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The Deceiver's Heart (The Traitor's Game, Book 2) by [Jennifer A. Nielsen]

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Jennifer Nielsen

The Deceiver's Heart (The Traitor's Game, Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Jennifer A. Nielsen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

301 ratings

Book 2 of 3: The Traitor's Game

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In this sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Traitor's Game, Kestra Dallisor has finally gained possession of the Olden Blade. With the dagger in her control, she attempts to destroy the tyrannical Lord Endrick. But when Kestra fails, the king strips her of her memory, and leaves her weak and uncertain, bound to obey him. Heartbroken, Simon is desperate to return Kestra to the rebel she was, but refuses to use magic to heal her. With untrusting Coracks and Halderians threatening to capture and kill her, and war looming on the horizon, Kestra and Simon will have to learn to trust each other again if they have any hope of surviving. But can a heart once broken ever be healed?

The Deceiver's Heart marks a stunning return to Jennifer A. Nielsen's gorgeously rendered world of Antora and all its treachery and magic.

Reading age

12 - 18 years
Print length

387 pages
Language

English
Grade level

7 - 12
Lexile measure

HL760L
Publisher

Scholastic Press
Publication date

February 26, 2019
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ISBN-13

978-1338045413
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Total Price: $23.98

Books In This Series (3 Books)

Complete Series

The Traitor's Game

Kindle Edition

Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1

1
The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, Book 1)

(373)

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$10.99
2
The Deceiver's Heart (The Traitor's Game, Book 2)

(301)

Kindle Edition

$11.99
3
The Warrior's Curse (The Traitor's Game, Book 3)

(297)

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$11.99

Jennifer A. Nielsen
297
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Jennifer A. Nielsen
373
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Jennifer A. Nielsen
354
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Jennifer A. Nielsen
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Jennifer A. Nielsen
465
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Jennifer A. Nielsen
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Traitor's Game (The Traitor's Game, Book 1):A New York Times bestseller"The next big YA fantasy." -- Entertainment Weekly"One of the Most Anticipated YA Fantasy Books of 2018." -- Bustle"We were immediately caught up in Kestra's story, plotting beside a heroine made of strength, bravery and intelligence. Her complicated relationship with Simon and the danger sewn into every moment of her father's palace politics kept us flipping pages in time with each jaw-dropping plot twist." -- Justine Magazine"Fantasy, action and romance combine for a whirlwind ride in Jennifer A. Nielsen's The Traitor's Game!" -- Girls' Life"One of the Most Anticipated YA Books of 2018." -- Hypable"Nielsen creates wonderful characters in all of her novels, and she is especially talented at writing complex, intriguing females who refuse to fit into any neat categories. The first in her engrossing Traitor's Game series introduces readers to another fascinating heroine, who disrupts the plans and plots laid to trap her and insists on controlling her own narrative...Engrossing, emotional and offers plenty of promise for the series to come." -- RT Book Reviews"One of the Most Anticipated YA Fantasy Novels of 2018." -- B&N Teen Blog"[An] action-packed, romance-laden tale." -- Publishers Weekly"This rip-roaring tale has action galore with battle scenes, kidnappings, murder, intrigue, and romance... Nielsen has created a compelling world where little is as it seems." -- School Library Connection"Nielsen does a masterful job keeping readers off guard while tightening the screws of tension throughout, satisfying even the most reluctant readers." -- School Library Journal"The twists and turns of the plot make for compelling reading that should especially entertain fans of Nielsen's Ascendance trilogy." -- The Horn Book"The Traitor's Game is intrigue and adventure with a bold heroine, some forbidden romance and plenty of twists along the way." -- Shelf Awareness"The Traitor's Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen, is an action-packed story that leaves you yearning for more. The new book is an amazing addition to Nielsen's repertoire . . . Fit with a feisty heroine and some tough kidnappers, The Traitor's Game keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout." -- The Missourian"Kestra may be one of my favorite characters of all time. She is courageous, bold beyond belief and also positively petulant, with a tendency for tantrums. The perfect protagonist for this adventurous, action-packed fantasy. Mixed with a bit of magic, a completely captivating saga is created; a stellar start to a tempting trilogy." -- Buried Under Books"If you like your heroines fierce, your heroes protective, their loyalties divided, their missions complex, their motivations hidden, their lives full of secrets, The Traitor's Game is an absolute must." -- FiktshunPraise for The Scourge:"A strong, feisty main character... narrates a story that is equal parts adventure, mystery, and political intrigue." -- The Horn Book"Ani's willingness to help others, a hard battle in herself as she tries to get over long-held assumptions, demonstrates effectively how emergencies can bridge distances." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Nielsen's (A Night Divided) polished fantasy smoothly combines medieval elements with hints of mystery and romance... it delivers a significant message about how misinformation breeds intolerance." -- Publishers Weekly"Nielsen provides readers with a strong, three-dimensional heroine and a plot that will keep readers guessing." -- School Library Connection"The characters are well defined and memorable. Feisty Ani, a likable character who is thoughtful and strong, drives the story forward and keeps readers wanting to know more... A solid choice for readers who enjoy tales of strong heroines set in the ever-popular dystopian genre." -- School Library JournalPraise for A Night Divided:"Like Anne Frank before her, Gerta is small but mighty, a hardheaded heroine who dreams up big ideas and refuses to give up in the face of adversity and danger. Nielsen (Mark of the Thief) evokes the constant unease of life in a divided Berlin through Gerta's sober narration... but the family never loses sight of the power of humility and forgiveness." -- Publishers Weekly"Nielsen, best known for her fantasy novels, proves she is equally skilled at historical fiction in this solidly structured, balanced account of the origins of an infamous historical landmark... The novel's strong setting and tense climax will keep readers engrossed and holding their breath until the last page." -- School Library JournalPraise for the Mark of the Thief Trilogy:* "The fast-paced, ingenious plot, charismatic hero and highly diverse cast of characters... make this series opener a captivating joy ride." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Vivid... [with] page-turning twists." -- Publishers Weekly"Fast-moving fun with broad audience appeal, especially recommended for reluctant readers, Rick Riordan fans, and pedal-to-the-metal adventure aficionados." -- Kirkus Reviews"The novel's Roman mythology connections... will have great appeal for fans of Rick Riordan. Heavily plot-driven with a movie-script feel." -- BooklistPraise for the Ascendance Trilogy:A New York Times Notable Children's BookA Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearA Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Children's BookA Cybils Award Winner* "An impressive, promising story." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review"[A] pageturner." -- The New York Times Book Review"Sage proves to be a compelling character whose sharp mind and shrewd self-possession will make readers eager to follow him into a sequel." -- The Wall Street Journal"A swashbuckling origin story... chock-full of alluring details for adventure-loving boys." -- Los Angeles Times"A fast-paced and thrilling read with twists and turns that never let up." -- School Library Journal"Gripping." -- Kirkus Reviews"Should appeal to fans of... Suzanne Collins... [A] surefire mix of adventure, mystery, and suspense." -- The Horn Book --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

