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The Ares Trials #3

The Golden God

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I’ve made a few enemies in my time, but none as powerful, or spiteful, as the Goddess of Love.

Aphrodite’s curse has turned Ares from the man I was falling in love with into a savage beast, crazed with blood-lust and desperate to steal my magic.

Worse, we still have one Trial left to complete in order to save my friend from a rogue Underworld demon, a Trial set by the spirit of Terror.

The more I see of Olympus, the more I feel I belong. I have a past here, and I know Ares is keeping secrets from me.

Is that enough to stop the bond between us flaring to life, to stop the need for him that burns through every nerve in my body?



As we battle against jealous gods and power hungry deities, vicious creatures and lethal landscapes, I’m going to find out just how much I’m willing to give up for this new, fierce passion for the Warrior God. I’m going to find out exactly what true love can do to a person, even one as rough around the edges as me.

But I’m also going to find out just how hard a heart can break.

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

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2021

302 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read

About the author

Eliza Raine

39 books2,562 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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5 stars
854 (44%)
4 stars
654 (33%)
3 stars
363 (18%)
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62 (3%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Romanticamente Fantasy.
7,976 reviews236 followers
April 5, 2023
Malefica81 - per RFS
.
Bentornate, Fenici!

Siamo arrivati al terzo libro della Raine su Ares, che mi ha stupita, forse molto di più rispetto ad Ade.

In questa terza parte Bella dovrà accettare in pieno quello che è, far capire ad Ares il suo amore e che insieme sono una sola ed unica forza. Ovviamente ci sono colpi di scena, persone che, come me, vorreste prendere a bastonate sui denti. Sì, perché ci sono sempre dei cattivi talmente infami da far salire la carogna.

Il personaggio che mi è piaciuto di più è proprio Bella, che non si abbatte, che lotta fino alla fine per l’uomo che ama, e Ares… quanto è bello! Ce ne fosse uno brutto su questo Olimpo, eh?

Il volume è molto più scorrevole degli altri ma ho trovato come sempre errori di battitura e di soggetto. Uno spettatore attento comprende chi parla e a chi, ma se si legge di sfuggita?

Spero vivamente che queste autrici abbiano dei correttori di bozze e degli editor, perché, se questo è il file che va in stampa per il cartaceo, è proprio brutto a vedersi.

In ogni caso, approvato!

Alla prossima!

Un saluto dalla vostra Mal
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:
3.8/5⭐'s
2/5 🌶️ (18+)

This book was a perfect end to the trilogy! It was fast-paced and action-packed as well. Love both Ares and Bella to the bottom of my heart, they both grew on me and their character growth is just *chefs kiss compared to the earlier books and they have grown so much! Love how mature they've become and even more badass 😍 Both of them are such a beautiful couple!

Read all three books within 24 hours, and no regrets. It was such a fun read! I am not a fan of the conclusion but I still enjoyed it for a quick reading fix.

Profile Image for Adricrisuruta.
1,842 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2021
I loved that ending for this beautiful couple.
When the reading started it didn't seem like they had any bond in common, but they managed to fall in love, strengthen it and become one.
I loved the new Ares. He did know how to give a radical turn to his spirit and mentality. Love made him a stronger and more powerful god.
Bella grew twice as big. I admired her determination and stubbornness, but also that noble heart that made her the goddess she is. Righteous and genuine who knows how to control her counterpart.
Profile Image for Katie Ede.
54 reviews
March 27, 2021
The story starts with them separated and despite the meddling of other Gods, it is soon evident that their love for each other is much stronger than the spite of others. (The beating of the drums 😍😍) They have to fight with everything they have to become victorious. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story especially the climax to Aphrodite’s involvement in their story and look forward to finding out more about her fate. The combining of their power was always an interesting aspect of the story and it was kept us guessing about what would happen next. I thought the conclusion to Josh’s involvement was a little rushed but nethertheless, a great conclusion to their story. I loved the twist at the end and it showed how much Ares had grown as a man and how the choice he had previously made could be forgiven and redeemed in Bella’s eyes.
Profile Image for Coline.
1,369 reviews17 followers
August 23, 2022
Bella et Arès ensemble j’aime trop, ils sont pareils mais en même temps ils se tempèrent l’un l’autre.
On a enfin toute les révélations et on comprend l’histoire.

Aussi les personnages secondaires qui les aident au fils des tomes son vraiment super.


