Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. The magical system was unique, the MC had a clear goal and I adored the character dynamics! I just wish that world building was a bit better - sometimes the story would tell us something was important, but not give any background why.

I can't thank NetGalley and the publishers enough for granting me this ARC !

I need time to gather my thoughts to make a long and detailed review but it was a very fun read ! The world-building was very interesting even if sometimes difficult to understand. The writing beautiful,not too fast-paced but not slow. I loved every characters and was drawn in by their personalities.

Very interesting plot and magic system, enjoyed the trials and the engineer guild aspect. Politics in terms of a social system plays a huge part in this book which shows how that can transpire into aspirations and goals.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC. 2.5⭐

This was a world that hooked me quickly with the fantastical futurism and a solid protagonist to follow. We're introduced to Kellan with her own mini heist! It was a great start. I ended up enjoying her dynamics with her idol/mentor Mesny and newfound friends Lou the cab driver and Cyn, who fulfills the role of Grump Who Eventually Warms Up to the Protag. Her uphill journey of proving her raw talent and competence in makecraft (carving magic into metal) to the classist and downright shady members of the Guild despite her origins was an intriguing set up. Kellan's underdog status was also easy to root for given the added motivation of wanting to succeed in attaining a Guild membership so as to afford treatment and a prosthetic for her adopted father Edgar.

Where the story completely lost me was unfortunately the trials themselves. I love a book that deals with trails/competitions, so when it ended up being an overall a dull affair, with uncreative and rather vague challenges, my interest dropped very quickly. I also felt nothing when the kiss with Kellan's romantic interest happened, given how he felt like a flat character and they didn't spend as much time together.

Great potential; weak execution. Didn't work for me, disappointingly.

Was immediately drawn to this book by its beautiful cover, but I was intrigued by the story too.
I really enjoyed the Ancient's Game! It's well written, the world building is done well and gives you a clear vision of the world in your head.
Would love to read more from this author!

Loni Crittenden’s The Ancient’s Game is an exhilarating dive into a dark, fantastical world filled with danger, secrets, and ancient powers. The novel follows its determined protagonist, Evie, as she is thrust into a deadly game where the stakes are nothing less than survival. Crittenden masterfully combines fast-paced action with deep world-building, creating a story that is both thrilling and immersive. Themes of trust, sacrifice, and destiny are intricately woven into the plot, while the twists and surprises keep readers on edge. The Ancient’s Game is a captivating start to a promising fantasy series with a unique, gripping premise.