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The Game of Triumphs #1
Das Spiel des Schicksals
Cat ist mit ihrer Tante Bel gerade erst nach London gezogen, da stößt sie zufällig auf ein magisches Spiel in einer fantastischen Parallelwelt, mitten in der City. Vier mysteriöse Könige und Königinnen beherrschen das Spiele-Reich. Cat und drei andere Jugendliche werden von ihnen mit offenen Armen empfangen. Kein Wunder: Sie sind die "Joker", die dem Spiel eine entscheidende Wendung geben können - und sei sie tödlich. Gegen ihren Willen wird Cat immer tiefer in die Welt des Arkanum gezogen. Es gibt nur noch eines, das sie vorantreibt: Die Wahrheit über den Tod ihrer Eltern...
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2009
20 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Laura Powell
21 books80 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Laura Powell grew up in rural Wales and now lives in West London. She wrote her first book while studying Classics at Oxford and worked in publishing for five years before leaving to concentrate on her writing.
Laura Powell grew up in rural Wales and now lives in West London. She wrote her first book while studying Classics at Oxford and worked in publishing for five years before leaving to concentrate on her writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 18, 2012
I suppose it was a bad sign when the author's biography said "She was inspired to write [the book] after learning about the popularity of role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft. She wondered what it was that led people to become so consumed by worlds that existed only on a computer screen or in their heads." That sort of flippant comment shows exactly the amount of interest and research (or lack thereof) she had put into understanding those sorts of fandoms (which are entirely separate sorts of obsessions from one another if she had actually looked into them at all.) before writing the book. There is little to no connection to actual games in the story, with vague halfhearted references to D&D and other role-playing games that only serve to emphasize how different the game they're playing is from them. The titular Game is entirely real and magical and deadly in all the ways that even the most obsessed roleplayers aren't. Protagonist Cat shares the Author's dismissive view of games, scoffing at everything from poker to LARPing with a too-cool-for-the-room roll of the eyes. That would almost be forgivable if Cat were shown to have any interests of her own, but her only real personality trait is being a bored moody teen.
That said, the story itself has a decent buildup, perhaps ending a bit abruptly with a hook meant to get readers interested in the second book, and would be a good read either for fantasy lovers who aren't fans of the sorts of games Powell tries and fails to make connections with or fans who are willing to look past her superficial connections.
That said, the story itself has a decent buildup, perhaps ending a bit abruptly with a hook meant to get readers interested in the second book, and would be a good read either for fantasy lovers who aren't fans of the sorts of games Powell tries and fails to make connections with or fans who are willing to look past her superficial connections.
January 5, 2015
I loved the way the characters were realistic-- how Cat actually had to work at a relationship with Bel. Bel was awesome. I really admired her for bringing up Cat at age nineteen.
Okay, the gushing is now out of the way. Basically, this book is about a real-life game based on tarot (it's not a fortune-telling thing), where the Kings and Queens of the card suits send anybody who wants a particular power (a Knight) on a quest for the card that the power represents. Most players, when they are actively questing, are knights. If you're a bystander who gets pulled into the game and alters it without recieving an invitation to play beforehand, you are a 'chancer'. Cat is a chancer. As such, she has limitations that others do not, but she also has freedoms that others do not. She and three other chancers go on a quest to see justice done to a man who must stay hanged in order for the 'game of triumphs' to continue playing.
I must admit, I don't fully understand the 'rules' of the Triumphs world; I need another read-through for that.
The quest itself was a bit simplistic, and only made up about a quarter of the book, I should warn you. It's still worth a read.
Let me also stress that I don't immediately want to go out and play tarot after reading this.
Okay, the gushing is now out of the way. Basically, this book is about a real-life game based on tarot (it's not a fortune-telling thing), where the Kings and Queens of the card suits send anybody who wants a particular power (a Knight) on a quest for the card that the power represents. Most players, when they are actively questing, are knights. If you're a bystander who gets pulled into the game and alters it without recieving an invitation to play beforehand, you are a 'chancer'. Cat is a chancer. As such, she has limitations that others do not, but she also has freedoms that others do not. She and three other chancers go on a quest to see justice done to a man who must stay hanged in order for the 'game of triumphs' to continue playing.
I must admit, I don't fully understand the 'rules' of the Triumphs world; I need another read-through for that.
The quest itself was a bit simplistic, and only made up about a quarter of the book, I should warn you. It's still worth a read.
Let me also stress that I don't immediately want to go out and play tarot after reading this.
Read
October 27, 2012It's a recent YA portal fantasy, UNPOSSIBLE! People are still reading Narnia, there's no room for any more! Readers are too stupid to want anything but dystopias and vampires! ....it's a portal fantasy with Tarot cards (Amber, anyone?) set in London and I have a really bad cold, what more do you want from me. Richard III and I are not made of stone....
Later: Lord, the WHOLE BOOK is basically a setup for the sequel. Someone already told me, but if I hadn't been warned, I'd've been hopping mad. Also, the characters are mostly cardboard. But the writing's not bad (not great. But not bad).
Later: Lord, the WHOLE BOOK is basically a setup for the sequel. Someone already told me, but if I hadn't been warned, I'd've been hopping mad. Also, the characters are mostly cardboard. But the writing's not bad (not great. But not bad).
January 15, 2015
This book. Words cannot contain my feelings.
It was well crafted, unique, and very fanciful.
The characters were well done. I even liked the protagonist, Cat. Though my favourite character in this book was the king of swords, Alastor. I wish he was in it more than he actually was, *Le Sigh. Toby was a fun sidekick type character. Blaine was standoffish and that really did draw me in. Flora was....Flora. She had interesting qualities.
Note: this book is not at all like those card trading on games. It is darker, imaginative, occurs in a completely different world, deals with actual magic, and is ruled by actual kings and queens! It's not nerdy, if you are hesitant to pick it up!
The ending was interesting. That's all I will say about that.
There is no established romance which was refreshing. A story of friendship. (We need more of those!)
Overall the whole story was imaginative and layered!
The ending was interesting and I cannot wait until I read the sequel.
Highly recommend this fabulous book!
It was well crafted, unique, and very fanciful.