Petit épilogue pour introduire la prochaine saga sur Poseidon, j’ai hâte de la lire.
Profile Image for Diana.
468 reviews7 followers
December 21, 2021
I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I enjoyed this one. I love retellings that deal with greek mythology and the genre doesnt matter. It was fun to read this because I'm always looking for one that focuses on Ares, I love his character adaptation on Lore Olympus. I found this version to be absolutely adorable once we got past his scary exterior. I was a little disappointed that the pairing wasnt Ares and Aphrodite because they are one of my favorite pairings in greek mythology. However, I did love the relationship between Ares and Bella and the ending was great.
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,023 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2021
The final story in The Ares Trials series and I'm so here for it. Bella and Ares have both grown so much during the books and I've enjoyed reading their story. Bella is undoubtedly a totally badass character, and even if Ares seemed to be selfish and arrogant in the beginning he's really grown on me.

Even though the characters are separated in the beginning and Ares is falling victim to his bloodlust, Bella will do everything she can to save not only herself but also him. And even when she has succeeded with that, there is still one more trial to face. Of course, with it being the last trial it really won't be easy, not that the others have been either but this is the worst.

The conclusion of the story really wasn't what I was expecting to happen but I really enjoyed it and felt it was really fitting for these amazing characters. Can't wait for the next series!
Profile Image for Janelle (a.rogue.librarian).
427 reviews2 followers
August 9, 2021
I loved how this series came together and ended. It was enjoyable and entertaining. Perfect amount of spice to story. Eliza Raine does a great job of mixing mythology, adventure and romance !

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LainieLibrary.
540 reviews30 followers
April 6, 2021
2.5 Stars

I loved the first two books of this series (and adored the Hades and Persephone trials), but this wasn't a satisfying ending for me. This review is probably not going to make sense because I have so many random thoughts about this one.

I liked the beginning of this one and seeing Bella and Ares' relationship, but this book felt less about the romance and much more focused on the trial, which I didn't like. The trials were resolved way too easily, but also dragged on because they didn't hold my interest. I found myself skimming through the last 40% of this book.

~Spoilers Ahead~

I would have liked to know where Bella is from (ie. parentage) and why she has the connection with Ares, but it wasn't really answered. The prophecy that stated when the two of them are alive neither can be immortal didn't make a ton of sense because once Ares got his power back it wasn't an issue. I guess the prophecy was talking about this exact time when Area loses his power and needs to share with Bella? And I thought the past between Ares and Bella would be way more interesting/make more sense. I guess Ares tossed Bella to the human world to die over and over again (not sure why she was still immortal then) but she still did have powers because they transferred into her sword for some reason?

Not sure, but I found this all confusing. Not to mention I thought it was dumb that Ares and Bella just choose to be mortals. It doesn't feel like a happily ever after and I hate when characters willingly make themselves weak.

Also the storyline of Zeus going evil was poorly developed. I don't feel any connection to that "crisis" and don't really care because it's not well explained.

That being said - I'm interested in the next chapter of this series (it sounds like it will revolve around Poseidon). I am willing to give those books a try, but I'm bummed that Ares and Bella's had this ending. Overall I thought this book was boring, didn't answer all my questions, and lacked the romance aspect.
Profile Image for Payne’s Bookworm Reviews (Samantha Payne).
596 reviews16 followers
April 4, 2021
4.5⭐️
‘The Golden God ‘ is book three and the conclusion in Eliza Raine’s The Ares Trials series.

Two trials down with Terror’s left, needing to win the last one they will be able to finally find and rescue the Guardians. Now Aphrodite has put a curse on Bella and Ares. Leaving Ares after he admitted that he loved her, has Bella broken and distraught. She must do whatever it takes to break the curse, be with Ares, win the final trial, rescue her friend and get Ares’ powers back. Sounds easy right?

Wow, what an exhilarating conclusion to an exceptionally addictive series. I have loved each and everything in this book and series. I inhaled this book in one sitting, devouring every word like a starving child. I have loved watching the bond between Bella and Ares grow, flourish and develop from enemies to friends to soulmates.

I just want to say how much this series has hypnotised me body and soul, from the first word in The Warrior God to the last word is this book I’ve gone on one hell of an emotional roller coaster. This series has it all; action packed, witty banter, mystery, adventure, betrayal, secrets, romance and smexy moments.

I loved Hades & Persephone’s series but I have to say the constant banter, push and pull between Bella and Ares would have to be my favourite. I can’t wait to see what is next in this world. Thank you for a highly addictive world and new perspectives on the Greek Gods.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
April 10, 2021
Action and tension pack every page in this last piece to an exciting tale.

