When the hardback volume arrived this week, I felt drawn to reading it and with it being a bank holiday, it felt right to start this.
I have read a few of Hardinge’s previous books and I know she has a talent for world building but this surpassed all my expectations. Imagine a world where castles are moved across the world like a great game. Everyone inside is moved and the location is always something to be weary of. It could be a cliff top, a battle or a quiet village.
When Burr and his family are essentially starved off their land by a castle and its lord, matters are taken into their hands and their fates are sealed. Burr’s father is labelled a traitor and the safety and future of the family is passed to Burr, who will make some incredible decisions in his life.
While this game is being played in another realm, inhabitants of each castle or space where the castles land must pledge allegiance to a lord- but Burr and his group change the course of the game and it sends shockwaves through the game.
The reader is transported back in time when starvation, battles and justice were part of life. You can’t help but be gripped with the game, the players and the people- it’s truly a formidable novel!
My Shelves Are Full 