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The Vessel Games #1
The Vessel Games
Welcome to the Vessel Games—where men fight to the death to claim a Vessel wife.
After the Great War devastated the lands, birth rates sharply declined, and the world descended into anarchy. The Monarchy seized control, creating a stranglehold over the land and the few women left who can bear children.
Now, only men who are strong enough to survive the Vessel Games can win themselves a Vessel, but Princess Chloe is determined to stop the bloodshed. Working in the shadows against her father, she teams up with a doomed criminal and a Traitor Caste girl. But death isn’t limited to the arena.
With her enemies closing in, Chloe must unlock the secrets of the games before her dangerous plot, and even more dangerous secret, costs her her life.
The glitz and glamor of The Selection meets the harrowing action of The Hunger Games in this thrilling dystopian novel.
This is a new adult book for readers 18 years and up, please check trigger and content warnings before reading.
After the Great War devastated the lands, birth rates sharply declined, and the world descended into anarchy. The Monarchy seized control, creating a stranglehold over the land and the few women left who can bear children.
Now, only men who are strong enough to survive the Vessel Games can win themselves a Vessel, but Princess Chloe is determined to stop the bloodshed. Working in the shadows against her father, she teams up with a doomed criminal and a Traitor Caste girl. But death isn’t limited to the arena.
With her enemies closing in, Chloe must unlock the secrets of the games before her dangerous plot, and even more dangerous secret, costs her her life.
The glitz and glamor of The Selection meets the harrowing action of The Hunger Games in this thrilling dystopian novel.
This is a new adult book for readers 18 years and up, please check trigger and content warnings before reading.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
104 people are currently reading
963 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
September 8, 2022
Hunger games meets the selection in this fun dystopian book.
Girls are tested at age 18 to see if they are able to bear children as the gift has been lost due to war if you are one of the extreme few you become a vessel. A girl worth fighting for... literally. Men fight in an arena to the death for their choice of vessel and prestige.
The story follows several unlikely characters who end up working together toward surviving and finding a way to overcome the vessel games. There is some smut but not overkill.
I suggest this book to dystopia readers. The author has created an interesting world for this series readers will definitely enjoy.
Girls are tested at age 18 to see if they are able to bear children as the gift has been lost due to war if you are one of the extreme few you become a vessel. A girl worth fighting for... literally. Men fight in an arena to the death for their choice of vessel and prestige.
The story follows several unlikely characters who end up working together toward surviving and finding a way to overcome the vessel games. There is some smut but not overkill.
I suggest this book to dystopia readers. The author has created an interesting world for this series readers will definitely enjoy.
September 6, 2022
This book should have been titled, “Chloe has a Plan” because nearly every problem in this story is answered with one of Chloe’s “plans”.
I really wanted to like this book. Truly. I probably should have stopped reading when I became frustrated, but I said I would write an honest review after receiving an ARC and I think it’s important that these things aren’t swept under the rug in favour of not hurting anyone’s feelings. The worst reviews I have seen are often from people who expect one thing and end up with something completely different. I also see a number of complaints from people who buy a book based on the ARC reviews when they are all 5 stars only to find that the book needed a lot of work before publication.
I just want to start out by saying that this book is a dystopian, NOT a fantasy. When I signed up for an ARC it was in a fantasy ARC & beta reading group, and the cover (absolutely gorgeous - the thing I liked most about this book) screams fantasy. I have read some fantastic dystopian/fantasy stories and I was hoping that this was going to be in a similar vein, but it was not.
Also, it’s important to note that although the book is called, “The Vessel Games” and is compared to “The Selection” and “The Hunger Games”, very little of the story actually focuses on the games themselves. The games are basically several rounds of arena-styled fighting with a slight puzzle or challenge that end with the deaths of the contestants. The games take up such a small portion of the book, I would almost consider them a minor plot point (if they hadn't been the subject of discussion for the rest of the book). I think that there could have been so much more development with the games to make them exciting instead of just reading a straight slaughter. The games were a drawing point for me when reading the blurb, so you can imagine my disappointment when there was almost nothing to them.
I think that the beautiful cover, combined with the title and popular book comparisons, will draw in many readers who are expecting nail-biting excitement and a great competition. I would hate to see this book flooded with bad reviews simply because readers felt misled.
This book is written from three different POVs. First, is Princess Chloe. As far as I can tell, she is the main character. It took a while to figure it out though. She despises the Vessel Games and wants to put an end to them. Unfortunately, she’s clever enough to come up with plans (usually putting everyone but herself in danger), but doesn’t have a lot of foresight to realize the consequences of her actions. She is a very frustrating character to read. Yes, part of her character is supposed to be naive, but she’s also portrayed as the clever plan master. To me, she reads as a spoiled child who doesn’t know enough about the world and how it works to be any real help to her people (let them eat cake).
Second, we are introduced to Karina. She belongs to the “Traitor Caste” (Hello Selection), which is the lowest of the low. She’s found to be fertile and ends up with the other vessel women in the palace and becomes a prize to be won from the games. Oh, and her friend has been kidnapped and she’s desperate to find her before it’s too late. That’s one of the reasons that Chloe is able to get her involved in most of her scheming. The other is Will, but I’ll get to that. Overall, I don’t have a problem with Karina’s character. I think if more of the focus of the story could have been on her and she had more decision-making power for the plot (less Chloe plans), it could have been a tolerable story.
Side note: the other vessels were absolutely horrible to Karina. It was very schoolyard bullying-esque. I found the dialogue and those characters to be particularly poorly written. They were not realistic for the age they were supposed to be. It was hard to hate their characters when all I wanted was for them not to exist in the book. Anyway, moving on.
Third, we are introduced to Will. He’s supposed to be the good guy. The only one who is noble and good in this world of misogynistic men. The other couple of nice guys in this story get so little mention in the book, that they might as well not be there. Okay, here’s the thing about Will, he sucks. In spite of the nice things he did in the story, there’s one thing that he did that leaves such a bad taste in my mouth that I think he’s the character I hate the most.
