Title: The Traitor’s Game
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic audio
Narrator: Jesse Vilinsky and Michael Curran-Dorsano
Summary:
Hearts and loyalties collide in this electrifying new YA series from New York Times best-selling author 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.
My thoughts:
My first experience with Jennifer A. Nielsen was with The False Prince audiobook I had by chance checked out of my local library. I loved it so much I went and purchased the full trilogy in paperback so I could share with my family. Since finishing the trilogy, I’ve been meaning to try some of her other books. I finally did that with The Traitor’s Game.
I purchased the audiobook from audible, and listened unbearably slowly due to my work life getting in the way. I found the story entertaining, and kept putting the main characters in tough situations, and all seemed so natural. After finishing Dark Intent and being less than impressed, I very much needed a story like this one.
I was very scared for Kestra, and the situations she found herself in. She had to lie to people for the sake of her life and the lives of two people she cared for. It wasn’t just her lies though, she is being watched by two of the rebels who return with her to her home to make sure she keeps her end of the bargain. If they make a wrong move, all of them will be found out. There are a lot of close calls.
This story will take your breath away, and give it back. If you are looking for your next good book, pick up The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen.