Arc Review: Traitors' Nest: a Novel by Frances Hardinge

Image: Abrams Books

Traitors' Nest: a Novel by Frances Hardinge. Amulet Books/ Abrams Books, September 8, 2026. 9781419794148. (Review of arc courtesy of publisher.)

This review is long overdue. It is because each time I sat down to try and synopsize this lovely, layered, utterly engrossing fantasy, I came up short. I will quote the publisher's blurb: "Lovely War meets Howl's Moving Castle." I loved both books, especially Lovely War, so I was sold at the publisher preview. 

Fifteen-year-old Burr has lived with his father and sisters in the shadow of a castle that always held the possibility of moving and being replaced by a new one, but that hadn't happened in a very long time. When it does, the new lord is ruthless and orders the villagers to turn all of their harvests to him, leaving them to face starvation come winter. Burr's father leads a rebellion and is caught and hanged, leaving Burr as head of the household.

So, who is behind this cruel game? How come the castles are suddenly being moved rapidly? How can Burr protect his sisters and help the villagers? 

The world building here is just fantastic. The many characters are wonderfully complex. The suspense is almost unbearable and kept me turning pages. And finally, the writing was gorgeous. I am so eager to reread this with my ears. 

Hand this multifaceted gem to young fans of fantasy and adventure. This might be my favorite Hardinge book yet.