Book Review: The Labors of Gen duology
Greek mythology, impossible quests and two heroines rewriting fate on their own terms.
What It’s About (In My Own Words)
The Labors of Gen duology by Rachel Menard
Every year, the Olympian Empresses grant ten lucky wishes — for a price. This time, however, they’re changing the game: two girls must grant the wishes instead of receiving them, and only one will earn her heart’s true desire. Inspired by Greek mythology and the Ancient Olympic Games, this high-stakes fantasy throws Gen, a scrappy former circus performer with a bond to animals, and Castor, a storm-wielding aristocrat with a sharp edge (and sharper ambitions), into a brutal competition. The prize? Freedom, power, and survival. No pressure.
Game of Strength and Storm sets up the magic and rivalries with a fast but rich plot.
Then Clash of Fate and Fury throws every hard choice, messy feeling, and political dagger it can find right at their faces.
No one escapes unchanged. Least of all you, dear reader.
If you’re craving a fantasy with badass heroines, a sprinkle of animal magic, impossible quests, and a found family you’ll want to hug (or protect at all costs), you’re in the right arena.
Gen is a MindWorker — she can connect with animals through blood, spit, or hair — and she’s all heart: clever, kind, and determined to save her wrongfully imprisoned father. Castor, Lady of Storms, has privilege, power, and a clear plan: rule Arcadia, even if it means sacrificing her own brother, the sweet and artistic Pollux. Needless to say, the claws come out early.
The story moves at a steady sprint: fast enough to keep you breathless, but careful enough to let the world-building and characters unfurl naturally. I devoured the vivid lore, the clever challenges (Hydra head, anyone?), and the way Menard balanced action with emotional depth. Each POV feels distinct and necessary — no wasted pages here.
Honestly? I loved seeing Gen’s warmth and cleverness clash with Castor’s ruthless ambition. The animal companions! The impossible quests! The tangled loyalties! The slow-burn tension! (Both romantic and rivalry-flavoured.) Menard builds a world that feels vivid but never bogged down, and her characters shine even when (especially when) they’re forced to reckon with the consequences of their own choices.
As for the sequel, Clash of Fate and Fury sticks the landing — but not without making you sweat. The stakes are higher, the relationships thornier, and the Empresses even more terrifyingly petty. Gen and Castor’s growth feels earned. And while there are moments you’ll want to throw your book (or e-reader) across the room, it’s because you care so damn much.
MOM BRAIN FILTER
These books hit me right in the soft spot: the idea that strength isn’t about winning every battle — it’s about staying true to yourself when the world demands otherwise. It reminded me that ambition, love, and survival aren’t simple paths. And honestly? I want Teresa to know she can be stubborn, fierce, and kind — all at once. Just maybe without feeding her hair to magical animals. (We’ll cross that bridge.)
READ IF YOU:
Love Greek mythology, but wish it had more girl power and emotional depth
Want a fantasy adventure packed with impossible tasks, animal magic, and sharp-edged politics
Are here for flawed, complicated girls who fight their way toward hope
Like your romances slow-burn, messy, and deeply earned
SKIP IF YOU:
Need squeaky-clean, always-likeable protagonists
Don’t like your fantasy with a side of emotional warfare
Hate books that make you feel things about loyalty, ambition, and family
⭐ RULING
Game of Strength and Storm:
A fast, fierce first act with heart, teeth, and magic.
Clash of Fate and Fury:
A stormy, satisfying finale that earns every scar and spark.
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YOUR TURN
Now it’s your time to step up.
If the Olympian Empresses forced you to complete a quest, what would your impossible task be?
Are you more of a Gen (heart first, loyalty ride-or-die) or a Castor (strategic queen energy)?
And because I have to ask: favourite magical animal companion you’d definitely feed your hair to if it meant winning the day?
👇 Spill it all. I’m listening.
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