*Major Spoiler Ahead*
On the night before Will is expected to compete in a round that is likely to kill him, he gets a visit from Karina. Now, don’t get me wrong, I get that a man expecting to die the next day would be willing to take pleasure at a high cost. What I don’t like, is that he is willing to go to bed with Karina and has no care for the consequences (to her). He says that he loves her (not really believable, but okay) and then does the one thing that is guaranteed to get her killed later if she’s found out. Literally, nothing would happen to him.
I might have let that one thing slide, because of high stress and whatnot, but later when Karina is about to be wed to someone else, Will goes out of his way (sneaking back into a place he shouldn’t be) in order to sleep with her again. She protested until he wore her down with his “need” for her. Like, dude, she was trying to make the best out of a rotten situation and then you put her life in danger AGAIN to get laid. That’s not love. And for the second time, there would be no consequences for Will in this situation. Will is my least favourite character.
*End of Major Spoiler*
I found the side characters to be far more interesting than the main characters, unfortunately. As I said, I probably should have put this book down sooner.
I almost DNF’d it at 20% when one character said that they never lock the door for safety reasons and then two pages later the door is locked with no explanations given. It just seemed like a really convenient way to introduce Will to Chloe and to show off one of Chloe’s many “skills”. I think I would have to agree with the person who DNF’d the book at 37% and posted on Goodreads. I had a really hard time finishing this book.
I found the religious extremism to be distasteful, but not in the way it was supposed to be. In the book, the king is supposed to be God (or maybe be equal to him?) and yet, the king himself can hardly convince people around him that he is. The author uses scripture from the Bible for some of the major plot points and has other characters take a lot of it out of context just to show the misogyny and all-around nastiness of the male characters. I think that was one of the reasons I really couldn’t stand the story. The bad guys were unimaginative and just boring. I wish that the author had taken the time to develop a fictional religion and make it interesting. I understand that this story takes place in a future United Kingdom, but it would have been nice to have some originality. Also, Chloe uses some illusion magic (not real magic - think magic show at a birthday party) and tries to convince everyone that somebody is Moses (yeah that Moses). There was no believability to that scene and it ripped me right out of the story. Just, why?
I definitely would have loved some more world-building. There's nothing about this world that makes it particularly unique. There's no interesting technology or much of a culture to speak of. I couldn't tell you much about the caste system or their history, or anything really that makes this story stand out. Acid rain was mentioned a number of times, but there was nothing to show the damage that it caused, or how bad it was outside of the city walls. There just wasn't enough of anything to make this world compelling.
I think the best-written characters were two of the side characters: Father Jeremiah (religious leader and friend of Chloe’s) and Octavia (the only badass female character). Octavia in particular made parts of the story bearable.
I think I’m going to finish this up by saying I’m giving this 1.5 stars (rounded up to 2). One star for Octavia and one star for the cover (minus 0.5 for being off for the genre). I don’t want to read the rest of the trilogy when it comes out.
I hope this review is helpful to future readers. I wish the author the best in her future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really wanted to like this book. Truly. I probably should have stopped reading when I became frustrated, but I said I would write an honest review after receiving an ARC and I think it’s important that these things aren’t swept under the rug in favour of not hurting anyone’s feelings. The worst reviews I have seen are often from people who expect one thing and end up with something completely different. I also see a number of complaints from people who buy a book based on the ARC reviews when they are all 5 stars only to find that the book needed a lot of work before publication.
I just want to start out by saying that this book is a dystopian, NOT a fantasy. When I signed up for an ARC it was in a fantasy ARC & beta reading group, and the cover (absolutely gorgeous - the thing I liked most about this book) screams fantasy. I have read some fantastic dystopian/fantasy stories and I was hoping that this was going to be in a similar vein, but it was not.
Also, it’s important to note that although the book is called, “The Vessel Games” and is compared to “The Selection” and “The Hunger Games”, very little of the story actually focuses on the games themselves. The games are basically several rounds of arena-styled fighting with a slight puzzle or challenge that end with the deaths of the contestants. The games take up such a small portion of the book, I would almost consider them a minor plot point (if they hadn't been the subject of discussion for the rest of the book). I think that there could have been so much more development with the games to make them exciting instead of just reading a straight slaughter. The games were a drawing point for me when reading the blurb, so you can imagine my disappointment when there was almost nothing to them.
I think that the beautiful cover, combined with the title and popular book comparisons, will draw in many readers who are expecting nail-biting excitement and a great competition. I would hate to see this book flooded with bad reviews simply because readers felt misled.
This book is written from three different POVs. First, is Princess Chloe. As far as I can tell, she is the main character. It took a while to figure it out though. She despises the Vessel Games and wants to put an end to them. Unfortunately, she’s clever enough to come up with plans (usually putting everyone but herself in danger), but doesn’t have a lot of foresight to realize the consequences of her actions. She is a very frustrating character to read. Yes, part of her character is supposed to be naive, but she’s also portrayed as the clever plan master. To me, she reads as a spoiled child who doesn’t know enough about the world and how it works to be any real help to her people (let them eat cake).
Second, we are introduced to Karina. She belongs to the “Traitor Caste” (Hello Selection), which is the lowest of the low. She’s found to be fertile and ends up with the other vessel women in the palace and becomes a prize to be won from the games. Oh, and her friend has been kidnapped and she’s desperate to find her before it’s too late. That’s one of the reasons that Chloe is able to get her involved in most of her scheming. The other is Will, but I’ll get to that. Overall, I don’t have a problem with Karina’s character. I think if more of the focus of the story could have been on her and she had more decision-making power for the plot (less Chloe plans), it could have been a tolerable story.
Side note: the other vessels were absolutely horrible to Karina. It was very schoolyard bullying-esque. I found the dialogue and those characters to be particularly poorly written. They were not realistic for the age they were supposed to be. It was hard to hate their characters when all I wanted was for them not to exist in the book. Anyway, moving on.
