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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
Have you ever read a book where you felt it that it had so much potential but then it disappointed you . I really wanted to like this book and there were moments which I did but....
[b:The Traitor's Game|30809677|The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1502149668s/30809677.jpg|51396926] by [a:Jennifer A. Nielsen|3267859|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1304970313p2/3267859.jpg] follows a young noble lady Kestra Dallisor, who is ambushed on her way back home. The reason why Kestra is targeted is because her father is the right-hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick. The ones that ambushed Kestra want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blad, that could kill Lord Endrick. Kestra, however, isn't a girl that will easily be told what to do.
What I did appreciate
I really liked that the story was told from the POVs of Kestra and Simon, it was really nice to see the two different perspective on the same event. I appreciated Kestra as a female YA character, she has a sarcastic wit which I really appreciated but was not overdone so she is not annoying. She is resourceful but she is not just this "tough kickass" one dimensional character.
I know some people didn't like the writing style (based on reviews) but I actually liked it. I was interested in the world and the magic system and wished it was explained a bit more better, although I did like that it was more grim and bleak.
Not so much like
The Romance
The romance between Kestra and Simon I believe is suppose to follow the hate to love trope. I am a sucker for the hate to love trope. I am not ashamed to say to it! However, this "love" between them that grew over four days =| No one falls in love after 4 days. I am sorry but no.
I get they used to know each other as children but even then come on. He was a servant child and she was the daughter of the King's right-hand man. I am sure they were not allowed to be bffs. Their romance escalated from 0 to 100 very quickly. Also, there is clearly a lack of trust and communication between these two characters and I didn't really feel that spark you feel as a reader between them. I honestly felt that more with Kestra and Basil.
Also, I didn't like how Simon would make judgement calls on behalf of Kestra like she was a child who couldn't think for herself or that it was his duty to "protect her" and just blurt out her secrets. He kept telling her to trust him but then he kept making the decisions of what to tell people. At the same time got angry when she called him out on it. Also, this instant protectiveness that no male was allowed to talk to Kestra (like when she was forced by her father to have dinner with Basil) was very annoying.
Again, its not that I think its a bad book, far from being a bad book but it wasn't the book for me.
Therefore, I will give this book 2.5 stars
[b:The Traitor's Game|30809677|The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1502149668s/30809677.jpg|51396926] by [a:Jennifer A. Nielsen|3267859|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1304970313p2/3267859.jpg] follows a young noble lady Kestra Dallisor, who is ambushed on her way back home. The reason why Kestra is targeted is because her father is the right-hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick. The ones that ambushed Kestra want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blad, that could kill Lord Endrick. Kestra, however, isn't a girl that will easily be told what to do.
What I did appreciate
I really liked that the story was told from the POVs of Kestra and Simon, it was really nice to see the two different perspective on the same event. I appreciated Kestra as a female YA character, she has a sarcastic wit which I really appreciated but was not overdone so she is not annoying. She is resourceful but she is not just this "tough kickass" one dimensional character.
I know some people didn't like the writing style (based on reviews) but I actually liked it. I was interested in the world and the magic system and wished it was explained a bit more better, although I did like that it was more grim and bleak.
Not so much like
The Romance
The romance between Kestra and Simon I believe is suppose to follow the hate to love trope. I am a sucker for the hate to love trope. I am not ashamed to say to it! However, this "love" between them that grew over four days =| No one falls in love after 4 days. I am sorry but no.
I get they used to know each other as children but even then come on. He was a servant child and she was the daughter of the King's right-hand man. I am sure they were not allowed to be bffs. Their romance escalated from 0 to 100 very quickly. Also, there is clearly a lack of trust and communication between these two characters and I didn't really feel that spark you feel as a reader between them. I honestly felt that more with Kestra and Basil.
Also, I didn't like how Simon would make judgement calls on behalf of Kestra like she was a child who couldn't think for herself or that it was his duty to "protect her" and just blurt out her secrets. He kept telling her to trust him but then he kept making the decisions of what to tell people. At the same time got angry when she called him out on it. Also, this instant protectiveness that no male was allowed to talk to Kestra (like when she was forced by her father to have dinner with Basil) was very annoying.
Spoiler
I didn't like how the whole point of Kestra going along with the plan was to save her two servants and then when we find out one actually betrayed her and the other is her biological father (no shocker, I saw that coming a mile away) but then when I think her father died she wasn't more angryAgain, its not that I think its a bad book, far from being a bad book but it wasn't the book for me.
Therefore, I will give this book 2.5 stars
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Stopped at 50 percent.
I haven't read the very popular The False Prince series by this author, but my expectations were high because of the attention surrounding the other books.
I have to say: I'm pretty disappointed. The premise of the book - a princess who must turn spy and traitor against her father - is a story I've read a ton of times already. The characterization was also pretty basic (tough heroine can take care of herself!) and a some big emotional strife is quickly demolished because HELLO lust/attraction!
If you're looking for high action/big stakes YA fantasy, then pick up Truthwitch by Susan Dennard or Ruined by Amy Tintera instead.
