The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, Book 1)

So the story line itself should’ve gotten this book at least a 3.5 stars. However the writing left a lot to be desired. Repetition of statements where none was necessary, explanations given too soon where some mystery would’ve been appreciated. And the romance was unfortunately glaringly obvious. And if it was going to be that obvious from the start then I would have enjoyed those two characters actually banding together and kicking ass. Instead it was pages and pages of questioning how they felt “Do I really care about him it was just days ago I resolved to hate him forever but oh the brush of his fingers set a fire... blah blah blah” and then telling the other to “trust me” both of whom would go off on a tangent about why they should trust the other REPEATING the events that we had already about. Again the concept of the book is great, it’s execution was lacking at least for my taste it took me three times as long to read it as it should’ve because I just kept putting it down to enjoy other things, like ice cream. This was a little to YOUNG adult for me, I guess.

Jennifer Nielsen does a great job of creating fiery characters who almost immediately find themselves in trouble up to their eyeballs. The Traitor's Game is no different. But this story follows the fortunes and misfortunes of two main characters, Kestra, the daughter of a very powerful man in the country of Antora's government, and Simon, a member of the resistance group called the Coracks. After three years in exile, Kestra is on her way home when she and her entourage are waylay-ed. With her servants' lives on the line, Kestra is forced into agreeing to help the Coracks retrieve a magical item supposedly hidden at her home of Woodcourt. Simon and a girl named Trina are sent with Kestra to ensure that she follows orders. But Kestra has plans of her own and they don't involve helping traitors and betraying her own family.But as so often happens the plans of Kestra, Simon, and Trina don't go off without a hitch. The tension between Kestra and Trina threatens to derail all their plans and Simon's feelings about the girl he used to know aren't all hatred. The point of view switches between Kestra and Simon, giving the reader a glimpse into the mind and heart of each as they struggle to accomplish their objectives. The tension between Simon and Kestra goes back and forth between attraction and loyalty to their respective causes. But as Kestra faces her father again and even Lord Endrick, the evil ruler the Coracks are sworn to destroy, she starts learning things that shake her faith in the life she's always known.Finding the Olden Blade, which offers the only hope of defeating Lord Endrick, offers Kestra a chance of rescuing her servants and helping her country. But both Kestra and Simon are walking a very fine line between loyalty and betrayal. Is there any way out of this mess that leaves them both alive?Nielsen has written an action-packed, thriller of a novel. Kestra and Simon are both sympathetic characters that I found myself caring about, even though they are on different sides as the story begins. But the author does a fantastic job of writing a compelling story that I read quickly with lots of twists and turns. There are hints about where the story is going to go but interestingly, the characters know more about certain things than the reader, which makes the reveals all the more of a shock. I can't wait to read the next book!Note: There is some violence in the book because of the nature of the story (revolution). There is also some kissing.

I love YA fantasy/quest novels, and this sounded like the right fit. Unfortunately, it's not. The author alternates chapters with 1st person views, and I found Simon and Kestra the same in their speech patterns. I could only tell the difference between the two when he/she mentioned the other character by gender. And Kestra was a whiny heroine. That turned me off. So, although the story held promise, I couldn't read it. But other readers might see things in a different light.

THE TRAITOR’S GAME is instantly and completely riveting, immeasurably intriguing, and filled to the brim with action, deception, secrets, lies, betrayal, and heartbreak. The dual POV both reveals and teases. The world is elaborate and interesting and dangerous and thrilling. The characters are captivating, mysterious, challenging, defiant, and a bit untrustworthy. The story grips and twists and surprises and leads to a phenomenally astonishing ending that hints at just some of the amazingness to come in the sequel.Kestra knew the Dallisors had enemies. With her father willing to do Lord Endrick’s bidding, there were bound to be those who despised her family. She just never imagined how many or who she’d have to protect herself against. And she never thought a time would come when she could be coerced into helping them.Simon took an oath to stand with those looking to take back the throne, those seeking to defeat Lord Endrick. The rage he felt toward Kestra Dallisor for her betrayal was just fuel on a fire already burning. He never imagined his allegiance would be questioned or that he’d be the one to question it. He never dreamed he might one day have to protect the person he hated most in the world.Jennifer Nielsen went so far above and beyond with this first book in her new series. Her world and characters stand out - corrupting magic, remarkable and deadly creatures and weapons, an alluring myth, exciting and treacherous and conniving friends and foes. The plot is electrifying and jam-packed with harrowing chases, lethal assaults, intricate plans, difficult choices, shaky alliances, unanticipated outcomes, devastating losses. The pace is fast, the writing suspenseful and engaging and detailed, and the ending worth every nail-biting moment leading up to it.If you like your heroines fierce, your heroes protective, their loyalties divided, their missions complex, their motivations hidden, their lives full of secrets, THE TRAITOR’S GAME is an absolute must.

I enjoyed it! Interesting story line, lots of plot twists and turns which were occassionally more convoluted and circular than necessary but built tension well! A little predictable at the end but a good read throughout. Looking forward to the next book and the universe develoling further!

We’ve enjoyed Jennifer Nielsen’s books before and this was great too! Gift for Christmas and we were happy with it !

A epic journey, a missing dagger, an evil ruler, and a love story all in one book. Nielsen draws you in with a story that is hard to put down and leaves you begging for a sequel.