The characters were well done. I even liked the protagonist, Cat. Though my favourite character in this book was the king of swords, Alastor. I wish he was in it more than he actually was, *Le Sigh. Toby was a fun sidekick type character. Blaine was standoffish and that really did draw me in. Flora was....Flora. She had interesting qualities.
Note: this book is not at all like those card trading on games. It is darker, imaginative, occurs in a completely different world, deals with actual magic, and is ruled by actual kings and queens! It's not nerdy, if you are hesitant to pick it up!
The ending was interesting. That's all I will say about that.
There is no established romance which was refreshing. A story of friendship. (We need more of those!)
Overall the whole story was imaginative and layered!
The ending was interesting and I cannot wait until I read the sequel.
Highly recommend this fabulous book!
Read
June 10, 2021Read about one chapter and decided I probably wasn't going to like it with the way the main character scoffs and dismisses games, gaming, and magic. Calling them nerds and what not. I mean, I understand a character being skeptical about their forced involvement in a secret game but if this is to pervade throughout the book in the same belittling tone and attitude, I'm not going to like it.
The chapter headers, images, and cover is pretty so I guess it has that going for it.
The chapter headers, images, and cover is pretty so I guess it has that going for it.
March 28, 2010
Ich hätte diesem Buch so gern vier oder sogar mehr Sterne gegeben. Die Grundidee gefällt mir so unglaublich gut. Aber das Potenzial wurde einfach nicht komplett ausgeschöpft und es gab auch einige weitere Makel.
Trotzdem würde ich eher zu 3,5 Sternen tendieren.
The Game of Triumphs handelt von einem gefährlichen Spiel, das auf Spielkarten basiert. Anstelle der altbekannten Symbole Karo, Kreuz, Herz und Piek gibt es hier Swords, Wands, Cups, Pentacles und einige Figuren, die an Tarot-Karten erinnern ("the Tower", "Death"). In dieses Spiel, bei dem man mithilfe von Türschwellen und Münzen fremde Welten (bzw. Spielkarten) betreten kann, stolpert das Mädchen Cat. Zuerst kann sie nicht glauben, was ihr da geboten wird und hält die Könige und Königinnen von Cups, Wands, Swords und Pentacles für übergeschnappte Spinner. Doch als sie nach und nach andere Chancer kennen lernt - junge Menschen wie sie, die zufällig ins Spiel gestolpert sind und eigentlich nicht in den Verlauf eingreifen dürfen - beginnt sie langsam an das Spiel zu glauben, das auch das ein oder andere Geheimnis über die Vergangenheit ihrer verstorbenen Eltern zu verbergen scheint.
Dem Layout des Buches würde ich ohne Umschweife fünf Sterne verleihen. Die Farben leuchten und glänzen, die verschlungenen Muster unterstreichen die geheimnisvollen Bedeutungen der Spielkarten und auch die Gestaltung innerhalb des Buches ist perfekt angepasst.
Wie bereits erwähnt finde ich die Grundidee des Spiels total fantastisch. Die neugestalteten Spielkarten klingen aufregend und es macht Spaß herauszufinden, was sich hinter "the Reign of Past Pleasure" oder "the Moon" verbirgt. Zum Glück gibt es gleich am Anfang des Buchs ein Verzeichnis, das sämtliche Karten auflistet. Während der Story musste ich darauf öfter zurückgreifen.
Am Anfang ist es nicht so leicht die Spielregeln oder den Verlauf nachzuvollziehen. Dadurch kann man nicht selber miträtseln, welcher Schritt als nächster folgen könnte und die Geschichte wirkt teilweise etwas konstruiert.
Die Zeit, die Cat und ihre neuen Freunde Toby, Flora und Blaine aktiv im Spiel verbringen, ist leider viel zu kurz. Mit so einer komplexen Spielerschaffung hätte der Inhalt noch um viele Seiten mehr ausgebaut werden können. Zum Glück gibt es schon die Fortsetzung The Master of Misrule.
Die Charaktere konnten mit der aufwendigen Storyidee leider nicht mithalten. Man erfährt zwar einiges über Cat, ihre Vergangenheit und jetztige Lebenssiutation, aber so richtig ans Herz wuchsen mir weder sie noch einer der anderen Charaktere. Dennoch war mir niemand unsympathisch und es hat mich wirklich interessiert, was weiter mit ihnen geschieht. Gerade deshalb fand ich es so spannend, als die einzelenen Charaktere im Lauf des Buches enthüllten, wie sie selbst in das Spiel geraten sind und was sie dazu bewegt nun aktiv am Spiel teilzunehmen.
Alles in allem wollte ich dieses Buch wirklich toll finden. Leider hat es mir dafür nicht genug Gründe gegeben, weswegen ich es mit 3,5 Sternen ins Regal stellen muss. Da glitzert es aber in stillem Glanz vor sich hin und wartet sehnsüchtig auf seinen Nachfolger. Also an alle für die der Plot interessant klingt: bloß nicht von der halben Wertung abschrecken lassen, stilistisch und was das Ideenreichtum angeht, lohnt sich dieser Roman.
Trotzdem würde ich eher zu 3,5 Sternen tendieren.
The Game of Triumphs handelt von einem gefährlichen Spiel, das auf Spielkarten basiert. Anstelle der altbekannten Symbole Karo, Kreuz, Herz und Piek gibt es hier Swords, Wands, Cups, Pentacles und einige Figuren, die an Tarot-Karten erinnern ("the Tower", "Death"). In dieses Spiel, bei dem man mithilfe von Türschwellen und Münzen fremde Welten (bzw. Spielkarten) betreten kann, stolpert das Mädchen Cat. Zuerst kann sie nicht glauben, was ihr da geboten wird und hält die Könige und Königinnen von Cups, Wands, Swords und Pentacles für übergeschnappte Spinner. Doch als sie nach und nach andere Chancer kennen lernt - junge Menschen wie sie, die zufällig ins Spiel gestolpert sind und eigentlich nicht in den Verlauf eingreifen dürfen - beginnt sie langsam an das Spiel zu glauben, das auch das ein oder andere Geheimnis über die Vergangenheit ihrer verstorbenen Eltern zu verbergen scheint.
Dem Layout des Buches würde ich ohne Umschweife fünf Sterne verleihen. Die Farben leuchten und glänzen, die verschlungenen Muster unterstreichen die geheimnisvollen Bedeutungen der Spielkarten und auch die Gestaltung innerhalb des Buches ist perfekt angepasst.