Bella and Ares need to reach the top of a mountain to pass the last test...or their freedom will be lost. But an unexpected attack throws Bella over the side of the mountain. When she awakens, she's shackled in a prison cell with no way to use her powers and a lethal wound on her leg. Worse yet, through the bond she feels Ares weakening. But she can't help him; she's dying herself. And neither of them know where the other is.

First off, this is the last book in a trilogy and can't be read as a stand-alone, since it begins right at the cliff-hanger where book two ended.

This book is all about action, battles and fighting to survive. The secrets and hidden agendas come full circle in surprising ways, and none are going to be solved easily. Everything has horrible costs. But Bella's heart is pure, and Ares can never be underestimated. This book really throws everything at them from all directions and creates a fast paced read, which is impossible to put down.

As to the romance....well, these are the Gods of War, and in battles, romance is no longer on the agenda. But that doesn't mean love isn't, and this one allows that hope to shine.

I received an ARC and enjoyed reading it quite a bit.
Profile Image for Carol 27.
1,093 reviews
March 22, 2021
With one last Trial remaining, Ares stands on the brink of attaining what he desires most - the return of his god-power, and with it, his immortality. But what sort of challenge could the spirit of Terror have in store for him and what could possibly terrify the God of War?

I enjoyed the conclusion to this imaginative and entertaining tale featuring several Greek gods, goddesses and a few mythological creatures. The story is well written, full of action, adventure, secrets, violence, betrayals, twists and humour along with some steamy scenes. While Ares & Bella’s journey has its HEA, the story arc concerning Zeus is unresolved, and I look forward to The Poseidon Trials for the next set of adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Catalina.
148 reviews
April 1, 2021
Spoiler free review.

Another great book by Eliza! *claps* I don’t know why, but I’m very fond of these books. Well, yes, I do know. It has a great characters’ development and new characters!. We got to meet some of the other gods and their realms. And a freaking dragon! I love dragons.

Ares started a rough journey in the first one, and I’m very proud of what he has become. And Bella! She just rocks in this one. She never forgot for one moment that she was mortal once upon a time. It definitely had some heart wretching moments, I won’t say because spoilers, but the end of this series was just perfect for me. Of course, I crave for more, but I’m confident I will read of them again in the next series.

You rock, Eliza!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,799 reviews54 followers
March 26, 2021
Love this whole series!! The romance is amazing! The action is awesome! Such an entertainingly fun adventure!! This is book 3 and a finale about Ares and Bella, so I’d definitely recommend starting from the beginning. Read Hades and Persephone’s books too! Love those ones too! In this one, Bella is trying to find a way to help Ares with his berserker/blood lust mode forced on him by crazy skeez Aphrodite. Plus, Aphrodite continues to cause more and more problems for Bella and Ares. There’s lots of danger and adventure for Bella and Ares. The bond between the two has really grown into a beautiful love; love their connection! Love all the magical elements, and how strong Bella is! Ares kicks butt too! Excited to read more in this world!
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
March 27, 2021
I simply love this book, series and world. If you like your romance with plenty of action and emotion and enjoy mythology, these books are just what you are looking for. I adore the way that this author can take the familiar, add her own twists and spin it all in an exciting and enticing new direction. In this series Bella and Ares give your heart quite the workout. Drama, twists and angst are plentiful and flow freely throughout the storyline and keep you fiercely invested and feeling on the edge. Another absolute winner!! I can't wait to see what comes next. I'm posting an independent, impartial review.
1,190 reviews9 followers
April 3, 2021
Bella needs to find a way to stop the curse that was place on Ares. Bella learns just what is needed. Bella and Ares realize that their connection is beyond love. Bella and Ares go to complete the their last trial, Bella learns just what Ares was hiding. Bella will have to a fight on her hands to save herself and Ares. They find out just who has been sabotaging them.

This was an interesting way to end the Ares Trials. Bella and Ares both come realize what they want out of their lives. They will have a battle on their hands to get to that place. What they chose at they end was very interesting. Recommend reading
Profile Image for Chris.
160 reviews
September 24, 2022
4.5/5 stars
4/5 spice

Fantastic finally to the Ares Trials! The ending is truly beautiful and the most earned ending I have seen in quite some time.

Ares and Bella's chemistry is off the charts and Ares' does everything he can to earn her love. Them deciding to fully be equals just hits you right in the feels.

Ares' character development is fantastic. He goes from being an entitled macho dude-bro, to a man who finally grasps morality and mortality, as well as understanding that despite what others expect, he can make his own choices.