I haven't read the very popular The False Prince series by this author, but my expectations were high because of the attention surrounding the other books.
I have to say: I'm pretty disappointed. The premise of the book - a princess who must turn spy and traitor against her father - is a story I've read a ton of times already. The characterization was also pretty basic (tough heroine can take care of herself!) and a some big emotional strife is quickly demolished because HELLO lust/attraction!
If you're looking for high action/big stakes YA fantasy, then pick up Truthwitch by Susan Dennard or Ruined by Amy Tintera instead.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Considering the title to be “The Traitor’s Game”, there isn’t actually much traitorous intent or activity going on in the entire book. It was a bit predictable whenever there was a “turn” in supposed loyalty. The book is centered around a rising Corack rebellion against Lord Endrick, a powerful Endrean who holds the throne of Antora. The traitor element plays in with this war since characters are on different sides and hold very polar beliefs yet have to work together: Kestra Dallisor is the daughter of a high ranking and loyal official to Endrick, and Simon and Trina are both Coracks. Kestra is kidnapped and forced to help the Coracks to save her friend’s and her own life. What the author tries to show is that Kestra was sheltered in her royal life and never knew about the pain and suffering of the common people, but being forced working with the Coracks alters her perceptions of her own father and the kingdom she is loyal to. It is hard for her to reject everything she has ever known especially when being persuaded by who she views as enemy rebels. But Kestra’s change was more hinted rather than deeply explained in her thoughts and actions, and I wish it was because she would have been a much more interesting character. She does everything she can to thwart the Corack captors, but then she gets brief ideas like “Does my father really love me” or “Wow, Lord Endrick is actually so cruel, how is my father serving this man”. The emotional aspect of it was lacking, when it should be completely life shattering. And she gets a chosen one trope. Aside from the MC, Simon isn’t a well-developed character at all. He is supposed to watch Kestra and make sure she is contributing to their Corack plans but becomes the love interest. And apparently Simon’s feelings are the fastest growing thing ever, because the plan was initially only three days long, but Kestra loved the idea of escaping more than him, obviously. Lots of forced proximity used to develop their relationship which is a bit of a shortcut. I think the three days were extended but still less than two weeks of meeting each other again after being childhood buddies. The plan just seems wrong, sending two Coracks and one kidnapped girl to retrieve an item that could change the course of the war. Expecting three people out of an entire rebellion group to succeed is a tad bit hopeful, don’t you think? But guess what, it did work, of course it did. And the item is not even well-hidden considering that the entire Dallisor forces scoured the castle already to try to find it. Maybe it’s trying to say that people aren’t good at finding things in general, haha.
The plot was fun to read, and the book moved along quickly if you just ignore the logic of everything and pretend that it is not predictable. I enjoyed the world, the palace descriptions and the mysterious Endrean magic. The magic was not explained too much but I believe it will play a bigger role in future books. There were great battle scenes and Simon and Kestra did have their moments of fun banter. The ending was good but the characters unfortunately just did not connect as well as they could have or leave a lasting impression for me which is something essential for me in a fantasy book. Go check it out though if you’d like some quick plot and something that is easy to eat up!
The plot was fun to read, and the book moved along quickly if you just ignore the logic of everything and pretend that it is not predictable. I enjoyed the world, the palace descriptions and the mysterious Endrean magic. The magic was not explained too much but I believe it will play a bigger role in future books. There were great battle scenes and Simon and Kestra did have their moments of fun banter. The ending was good but the characters unfortunately just did not connect as well as they could have or leave a lasting impression for me which is something essential for me in a fantasy book. Go check it out though if you’d like some quick plot and something that is easy to eat up!
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I can't decide what I think of this book. I really loved Nielsen's other books for their element of surprise but I found this one predictable. It's the female, magic centered, romantic version of The False Prince. I am a little disappointed.
Enjoyable read. I enjoyed the False Prince series more, but am really looking forward to the sequel.
I did not expect this book to be as good as it was! With most YA, the twist can be predictable, but I did not expect it in the slightest! Can’t want to read the second one
“One to Vanquish, One to Rule, One to Fall, But All to Fool,”
2.5 Stars. I have to be honest and say that although I wanted to love this book, I ended up feeling disappointed...
Summary: In the kingdom of Antora lives Kestra Dallisor. After 3 years in the Lava Fields, she is brought back to the kingdom by her cruel father. Beside her father is Lord Endrick, the evil king. But a group of rebels discover her travelling and capture her. The rebels main goal: To retrieve the lost Olden Blade. And now with Kestra as their prisoner, they can. The Olden Blade has the power to kill the King, Lord Endrick and the rebels will do anything to get it back.
OKAY, one of the things I didn't particularly like about this book was the characters...
- Kestra - Although at some points she showed true bravery and heroism, I still didn't like her. She annoyed me for most of the book
- Simon - Ugh I don't even know where, to begin with, this guy. All I can say is that he has some DEFINITE mood swings. One moment he's mad, then happy, then in love.
- Ceila - Weak. Cowardly.
And the other characters weren't much better.
