IFF: Playing with Lightning by Pandora Pierce
Book Blurb:
She’s desperate to win. He’s a deity with a lousy job. When they join forces in the ultimate combat card game, will love get in their way of victory?
Leena lives for the win. Prepared to battle alongside her best friend in a globally televised magical tournament, she’s left alone and betrayed when he drops her to compete with a more popular player. With her fandom dwindling as she hunts for another teammate, she risks it all by pairing up with a handsome stranger wielding a surprisingly dangerous deck.
Agon refuses to spend eternity as Zeus’s enforcer. Determined to get fired by throwing the world’s hottest competition, the kind-hearted godling happily joins a woman tumbling down the rankings. But despite his best efforts to crash and burn, he’s shocked when his incredible partner single-handedly starts raking in the wins for the underdog team.
As Leena’s bold new playstyle sends her popularity soaring, her determination to prove her skills threatens to trample her growing feelings for Agon. And while their winning streak endangers Agon’s plan, he fears helping Leena in her quest means losing her forever.
Can these two defeat their opponents and still win a future together?
Playing with Lightning is the first book in the Divine Duelist fantasy romance series. Each book is a standalone romance, but the series is best read in order since there are character crossovers. You can expect a badass heroine, heat, and a happily ever after.
My Review:
This book was such a pleasant surprise! I found myself immersed in the intricate world building and captivated by the unanticipated conflicts, which made this book an exciting journey.
First off, Leena is a duelist, which I assumed meant physical battles, but nope—she duels with a set of cards that become animated when played. Leena is frustrated since her previous dueling partner, Kai, left her to battle alone and trashed her name to the public (easy to do when every duel is televised).
The duels were a significant part of the story and were quite fun to read. The secondary characters were enjoyable and contributed to the story, and I'm interested in learning more about them in the upcoming books in this series.
I especially enjoyed the world building, as I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite like this one (televised card duels! myths! Greek gods! romance!), but the characterization was also spot-on. I liked Leena and Agon a lot, and I’m glad to have read this lighthearted fantasy book that felt fresh and original.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which may earn me a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
