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The Traitor's Game
(The Traitor's Game #1)
by
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 h
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Start your review of The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, #1)
Nov 22, 2017
Jennifer Nielsen
rated it
it was amazing
· (Review from the author)
Shelves:
books-i-wrote
Yes, I'm biased, but I hope readers will love this book as much as I do. I adore Kestra's fire, intelligence, and desire to do the right thing - something that isn't always clear to her. I love Simon's dedication, courage, and devotion to the causes he cares about. And I'm fascinated by these two characters who are working their way toward the truth, but coming to it from completely different angles.
If you read this and like it, then I also hope you'll follow this story through the sequels. I'm ...more
If you read this and like it, then I also hope you'll follow this story through the sequels. I'm ...more
Abruptly abandoning her beloved Lava Fields, based solely on a demand from her paternal parental unit, is aggravating. The fact that it’s been three years and no reason was given for the reunion, is infuriating. When Kestra’s security carriage is attacked on the journey home, she flips from frustrated to fiercely furious, forgetting all about fear.
Certainly, the people of Antora have a healthy respect for that anger. After all, her father is second in command to Lord Endrick. Those who actually ...more
Certainly, the people of Antora have a healthy respect for that anger. After all, her father is second in command to Lord Endrick. Those who actually ...more
REREAD #2:
BRUH. THIS BOOK.
That's it that's all I've got.
I love Simon.
I love Trina.
I love Kestra.
I hate Gabe and I hate Tenger and I hate Endrick and I hate Sir Henry and just *insert angry emojis here*
ON TO BOOK TWO AND THEN BOOK THREEEEEEEE
REREAD #1: February 2019
I thought it was agonizing to wait for The Deceiver's Heart BEFORE now. But now! Having reread this one!!!!! I may well die long before I get that book (never mind that I've preordered it and it should be here within a couple of weeks ...more
BRUH. THIS BOOK.
That's it that's all I've got.
I love Simon.
I love Trina.
I love Kestra.
I hate Gabe and I hate Tenger and I hate Endrick and I hate Sir Henry and just *insert angry emojis here*
ON TO BOOK TWO AND THEN BOOK THREEEEEEEE
REREAD #1: February 2019
I thought it was agonizing to wait for The Deceiver's Heart BEFORE now. But now! Having reread this one!!!!! I may well die long before I get that book (never mind that I've preordered it and it should be here within a couple of weeks ...more
Rating ~2.5
While, there wasn’t anything particularly bad about this, there also wasn’t anything particularly good or memorable about it either.
The romance, if you can call it that, fell flat. Honestly, I thought Kestra had more chemistry in a few scenes with her betrothed than she did in any of her scenes with Simon.
I cared about essentially none of the characters, and one of the few characters I did somewhat like died.
It hasn’t even been a month and I sometimes struggle to recall what happe ...more
While, there wasn’t anything particularly bad about this, there also wasn’t anything particularly good or memorable about it either.
The romance, if you can call it that, fell flat. Honestly, I thought Kestra had more chemistry in a few scenes with her betrothed than she did in any of her scenes with Simon.
I cared about essentially none of the characters, and one of the few characters I did somewhat like died.
It hasn’t even been a month and I sometimes struggle to recall what happe ...more
Ehh, yeah?, no?, maybe? Was it good? maybe? Who knows? Who am I to judge person that is a lot more successful than me? Ok, but in all seriousness, in what began as a sort of fun action paced fantasy series that I thought was ok, the more I actually think about it, the more ridiculous it becomes and the less I like it, but I sort of have to think to write these reviews.
First, we must let my inner fantasy nerd out before we get onto the actual review.
WHY IS THERE NO MAP!!!!!!
There, I’m done.
This i ...more
First, we must let my inner fantasy nerd out before we get onto the actual review.
WHY IS THERE NO MAP!!!!!!
There, I’m done.
This i ...more
I AM SO TORN HOW TO RATE THIS.
On one hand, I absolutely LOVED it - the sass, the setting, the plot twists, the character arcs . . . they are all so masterful.