Third, we are introduced to Will. He’s supposed to be the good guy. The only one who is noble and good in this world of misogynistic men. The other couple of nice guys in this story get so little mention in the book, that they might as well not be there. Okay, here’s the thing about Will, he sucks. In spite of the nice things he did in the story, there’s one thing that he did that leaves such a bad taste in my mouth that I think he’s the character I hate the most.
*Major Spoiler Ahead*
On the night before Will is expected to compete in a round that is likely to kill him, he gets a visit from Karina. Now, don’t get me wrong, I get that a man expecting to die the next day would be willing to take pleasure at a high cost. What I don’t like, is that he is willing to go to bed with Karina and has no care for the consequences (to her). He says that he loves her (not really believable, but okay) and then does the one thing that is guaranteed to get her killed later if she’s found out. Literally, nothing would happen to him.
I might have let that one thing slide, because of high stress and whatnot, but later when Karina is about to be wed to someone else, Will goes out of his way (sneaking back into a place he shouldn’t be) in order to sleep with her again. She protested until he wore her down with his “need” for her. Like, dude, she was trying to make the best out of a rotten situation and then you put her life in danger AGAIN to get laid. That’s not love. And for the second time, there would be no consequences for Will in this situation. Will is my least favourite character.
*End of Major Spoiler*
I found the side characters to be far more interesting than the main characters, unfortunately. As I said, I probably should have put this book down sooner.
I almost DNF’d it at 20% when one character said that they never lock the door for safety reasons and then two pages later the door is locked with no explanations given. It just seemed like a really convenient way to introduce Will to Chloe and to show off one of Chloe’s many “skills”. I think I would have to agree with the person who DNF’d the book at 37% and posted on Goodreads. I had a really hard time finishing this book.
I found the religious extremism to be distasteful, but not in the way it was supposed to be. In the book, the king is supposed to be God (or maybe be equal to him?) and yet, the king himself can hardly convince people around him that he is. The author uses scripture from the Bible for some of the major plot points and has other characters take a lot of it out of context just to show the misogyny and all-around nastiness of the male characters. I think that was one of the reasons I really couldn’t stand the story. The bad guys were unimaginative and just boring. I wish that the author had taken the time to develop a fictional religion and make it interesting. I understand that this story takes place in a future United Kingdom, but it would have been nice to have some originality. Also, Chloe uses some illusion magic (not real magic - think magic show at a birthday party) and tries to convince everyone that somebody is Moses (yeah that Moses). There was no believability to that scene and it ripped me right out of the story. Just, why?
I definitely would have loved some more world-building. There's nothing about this world that makes it particularly unique. There's no interesting technology or much of a culture to speak of. I couldn't tell you much about the caste system or their history, or anything really that makes this story stand out. Acid rain was mentioned a number of times, but there was nothing to show the damage that it caused, or how bad it was outside of the city walls. There just wasn't enough of anything to make this world compelling.
I think the best-written characters were two of the side characters: Father Jeremiah (religious leader and friend of Chloe’s) and Octavia (the only badass female character). Octavia in particular made parts of the story bearable.
I think I’m going to finish this up by saying I’m giving this 1.5 stars (rounded up to 2). One star for Octavia and one star for the cover (minus 0.5 for being off for the genre). I don’t want to read the rest of the trilogy when it comes out.
I hope this review is helpful to future readers. I wish the author the best in her future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
did-not-finish
September 10, 2022DNF at 37%. Unfortunately I found this book to be boring and unimaginative.
July 9, 2023
3.5 for sure! The selection and hunger games together for this! I’m a sucker for dystopian and I feel like I got attached to these characters by the end and excited for book two!
July 6, 2022
A not so distant dystopia and a compelling read! It has a very realistic future feel to it which is a really interesting take. A lot of times this type of novel, although meaning to be set in a future of our own world, don’t really feel connected. This book definitely feels like a real and possible future.
I really loved the plot, especially with current events as they are. The religious aspects were clearly well researched and the caste systems were very nicely done. It’s very hard to find dystopian fiction books that are geared towards adults and that’s just what this was. I would have liked to get to know the characters a little bit better, but I am still excited to get my hands on the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really loved the plot, especially with current events as they are. The religious aspects were clearly well researched and the caste systems were very nicely done. It’s very hard to find dystopian fiction books that are geared towards adults and that’s just what this was. I would have liked to get to know the characters a little bit better, but I am still excited to get my hands on the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2022
This book was a great read. It starts off intriguing then only gets better as it sucks you into the drama and mystery you can't wait to unveil. It leaves you in a delightful cliffhanger, setting up for a fantastic sequel.
The post apocalyptic world the author has created and the strong characters that inhabit it are wonderful and well written. Their stories are believable, lovable and heartbreaking. Leaving you sweating for them to prevail!
This book is a great library addition for anyone who loves dystopian stories with a little romance thrown in. The fight and struggle are predominant over the romance but the romance is there and plenty to satisfy those who love it. Definitely a recommended read!
The post apocalyptic world the author has created and the strong characters that inhabit it are wonderful and well written. Their stories are believable, lovable and heartbreaking. Leaving you sweating for them to prevail!
This book is a great library addition for anyone who loves dystopian stories with a little romance thrown in. The fight and struggle are predominant over the romance but the romance is there and plenty to satisfy those who love it. Definitely a recommended read!
August 31, 2022
The Vessel Games is the first part in The Vessel Games series by E.J. Eden. This book says it should be a new adult dystopian book in the style of The Hunger Games and The Selection. I love both of those books, and the synopsis sounds promising. But will I love this book also?
Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
Find out in my review on my blog Boekensteeg
July 27, 2022
This was a fantastic start to a series and debut novel for E.J. Eden. The storyline was gripping, characters were likable and easy to connect to. There were some more "adult" parts of the book but those were done very classy and made the story that much more interesting. I fell in love with the world Eden is creating as well as those living in it. I can not wait for the next book to be released
September 5, 2022
The plot is gripping and pulls you in so you feel like you're in the story! Couldn't put it down once I started reading - definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys young adult dystopian novels with a bit of spice!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2022
This story was exciting, suspenseful and highly entertaining from start to finish. It was definitely a Hunger Games/Divergent kind of story but in more sinister way! It is dark, slightly depraved and twisted with some steamy moments in between. Right from the start I was captivated and on the edge of my seat waiting for something terrible to happen. It was a crazy rollercoaster ride!