Wie bereits erwähnt finde ich die Grundidee des Spiels total fantastisch. Die neugestalteten Spielkarten klingen aufregend und es macht Spaß herauszufinden, was sich hinter "the Reign of Past Pleasure" oder "the Moon" verbirgt. Zum Glück gibt es gleich am Anfang des Buchs ein Verzeichnis, das sämtliche Karten auflistet. Während der Story musste ich darauf öfter zurückgreifen.
Am Anfang ist es nicht so leicht die Spielregeln oder den Verlauf nachzuvollziehen. Dadurch kann man nicht selber miträtseln, welcher Schritt als nächster folgen könnte und die Geschichte wirkt teilweise etwas konstruiert.
Die Zeit, die Cat und ihre neuen Freunde Toby, Flora und Blaine aktiv im Spiel verbringen, ist leider viel zu kurz. Mit so einer komplexen Spielerschaffung hätte der Inhalt noch um viele Seiten mehr ausgebaut werden können. Zum Glück gibt es schon die Fortsetzung The Master of Misrule.
Die Charaktere konnten mit der aufwendigen Storyidee leider nicht mithalten. Man erfährt zwar einiges über Cat, ihre Vergangenheit und jetztige Lebenssiutation, aber so richtig ans Herz wuchsen mir weder sie noch einer der anderen Charaktere. Dennoch war mir niemand unsympathisch und es hat mich wirklich interessiert, was weiter mit ihnen geschieht. Gerade deshalb fand ich es so spannend, als die einzelenen Charaktere im Lauf des Buches enthüllten, wie sie selbst in das Spiel geraten sind und was sie dazu bewegt nun aktiv am Spiel teilzunehmen.
Alles in allem wollte ich dieses Buch wirklich toll finden. Leider hat es mir dafür nicht genug Gründe gegeben, weswegen ich es mit 3,5 Sternen ins Regal stellen muss. Da glitzert es aber in stillem Glanz vor sich hin und wartet sehnsüchtig auf seinen Nachfolger. Also an alle für die der Plot interessant klingt: bloß nicht von der halben Wertung abschrecken lassen, stilistisch und was das Ideenreichtum angeht, lohnt sich dieser Roman.
October 7, 2014
Fifteen-year-old Cat is well acquainted with London's seamy underside--one perk of living across from a casino and on the same block as a strip joint. The tawdry Soho neighborhood doesn't bother her. Cat is used to moving around with her aunt/guardian Bel. She's used to blending into the background and being invisible. Neighborhoods don't change that.
But a mysterious game played out on the streets of London and in a strange world called the Arcanum can change everything. A chance encounter on the Tube draws Cat in the dangerous but alluring world of the Game of Triumphs where players use Tarot cards imbued with powers to compete for the ultimate triumph--fame, fortune, justice or something else entirely--it can all be yours with the turn of a card.
Cat doesn't play games and she doesn't believe in any of the Game's magic nonsense. But as Cat learns more about the Game she realizes this isn't the first time she encountered the Game. Playing can be deadly but with stakes so high surely the rewards are worth the risk in The Game of Triumps (2011)* by Laura Powell.
The Game of Triumphs draws heavily from Tarot cards for the symbolism behind the Game's cards and the nuances of their play within the Game. As someone with a passing interest Tarot and card games, I was immediately drawn to this book (the intriguing cover didn't hurt either). Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations.
Cat is a surly heroine, determined to go it alone even if that might be to her own detriment. Her reluctance to accept help or any kind of support got old very fast. Similarly her dismissive tones about Tarot and role playing games were irritating--particularly as her attitude persisted even as she drew deeper into the game. While Powell went to great pains to explain Cat's past and her motivations, none of it ever felt truly authentic.
Her companions in the novel felt similarly one dimensional, partly because they were introduced so late in the story and partly because I never connected with any of them. Worse, the characters never seemed to connect with each other instead merely falling in together for lack of better options.
The world Powell has created as well as the Game itself are very complex and well-realized. While readers will start the book as confused about things as Cat Powell quickly explains everything readers need to know. Sadly, with so much setup for the background of the story, the actual plot felt rushed with most of the action being packed into the last hundred pages of the novel.
On one hand, that makes The Game of Triumphs a book that moves rather slowly with an abrupt ending. On the other hand, there is now the potential that the sequel The Master of Misrule** will be a much stronger, much more exciting book. Only time will tell.
*This book was originally published in the UK in 2009.
**The Lord of Misrule was published in the UK in 2010. Since the first book was picked up for US publication by Knopf it stands to reason that the sequel will eventually make its way here as well.
Possible Pairings: Rise of the Darklings by Paul Crilley, Incarceron by Catherine Fisher, The Card Turner by Louis Sachar, Misfit by Jon Skovron
But a mysterious game played out on the streets of London and in a strange world called the Arcanum can change everything. A chance encounter on the Tube draws Cat in the dangerous but alluring world of the Game of Triumphs where players use Tarot cards imbued with powers to compete for the ultimate triumph--fame, fortune, justice or something else entirely--it can all be yours with the turn of a card.
Cat doesn't play games and she doesn't believe in any of the Game's magic nonsense. But as Cat learns more about the Game she realizes this isn't the first time she encountered the Game. Playing can be deadly but with stakes so high surely the rewards are worth the risk in The Game of Triumps (2011)* by Laura Powell.
The Game of Triumphs draws heavily from Tarot cards for the symbolism behind the Game's cards and the nuances of their play within the Game. As someone with a passing interest Tarot and card games, I was immediately drawn to this book (the intriguing cover didn't hurt either). Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations.
Cat is a surly heroine, determined to go it alone even if that might be to her own detriment. Her reluctance to accept help or any kind of support got old very fast. Similarly her dismissive tones about Tarot and role playing games were irritating--particularly as her attitude persisted even as she drew deeper into the game. While Powell went to great pains to explain Cat's past and her motivations, none of it ever felt truly authentic.
Her companions in the novel felt similarly one dimensional, partly because they were introduced so late in the story and partly because I never connected with any of them. Worse, the characters never seemed to connect with each other instead merely falling in together for lack of better options.
