The Games Gods Play

“We [Lyra and the other pledges] were offered as collateral to work off a debt of some sort by our parents.”

In this observation, Abigail Owen outlines not only the dark dealings made under a god-approved institution like the Order of Thieves but also highlights Lyra’s history of being thrust into unwanted situations. Though working with the Order is perhaps not as dangerous as the Crucible, she could never consent to either situation. This moment also connects to the theme of Resistance Through Humanity, as it underscores how human lives are treated as commodities by higher powers—whether by mortals or immortals. Lyra’s journey is defined by her attempts to reclaim control over her fate, resisting the structures that dehumanize her.

“You’d think I’d be immune by now. But can anyone ever ‘get over’ wanting to be loved—but being cursed to never be loved in return?”

Here, Owen outlines the basis of her main character’s motivation. Though participating in the Crucible was never really a choice, it does allow Lyra to address the one uncontrollable aspect of her life with which she has always struggled. This moment exemplifies The Value of Love, as it shows how love is not just a luxury but a fundamental need. The rhetorical question underscores Lyra’s emotional isolation, reinforcing how deeply the curse has shaped her identity. Owen uses this internal monologue to create dramatic irony—Lyra assumes she is inherently unlovable, while the