But on the other hand . . . I'm so very disappointed.
Lovely Things:
- Can we just recognize the extreme SNARK levels?? I'm convinced that Jennifer Nielsen is the master of witty writing. I laugh SO MUCH every time I read her books because the sass levels are off the charts. And yet, despite how many snarky characters she creates, they al ...more
On one hand, I absolutely LOVED it - the sass, the setting, the plot twists, the character arcs . . . they are all so masterful.
But on the other hand . . . I'm so very disappointed.
Lovely Things:
- Can we just recognize the extreme SNARK levels?? I'm convinced that Jennifer Nielsen is the master of witty writing. I laugh SO MUCH every time I read her books because the sass levels are off the charts. And yet, despite how many snarky characters she creates, they al ...more
😍😍😍😍😍
Wow! Why haven’t I read this book sooner?!
This has everything to make a YA fantasy book epic!
-Enemies to lovers ✅
-Action packed (as soon as the book starts) ✅
- morally gray characters ✅
- magic ✅
- hunt for magical weapons ✅
- betrayal ✅
- LOTS of secrets! ✅
- TONS OF PLOT TWISTS! ✅
If I had to compare this book then I would say it reminds me of a mix of Ember in the Ashes and Throne of Glass. Which are two of my favorite series, so that’s a HUGE compliment from me!
Wow! Why haven’t I read this book sooner?!
This has everything to make a YA fantasy book epic!
-Enemies to lovers ✅
-Action packed (as soon as the book starts) ✅
- morally gray characters ✅
- magic ✅
- hunt for magical weapons ✅
- betrayal ✅
- LOTS of secrets! ✅
- TONS OF PLOT TWISTS! ✅
If I had to compare this book then I would say it reminds me of a mix of Ember in the Ashes and Throne of Glass. Which are two of my favorite series, so that’s a HUGE compliment from me!
There are no winners in the traitor's game...
I will attest to the truth of this statement. I certainly didn't win. In fact, I got to enjoy watching my heart getting ripped out and then roasted on a spit.
I don't care what anyone else says about more famous fantasy authors, Jennifer Neilson is the QUEEN OF FANTASY and you will not change my mind. Thank you so much for reminding me that a book can be thrilling and epic and adventurous and romantic and still be clean.
Kestra and Simon were both fanta ...more
I will attest to the truth of this statement. I certainly didn't win. In fact, I got to enjoy watching my heart getting ripped out and then roasted on a spit.
I don't care what anyone else says about more famous fantasy authors, Jennifer Neilson is the QUEEN OF FANTASY and you will not change my mind. Thank you so much for reminding me that a book can be thrilling and epic and adventurous and romantic and still be clean.
Kestra and Simon were both fanta ...more
Kestra Dallisor, the main character, has spent the last three years in exile. Out of nowhere, her father sends her a letter, requesting that she come home. Kestra is valuable in a bargain. When her carriage home is intercepted by rebels, she's not the east captive they thought she would be. Antora is a world with magical creatures and places, but only one person, Lord Endrick, has control over the magic. Who will win The Traitor's Game?
I need the next book now, and then the third one.
Sara(my re ...more
I need the next book now, and then the third one.
Sara(my re ...more
This was an easy, quick, and enjoyable weekend read.
In this book, everyone was tired of the wicked tyrant, Lord Endrick, he’d declared himself an immortal, and ruler of all; the only weapon able to kill him was an ancient blade called “the olden blade”. Only one person is able to wield such weapon and the blade chooses its wielder, if anyone tries it could kill them. The tyrant king is searching for this weapon as well as his enemies. Kaestra, the main character was caught between both camps, h ...more
In this book, everyone was tired of the wicked tyrant, Lord Endrick, he’d declared himself an immortal, and ruler of all; the only weapon able to kill him was an ancient blade called “the olden blade”. Only one person is able to wield such weapon and the blade chooses its wielder, if anyone tries it could kill them. The tyrant king is searching for this weapon as well as his enemies. Kaestra, the main character was caught between both camps, h ...more
Wow another fun series by Jennifer!
