This book arrived wrapped with a sticker reading …..so I was keen to see which team I would align with. Being a giant Traitors fan, this book just begged to be read!
It has a slight feel of how The Hunger Games begins with a competition being set and players from different districts being chosen to play. There are plots already afoot before the players meet and compete against each other. These are revealed as you read and get to know the players.
Jenny Twistle is from Scragland, the poorest and most deprived district. They are allowed only one player and Jenny is chosen at random and sent to play within one day. While she is an orphan, she finds it hard to leave her best friend, though she is graciously allowed to take her dog, Ruff, with her.
The thirteen children are sent to Treason Castle to play for money- 13,000 for themselves and 13 million for their district. They are split into Innocents and Murderers and the goal is to be the last one standing to win the money.
When the other players realise where Jenny is from, they snub her and treat her poorly- except for twins Gem and Mo. They show her some kindness which is appreciated.
Throughout the game, there are challenges to win and evictions to debate which sends the players to a secluded cottage. This turns out to be preferable to a few once an actual murder takes place. The children and the chaperones are thrown into disarray on the discovery of the body in the graveyard.
Is this an actual game or is there something more sinister happening in Treason Castle?
I found it so exciting to read and I loved the mix of characters, though Ruff has thoroughly stolen my heart. It was amazing game play by the children, surprising me at the twists and turns as they rush to win immunity and fight for the money.
Jenny is a fantastic character- proving you should never judge a book by its cover or expect nothing from the underdog! They will surprise you!