The world Powell has created as well as the Game itself are very complex and well-realized. While readers will start the book as confused about things as Cat Powell quickly explains everything readers need to know. Sadly, with so much setup for the background of the story, the actual plot felt rushed with most of the action being packed into the last hundred pages of the novel.
On one hand, that makes The Game of Triumphs a book that moves rather slowly with an abrupt ending. On the other hand, there is now the potential that the sequel The Master of Misrule** will be a much stronger, much more exciting book. Only time will tell.
*This book was originally published in the UK in 2009.
**The Lord of Misrule was published in the UK in 2010. Since the first book was picked up for US publication by Knopf it stands to reason that the sequel will eventually make its way here as well.
Possible Pairings: Rise of the Darklings by Paul Crilley, Incarceron by Catherine Fisher, The Card Turner by Louis Sachar, Misfit by Jon Skovron
April 23, 2010
This is based on a) cards, and b) gaming, neither of which I know much about. That's part of the reason I was interested in it.
It takes about 3/4 of the book to set up the whole premise of the Game and the world of the Arcanum, so don't expect this to be plot-driven until the end. I also found parts of it unconvincing: the motivations of the chancers didn't have enough momentum, nor does their eventual 'mission' really answer that question. It was difficult to understand why the Game Masters needed to be overthrown (they seemed like inoffensive, if creepy, people), and you could predict the end.
I think the real story starts in the second book, so in one sense, this one is a filler, if a first book can be described that way.
I liked Cat - she was tough and smart and doesn't give an inch. Toby reminds me of Fabian from the Thirteen Treasures and Thirteen Curses: they're both mildly annoying know-it-alls who have dubious social skills, but where Fabian is really genuinely geeky, Toby is more of a nerd. Flora was good, but Blaine was the character I was really interested in, and his is the only story completely untold in this book.
I don't think this is worth reading until you have the second one immediately to hand, but otherwise, it's enjoyable if a little complicated in terms of world-setting.
It takes about 3/4 of the book to set up the whole premise of the Game and the world of the Arcanum, so don't expect this to be plot-driven until the end. I also found parts of it unconvincing: the motivations of the chancers didn't have enough momentum, nor does their eventual 'mission' really answer that question. It was difficult to understand why the Game Masters needed to be overthrown (they seemed like inoffensive, if creepy, people), and you could predict the end.
I think the real story starts in the second book, so in one sense, this one is a filler, if a first book can be described that way.
I liked Cat - she was tough and smart and doesn't give an inch. Toby reminds me of Fabian from the Thirteen Treasures and Thirteen Curses: they're both mildly annoying know-it-alls who have dubious social skills, but where Fabian is really genuinely geeky, Toby is more of a nerd. Flora was good, but Blaine was the character I was really interested in, and his is the only story completely untold in this book.
I don't think this is worth reading until you have the second one immediately to hand, but otherwise, it's enjoyable if a little complicated in terms of world-setting.
October 16, 2024
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐
There was something about this book that I didn't quite enjoy but I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe because I didn't read the synopsis or that it was a hardcover. I also can't figure out the age range for readers (Middle grade? YA?). I also found the rules of the Game to be a bit confusing.
Despite all that The Game of Triumphs was still a pretty decent/easy to read story about a group of unlikely friends coming together to help each other meet their end goal whilst navigating their inner demons.
Could have focused more on the quest which felt a bit rushed (only around 70 pages).
A good story if you enjoy tarot and divination or you need a quick/light read.
3.5 stars
-Lacey A.
There was something about this book that I didn't quite enjoy but I can't put my finger on what it is. Maybe because I didn't read the synopsis or that it was a hardcover. I also can't figure out the age range for readers (Middle grade? YA?). I also found the rules of the Game to be a bit confusing.
Despite all that The Game of Triumphs was still a pretty decent/easy to read story about a group of unlikely friends coming together to help each other meet their end goal whilst navigating their inner demons.
Could have focused more on the quest which felt a bit rushed (only around 70 pages).
A good story if you enjoy tarot and divination or you need a quick/light read.
3.5 stars
-Lacey A.
April 13, 2020
I don't even know what to write. This book feels bland despite all its attemps at drawing you in, along with its protagonist. The side characters had more personality than her, which is not saying much.
The plot is linear, the first half of the story spent trying to understand what's going on and the second with a kind of quest that kind of moved the pace and pushed me until the end.
It wasn't exactly boring (well, once you push a lot ahead) but without any kind of flavour and the interesting elements were handled poorly.
Thank god I had music in the background to help me immerse the least amount in the story, otherwise I'd have dnfed it at twenty pages in.
The plot is linear, the first half of the story spent trying to understand what's going on and the second with a kind of quest that kind of moved the pace and pushed me until the end.
It wasn't exactly boring (well, once you push a lot ahead) but without any kind of flavour and the interesting elements were handled poorly.
Thank god I had music in the background to help me immerse the least amount in the story, otherwise I'd have dnfed it at twenty pages in.
July 16, 2020
This book is a mess. I feel like everything was very rushed and I didn't fully understand anything that was happening. The "game" rules were so confusing and I really struggled to keep track of the events that were occurring.
I didn't care about ANY of the characters, and also felt like none of them had a personality.
Would not recommend.
I didn't care about ANY of the characters, and also felt like none of them had a personality.
Would not recommend.
September 26, 2021
This book took me forever to finish reading. The concept of cards and the game itself was awesome, it was the reason I continued to preserve with it. Although it was a struggle to do because I felt it was poorly written and the characters were two dimensional.
I’m glad to finish it but hoped it had been so much better!
I’m glad to finish it but hoped it had been so much better!
July 15, 2017
I was disappointed by Game of Triumphs. It had the potential to be a great story, but there wasn't a lot of character development which took a lot away from the overall read.
April 23, 2020
Cat and her friends are now the Kings and Queens. What will happen next? Oh man! I can't wait to finish Master of Misrule!
July 21, 2021
Adored this story, loved the characters and got completely absorbed.
August 15, 2017
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I've been looking forward to reading The Game of Triumphs ever since I picked up the duology this past summer. I stumbled upon the second book, The Master of Misrule, at The Strand for $2, and decided to snag it. It was only once I got home and added The Master of Misrule to my Goodreads that I discovered it was a series! Luckily I was able to get a discount copy of The Game of Triumphs on Book Outlet, and the series has been sitting on my TBR shelf since then.