The Traitor's Game went by pretty quickly. I didn't wait long to dive into another series after finished the false prince books.. and I wasn't disappointed one bit either. In it, you will meet Kestra and she's definitely a stubborn MC. Besides her, there's Basil and Simon. Sure, this book has a lot more people but I'm only mentioning these three.
Now I don't really like love triangles but did enjoy this one. I kept tossing and turning from team basil to team sim ...more
The Traitor's Game went by pretty quickly. I didn't wait long to dive into another series after finished the false prince books.. and I wasn't disappointed one bit either. In it, you will meet Kestra and she's definitely a stubborn MC. Besides her, there's Basil and Simon. Sure, this book has a lot more people but I'm only mentioning these three.
Now I don't really like love triangles but did enjoy this one. I kept tossing and turning from team basil to team sim ...more
In THE TRAITOR'S GAME, Kestra, who's 16, has been happily living away from her tyrannical father, second in power only to the king. Unexpectedly called back home, Kestra suspects that she'll have to face an arranged marriage when she gets there. But a rebel faction has other ideas about how Kestra can be useful, so they kidnap her while she's on the road. Using threats against the people she cares about, the rebels force Kestra to undertake a dangerous mission, one that will force her to betray
...more
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 HE ...more
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 HE ...more
update march 2019: Moved the rating back up because 4 stars is just too low for how utterly fantastic this book is. (Why does rating books have to be such a stressful process??)
REREAD FEBRUARY 2019:
What I love most about this book is probably the character development. It's just astounding, really. Every character, from the main ones like Kestra, Simon, and Trina (the hot-headed kickbutt girl, the soft but fierce cinnamon roll boy, and the brat who's incredibly annoying but you've just gotta app ...more
REREAD FEBRUARY 2019:
What I love most about this book is probably the character development. It's just astounding, really. Every character, from the main ones like Kestra, Simon, and Trina (the hot-headed kickbutt girl, the soft but fierce cinnamon roll boy, and the brat who's incredibly annoying but you've just gotta app ...more
Dec 17, 2017
Nadhira Satria
marked it as to-read
2018 is the year of gorgeous book covers ayeee
I really hate how this read ended up for me. The False Prince is one of my favorite novels, so I was very excited to get into another fantasy by Jennifer Nielsen. Unfortunately, this one did not work.
DNF at page 266 of 388.
I received a signed ARC of this at Yallfest in 2017.
I was really excited to get into this book. I didn't even really know what it was about, aside from sparse descriptions, but it sounded like a lot of fun. And what I have appreciated in Nielsen's other books is the vivid char ...more
DNF at page 266 of 388.
I received a signed ARC of this at Yallfest in 2017.
I was really excited to get into this book. I didn't even really know what it was about, aside from sparse descriptions, but it sounded like a lot of fun. And what I have appreciated in Nielsen's other books is the vivid char ...more
/4.5 stars/
YESYESYESYES
I definitely need the next one asap
I LOVE THIS SO DANG MUCH.
Reading anything by Jennifer A Nielsen is just sooooo refreshing cause... clean ya? Amen to that.
This was sooo close to being five stars for me, but I did find it a tiiiiny bit predictable at times, hence, 4.5 stars. But only at a few times. There were definitely time where I was like...??? O.o Didn’t see that coming!!
Anyway.
I really liked the characters. Like, REALLY REALLY REALLY liked the characters. The were ...more
YESYESYESYES
I definitely need the next one asap
I LOVE THIS SO DANG MUCH.
Reading anything by Jennifer A Nielsen is just sooooo refreshing cause... clean ya? Amen to that.
This was sooo close to being five stars for me, but I did find it a tiiiiny bit predictable at times, hence, 4.5 stars. But only at a few times. There were definitely time where I was like...??? O.o Didn’t see that coming!!
Anyway.
I really liked the characters. Like, REALLY REALLY REALLY liked the characters. The were ...more
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....
