The Traitor's Game, Book 1 Jennifer A. Nielsen – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Traitor's Game, Book 1 Jennifer A. Nielsen

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

69%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A noble's daughter gets kidnapped by rebels in this twisty YA fantasy where nobody trusts anyone and the romance moves faster than the plot.

The Traitor's Game, Book 1 Jennifer A. Nielsen

book

2019

69%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A noble's daughter gets kidnapped by rebels in this twisty YA fantasy where nobody trusts anyone and the romance moves faster than the plot.

4.4

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Screenwise Verdict

This is competent YA fantasy that does what it sets out to do—deliver twists, adventure, and a enemies-to-lovers romance wrapped in a rebellion plot. Nielsen knows how to keep pages turning, and Kestra's refusal to be a passive captive is refreshing.

The problem is it doesn't quite escape the YA fantasy template. Evil king? Check. Magical weapon quest? Check. Rebel group with secrets? Check. Intense romance that blooms during life-or-death situations? Double check. It's the literary equivalent of comfort food—satisfying in the moment but not particularly memorable.

Kid reviewers are split on the romance, with some finding it swoon-worthy and others wishing it would slow down so they could focus on the actual plot. If your teen devours anything with political intrigue and a slow-burn-that's-actually-pretty-fast romance, they'll likely enjoy this. If they want something that breaks the mold, look elsewhere.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12-17, especially readers who've outgrown middle-grade fantasy but aren't quite ready for adult fantasy's darker content. The political intrigue and romance angle skew older middle school through high school.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Features a strong, resourceful female protagonist and themes of loyalty, courage, and standing up against tyranny. However, multiple reviews note the romance feels rushed and intense, with some kid reviewers finding it distracting from the main plot. The political intrigue and betrayal themes are age-appropriate for teens but involve morally gray territory with characters deceiving each other throughout.

Imaginative

Nielsen constructs a fantasy world with the Lava Fields, a corrupt kingdom under Lord Endrick, and the legendary Olden Blade. The plot twists are noted as engaging even when predictable. However, the setting and magic system aren't deeply original—it follows familiar YA fantasy patterns (evil king, magical weapon, rebel group). The 'traitor's game' concept of shifting loyalties adds some creative tension.

Safe

Generally safe for the teen audience it targets. Contains fantasy violence and political intrigue but no graphic gore, sexual content, or profanity that would surprise readers. The kidnapping premise and corrupt political backdrop involve tension and peril. One review notes it's 'a little more mature' than Nielsen's other work, suggesting slightly darker themes but nothing triggering for the YA category.

Enriching

Explores themes of political corruption, personal agency, and questioning authority—Kestra is 'not the obedient captive they expected.' The moral complexity of characters working for different sides while hiding their true motives offers some ethical nuance. However, reviews suggest the hasty romance and plot-driven nature limit deeper character development. It's entertaining first, thought-provoking second.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong, defiant female lead who actively resists her captors instead of playing damsel
Nielsen's signature plot twists keep pages turning even when you see them coming
Explores political corruption and moral gray areas—characters aren't simply good or evil
Fast-paced adventure with a quest for a legendary weapon to overthrow a tyrant
Good entry point for teens ready to graduate from middle-grade fantasy

⚠

What to Watch For

The romance escalates quickly and some teen readers found it overshadowed the fantasy plot
Darker tone than Nielsen's False Prince series—includes kidnapping, political violence, and betrayal
Characters spend much of the book lying to and manipulating each other, which is plot-relevant but morally murky
If your teen loved Red Queen or Throne of Glass, this hits similar beats but isn't quite as distinctive

Conversation Starters

"Kestra keeps trying to escape even though the rebels claim they're fighting her evil father. Would you trust them?"
"Simon and the rebels are technically kidnappers, but they're trying to save the kingdom. Does the goal justify their methods?"
"If you found out your parent was helping a cruel dictator, what would you do?"
"The book is all about characters hiding their true motives. When is it okay to deceive someone for a greater good?"

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