Really well written story with fantastic characters and a plot that thickens the further you get into it. There are little twists and turns that will have you reeling with anger and an ending that will leave you wanting more.
I can’t wait to see how the story progresses with the next book.
Really well written story with fantastic characters and a plot that thickens the further you get into it. There are little twists and turns that will have you reeling with anger and an ending that will leave you wanting more.
I can’t wait to see how the story progresses with the next book.
November 1, 2025
Format: E-Book
Genre: Fantasy
I will always stand for a princess that wants to change the status quo and form a better world. Princess Chloe does everything in her power to do just that.
Heavily centred around Catholic religion we have a world that has faced terrible war and massive slaughter. Leaving much of the female population barren. Every female on their 18th birthday is subjected to testing to see if they have the ability to have children - if so, they become a ‘Vessel’ seen as the only way to grow the population. They are given the level of adoration and respect higher than Nobles. While any man enters the Vessel Games to kill off their opponents and win a marriage with a Vessel. I found this idea unique and different.
I was concerned about the potentiality of graphic content, and was pleased that it was not the main focus of this story - merrily hinted at through side characters. I loved how much it centred on the struggles of the different characters - how easy it can be to manipulate religion on both sides. Chloe is fighting against her reign and requirements, not wanting the games to continue. Karina wants to save her family from the Traitor district and has to tread very carefully when doing so.
It’s easy to tell how untrustworthy the nobles can be. There are many hidden romances and torn apart love stories. I am looking forward to continuing the series and seeing where we end up in book 2, there were many questions left unanswered - characters whose fate could result in death if anyone finds out their secrets. Along with many potential factors that could bring on worse problems besides the barbaricness of the games.
Genre: Fantasy
I will always stand for a princess that wants to change the status quo and form a better world. Princess Chloe does everything in her power to do just that.
Heavily centred around Catholic religion we have a world that has faced terrible war and massive slaughter. Leaving much of the female population barren. Every female on their 18th birthday is subjected to testing to see if they have the ability to have children - if so, they become a ‘Vessel’ seen as the only way to grow the population. They are given the level of adoration and respect higher than Nobles. While any man enters the Vessel Games to kill off their opponents and win a marriage with a Vessel. I found this idea unique and different.
I was concerned about the potentiality of graphic content, and was pleased that it was not the main focus of this story - merrily hinted at through side characters. I loved how much it centred on the struggles of the different characters - how easy it can be to manipulate religion on both sides. Chloe is fighting against her reign and requirements, not wanting the games to continue. Karina wants to save her family from the Traitor district and has to tread very carefully when doing so.
It’s easy to tell how untrustworthy the nobles can be. There are many hidden romances and torn apart love stories. I am looking forward to continuing the series and seeing where we end up in book 2, there were many questions left unanswered - characters whose fate could result in death if anyone finds out their secrets. Along with many potential factors that could bring on worse problems besides the barbaricness of the games.
November 6, 2022
Court intrigue in a dystopian society. Murder and hunger games style competition to win the chance to have a fertile wife. The writing could use some more flow. It was choppy at times and would jump from one event to another without a good segway. The characters were likeable and the world building was good.
July 31, 2022
The Vessel Games is a mix of The Hunger Games and the Selection. It has a great premise, and an interesting plot that takes the reader on a journey. Set in a post-apocalyptic world that feels like it could happen at any moment, The Vessel Games is a great read for any fans of the dystopian genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 24, 2024
Was not expecting the end at all! On to the next book to answer my questions. Someone said this book should be called Chloe has a plan and I can not stop thinking about that 🤣
July 24, 2022
I honestly couldn’t put do this story. I was intrigued from the very beginning. Set in the future where the world has been destroyed and only behind the walls are safe. If you can become pregnant you become a vessel where men fight to win your hand. I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series.
November 12, 2023
At first this book didn’t grab my attention like I expected it too. Though it swiftly changed into a captivating story that I couldn’t put down. With twists and turns around each corner. Truly couldn’t expect what I was about to read next. It’s a story of mystery, love, and hope. A great one at that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2022
Highly complex characters that were very well developed. Main characters Will, Karina, and Chloe meet by chance, only for it to not be their last.
Karina is shocked when she is found to
be a vessel-meaning she is fertile and can bare children, and is taken from her home in the “traitor” caste to the castle. Will was just in the wrong place at the right time. He first stumbles upon Karina, and is determined to meet her again. Soon, he becomes suspect to a kidnapping, and this lands him in the hunger games/fight to the death style Vessel games. The vessel games remind the citizens of their place and punishes them for their rebellion. Because “vessels” are so rare, all men are able to compete in these brutal games. Chloe, a strong princess works from within the castle halls to undo the religious fanaticism and the brutality of the games. The three work together, love ensues, and lives and lost. I read this book in four hours straight through and fell in love. Can’t wait for the next story ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Karina is shocked when she is found to
be a vessel-meaning she is fertile and can bare children, and is taken from her home in the “traitor” caste to the castle. Will was just in the wrong place at the right time. He first stumbles upon Karina, and is determined to meet her again. Soon, he becomes suspect to a kidnapping, and this lands him in the hunger games/fight to the death style Vessel games. The vessel games remind the citizens of their place and punishes them for their rebellion. Because “vessels” are so rare, all men are able to compete in these brutal games. Chloe, a strong princess works from within the castle halls to undo the religious fanaticism and the brutality of the games. The three work together, love ensues, and lives and lost. I read this book in four hours straight through and fell in love. Can’t wait for the next story ❤️.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2022
Early on I was hooked on the story and couldn't put the book down. The characters are interesting and the storyline intriguing, meaning you get invested in the story quickly. Such a cliffhanger as an end point for book one - can't wait to read more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
A must read if you loved The Hunger Games!
I really enjoyed the world building and characters in this book, the mystery kept me turning pages wanting to know what happens next - and the ending! Love the set up for book 2, I cant wait!