The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen 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 ...more
The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen 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 ...more
hahahahaha NOPE! i can't do it anymore--DNF at 30%
this was so heavy-handed, cliche, and overdramatic that it became truly ridiculous. it was instalove TO THE MAX (!!!) with a near kiss at approximately 20%! not only that, but kestra begins to question her life-long, ingrained beliefs about politics after one incredibly MINOR brush with a girl in the market who tries to steal food. further, kestra's always super smug about being "smart," but i swear to god, she's one of the most naive and flat-ou ...more
this was so heavy-handed, cliche, and overdramatic that it became truly ridiculous. it was instalove TO THE MAX (!!!) with a near kiss at approximately 20%! not only that, but kestra begins to question her life-long, ingrained beliefs about politics after one incredibly MINOR brush with a girl in the market who tries to steal food. further, kestra's always super smug about being "smart," but i swear to god, she's one of the most naive and flat-ou ...more
More reviews up on my blog: https://thatreadhead1.wordpress.com/
This book was full of things that weren't fully explained and character traits I just hate. Kestra is that MC who is too defiant and stubborn for her own good, so selfish and arrogant, and believes that she can do it all. She always thinks she's right, and that she can save the world, and I hate it. And the relationship, just ugh no please. The only redeeming quality about this book was her relationship with Darrow. I appreciated th ...more
This book was full of things that weren't fully explained and character traits I just hate. Kestra is that MC who is too defiant and stubborn for her own good, so selfish and arrogant, and believes that she can do it all. She always thinks she's right, and that she can save the world, and I hate it. And the relationship, just ugh no please. The only redeeming quality about this book was her relationship with Darrow. I appreciated th ...more
March 2020 read
ACK!!
THIS BOOK
MY SHATTERED HEART!!!!
Okay so the first time I read it, I wasn't a big fan. I think it was more of a three star read for me, but I rated it four because close friends liked it and I thought maybe it was just me who couldn't get into it. I know I enjoyed the book as it went on.
BUT THIS TIME
ACK!!
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. SOOOO MUCH!!
I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE PICKED IT UP A SECOND TIME.
Simon and Kestra just ...more
ACK!!
THIS BOOK
MY SHATTERED HEART!!!!
Okay so the first time I read it, I wasn't a big fan. I think it was more of a three star read for me, but I rated it four because close friends liked it and I thought maybe it was just me who couldn't get into it. I know I enjoyed the book as it went on.
BUT THIS TIME
ACK!!
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. SOOOO MUCH!!
I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE PICKED IT UP A SECOND TIME.
Simon and Kestra just ...more
After being exiled for 3 years Kestra Dallsor is finally coming home. Kestra's father is the right hand man to the evil king, Lord Edrick. When a group of rebels intercept Kestra's carriage ride home she is kidnapped. Truths and Lies start to come out who should Kestra trust.
I thought the story line was okay. I Liked Kestra's personality and he fireiness. I always enjoy reading strong kickass females. I just felt the story was a little long and some of the twist and turns left me confused. I do ...more
I thought the story line was okay. I Liked Kestra's personality and he fireiness. I always enjoy reading strong kickass females. I just felt the story was a little long and some of the twist and turns left me confused. I do ...more
Note: I listened to the audiobook, so I'm not sure how to write the character's names for the most part.
I was torn between giving 2 and 3 stars to The Traitor's Game.
It is not necessarily the book's fault, but I am apparently tired of this basic plot, especially when it isn't very well-written. It fell flat for the most part, and got annoying really fast with Kestra complicating things unnecessarily at every turn. Even one of the characters muses on this towards the end of the book, thinking so ...more
I was torn between giving 2 and 3 stars to The Traitor's Game.
It is not necessarily the book's fault, but I am apparently tired of this basic plot, especially when it isn't very well-written. It fell flat for the most part, and got annoying really fast with Kestra complicating things unnecessarily at every turn. Even one of the characters muses on this towards the end of the book, thinking so ...more
Sep 11, 2018
Kelly (Diva Booknerd)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
scholastic
Kestra Dallisor has been summoned home by her father, a garrison of soldiers ensuring her compliance. Upon her journey, Kestra is captured by the Corack, a rebellion alliance and escorted to her father's palatial residence in Highwyn as handmaiden and footsoldier. The Corack alliance are pursuing the Olden Blade, an artefact to subjugate the immortal Lord Endrick and his oppressive reign.