You get to see more of the realms in this book, which really is amazing and made me want to read every other book in this world ASAP.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,012 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2021
Nice wrap up to the Ares Trials picking up from the end of book #2 and its dramatic outcome for Bella.
Determined to thwart the curse Aphrodite has placed on Ares, Bella now has a whole new set of personal trials to overcome in order to get her lover back.
As always a grand story unfolds from this author’s pen and I loved just about every minute of it as I’m sure you will too! HEA for these two BUT what is coming up next in this mythological motif looks soooo GOOD!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Allysha.
122 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2021
Absolutely explosive end to an another brilliant trilogy. From start to finish this one was jam packed with action which was a relief as its unfortunately common for the final novels to be anti climatic. My main reason for giving it 4 rather than 5 is that, whilst I enjoy Ares being a multifaceted character and more than just the violent angry man hes often portrayed to be, i felt he got a bit too sentimental and soft in this one which took that alluring edge away for me. Other than critique, loved it. I can definitely see myself re-reading this again in future
Profile Image for Krys (spicy.spine.breaker).
1,057 reviews59 followers
July 12, 2021
The action really picks up in this third and final book of the Ares Trials. Ares has grown on me - I have enjoyed his character arc from just fearsome to fearsome and just - his desire and willingness to share power really softened me to him though.
Highlights:
- Aphrodite has gone from petty, to next level bitch.
- Pain, Panic, and Terror are worse that Satan personified.
- Zeus is, as always, an egotistical dick who refuses to share power.

PS: would still die for Zeeva, now also Dentro.
Profile Image for Katelyn.
200 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2022
Another great book to complete the series. I loved it but it was lacking more spice for me and i need to know where is ares sister. . He cant just give up on her i felt like that door was shut to quickly with them basically sayinf they searched the whole world and couldnt find a trace. I doubt she was in hidding. Hopefully i can read about that. Otherwise it was another great book. The trials were hard but the dragon i think was my favorite part of the whole book and that they became friends. I loved that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
10 reviews
October 14, 2024
Disappointed in the ending

Spoiler *******

I read all the books only to find out that despite everything they went through and then finally both gaining their powers and becoming immortal, they decided to give up their separate powers and share one power only like they had been.

Now choosing to become essentially mortal. What a ridiculous ending, they won’t be able to go up against any gods in future. Wish I’d never read these.

Very unusual for Eliza to write such a disappointing ending!
8,772 reviews63 followers
March 25, 2021
Ares and Bella are one trial away from getting Ares powers back and his immortality but many are still out to stop that from happening at any cost. This is the third and final hell raising book in Ares and Bellas story thatbhas you glued to the pages! The story is action packed! Filled with mythological classics and more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gitanjali Kumar.
372 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2021
The concluding book to this triology is definitely interesting and addictive.Ares usually isnt someone I would link to love but Eliza raine has proved that wrong.The God of war gets his HEA finally and the story unfolds us so many twists,betrayals,violence and burning chemistry!Romantic scenes were done to perfection and I cant get them out of my mind. One Good series!!Cant wait for the next series with Zeus..
4,469 reviews21 followers
April 3, 2021
Bella and Ares trial has come to an end and so has the danger and craziness that was their trials. Many threads are tied up and answers given but a few loose ends did linger somewhat. But I loved the action, danger, and characters that showed up this time around. Loved the mix of magic, myth and Bella and Ares into a great series that entertained and kept me reading to the end just to see what would show up next and what Ares would do next.
10.8k reviews125 followers
April 13, 2021
I've read several books written by Eliza Raine; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the third and final book in The Ares Trials Series; Aphrodite has placed a curse on Ares that changed him into a beast; Bella works with him to complete the trials set in order to reverse the curse before it’s too late.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reena.
956 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2021
Eliza does it again and delivers another winning book, the conclusion to the "Ares Trials". Action-packed, full of adventure, suspense, mystery, plenty of sass and witty banter between Ares and Bella, and let's not forget the steam between them!

Although Ares and Bella have their HEA, there's still the mystery of Zeus' betrayal and evil (?) plan. What is he really up to? Hopefully we will find out more in Eliza's next series, which I believe focusses on Poseidon. I can't wait!!!
Profile Image for MP_1995.
51 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2021
..... wish I could give this series 100+ stars !!!! Soooooo goood !!!!!!I was kinda hoping the next trials will be with Apollo cuz he is one of my favourite Greek gods (but I know he isn’t mentioned in any way so figured will make no sense to continue with him but fingers crossed soon will be his turn) but I’m curious to get to know Poseidon’s love story with his wife I gotta do a bit of research about her not too familiar with her story! Over all can’t wait for ten next trials !!!!
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