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ellentaylor 's review for:
The Betrayals
by Bridget Collins
An inspiring if inconsistent read.
For me, the present day narrative was much less convincing than the backstory. I found older Leo annoying and difficult to relate to; Claire left much less of an impression than Carfax. Much of the world building seemed irrelevant to the plot and could have been edited out (the rat, the persecution of Christians, etc). I also found, as with The Binding, that some sections were too on-the-nose for my taste.
Regardless, the themes, ideas and ambiance of this book are a work of art. I loved reading about the grand jeu, especially the emotive descriptions of particular games. Leo’s diary entries were gripping and compelling. As with her previous work, The Betrayals has left itching to write my own stories and replicate the magic that Collins creates.
3.5 stars
For me, the present day narrative was much less convincing than the backstory. I found older Leo annoying and difficult to relate to; Claire left much less of an impression than Carfax. Much of the world building seemed irrelevant to the plot and could have been edited out (the rat, the persecution of Christians, etc). I also found, as with The Binding, that some sections were too on-the-nose for my taste.
Regardless, the themes, ideas and ambiance of this book are a work of art. I loved reading about the grand jeu, especially the emotive descriptions of particular games. Leo’s diary entries were gripping and compelling. As with her previous work, The Betrayals has left itching to write my own stories and replicate the magic that Collins creates.
3.5 stars