The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Traitor's Game series #1. Unabridged downloadable audiobook. 11 hours. Read by Jesse Vilinski and Michael Curran-Dorsano. Scholastic Audio, February, 2018. (Review from downloadable audio borrowed from public library.)
Teen Tuesday features a new series by Jennifer Nielsen. Fans of The False Prince will enjoy The Traitor's Game. Sixteen-year-old Kestra has been summoned home to Highwyn by her father. She has been away for three years and wonders what her stern father wants. Her party is attacked by a band of Coracks, who hold Kestra's maid and beloved guard and mentor hostage. The ransom? They want her to find and recover the Olden Blade, a weapon with magical properties fabled to be the only weapon that can kill the immortal and evil Lord Endrick.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Kestra and Simon, one of her captors, who is a former servant with a grudge. This court intrigue fantasy is pretty violent and betrayal and plot twists abound leaving readers to anticipate the next installment. While no new ground is broken here, the quick pace and suspense will have appeal for readers who like their fantasy fast and furious.
The world-building was a bit vague. The narrators were both new to me. Jesse Vilinsky's clipped, no-nonsense, almost monotone delivery had initial appeal, but soon wore thin. Curran-Dorsano's delivery had more emotion. I am definitely on board for the sequel; but will probably opt to read with my eyes.
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