I really enjoyed the world building and characters in this book, the mystery kept me turning pages wanting to know what happens next - and the ending! Love the set up for book 2, I cant wait!
August 16, 2022
I loved this book. I was hooked from the first page through to the end! I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the different storylines and a surprise with a didn't see that coming twist and i was disappointed when the book ended. Thank you for bringing me on the journey of Will, Karina and Chloe and i cant wait to read whats next.
November 21, 2023
Would have preferred character delineations for chapters/sections due to the amount of characters, but that leads to my next point… this book has SO MANY well developed characters. I was thoroughly impressed with the story arc and how the author was able to really give each character more than a little background. Enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
Interesting concept, but it wasn’t executed well, in my opinion.
There was a LOT of crossover between this and other popular dystopian literature. It was so similar to The Hunger Games and A Handmaid’s Tale. I wish it was more creative.
Also, the development of the plot and relationships was just not believable to me. The main romance especially felt like nothing nothing nothing BAM they’re in love.
The stuff with the Catholic Church was very heavy-handed, too. And she didn’t give us enough information as to how the UK got to that point of extreme religiosity. It didn’t seem believable to me.
The typos and strange sentence structures were also a bit distracting. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book. With some edits, though, this might be pretty good!
There was a LOT of crossover between this and other popular dystopian literature. It was so similar to The Hunger Games and A Handmaid’s Tale. I wish it was more creative.
Also, the development of the plot and relationships was just not believable to me. The main romance especially felt like nothing nothing nothing BAM they’re in love.
The stuff with the Catholic Church was very heavy-handed, too. And she didn’t give us enough information as to how the UK got to that point of extreme religiosity. It didn’t seem believable to me.
The typos and strange sentence structures were also a bit distracting. I don’t think I’ll be reading the next book. With some edits, though, this might be pretty good!
September 6, 2022
E. J. Eden’s debut novel The Vessel Games completely consumed me and all of my thoughts for the past week. I couldn’t put this book down. I tried taking breaks from it to finish my other reads (mood readers get it.) and I couldn’t. The characters invaded everything else I tried to read. The diversity and world building within the books was huge! Everytime I thought I had something pieces together J was thrown in a different direction. My jaw was constantly being picked up off the floor.
If you’re a fan of the selection, handmaids tale, or the hunger games then you need to do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
If you’re a fan of the selection, handmaids tale, or the hunger games then you need to do yourself a favor and pick up this book!
November 13, 2023
I would describe this book as a mix between Red Queen and the Hunger Games with its own twist. I couldn’t stop reading it. When I wasn’t reading it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The ending seemed predictable, but it had its own twist that I didn’t expect. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am excited for the next two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2022
"Thank you, dear reader, for coming on this ride. Now, buckle the hell up." - Dedication for this book!
"You are not your brother."
Princess Chloe's had enough with the barbaric Vessel Games! Trying to put a stop to it is proving challenging as she cannot make head way. The Games are brutal and many young men loose their lives in hopes of claiming a Vessel wife. But according to many this is a "fair" way of life. A way for young men to obtain one of the very few women able to bare children.
Chloe's got plans for years to come but will any of them actually work? She's thrown into a mystery to solve within her original goal of shutting the Games down. How will the princess fair as she fights for every inch of power and control she barely has a hold on? Will she be able to end the Vessel Games? Will her grand plans work or only place others in greater danger?
There was "The Hunger Games" vibes all throughout this book! This is a dystopian novel set in the far future under the tight reigns of the Church and Monarchy. Having had a Great War a lot has changed within the world and environment! Women are seen as blessings within this period because they can provide life. But other than that. . . "seen but not heard". Women are controlled heavily by all the men in their lives, being seen as "weak" and "feeble" minded creatures. They need protecting and a man to make the rational decisions. . .
"This was a godless place." - Chloe
This book had me glued to it until the very end! The world that E. J. brought to life was just phenomenal! Now when you read it, you need to put aside today's modern thinking. I loved the intensity of everything and how it all tied together. This book has multiple POVs and there are a couple of arcs going on at once! It's not just about Chloe, even though she's a main piece to the story and plot. There are several other characters on their own quests.
The Games are brutal, think Rome and the glorious Colosseum! Men who are fighting to claim a woman who can bare children will stop at nothing. Especially when women who are able to bare are few and far between. I really enjoyed one character's viewpoint on the slaughter of the contestants and how everyone was okay with it. Pretending as though no blood has ever touched their hands and that everything is normal after the Games have ended.
"Damn, you're always looking for escape routes, aren't you?" - Karina
I really loved all of the cast! Including Caleb, whom I personally was drawn to a lot. There was a human aspect the author placed into the characters that you don't think about unless you were to live within this crazy world. Will was another fantastic character along with so many more! Octavia being one I instantly knew I would like.
This book is grittier and a darker read. A cool map at the beginning of the book helps to place the setting. Women are not on equal terms of any kind, only seen as life creators and caregivers. Violence, gore, and mean-girl-bullying as well as language. There was a scene with attempted SA but nothing happened. One, quick scene with a gynecologist that wasn't the most comforting during an exam. Mention of Domestic Issues.
This is a book for NA readers, none of the warnings above are to detour you away! Just simply a heads up. The author does a fantastic job and doesn't draw out things or go into fine details. This may be a spoiler but I was excited to see a representation of FF love. There is some spicy scenes with both FF and MF, along with a slow burn and buildup with all the fun tension.
I enjoyed watching all the characters and how they overcame things. Seeing all of Chloe's crazy plans! I really loved this book and it is definitely one I am wanting to get a physical copy of! You will feel so many emotions as you are reading it and the cliffhanger will only have you wanting more. I loved watching all the puzzle pieces click into place, but we only just got the border of the puzzle done!
Enjoy the read with mystery, puzzles to solve, and wives to win! Am I allowed to say it? "May the odds ever be in your favor" and don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"You are not your brother."
