Book Review: The Traitors Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Traitors Game

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Rating: 4/5 stars

 Summary: 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 Review: 

Omg this book was a bunch of SPICEY enchiladas all rolled up into one. Straight fire. Undeniable heat. Spicy, spicy, spice.

 Like seriously ya’ll.... the plot twists.... *mouth drops open* *in shock* like it was like BODAA BOOM BADA BING BADDA BANG like did not know what was happening. There was me over in a corner mouth covered with my hand because I really did not know what was going on. Like the plot twist were mini explosions of creative genius in my mind.

“All right,” I said. “We’ll agree to trust each other.” It was a lie.” 

 I will admit this book is flooded with some very popular and common YA tropes. Such as the “chosen one”, a tinsey little love triangle (although I personally think there is nothing to worry about here w basil boy), and some other trope like scenarios. HOWEVER I personally don't think it took away from the book. There was a couple scenes in the first 100 or so pages that had me rolling my eyes but than smiling and melting into a puddle of cheese because I was INTO ALL THE JAZZ HAPPENING HERE.

  Ok so if you have not read this book yet let me give you a lil recap of what happening. Kestra is the main character, a girl with major daddy issues, and also a soft spot for guys named Simon. She’s very kickass and stubborn and WITTY (The sass levels was breaking all the charts here) (*sassy sass*). She’s basically told she has to return from the Lava Lands to see her dear old dad once again but runs into a little trouble along the way... and ends up getting kidnapped (who doesn’t love that?)

“One to Vanquish One to Rule One to Fall But All to Fool” 

 Enter Simon, the co narrater of this lovely book. He just happens to be involved in Kestra's kidnapping (so already were like wtf is up w simon, kidnapping = not cool) but than some wires gets crossed between Kestra and Simon (I'm not gonna elaborate because... spoilers) but they both end up being connected in universally destined ways. Together they have to navigate a crazy plan revolving around a destined dagger... and that about sums up the major premise. On to more book thoughts:

  Guys this book was so much fun. Seriously the level of wit and sass and comebacks in the first 100 pages had me laughing so hard. Like the levels are snark and on point comebacks (just lets take a moment of silence here to appreciate this level of genuineness). Also the plot is very fast moving but in a way were I felt like every moment was still intriguing and good. I didn’t feel like the plot was rushed or taken away from by any means. I devoured this book in a matter of days and it is safe to say I am now questioning my life existence... like what do I do know? What is my purpose in life now that this book has come to a close? How will I know when to time my snack breaks in between chapters? My eating schedule will be forever altered?

“If this was a sample of what it would be like to work with Trina, I would soon die from prolonged exposure to idiocy.” 

 Also LOVE LOVED the characters!! while they weren’t the most in depth YA fantasy characters I had ever read they made you love them with their soft little hearts and comebacks and endless cuteness!! (except for trina and tengder they can go die in a whole) (*see to pit located in cell numero 4*)

“I’d always looked down on the world through diamond-studded windows. She’d looked up at the world through salt glass. Despite those differences, we were both looking in from the outside.” 

 The romance in this book was very cute and I was obviously routing and swooning for them at all the appropriate times. At first I wasn’t sure if I would really love it but than they pleasantly surprised me and I am now heads over heels HERE FOR IT. SHIP HAS SAILED.... CATCH ME OVER HERE SHIPPIN IT!!

“My attention had already turned to Simon. When I knelt beside him, he mumbled, “You … are frightening.” “You have no idea.” 

Overall such an action packed read filled with threats of life ending marriages, constant threats against characters lives, people getting hit on the head, people making true accusations and false accusations, lieing, scheming, queue more lieing and scheming. HIGHLY recommend this to lovers of YA especially fantasy!!

So what do y'all think? Gonna give this one a read? already read it? Plz hit me up in the comments with your thoughts so we can gush!!

-BubblyBooks