Book Shelf: The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game #1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well - and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what - and who - it is they're fighting for.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

The Traitor’s Game is Jennifer A. Nielson’s latest release and is a wonderfully written and stunning fantasy novel, set in an enchanting world of adventure and rich in danger, deception and sizzling romance.

Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in a place called the Lava Fields but is finally returning home to be drawn into her father’s political position. As second in command to the countries tyrant leader, Lord Endrick, Kestra’s father is withdrawn and demanding and has never shown Kestra an ounce of affection. Kestra dreads returning home, especially when her convoy is attacked on route and the rebels responsible for the attack blackmail Kestra into helping them. Kestra’s task is simple; she is to return home as planned, but use her position to search for and find a long lost weapon known as the Olden Blade, believed to be the only thing capable of killing Lord Endrick. Yet the rebels are in for a shock; Kestra is not the innocent maiden they believe and she’ll use all the cunning and abilities she has to outsmart them, even if it means betraying the young man she knew as a child who is currently a rebel and who should be her enemy but who is slowly stealing her heart…..

As a reader, I can easily say that YA Fantasy is one of my favourite genre’s and in saying that I’m always a little excited and apprehensive when I begin a new novel of its kind. This mainly because I’m either completely won over or very much let down; there doesn’t seem to be much middle ground. And I was a little worried where The Traitor’s Game was concerned--its description read a little like many other novels I’ve read in the past so I almost expected it to be somewhat bland in comparison, but boy was I wrong. I loved this novel, absolutely LOVED it.

From the very opening chapter, author Jennifer A. Nielsen had me impressed. The writing is eloquent and beautiful, detailing a vivid and beguiling fantasy world lorded over by a cruel and dispassionate King. The world within The Traitor’s Game is very interesting and I’m keen to learn more than what Nielsen has already introduced. With its current leader evil, there’s effectively three different sides to this war; the Dominion, the Halderians and the Coracks who are the rebels. Seeing how the story ended I’m looking forward to exploring new levels of this world in the next novel.

The Traitor’s Game unfolds through the varying perspectives of main characters Kestra and Simon and is very well told and written. All the characters have such personality and life with Kresta quickly becoming one of my new favourite fantasy protagonists. Smart and capable, Kestra exhibits all the strengths and characteristics I love in a strong female lead and author Jennifer A. Nielsen makes it clear early on that Kestra isn’t a weak willed woman; she is someone with morals and scruples. Even as Kestra finds herself backed into a hole by the rebels, she still fights tooth and nail. Kestra dares to be different from how she was raised and though her upbringing may have some impact on who she is, ultimately Kestra is choosing her own path…and I love that!

Alongside Kestra is a vivid cast of characters whose motives and intentions are not always as they appear. Male lead and love interest Simon was very easy to follow as well and I highly enjoyed the developing relationship between he and Kestra. Kestra has a witty and sarcastic sense of humor, something clear throughout the story both with her inner monologue and biting comments to other characters including Simon and the other Coracks. Nielsen has woven a very interesting world of magic and deception and I’m highly enjoying discovering its hidden depths.

The perfect blend of romance and discovering, The Traitor’s Game is perfect for fans of Truthwitch by Susan Dennard and Ruined by Amy Tintera. Richly written and splendidly paced, The Traitor’s Game races to a fantastic ending that leaves me dying to see what Jennifer A. Nielsen has in store for her characters next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by publisher (Thank you guys!)
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
Format: Paperback
Australian RRP: $19.99
Release Date: 1st July 2018
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I absolutely adored this novel and I CANNOT WAIT until the second one is released!