The Knave Of Secrets by Alex Livingston
Aug. 20th, 2022 10:12 pmThe Blurb On The Back:
Never stake more than you can afford to lose.
When failed magician turned cardsharp Valen Quinol is given the chance to play in the Forbearance Game - the invitation-only tournament where players gamble with secrets - he can’t resist. Or refuse, for that matter, according to the petty gangster sponsoring his seat at the table. Valen beats the man he was sent to play, and wins the most valuable secret ever staked in the history of the tournament.
Now Valen and his motley crew are being hunted by thieves, gangsters, spies and wizards, all with their own reasons for wanting what’s in the envelope. It’s a game of nations where Valen doesn’t know all the rules or who all the players are, and can’t see all the moves. But he does know if the secret falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the whole world into war …
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Alex Livingston’s fantasy novel combines gambling and politics with intricate world building. Unfortunately, the pacing lags, the relationships don’t convince (notably Ten and Quinol) and the geopolitics political is confusing. I enjoyed the 18th century French inspiration and Livingston’s put a lot of thought into his card games so while I wouldn’t rush to read further books in this world, I’d check out his other work.
THE KNAVE OF SECRETS by Alex Livingston was released in the United Kingdom and in the United States on 7th June 2022. Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for the review copy of this book.
When failed magician turned cardsharp Valen Quinol is given the chance to play in the Forbearance Game - the invitation-only tournament where players gamble with secrets - he can’t resist. Or refuse, for that matter, according to the petty gangster sponsoring his seat at the table. Valen beats the man he was sent to play, and wins the most valuable secret ever staked in the history of the tournament.
Now Valen and his motley crew are being hunted by thieves, gangsters, spies and wizards, all with their own reasons for wanting what’s in the envelope. It’s a game of nations where Valen doesn’t know all the rules or who all the players are, and can’t see all the moves. But he does know if the secret falls into the wrong hands, it could plunge the whole world into war …
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Alex Livingston’s fantasy novel combines gambling and politics with intricate world building. Unfortunately, the pacing lags, the relationships don’t convince (notably Ten and Quinol) and the geopolitics political is confusing. I enjoyed the 18th century French inspiration and Livingston’s put a lot of thought into his card games so while I wouldn’t rush to read further books in this world, I’d check out his other work.
THE KNAVE OF SECRETS by Alex Livingston was released in the United Kingdom and in the United States on 7th June 2022. Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for the review copy of this book.