Princess Chloe's had enough with the barbaric Vessel Games! Trying to put a stop to it is proving challenging as she cannot make head way. The Games are brutal and many young men loose their lives in hopes of claiming a Vessel wife. But according to many this is a "fair" way of life. A way for young men to obtain one of the very few women able to bare children.
Chloe's got plans for years to come but will any of them actually work? She's thrown into a mystery to solve within her original goal of shutting the Games down. How will the princess fair as she fights for every inch of power and control she barely has a hold on? Will she be able to end the Vessel Games? Will her grand plans work or only place others in greater danger?
There was "The Hunger Games" vibes all throughout this book! This is a dystopian novel set in the far future under the tight reigns of the Church and Monarchy. Having had a Great War a lot has changed within the world and environment! Women are seen as blessings within this period because they can provide life. But other than that. . . "seen but not heard". Women are controlled heavily by all the men in their lives, being seen as "weak" and "feeble" minded creatures. They need protecting and a man to make the rational decisions. . .
"This was a godless place." - Chloe
This book had me glued to it until the very end! The world that E. J. brought to life was just phenomenal! Now when you read it, you need to put aside today's modern thinking. I loved the intensity of everything and how it all tied together. This book has multiple POVs and there are a couple of arcs going on at once! It's not just about Chloe, even though she's a main piece to the story and plot. There are several other characters on their own quests.
The Games are brutal, think Rome and the glorious Colosseum! Men who are fighting to claim a woman who can bare children will stop at nothing. Especially when women who are able to bare are few and far between. I really enjoyed one character's viewpoint on the slaughter of the contestants and how everyone was okay with it. Pretending as though no blood has ever touched their hands and that everything is normal after the Games have ended.
"Damn, you're always looking for escape routes, aren't you?" - Karina
I really loved all of the cast! Including Caleb, whom I personally was drawn to a lot. There was a human aspect the author placed into the characters that you don't think about unless you were to live within this crazy world. Will was another fantastic character along with so many more! Octavia being one I instantly knew I would like.
This book is grittier and a darker read. A cool map at the beginning of the book helps to place the setting. Women are not on equal terms of any kind, only seen as life creators and caregivers. Violence, gore, and mean-girl-bullying as well as language. There was a scene with attempted SA but nothing happened. One, quick scene with a gynecologist that wasn't the most comforting during an exam. Mention of Domestic Issues.
This is a book for NA readers, none of the warnings above are to detour you away! Just simply a heads up. The author does a fantastic job and doesn't draw out things or go into fine details. This may be a spoiler but I was excited to see a representation of FF love. There is some spicy scenes with both FF and MF, along with a slow burn and buildup with all the fun tension.
I enjoyed watching all the characters and how they overcame things. Seeing all of Chloe's crazy plans! I really loved this book and it is definitely one I am wanting to get a physical copy of! You will feel so many emotions as you are reading it and the cliffhanger will only have you wanting more. I loved watching all the puzzle pieces click into place, but we only just got the border of the puzzle done!
Enjoy the read with mystery, puzzles to solve, and wives to win! Am I allowed to say it? "May the odds ever be in your favor" and don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2023
“I want you to know that if I could’ve won the Games, I would’ve chosen you.” His eyes burned with passion. “I would’ve married you.”
I actually don’t know when I got this book. I was scrolling through my kindle and spotted it so I assume it was something I’d collected from a SYK day. What a delightful surprise this has been though.
If you love The Hunger Games and Divergent, this book will be right up your street. It’s a dystopian world, decimated during the Great War. Factions have formed, although they’re called Castes in TVG. The Nobles, Defenders, Crasftsman, Farmers and even the Traitors- by blood or deed. During the war, nukes were used and radiation still runs rampant today. The population is declining, less women are able to have kids than before. And society has gone back to baser instinct, believing in Gods absolution and the chosen Vessels that are blessed to carry children.
Women no longer have a voice. People can barely read, can barely write. After the uprising and the Queen’s death, the King did everything he could to satisfy the people. And so the games were born. A way to elevate people from the common caste to nobility… if only the survive. Riches beyond their comprehension and a chance to live a life with a vessel and provide offspring. It all sounds so charming, if not completely vulgar when you realise that everyone who enters those games, leaves with blood on their hands. Their win means the death of all the others that entered.
Chloe, the princess hates the games. Hates everything they stand for and abhors the death of people in such a cruel way to pacify and entertain the masses. She’s had enough and she’s determined to do everything she can to change the world around her. But she’s only a woman, she doesn’t hold the voice or power to bend things to her will like she would if she was male. Every step she makes, she does from the shadows. Carefully played chess pieces on a board that’s far more challenging than she could have ever anticipated.
Karina, traitor by blood. She was told she was barren. She was safe from everything being a vessel entails, even if most dreamed for the elevation in their lives. Her and her best friend, Elaine, looked after each other the best they could in the traitors district. Until Elaine is kidnapped, until Will (an innocent carpenter) is blamed, until they all find themselves at the centre of something far bigger than they could have imagined. And they don’t even know who they’re playing against. Their lives are in danger, Will is forced into the Games and Karina can do nothing but watch. She was lied to after all, she’s a vessel… and her hands are tied, watching as Will does everything he can to survive.
Completely caught me by surprise but I’d totally recommend this book.
I actually don’t know when I got this book. I was scrolling through my kindle and spotted it so I assume it was something I’d collected from a SYK day. What a delightful surprise this has been though.
If you love The Hunger Games and Divergent, this book will be right up your street. It’s a dystopian world, decimated during the Great War. Factions have formed, although they’re called Castes in TVG. The Nobles, Defenders, Crasftsman, Farmers and even the Traitors- by blood or deed. During the war, nukes were used and radiation still runs rampant today. The population is declining, less women are able to have kids than before. And society has gone back to baser instinct, believing in Gods absolution and the chosen Vessels that are blessed to carry children.
Women no longer have a voice. People can barely read, can barely write. After the uprising and the Queen’s death, the King did everything he could to satisfy the people. And so the games were born. A way to elevate people from the common caste to nobility… if only the survive. Riches beyond their comprehension and a chance to live a life with a vessel and provide offspring. It all sounds so charming, if not completely vulgar when you realise that everyone who enters those games, leaves with blood on their hands. Their win means the death of all the others that entered.