The Game of Triumphs is an urban fantasy that craftily incorporates Tarot cards into the plot. Main character Cat accidentally becomes part of a mysterious game after coming into contact with some players on the streets of London. Cat is invited to Temple House, the headquarters of the Game of Triumphs, and while she doesn't want to get involved, she is too curious to refuse the invitation. What she thought was just a simple role-playing game for the geeks of SoHo turns out to be something a bit more. Cat ends up diving headfirst into the Game, and discovers the new world of the Arcanum.
I really enjoyed The Game of Triumphs. I never knew what was going to happen next, but the story flowed quite logically. Cat meets a great cast of characters on her journey, and I thought Powell added them in really well. As with any fantasy story, world building is an essential element. While I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book, I began to understand the way the Game functions, and learned along with Cat. Thus, I found the pacing and intrigue very well done. I was inclined to keep reading, and was never bored.
I decided to give The Game of Triumphs a four star rating for two reasons. First, this book is definitely on the younger end of young adult, and at times I found the writing a bit cliché. This was mainly an issue in the dialogue, and because the characters are teenagers I didn't find this too annoying. Second, the book ended with a major cliffhanger. This is, of course, the first in a series, but Cat had a main goal throughout the entirety of The Game of Triumphs that was left incomplete at the book's end. In this way, it becomes absolutely necessary to continue on with the series, because this first book is just an introduction to the world and the characters. I would have preferred a conclusion of Cat's current mission before continuing on into the next book. However, I can definitely understand that Powell wants readers to continue on with the series to find out what happens.
All in all, I definitely recommend The Game of Triumphs for fans of young adult fantasy. I've never come across a story like this before, and found the incorporation of Tarot cards into the plot a lot of fun. I will be continuing on with the series, and will have a review up for the second book as soon as I've completed it!
I've been looking forward to reading The Game of Triumphs ever since I picked up the duology this past summer. I stumbled upon the second book, The Master of Misrule, at The Strand for $2, and decided to snag it. It was only once I got home and added The Master of Misrule to my Goodreads that I discovered it was a series! Luckily I was able to get a discount copy of The Game of Triumphs on Book Outlet, and the series has been sitting on my TBR shelf since then.
The Game of Triumphs is an urban fantasy that craftily incorporates Tarot cards into the plot. Main character Cat accidentally becomes part of a mysterious game after coming into contact with some players on the streets of London. Cat is invited to Temple House, the headquarters of the Game of Triumphs, and while she doesn't want to get involved, she is too curious to refuse the invitation. What she thought was just a simple role-playing game for the geeks of SoHo turns out to be something a bit more. Cat ends up diving headfirst into the Game, and discovers the new world of the Arcanum.
I really enjoyed The Game of Triumphs. I never knew what was going to happen next, but the story flowed quite logically. Cat meets a great cast of characters on her journey, and I thought Powell added them in really well. As with any fantasy story, world building is an essential element. While I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book, I began to understand the way the Game functions, and learned along with Cat. Thus, I found the pacing and intrigue very well done. I was inclined to keep reading, and was never bored.
I decided to give The Game of Triumphs a four star rating for two reasons. First, this book is definitely on the younger end of young adult, and at times I found the writing a bit cliché. This was mainly an issue in the dialogue, and because the characters are teenagers I didn't find this too annoying. Second, the book ended with a major cliffhanger. This is, of course, the first in a series, but Cat had a main goal throughout the entirety of The Game of Triumphs that was left incomplete at the book's end. In this way, it becomes absolutely necessary to continue on with the series, because this first book is just an introduction to the world and the characters. I would have preferred a conclusion of Cat's current mission before continuing on into the next book. However, I can definitely understand that Powell wants readers to continue on with the series to find out what happens.
All in all, I definitely recommend The Game of Triumphs for fans of young adult fantasy. I've never come across a story like this before, and found the incorporation of Tarot cards into the plot a lot of fun. I will be continuing on with the series, and will have a review up for the second book as soon as I've completed it!
July 2, 2012
GoodReads Synopsis: At an exclusive Soho party one rainy night, Cat stumbles into an ancient and dangerous game of fortune. A mysterious quartet of game masters deal out challenges—moves that unfold in the Arcanum, a dream-scape version of our world. Success can earn players fame, fortune, inspiration. Failure can be deadly.
At first Cat is skeptical, but undeniably curious. And when a journey into the Arcanum reveals a shocking glimpse of her family's past, Cat begins to understand what drives people to play. Sometimes it's greed or longing—other times desperation. She must know more.
Right now, the game masters hold all the cards. But Cat finds others like herself on the fringes of the game. And together an unlikely group of chancers hope to change the rules in their favor.
In the Game of Triumphs, the risks are high, but the rewards may just be worth dying for.
My Thoughts: This was a fantastical recreation of the tarot based in another dimension tied to our dimension. The players were knights and were playing for great rewards. Usually they had to survive the fates dealt by 5 “lesser” cards to actually get their reward/triumph. Some of those cards were dealt by the Game Masters and some were dealt by a roulette wheel.
This sounded like a great story from the synopsis. But it was a little slow to get going and the author spent a great deal of time explaining the game and how it is played. But once it came to overthrowing the GameMasters…that happened very quickly and easily which just didn’t jive with all the in-depth instruction we’d received.
I would have liked to know the characters a bit more, they lacked depth. We knew how they got into the game and that they were “chancers” but nothing else. The story, however, had a lot of depth…starting out so grand and then fizzling out towards the end.
I read this story was geared toward middle schoolers…my middle schooler is interested in role playing video games, not so much a Dungeons and Dragons environment. But maybe the might and magic of the book would make up for the lack of video game aspect?? I think this appeals more to the 40 year old that grew up at the beginning of the home video game era and who probably played D&D or knew others that did.
At first Cat is skeptical, but undeniably curious. And when a journey into the Arcanum reveals a shocking glimpse of her family's past, Cat begins to understand what drives people to play. Sometimes it's greed or longing—other times desperation. She must know more.
Right now, the game masters hold all the cards. But Cat finds others like herself on the fringes of the game. And together an unlikely group of chancers hope to change the rules in their favor.
