 nothing more or less. Zeus is an asshole, and hades/persephone are just an amazing king and queen.

Story:
Ok the story was just phenomenal, the way it started to the end it had so many plots, secrets, action. I loved how this was done. I also loved that in this book Ares and bella go together though the trials (in the hades trials it was Persephone alone who had to go for hades).

Worldbuilding:
Omg, This was one of the best worldbuildings I have ever read. It was so beautiful and so detailed.

Rating:
Book 1: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book 2: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book 3: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Jillianne Ryca.
109 reviews16 followers
July 5, 2021
My ratings:
3.2/5 ⭐
1/5 🌶️

I love Bella and Ares here more than the first book. She is still badass with a hint of sass while Ares is his broody self but both has matured compared to before, especially as Ares character has improved (that man is evolving! yas ✊) and Bella learns more about her powers and makes it so much entertaining to read 😬 The character growth which I am all in for. This was shorter than the first book but still full to the brim. No fillers, just straight where we left of in the first book. Absolutely adored the banter between Bella and Ares, they absolutely fit for one another and the chemistry between them is just 💯

Wanted to kick Aphrodite far far away in this one, for the Goddess of Love, she is so annoying and petty I wanted to just whack her with Ares helmet.

Not a smooth sailing story because it does end with another cliff hanger. But enjoyed knowing that Bella was able to witness a darker side of Ares, no matter how difficult it was to read that part 💔
Profile Image for Coline.
1,370 reviews17 followers
August 23, 2022
4-4.5⭐️

Un deuxième tome que j’ai beaucoup beaucoup plus apprécié. On est plongée dans l’action des épreuves. Mais aussi dans la relation entre Bella et Arès qui devient plus profonde.

Arès lâche des petites infos qui rend le suspense et le mystère autour de lui et Bella encore plus grand.

Arès respecte enfin un peu plus Bella et ils sont un vrai duo pour se sortir de cette galère. Je les aime bien ensemble et elle a une bonne influence sur lui (qui l’aurait cru).

On découvre de plus en plus de chose donc hâte du final.
Profile Image for Olivia Owen.
128 reviews
January 23, 2025
Still obsessed with these two and now we are getting Ares’ soft/flirty side I’m even more invested!! I need to know about Bella’s past immediately!!
However these two just can’t catch a break and I’m heading straight into book three🐲✨
Profile Image for Stephanie.
46 reviews
January 9, 2021
Ahhh, this book was soooo good but the cliffhanger, I literally yelled at my Kindle. I just love the world the book is set in and the character building the author does is amazing. You literally start really feeling the characters as if you got skin in the game yourself. I adore Ares, his growth in this book was heartwarming. Can't wait for the next installment!!!
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,976 reviews236 followers
February 20, 2023
Malefica81 - per RFS
.
Bentornate Fenici!

Siamo arrivati al secondo libro della trilogia di Ares e continuano le avventure e le prove che devono portare a termine il dio della guerra e Bella, l’umana che è anche lei una dea.

Siamo nel regno di Panico, dove uno dei Signori della guerra ha istituito assieme ai suoi fratelli queste prove per mettere alla prova il dio. La loro missione è anche quella di trovare l’amico di Bella e di portare il demone mangiatore di anime a Ade.

Continuano le schermaglie tra i due, Ares però si accorge che Bella è diversa, meglio lei che quella s**** di Afrodite che lo usa solo come giocattolo sessuale e non gli interessa nulla di lui. Tra i due le scintille e il fuoco divampano, Ares capisce che non può fare a me no di Bella e…

Non è un libro esaltante, certo ti tiene compagnia ma non è un capolavoro. Intrattiene, ho notato nuovamente errori di battitura e frasi sbagliate e questo mi ha fatto storcere il naso. La scrittura della Raine è lineare senza troppi problemi.

Alla prossima

Un saluto dalla vostra Mal
Profile Image for AstryaByLouise.
454 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2022
Je l'ai lu un peu trop rapidement on dirait. Dans tous les cas, j'ai les mêmes réflexions que sur le premier tome : j'enlève une étoile pour les fautes et les coquilles. Sinon c'était sympa, je fonce lire le dernier tome !!
149 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2021
Predictable