Chloe, the princess hates the games. Hates everything they stand for and abhors the death of people in such a cruel way to pacify and entertain the masses. She’s had enough and she’s determined to do everything she can to change the world around her. But she’s only a woman, she doesn’t hold the voice or power to bend things to her will like she would if she was male. Every step she makes, she does from the shadows. Carefully played chess pieces on a board that’s far more challenging than she could have ever anticipated.
Karina, traitor by blood. She was told she was barren. She was safe from everything being a vessel entails, even if most dreamed for the elevation in their lives. Her and her best friend, Elaine, looked after each other the best they could in the traitors district. Until Elaine is kidnapped, until Will (an innocent carpenter) is blamed, until they all find themselves at the centre of something far bigger than they could have imagined. And they don’t even know who they’re playing against. Their lives are in danger, Will is forced into the Games and Karina can do nothing but watch. She was lied to after all, she’s a vessel… and her hands are tied, watching as Will does everything he can to survive.
Completely caught me by surprise but I’d totally recommend this book.
July 16, 2022
“These people wanted you dead. They killed your mother. They would have murdered you if I hadn’t done this. If I did not stop them. I comprised by giving them the Games. I am a kind King. Remember that, Chloe.”
The women of this world have slowly lost their fertility; only a few are still born with this gift. Though they have no say in their choice of husband, they are revered but still with no choice. They are known as Vessels, and games will be held to fight for the right to marry them. The Games are the only chance the commoners get to improve their station if they compete, the only chance they get for drink and entertainment if they spectate and who doesn’t want to watch fights to the death…
This story follows three characters, Chloe, the crown princess, trying to right a wrong that is her fault, hiding her love from sight and doing the best she can in a world where her voice isn’t heard even as a princess. Karina is from the traitor castes, the lowest form of commoner and turns out to be a Vessel. We follow her as she tries to find out what happened to her friend, tries to learn to act like a noble, which is expected of a Vessel, and tries and keep the boy she loves alive. Will, caught in the princess’s schemes, is forced to compete in the games, with no fighting experience, he needs all the help he can get.
This was an interesting story to read. The story is more around the games and not so much focused on the games themselves. The three characters that we follow are very relatable and likeable. The nobles are written as you expect them, unwelcoming to commoners and probably the villains. The story doesn’t go quite as expected though… It also has a few spicey scenes, but it doesn’t distract from the story.
I would have liked to see a little more of the games themselves though I am grateful this book doesn’t take the road of the hero being able to suddenly fight in three days (yes, I know it’s fantasy, but sometimes…). So believable fantasy, in our world with a few changes, no “real” magic (you’ll see), and the villains may not be who you think.
November 1, 2023
Can’t wait to read book 2!
This book was definitely a mix of The Hunger Games, The Handmaids Tale, and The Selection. I really enjoyed reading it as I am a big fan of all of those series.
In this book the world has been devastated by nuclear war. It is set in a dystopian England where there are different ranks of Castes and your Caste determines how you are treated in society. From the very top of Noble Caste, to the lowest level of Traitor Caste.
The book starts off with Karina and her friend Elaine being tested to see if they are barren or not. The fallout from the war has left most women barren and unable to have children. They are told that they are both indeed barren and sent on their way. Both of the are Traitor Caste, one by blood and one by deed. But shortly after Karinas world is turned upside down when her friend is kidnapped and she too is almost kidnapped. She is visited by the Queen herself and told she is not actually barren but a Vessel instead. Able to produce children, Vessels are seen as the highest rank aside from the royal family. She will be fought over along with the other Vessels to be taken as wives for the lucky men that survive the games. But what happened to Elaine and what will happen to her? Karina is determined to find out where her best friend is no matter the cost. With the help of Princess Chloe and Will, the boy accused of killing Elaine, they will defy the rules of the Kingdom and uncover a startling secret that may destroy the world they live in and possibly the very people they love.
I really enjoyed Karina’s character. She was kind and caring and determined to do what ever she could to help the people she loved.
Princess Chloe was also kind as well as smart. She hated the games and wished she could put a stop to them once and for all. She tries her best to help Karina and Will find out what happened to Elaine, as well as trying to help them with the games. But she learns the hard way that not everything will go according to plan, even for a princess.
Will is strong and determined. He has a good heart and he will do whatever it takes to find Elaine and help Karina, even if it might cost him his life.
Overall I enjoyed the book and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens. It left me with some questions and hopefully they’ll be answered in the next one.
This book was definitely a mix of The Hunger Games, The Handmaids Tale, and The Selection. I really enjoyed reading it as I am a big fan of all of those series.
In this book the world has been devastated by nuclear war. It is set in a dystopian England where there are different ranks of Castes and your Caste determines how you are treated in society. From the very top of Noble Caste, to the lowest level of Traitor Caste.
The book starts off with Karina and her friend Elaine being tested to see if they are barren or not. The fallout from the war has left most women barren and unable to have children. They are told that they are both indeed barren and sent on their way. Both of the are Traitor Caste, one by blood and one by deed. But shortly after Karinas world is turned upside down when her friend is kidnapped and she too is almost kidnapped. She is visited by the Queen herself and told she is not actually barren but a Vessel instead. Able to produce children, Vessels are seen as the highest rank aside from the royal family. She will be fought over along with the other Vessels to be taken as wives for the lucky men that survive the games. But what happened to Elaine and what will happen to her? Karina is determined to find out where her best friend is no matter the cost. With the help of Princess Chloe and Will, the boy accused of killing Elaine, they will defy the rules of the Kingdom and uncover a startling secret that may destroy the world they live in and possibly the very people they love.
I really enjoyed Karina’s character. She was kind and caring and determined to do what ever she could to help the people she loved.
Princess Chloe was also kind as well as smart. She hated the games and wished she could put a stop to them once and for all. She tries her best to help Karina and Will find out what happened to Elaine, as well as trying to help them with the games. But she learns the hard way that not everything will go according to plan, even for a princess.