In the Game of Triumphs, the risks are high, but the rewards may just be worth dying for.
My Thoughts: This was a fantastical recreation of the tarot based in another dimension tied to our dimension. The players were knights and were playing for great rewards. Usually they had to survive the fates dealt by 5 “lesser” cards to actually get their reward/triumph. Some of those cards were dealt by the Game Masters and some were dealt by a roulette wheel.
This sounded like a great story from the synopsis. But it was a little slow to get going and the author spent a great deal of time explaining the game and how it is played. But once it came to overthrowing the GameMasters…that happened very quickly and easily which just didn’t jive with all the in-depth instruction we’d received.
I would have liked to know the characters a bit more, they lacked depth. We knew how they got into the game and that they were “chancers” but nothing else. The story, however, had a lot of depth…starting out so grand and then fizzling out towards the end.
I read this story was geared toward middle schoolers…my middle schooler is interested in role playing video games, not so much a Dungeons and Dragons environment. But maybe the might and magic of the book would make up for the lack of video game aspect?? I think this appeals more to the 40 year old that grew up at the beginning of the home video game era and who probably played D&D or knew others that did.
Read
December 1, 2011First Impression:
I am not really a card person. But something about this summary drew me in. Maybe the mix of Tarot. Maybe the thought of this card game had a lot more depth below the surface. Whatever it was, the premise of The Game of Triumphs excited me.
While Reading:
The Game of Triumphs takes card games to a whole new level.
In the dark and often dreary streets of London, a new card game has emerged, The Game of Triumphs. Here players complete with Tarot cards for the ultimate prize. Fame, fortune, your heart's deepest desire. Whatever it is, players come willingly to put it all on the line.
Having never really been a fan of card games, I was definitely hesitant about this book. Would the play translate in the pages? Would I be able to follow easily? These questions instantly came to mind. Sure, I played cards when I was younger, and figured it wouldn't be too hard a stretch to see it in book form. But those questions and more were just lurking under the surface.
Powell pretty quickly put most of my fears to rest. The Game was exciting. Filled with mystery and a hint of danger. Powell takes her time crafting the book. Plenty of setup. Making sure readers understand the ins and out. What is at stake. While all the setup was a little dry, I was fascinated with the world. Although, I was a little put off that there was not too much of the London flavor. Very few instances where the MC's vocabulary gave away that she was British. This can be said of most of the supporting characters as well.
For all the build up, The Game of Triumphs ends almost abruptly. One moment, we are still in set up mode, the next it seems like everything is trying to find a resolution. I would have liked it a little more evenly paced compared to slow then super speed.
Final Verdict:
The Game of Triumphs is something completely different. And I loved it for that. But it is not without its flaws. But even the flaws were pretty easily overlooked. Looking forward to more.
I am not really a card person. But something about this summary drew me in. Maybe the mix of Tarot. Maybe the thought of this card game had a lot more depth below the surface. Whatever it was, the premise of The Game of Triumphs excited me.
While Reading:
The Game of Triumphs takes card games to a whole new level.
In the dark and often dreary streets of London, a new card game has emerged, The Game of Triumphs. Here players complete with Tarot cards for the ultimate prize. Fame, fortune, your heart's deepest desire. Whatever it is, players come willingly to put it all on the line.
Having never really been a fan of card games, I was definitely hesitant about this book. Would the play translate in the pages? Would I be able to follow easily? These questions instantly came to mind. Sure, I played cards when I was younger, and figured it wouldn't be too hard a stretch to see it in book form. But those questions and more were just lurking under the surface.
Powell pretty quickly put most of my fears to rest. The Game was exciting. Filled with mystery and a hint of danger. Powell takes her time crafting the book. Plenty of setup. Making sure readers understand the ins and out. What is at stake. While all the setup was a little dry, I was fascinated with the world. Although, I was a little put off that there was not too much of the London flavor. Very few instances where the MC's vocabulary gave away that she was British. This can be said of most of the supporting characters as well.
For all the build up, The Game of Triumphs ends almost abruptly. One moment, we are still in set up mode, the next it seems like everything is trying to find a resolution. I would have liked it a little more evenly paced compared to slow then super speed.
Final Verdict:
The Game of Triumphs is something completely different. And I loved it for that. But it is not without its flaws. But even the flaws were pretty easily overlooked. Looking forward to more.
May 6, 2012
I saw the sequel advertised somewhere and thought, hmm, that sounds interesting, I'll get the first one from the library. Unfortunately ... not so much. I got a bad feeling when I flipped to the author's biography and saw that she was inspired to write this after learning that Dungeons and Dragons and World of Warcraft were popular and wondering why. She did not convey any understanding of this that she might have gained to the reader.
The whole premise is unconvincing and not very absorbing, at least as presented here. Unfortunately, and story involving tarot cards and parallel dimensions is going to suffer by comparison to Roger Zelazny's Amber universe. It's possible that one of the characters being named Flora is an allusion to it, but I'm not certain. And now that I think about it, maybe the white bird was too. I'm not convinced that this author has much of a fantasy grounding. And the characters are perilously close to eight deadly words territory for much of the novel. Their motivations are not revealed until a rather late date, except for the protagonist's.
There are plenty of hints that there are unrevealed secrets and loose ends that are not fully sewn up ... but I don't know that I was interested enough to continue.
I did like the author's descriptions of London. She captured the atmosphere pretty well. I also thought that her depictions of distrust between the questing characters were well done.
The whole premise is unconvincing and not very absorbing, at least as presented here. Unfortunately, and story involving tarot cards and parallel dimensions is going to suffer by comparison to Roger Zelazny's Amber universe. It's possible that one of the characters being named Flora is an allusion to it, but I'm not certain. And now that I think about it, maybe the white bird was too. I'm not convinced that this author has much of a fantasy grounding. And the characters are perilously close to eight deadly words territory for much of the novel. Their motivations are not revealed until a rather late date, except for the protagonist's.
There are plenty of hints that there are unrevealed secrets and loose ends that are not fully sewn up ... but I don't know that I was interested enough to continue.
I did like the author's descriptions of London. She captured the atmosphere pretty well. I also thought that her depictions of distrust between the questing characters were well done.