Well I called it. From reading the last book I predicted what would happen in this book and I was exactly spot on.
Unfortunately this author has a preferred formula. It’s either laziness and hoping that no one will notice that this is a carbon copy of ‘The Hades Trials’ or she truly has no other ideas.
Just like in The Hades Trials the couple argue and are split up at the end of book 1 only to be back together again by just over 5% of the way through book 2. We have numerous trials with a ball and then the ending is exactly the same. Just as they admit their love the gods true power is unleashed and the girl is sent away to protect her but she loves him so vows to return to him. I will make the same prediction that Bella and Ares will be back together within the first 5-10% of book three before continuing the trials.
The story is completely one dimensional with no sub plots or mystery to keep you enticed, you just bounce along from trial to trial, from fight to fight with nothing else to provide a different tone or contrast for the reader. Just like the author failed to create a captivating description of such a rich environment as the underworld in the first trilogy, again this story could be set absolutely anywhere. She had a real opportunity to create an exciting new world and an exciting story about a god that we so rarely hear about it, but she could have been writing about anyone. Big muscles and he doesn’t like swearing are all I know about this legendary character.
When reading I wasn’t immersed in this world or these characters and quite frankly I didn’t care at all and I managed to read it in about two hours.
I will probably read the third book to complete the series which I’m sure will follow the irritating predictability of not only following its predecessors by being released about 2 weeks before its official release date but also in its storyline. I can imagine we will again be left with an ambiguous and unsatisfying ending that will set up a new series of ‘trials’. Whose turn will it be this time? The Apollo trials? The Hermes trials? The Poseidon trials? I only know I probably won’t continue reading that far ahead into what has become a boring, repetitive and predictable series.
Profile Image for Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne).
596 reviews16 followers
April 4, 2021
‘The Savage God’ is book two in Eliza Raine’s The Ares Trials series. This continues on from ‘The Warrior God’ so it’s recommended to read that prior to this. Also heads up this ends on a cliffhanger.

After complete the first Trial set by Pain, been betrayed by Ares, Bella finds herself alone trying to save her friend Joshua. Was leaving Ares alone without her and her powers the right decision or should she have stayed and helped win the Ares Trials the best way to save Joshua and get Ares Powers back.

Ok firstly I have to say was not a fan of the ending of ‘The Warrior God’ but this one takes the cake, it was so much worse. My heart is breaking for both Bella and Ares, Aphrodite is one nasty piece of work. From book one I knew there was something seriously off about her, but this ending just proved my point that she may be the Goddess of Love, but she knows nothing about love.

It was great to see Bella and Ares working together instead of against each other, they truly a stronger and between team when they cooperate. They just need to get some down time cause all of this s*xual tension is burning the pages... especially that hallway scene *fans self* (when you’ve read the book you’ll know what I’m talking about 😉)

I can’t say or write much more in this review as it will give the story/plot away, but I will say this; if you are looking for an action packed, fast paced, nail biting, page turning book, then this is for you. Oh if your into Greek Mythology and want to see a different side to the Gods and Goddess you think you know that is just an extra incentive to read it. What you should also need to know is that the female is strong, bada**, and no holds character that takes on the God of War and doesn’t back down.
Profile Image for Madita.
547 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2021
That was... boring. I hate to quit a series when only one book is left but I already gave it a second chance with this second book and I value my reading time too much at the moment to read another book that will probably disappoint . Maybe in a few weeks or so I will think differently and finish the series but not now. I think the story was barley interesting even though the trails should make it thrilling and exciting because that's something I normally quite enjoy and I think this kind of story lives for the steamy scenes because the plot is definitely lacking and the whole book puts the focus on the relationship between Ares and Bella, it is written like a steamy romance fantasy novel but then there is none and it feels wrong. I get that sometimes the romance in these stories is meant to be slow burn and I like that when it is made right but this was not slow burn, there was no steamy scenes at all after 2/3 books and every time the relationship between them grows a little stronger something happens that make them drift apart again, its frustrating. And just after the whole romantic relationship got to the next step and steamy scenes seem to be around the next corner, the ending of the book destroys it all and with it my motivation to continue reading the next book.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,799 reviews54 followers
January 10, 2021
Another fun one! Love all the action with the trials! Totally entertaining! Lots of danger and cool creatures! I really enjoy this author's writing style, and I'm loving these stories about the gods. Hades is still my number 1; love me some Hades, but Ares is starting to improve in my eyes. He was a bit of a butt in the first book; Bella is definitely not happy with him when this book starts, but he's starting to see things more clearly and becoming a better god. Ares and Bella are still trying to complete the Ares Trials, so Ares can get his godly powers back. Bella is also trying to find and rescue her friend, Josh, and she's dealing with the whole being a goddess thing; learning what cool powers she has and how to use them. She's still her sassy, crude mouthed, kick-butt self though! Loved the banter between Bella and Ares; she calls him out when he's being a butt and gets him to actually use his brain. They can be sweet with each other too; they have some great chemistry too! Aphrodite still sucks and is causing problems. Zeus still sucks too. There's quite the cliffhanger in this book too, so be prepared for that. I'm eagerly waiting for the next one!
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,093 reviews
January 20, 2021
I enjoyed this second foray into this imaginative and entertaining fantasy romance featuring Ares, the God of War and Bella, aka Enyo. Trust it seems, is still an ongoing concern. With Ares holding all the cards – knowledge, ability and experience – Bella is left in the dark when it comes to wielding God-power and to dealing with the Lords of War. What exactly is behind Ares’ steadfast refusal to teach Bella about her own power? And why is the information surrounding her origins such a mystery?