Will is strong and determined. He has a good heart and he will do whatever it takes to find Elaine and help Karina, even if it might cost him his life.
Overall I enjoyed the book and I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens. It left me with some questions and hopefully they’ll be answered in the next one.
September 25, 2022
I feel quite conflicted about this and how to rate the book. I really wanted to love it and the first 20% had me hooked.
Firstly, I really liked the concept of the vessel games but I was really disappointed that it only actually accounted for about 20% of the book. We were 65% in before it started and then it was over in a couple of chapters. There was almost no detail or time spent on this aspect, which I believed was the main focus of the book. I think the cover and the synopsis is a little misleading for that reason.
I sadly didn't believe any of the romance between the characters because after the first chapter there wasn't any build up that lead me to believe it was real. The spicy scenes felt so forced and like the author had gone back and added them as an afterthought because that's what's doing well on booktok at the moment.
On the other hand, I really liked the other half of the story, the kidnapping etc. If anything, that was a better story line than the games, but together they were just a bit too much. The religious extremism really wasn't for me and seemed completely random within the story.
I really liked how the world was built at the start, but then the concept seemed to get a bit forgotten about. I wish we had seen more about the castes and life outside the Palace and the uprising/great war to understand a bit more about why the games and the castes exist and who the baddies are.
This book wasn't bad by any means, and overall I did enjoy it. But i did feel it lacked research, and character development at some points. It also needs a professional editor to correct a few grammar errors/typos.
It did feel like the author sat down with a checklist of tropes and just checked off as many as possible. In my opinion it would have been better to keep it simple but focus much more heavily on smaller details that help the reader to connect with the story.
It might have helped to have had different character POV first person chapters, instead of the general POV we see in this book.
If I'm honest, I probably won't bother with the second book.
Firstly, I really liked the concept of the vessel games but I was really disappointed that it only actually accounted for about 20% of the book. We were 65% in before it started and then it was over in a couple of chapters. There was almost no detail or time spent on this aspect, which I believed was the main focus of the book. I think the cover and the synopsis is a little misleading for that reason.
I sadly didn't believe any of the romance between the characters because after the first chapter there wasn't any build up that lead me to believe it was real. The spicy scenes felt so forced and like the author had gone back and added them as an afterthought because that's what's doing well on booktok at the moment.
On the other hand, I really liked the other half of the story, the kidnapping etc. If anything, that was a better story line than the games, but together they were just a bit too much. The religious extremism really wasn't for me and seemed completely random within the story.
I really liked how the world was built at the start, but then the concept seemed to get a bit forgotten about. I wish we had seen more about the castes and life outside the Palace and the uprising/great war to understand a bit more about why the games and the castes exist and who the baddies are.
This book wasn't bad by any means, and overall I did enjoy it. But i did feel it lacked research, and character development at some points. It also needs a professional editor to correct a few grammar errors/typos.
It did feel like the author sat down with a checklist of tropes and just checked off as many as possible. In my opinion it would have been better to keep it simple but focus much more heavily on smaller details that help the reader to connect with the story.
It might have helped to have had different character POV first person chapters, instead of the general POV we see in this book.
If I'm honest, I probably won't bother with the second book.
August 15, 2022
I was really excited to read The Vessel Games by E. J. Eden and it did not disappoint. I was a bit concerned by the description that this could be X rated, but happy to find it was not 😂
In the story, woman that are able to birth children are vessels and a hot commodity. There are only a few a year and they are treated like royalty. In order to have a chance to marry a vessel, men fight to the death in The Vessel Games. The games were created after an uprising as appeasement to allow for everyone to have a chance at procreation. In the book, a girl goes missing and the wrong man, Will, is charged with kidnapping/killing her. His punishment is to compete in the games. Good and bad because he is in love with a vessel, Karina, but also, he is not strong or trained enough to be a good competitor. The story unfolds as they try to find the missing girl and clear Will’s name before he dies in the games.
The Vessel Games was really original to me, but it def gave Hunger Game vibes. Although not similar in story, I can see fans of The Handmaids Tale liking it also.
I gave the book 4 stars overall. It ends on somewhat of a cliff hanger and I HATE that. I prefer to know up front that I’m getting myself into a whole series and hate the wait for another book. Because it is a part 1 essentially, I feel like we didn’t fully get to see the characters develop as well. Caleb, for example, seems to have so much more to offer and I feel like they eluded to us not fully knowing him. Wish we could have had more on that in this book.
The princess was so down to earth and fun. Will was so amazing. Just seems like such a nice genuine guy and Karina was a gem. I really liked the story and it read easy without being too young. Felt like I could have been hanging out with friends… if we lived in a different world… where they had Vessel Games… you know what I mean.
In the story, woman that are able to birth children are vessels and a hot commodity. There are only a few a year and they are treated like royalty. In order to have a chance to marry a vessel, men fight to the death in The Vessel Games. The games were created after an uprising as appeasement to allow for everyone to have a chance at procreation. In the book, a girl goes missing and the wrong man, Will, is charged with kidnapping/killing her. His punishment is to compete in the games. Good and bad because he is in love with a vessel, Karina, but also, he is not strong or trained enough to be a good competitor. The story unfolds as they try to find the missing girl and clear Will’s name before he dies in the games.
The Vessel Games was really original to me, but it def gave Hunger Game vibes. Although not similar in story, I can see fans of The Handmaids Tale liking it also.
I gave the book 4 stars overall. It ends on somewhat of a cliff hanger and I HATE that. I prefer to know up front that I’m getting myself into a whole series and hate the wait for another book. Because it is a part 1 essentially, I feel like we didn’t fully get to see the characters develop as well. Caleb, for example, seems to have so much more to offer and I feel like they eluded to us not fully knowing him. Wish we could have had more on that in this book.
The princess was so down to earth and fun. Will was so amazing. Just seems like such a nice genuine guy and Karina was a gem. I really liked the story and it read easy without being too young. Felt like I could have been hanging out with friends… if we lived in a different world… where they had Vessel Games… you know what I mean.
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