June 16, 2014
I really hated to give this book 2 stars because as soon as I picked up the book, I loved the cover and the blurb on the back just made me want to pick it up and read it instantly.
"THE ARCANUM
Temple House, Mercury Square
X
ADMITS ONE
Throw the coin, turn the card
What will YOU play for?"
However, the book seemed to go only downhill from there. I mean I love that Cat is raised by her aunt and I love how the author explains how Cat feels about all this. But the whole book (to me) seemed to be all description. We spent the entire book reading about Cat finding out about The Game, going, but calling it stupid even as she keeps wanting to go back. We see her argue with Toby and call him weird and that she will steer clear of him, then when she wants his help she calls him.
To me, nothing actually happens until about the last 10 pages and because of this I was flicking through pages, which I honestly hate to do because you cannot possibly be enjoying a book if you are skipping entire paragraphs or pages, you can't be enjoying the book. But this, I couldn't help it. It was just getting so dull. I stopped skipping pages when we met Blaine though. I do like his character and I hope he is mentioned more in the second book (if I decide to read it that is)
So, really this is why I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, although it usually always serves me well.
But you can try It for yourself, I know from the reviews that some people really like this book. It just wasn't for me.
"THE ARCANUM
Temple House, Mercury Square
X
ADMITS ONE
Throw the coin, turn the card
What will YOU play for?"
However, the book seemed to go only downhill from there. I mean I love that Cat is raised by her aunt and I love how the author explains how Cat feels about all this. But the whole book (to me) seemed to be all description. We spent the entire book reading about Cat finding out about The Game, going, but calling it stupid even as she keeps wanting to go back. We see her argue with Toby and call him weird and that she will steer clear of him, then when she wants his help she calls him.
To me, nothing actually happens until about the last 10 pages and because of this I was flicking through pages, which I honestly hate to do because you cannot possibly be enjoying a book if you are skipping entire paragraphs or pages, you can't be enjoying the book. But this, I couldn't help it. It was just getting so dull. I stopped skipping pages when we met Blaine though. I do like his character and I hope he is mentioned more in the second book (if I decide to read it that is)
So, really this is why I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, although it usually always serves me well.
But you can try It for yourself, I know from the reviews that some people really like this book. It just wasn't for me.
January 26, 2016
The Game of Triumphs was an impulse buy for me when I saw it, as the cover is lovely and the synopsis sounded amazing. I mean, a card game being played in real life with dangerous consequences? Sign me up!
Unfortunately, this enthusiasm did not last long. The book spends forever (200+ pages) basically just explaining the game, and was just a lot of Cat going back and forth between calling role-playing games stupid and wanting to find out more about it. The action does start after this, but then it ends abruptly, and makes it appear that this book had only the purpose of setting the stage for the sequel, which I have not read, nor do I really plan to.
There is also the promise of danger that comes with the game, yet personally I can not see where any of the characters came into any real danger, besides that Cat figures out a secret regarding her past.
I also had a problem with Cat. She is not a fleshed out character. She is merely a teen who is bored all the time and is suddenly drawn into an adventure which she can not even admit that she is showing an interest in until half way through the book.
These are just my opinions though, and perhaps some of the things that caused me to dislike the book are things that you may like in a book. My advice is to at least give the book a try, and maybe the second book is worth the 200 pages of practically no plot.
Unfortunately, this enthusiasm did not last long. The book spends forever (200+ pages) basically just explaining the game, and was just a lot of Cat going back and forth between calling role-playing games stupid and wanting to find out more about it. The action does start after this, but then it ends abruptly, and makes it appear that this book had only the purpose of setting the stage for the sequel, which I have not read, nor do I really plan to.
There is also the promise of danger that comes with the game, yet personally I can not see where any of the characters came into any real danger, besides that Cat figures out a secret regarding her past.
I also had a problem with Cat. She is not a fleshed out character. She is merely a teen who is bored all the time and is suddenly drawn into an adventure which she can not even admit that she is showing an interest in until half way through the book.
These are just my opinions though, and perhaps some of the things that caused me to dislike the book are things that you may like in a book. My advice is to at least give the book a try, and maybe the second book is worth the 200 pages of practically no plot.
October 18, 2011
This book has a really good setup. The author obviously put a lot of effort into building the world of the Arcanum and how the tarot cards fit into the game. I was hooked from that standpoint, though the main character, Cat, leaves something to be desired. She is quite a downer and her personality never improves. It's hard to imagine that anyone would want to be around her. (As an aside, why are so many teenage characters named Cat?) Luckily, the companions she picks up along the way are somewhat better.
I kept forgetting that this book takes place in London because no one spoke with any hint of an accent or English slang. Every once in a while, Cat would drop a "mum" and it would take me a minute to remember where they were. I'm not saying everyone should talk in a thick Cockney accent, but a little more flavor would have been nice.
The resolution of the plot was extremely hurried. It was disappointing after so much setup. I know there is at least one more book. Hopefully the plot will run more evenly throughout that one.
The author had a really good idea for a story involving a game based on tarot, but the story arc and characters don't match the promise of the concept.
I kept forgetting that this book takes place in London because no one spoke with any hint of an accent or English slang. Every once in a while, Cat would drop a "mum" and it would take me a minute to remember where they were. I'm not saying everyone should talk in a thick Cockney accent, but a little more flavor would have been nice.
The resolution of the plot was extremely hurried. It was disappointing after so much setup. I know there is at least one more book. Hopefully the plot will run more evenly throughout that one.
The author had a really good idea for a story involving a game based on tarot, but the story arc and characters don't match the promise of the concept.
December 18, 2011
The plot of this book is very innovative. The book is centered around The Game, a game where players compete with each other utilizing Tarot cards. The prize is worth what it takes to compete, even when the cost seems very high. A reader who does not know much about cards or Tarot cards need not worry, the author does a terrific job of carefully explaining The Game with all of its complications.
The world of Arcanum is a fascinating place. The author readies the reader for entry into this world for about 3/4 of the book. No detail is spared, the reader will be able to picture Arcanum and its goings on easily. The characters are fun to get to know. Flora is interesting, more genial than the other characters; Toby is a bit of a nerd, he can be annoying with his "knowledge"; Cat is tough and brave; Fabian has a memorable name as well as a large brain; Blaine is a little more dynamic than the other characters.