I enjoyed the ongoing push and pull between Bella and Ares as the lines began to blur and attraction took hold. I liked the imagery of Dasos, set within a deadly nature-based environment within Panic’s kingdom. Ares’ second trial was not without its challenges, but I hadn’t anticipated the personal toll this trial would take. The story is well written, full of action, adventure, secrets, violence, betrayals, twists and humour along with a bit of steam. I look forward to The Golden God for the continuation of this fantasy adventure and the next set of trials.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for BurntbyHades.
82 reviews3 followers
January 18, 2021
My heart, My Mind. Eliza damn you!

Oh god, I devoured this book so quick, my heart sank when I came to the end, I can't wait for The Golden God out later this year. I have enjoyed this whole series so far. The plot to this is so clever, you can tell Raine thought it out throughly, I wish I could write this way. The characters are brilliant. Oh gods, I'm trying not to give too much away but... The three wee pricks as I've dubbed them, shall burn hahaha.
The way Ares is portrayed is wicked, I have loved watching him develop and grown, from his armour down to his deadpan attitude. “You wish the God of War to tackle a great challenge with no shoes on?” I love this line. Don't get me started how in love with Eris, or as we know her Bella. Her kick-ass - take no prisonsers dialogue. “You are not a ruler, Ares. You are just the owner of a very large toy.” I laughed out loud at her whit. So brilliant!
My only con is time keeping. I had a hard time tracking the days in the trails but now as I write I have a feeling that might be the point... Hmmm. I could write on and on but I'll stop before I spoil it for anyone. Go check @elizaraineauthor & The Ares Trails.
P.S Eliza, I hate you, I truly do. That ending should be illegal.
Profile Image for Catalina.
148 reviews
January 17, 2021
SPOILER FREE REVIEW

I really couldn’t put it down! This one was so good!
After the end of The Warrior God, I thought the relationship between Bella and Ares would go down the drain. And I strongly disliked Ares' attitude towards Bella. But The Savage God didn’t disappoint me! Though I have to say… I needed more chapters. This one is too short! Eliza delivered great action scenes, the most entertaining and badass female character ever and oh, all the sexual tension. I’m living for it. And Ares… ay. His character development was more than I hoped for book two. Really, I was so thrilled while reading his chapters, feeling all his epiphanies with him.
And don’t even make me start on that final chapter… that cliffhanger shattered my heart, and left me needing the third book like right now!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
May 13, 2021
This is one of those books to dive into and expect action pure along with tons of entertainment.
The back and forth between the two main characters is so much fun, and every time it seems like Ares might be finally turning into a 'nice' guy, things take a huge turn. The romantic tension is definitely there but set with such a tug and pull...right along with the other, dangerous situations...that it's a furious ride just like the rest of the read.
If you're looking for tons of depth, this isn't the book to grab up. The characters do each have strong personalities and backgrounds, which makes them tons of fun to root for. And there are so many secrets, but then, these are games of the gods. It is frustrating at times to watch how there seems to be a step forward, only to have it fall back again. But that does keep this read interesting and makes it almost impossible to put down.
There are some spicier moments, but this one is as much plot driven as anything else. It's just a fun read.
Profile Image for Wendy Waters.
2 reviews
January 11, 2021
At the end of the first book, I did not like Ares very much. However, by the end of this book, I like him so much more. The author shows just how fickle and vain the Greek gods were. They do not care about anyone but themselves. With that being said, Bella and Ares learn to work together to complete the obstacles and trials that they face. In his own way, Ares begins to teach Bella how to use her powers, and finally they admit their attraction for one another. This admission causes Aphrodite to lose it and sets us up for the final book in the series (which I eagerly await).