Now onto the romance. I hated it. This can't really be defined as "INSTA LOVE" because they knew each other as children, but it could be "SOME-WHAT INSTA LOVE" It was just eh. Simons whole life basically revolved around Kestra's at some points and it seemed really boring.
Another thing I didn't like was that there was no expectedness. I don't know if it was just me, but at the end when I also just found it kind of boring at sometimes. I am still wishing that I liked it better.
2.5 Stars. I have to be honest and say that although I wanted to love this book, I ended up feeling disappointed...
Summary: In the kingdom of Antora lives Kestra Dallisor. After 3 years in the Lava Fields, she is brought back to the kingdom by her cruel father. Beside her father is Lord Endrick, the evil king. But a group of rebels discover her travelling and capture her. The rebels main goal: To retrieve the lost Olden Blade. And now with Kestra as their prisoner, they can. The Olden Blade has the power to kill the King, Lord Endrick and the rebels will do anything to get it back.
OKAY, one of the things I didn't particularly like about this book was the characters...
- Kestra - Although at some points she showed true bravery and heroism, I still didn't like her. She annoyed me for most of the book
- Simon - Ugh I don't even know where, to begin with, this guy. All I can say is that he has some DEFINITE mood swings. One moment he's mad, then happy, then in love.
- Ceila - Weak. Cowardly.
Spoiler
TRAITORAnd the other characters weren't much better.
Now onto the romance. I hated it. This can't really be defined as "INSTA LOVE" because they knew each other as children, but it could be "SOME-WHAT INSTA LOVE" It was just eh. Simons whole life basically revolved around Kestra's at some points and it seemed really boring.
Another thing I didn't like was that there was no expectedness. I don't know if it was just me, but at the end when
Spoiler
when Trina was supposedly the Infidante I already knew what she wasn't and Kestra actually was
In a traitor’s game, there are no winners. Only those left standing at the end. Cheat or be cheated. Crush or be crushed. Play … or be killed. On her way back home after being sent away by her father three years before, Kestra is kidnapped by a group of rebels. They task her with finding the Olden Blade which is the only thing able to kill the cruel king who rules the kingdom of Antora. However, this would mean betraying the only family and home she's ever known. Secrets and lies abound, but who will come out on top in the Traitor's Game?
This is the second book I've read by Jennifer A. Nielsen the first being her most famous book, The False Prince. I have to say that I enjoyed that book more than I did this one but I will never get tired of the author's writing style. I remembered about a third of the way through that I should expect lots of twists and turns and I wasn't disappointed! Though the narrative was a little slow at times, this was still a fun read. My favorite character was Kestra. There was nothing not to like about her! She was strong, proud, independent and she never stopped fighting even with everything happening around her and all the things she discovered about herself along the way.
The character I didn't particularly like was Simon. He fell flat for me. At the beginning of the book he's angry with Kestra because, five years previously, she'd had him sent to the dungeons to await execution. He'd escaped, but his friend who'd been sent there with him hadn't made it out. Then, a couple of chapters later, he's head over heels for her! Maybe if the backstory had been different I would have liked him more but I feel like I wouldn't fall in love with anyone who was my almost murderer/murderer of my best friend after being reunited for just one day.
I want to finish on something that I enjoyed about this book and that was the world-building. I have to admit it was confusing at first, but once I got the hang of the different groups I came to really appreciate the creativity of it! Overall an engaging fantasy read that I would recommend for anyone looking for something fun and engaging on a lazy weekend. Happy Reading :)
Buy your copy of The Traitor's Game here ⤵️
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Traitors-Game-The-Traitors-Game-Book-One-1-by-Jennifer-A-Nielsen-author/9781338045383?a_aid=josbooks
This is the second book I've read by Jennifer A. Nielsen the first being her most famous book, The False Prince. I have to say that I enjoyed that book more than I did this one but I will never get tired of the author's writing style. I remembered about a third of the way through that I should expect lots of twists and turns and I wasn't disappointed! Though the narrative was a little slow at times, this was still a fun read. My favorite character was Kestra. There was nothing not to like about her! She was strong, proud, independent and she never stopped fighting even with everything happening around her and all the things she discovered about herself along the way.
The character I didn't particularly like was Simon. He fell flat for me. At the beginning of the book he's angry with Kestra because, five years previously, she'd had him sent to the dungeons to await execution. He'd escaped, but his friend who'd been sent there with him hadn't made it out. Then, a couple of chapters later, he's head over heels for her! Maybe if the backstory had been different I would have liked him more but I feel like I wouldn't fall in love with anyone who was my almost murderer/murderer of my best friend after being reunited for just one day.
I want to finish on something that I enjoyed about this book and that was the world-building. I have to admit it was confusing at first, but once I got the hang of the different groups I came to really appreciate the creativity of it! Overall an engaging fantasy read that I would recommend for anyone looking for something fun and engaging on a lazy weekend. Happy Reading :)
Buy your copy of The Traitor's Game here ⤵️
https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/The-Traitors-Game-The-Traitors-Game-Book-One-1-by-Jennifer-A-Nielsen-author/9781338045383?a_aid=josbooks