Sixteen year old Kestra Dallisor is a formidable and coarsened young woman, ostracised by her father to the d ...more
Sixteen year old Kestra Dallisor is a formidable and coarsened young woman, ostracised by her father to the d ...more
Wow, just wow. This book keeps you on edge the whole time with surprises around ever corner. The 'forbidden' romance that is intertwined just adds to the interest.
...more
For a Jennifer Nielsen book I was a little disappointed with this book. It just wasn't as good as her others. That could be because I'm just not a fan of fantasy novels but I also didn't care for the added romance in this book. Nothing inappropriate by far! Just maybe a little more than is necessary for a YA book. Again, that could just be me because I don't care for a lot of romance. This might sound harsh, but I feel like Kestra was a wanna be Sage but she just didn't match up, not even close.
...more
~⭐️4.40⭐️~
Aaaaaannnnddddd Jennifer Nielsen did it agaaainnn!!!!!!! *applause*
Buddy reading with potato, it was rlly fun!!!
——————————————————————-
So lemme tell u basically what the book was about:
Darrow: Kestra NO!
Kestra: Kestra YES!
Simon: Kestra NO!
Kestra: ...Kestra...YES!
The whole universe: KESTRA NO!
Kestra: Kestra YES!
And also:
Simon: Trust me, Kestra.
Kestra: Awww *still lies to him*
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Now let’s talk about the romance. It was quite an insta love but that did ...more
Aaaaaannnnddddd Jennifer Nielsen did it agaaainnn!!!!!!! *applause*
Buddy reading with potato, it was rlly fun!!!
——————————————————————-
So lemme tell u basically what the book was about:
Darrow: Kestra NO!
Kestra: Kestra YES!
Simon: Kestra NO!
Kestra: ...Kestra...YES!
The whole universe: KESTRA NO!
Kestra: Kestra YES!
And also:
Simon: Trust me, Kestra.
Kestra: Awww *still lies to him*
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Now let’s talk about the romance. It was quite an insta love but that did ...more
If you liked this book you should probably leave now...
My honest opinion is I really, really, really didn't like this book. I'd seen so many great things about it and it started off really well. And then I got to about chapter six...
AND THEN THE INSTA LOVE STARTED!!!!
Insta love is wrong for several reasons:
1. It isn't real. You can't just fall in love with someone right away. That's attraction, not love.
2. It's annoying 😒
3. It just doesn't work in a book. Like, this book focused a lot on the rom ...more
My honest opinion is I really, really, really didn't like this book. I'd seen so many great things about it and it started off really well. And then I got to about chapter six...
AND THEN THE INSTA LOVE STARTED!!!!
Insta love is wrong for several reasons:
1. It isn't real. You can't just fall in love with someone right away. That's attraction, not love.
2. It's annoying 😒
3. It just doesn't work in a book. Like, this book focused a lot on the rom ...more
I HAD SO MUCH FUN REREADING THIS. like this is the book that got me into reading and it was ahead of its time with the tropes and action and everything 100%. an easy read and the rest of the series is amazing too. i love jennifer A nielsen so much. GO READ THIS BOOK RN.
Reeeally want the second book now!! :P
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Midnight Readers: The Traitor's Game (Jai & Elizabeth) | 9 | 26 | Sep 15, 2021 04:18PM | |
| Young Readers: The Traitor's Game - Starts 8th January (Sara & Brooke W.) | 199 | 47 | Feb 01, 2021 06:57AM |
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Jennifer lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a naughty puppy. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is a former speech teacher, theater director, and enjoyed a brief but disastrous career as a door-to-door pollster. In her spare time, Jennifer tends to panic, wondering what she has f
...more
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