The author did a fantastic job on character development and setting the various scenes throughout the book. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,012 reviews15 followers
January 11, 2021
The Ares Trials powers on with this thrilling continuation begun in The Warrior God.
This is one fabulous series! With a fast paced plot filled with nonstop action, bountiful intrigue, suspense, and a simmering sensual romantic pull between Bella and Ares I was enthusiastically turning pages.
The well crafted characters, flaws and all bring this tale to life, though short, but oh so sweet!
I think I may have enjoyed this, book #2 more than the first! It’s never boring just persistently riveting; do not miss this immersive read!
There is a WHOPPER of a cliff hanger ending that’s going to leave me in agony until book #3 releases!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel H.
249 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2021
Outstanding!

Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was very impressed by the writing, the storyline and the character development. I was extremely impressed with how the character grew and learned from their mistakes. The sexual chemistry between them was very hot. I really like that it wasn’t insta-love and their relationship developed nicely over the course of the first two books. I think book number two in this series is absolutely amazing and I look forward to the third and final book in the Fated Mates series.
**I read a lot since I have Kindle Unlimited and lately it seems like I have been leaving more one star reviews than five star reviews, so this book was a refreshing change. I definitely recommend it
Profile Image for Elea Esparza.
117 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2024
¡LA ODIO! empecemos por decir que la Diosa afrodita del libro es terriblemente mala y desgraciada, a Nuestra afrodita deidad todo lo mejor para ella 🩷🙌🏽 no vaya siendo se enoje conmigo por lo que a continuación voy a decir, pero Afrodita libro es odiosa de hecho en este libro es bastante terrible, he leído libros basados en la mitología griega y aunque en la mayoría la pintan un poco engreída y "mala". Aquí es totalmente desgraciada, simplemente no estoy soportando. Y hablemos de lo cachondo que es Ares. Uffff 🤤🤤🤤 papito me tiene babeando aunque al final se haya comportado como un tremendo idiota. Esperemos las cosas se resuelvan en el siguiente libro porque necesito escenas 🔥🔥🔥 y hasta ahora no nos han dado nadaaaa.
1,190 reviews9 followers
January 11, 2021
Bella and Ares are relationship is slowly turning into something more. They will have to survive the trials before they can even think about anything else. You will see the change in Ares. Bella will also start to learn more about her magic. She will also make an unlikely friend. Due to their relationship changing, they make a powerful enemy.

There is so much that happens in this book, I didn't want to write to much about it. You will be drawn right into the story of Bella and Ares. Really enjoyed the evolution of the relationship and changes in Ares. That ending was amazing, can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Chris.
160 reviews
September 24, 2022
3/5 stars
2/5 spice

You come out of this book with a lot of questions, in a way you didn't in the previous ones in this world. It also felt a bit slower than the others, and whereas previously the predictability didn't feel like it was dragging, it slightly did in this one.

That said, you get to see the inner workings of Ares' realm and it is way worse than you thought beforehand. It makes all of Ares' asshole behaviour kind of make sense, in its own twisted way. Can you say daddy issues? Zeus is the WORST!

Aphrodite being on team Zeus, was for sure the most unexpected turn in this book. I didn't see her picking Zeus, but apparently, she did.
Profile Image for Danielle.
41 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2021
The story between Ares and Bella is so good! I love how they both fight their feelings. Ares is finally learning what love is, which is a bit ironic because he has been in lust with Aphrodite for so long.

He is evolving so much from the selfish as*hole we see in the first book.
"Who cares? You’re a fucking god, what can they take from you? You’ve already lost your power, and the Lords can’t kill you - the Olympians wouldn’t allow it! What cost could be too high?”
“You!”

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, which I'd been waiting for eagerly! As its been a while since I read the prequel, it took a little while to remember the context of what was happening, but once I got into it, there was no stopping me and I'd finished it in no time! I'm really enjoying the character development of both Bella and Ares.... and man, there are some pretty scorching hot moments!! In true Eliza Raine style, the book finishes on a cliff hanger and now I can't wait for the next installment! Definitely recommended for a light, enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Jasdebi Kurokaze.
58 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2021
I absolutely love this series so much. The characters are amazing, the world is breathtaking and beautiful, and the plot keeps me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up past my bed time for this book and was not disappointed by anything other than the fact that it ended. Yes I got the arc copy of this book but I also pre ordered it the second it was available and I don't regret it. I can not wait for the next in the series and if you read the two books in this series you will be begging for more like the rest of us.
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