The events were interesting, the world was unique, and the characters were nice to read about. The Game is very easy to understand, the authors' explanation is better than excellent. This book is perfect for the middle grade/teen reader. A sequel will be coming soon, watch for it!
The world of Arcanum is a fascinating place. The author readies the reader for entry into this world for about 3/4 of the book. No detail is spared, the reader will be able to picture Arcanum and its goings on easily. The characters are fun to get to know. Flora is interesting, more genial than the other characters; Toby is a bit of a nerd, he can be annoying with his "knowledge"; Cat is tough and brave; Fabian has a memorable name as well as a large brain; Blaine is a little more dynamic than the other characters.
The events were interesting, the world was unique, and the characters were nice to read about. The Game is very easy to understand, the authors' explanation is better than excellent. This book is perfect for the middle grade/teen reader. A sequel will be coming soon, watch for it!
November 12, 2013
If you want an easy, quick, and fun read, then this is a book you should pick up. After finishing Allegiant, I needed a break from dystopian novels and found this book on my library's website. The book is basically about a teenage girl that stumbles upon a complicated game where players can play cards that have a prize associated with them, which could be wealth, health, etc. The Game is really complicated. Even after finishing this book I'm not sure I understand it. I think this book easily could have been 100 more pages and we would have had a richer view of how the Game is played and known more details about the characters. Also, I felt like when Cat played the Game it was almost too easy. Cat and her gang never really encountered any challenges, which is something I felt would have made this book a little more exciting. That is the main reason I am giving it three stars- it had a lot of potential to be an exciting, complex novel but just didn't quite get there. That being said, I'm still going to read the rest of the series because it is a fun and fast read.
January 16, 2015
This book. Words cannot contain my feelings.
It was well crafted, unique, and very fanciful.
The characters were well done. I even liked the protagonist, Cat. Though my favourite character in this book was the king of swords, Alastor. I wish he was in it more than he actually was, *Le Sigh. Toby was a fun sidekick type character. Blaine was standoffish and that really did draw me in. Flora was....Flora. She had interesting qualities.
Note: this book is not at all like those card trading on games. It is darker, imaginative, occurs in a completely different world, deals with actual magic, and is ruled by actual kings and queens! It's not nerdy, if you are hesitant to pick it up!
The ending was interesting. That's all I will say about that.
There is no established romance which was refreshing. A story of friendship. (We need more of those!)
Overall the whole story was imaginative and layered!
The ending was interesting and I cannot wait until I read the sequel.
Highly recommend this fabulous book!
It was well crafted, unique, and very fanciful.
The characters were well done. I even liked the protagonist, Cat. Though my favourite character in this book was the king of swords, Alastor. I wish he was in it more than he actually was, *Le Sigh. Toby was a fun sidekick type character. Blaine was standoffish and that really did draw me in. Flora was....Flora. She had interesting qualities.
Note: this book is not at all like those card trading on games. It is darker, imaginative, occurs in a completely different world, deals with actual magic, and is ruled by actual kings and queens! It's not nerdy, if you are hesitant to pick it up!
The ending was interesting. That's all I will say about that.
There is no established romance which was refreshing. A story of friendship. (We need more of those!)
Overall the whole story was imaginative and layered!
The ending was interesting and I cannot wait until I read the sequel.
Highly recommend this fabulous book!
June 24, 2012
3.5* A strong one. This book has some great aspects to it - the fantasy portions of it are EXCELLENT (I love the blend of a real-life D&D style game being combined with tarot cards and a lot of creatively unique aspects) and the writing of those portions was mysterious and fantastical in the best way. The action portions reminded me of watching a really good cartoon/anime, as the world was just so different and atmospheric. The setting of London adds to that a lot. The trouble is that, like a cartoon and anime, one can tell this book is meant to set up the next one in the series (is it just a two-book affair or something more?) The ending makes it clear that there's a lot more to come, and the characters are all mostly just introduced. That's where my biggest issue was - not a lot of character development, and I like that in fantasy novels. Still, this book was entertaining. I got more and more into it with each chapter and look forward to reading the sequel asap.
March 10, 2012
On her way home one night, Cat accidently bumps into a man while exiting the tube station. Through this seeming insignificant interaction, Cat finds herself drawn into the magical and dangerous world of the Game of Triumphs. A game where tarot cards come to life and the winners can gain riches and glory but losers take the risk of paying the ultimate price.
At times this book is a page turner; the game, its central theme, is pretty original and the worlds within the cards are also compelling. However other than Cat , I found it difficult to really care much about the other main characters, they are a little too one dimensional considering that they have to band together to free the Arcanum (parallel world where the game exists) from the game. The other problem I had is that the ending is a little flat, especially considering that there is a sequel-The Master of Misrule due out in early June 2012.
At times this book is a page turner; the game, its central theme, is pretty original and the worlds within the cards are also compelling. However other than Cat , I found it difficult to really care much about the other main characters, they are a little too one dimensional considering that they have to band together to free the Arcanum (parallel world where the game exists) from the game. The other problem I had is that the ending is a little flat, especially considering that there is a sequel-The Master of Misrule due out in early June 2012.
September 15, 2013
The Game of Triumphs is about a game. But not just any game. The game depicted within the book turns life itself into one. This fantasy book puts a card game in that reflects on real life and fifteen year old Cat is caught up in the middle of it.
Admittedly, this book starts off a bit slow as readers try to get used to the rules of the game and how it works but then it accelerates and hits many intense-action spots. This book also uses an immense amount of adventure as the main characters must travel through the alternate reality of the game world. I enjoyed the idea of "life is a game" the book used and I was captivated because of how unique this book was compared to other books I have read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, card games, or adventure as this would captivate anyone who enjoys those genres. I would rate this book five stars out of five stars.
Admittedly, this book starts off a bit slow as readers try to get used to the rules of the game and how it works but then it accelerates and hits many intense-action spots. This book also uses an immense amount of adventure as the main characters must travel through the alternate reality of the game world. I enjoyed the idea of "life is a game" the book used and I was captivated because of how unique this book was compared to other books I have read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action, card games, or adventure as this would captivate anyone who enjoys those genres. I would rate this book five stars out of five stars.
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