I lowered my head and redoubled my grip on the Olden Blade. Endrick's footsteps were behind me and coming closer. It felt like he was deliberately walking slowly, drawing out the torture. Maybe he was.Finally, I sensed his presence behind me, like a corporeal shadow, like he was death itself. He raised his hand to part my hair, seeking a solid grip on my neck, but as he did, I leapt to my feet, swinging around with the blade and leaving a deep cut in his side."No!" Now Sir Henry was rushing down the steps, his sword already out.I swung back in the opposite direction, this time with a much better aim. I started to bring the blade down on Endrick's chest, but he grabbed my arm, using the grip glove to send a wave of pain through me. Had he not been injured, that pulse of magic probably would have stopped my heart.I fell to the ground, gasping with breath. Endrick stood over me, clutching his wound and shouting, "A Dallisor child is the Infidante? Where did you find that blade?"I couldn't speak, couldn't form words, but I stumbled to my feet, trying to put any distance between us. Sir Henry tried to dart forward, but Endrick raised a hand, motioning him back."It doesn't matter where I found it," I said. "It's mine, and I will kill you with it." --This text refers to the hardcover edition.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07CNCKFVR
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press (February 26, 2019)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 26, 2019
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 10043 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 387 pages
Lending ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #374,198 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,099 in Children's Sword & Sorcery Fantasy Books
- #1,243 in Teen & Young Adult Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Romance eBooks
- #1,388 in Teen & Young Adult Sword & Sorcery Fantasy eBooks

Customer Reviews:
301 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Nielsen

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Jennifer enjoys old books, movies, hiking, and nearly anything made of chocolate. Learn more about her at her website, www.jennielsen.com or follow her on Twitter @nielsenwriter.

Customer reviews

5 star		80%
4 star		12%
3 star		5%
2 star		1%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Pin-Up Goblin

Simon Ruins It For Me

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020

Verified Purchase

I haven't written a review in years so bear with me. The plot was fine. It moved at an enjoyable pace. This is more a character driven story with the plot on the back burner, that is fine if you actually enjoy the characters, especially the main characters. Kestra is enjoyable. I thought her lack of memories could be an interest twist. It really wasn't. It kinda got old fast how everyone around her was irritated about her not remembering them and blaming her for not trusting them. Kinda felt victim blame-y.

The main problem was Simon for me. He was annoying at times the last book because he comes across as this dudebro who thinks he is always right and doesn't take others' thoughts or opinions into consideration. He is really selfish and obsessed with Kestra. That isn't love folks. Believing that your way is the only way and ignoring your partner's beliefs and opinions is majorly gross. He also can't accept her for who she is. He wants her to behave and be who *he* wants her to be. Again that isn't love and it's harmful for young women to believe it is. Also how fickle is he? Like c'mon? Another girl bats her eyes and shows interest and it's like, "Kestra who?" Like what? It just shows his love is as deep as the shallow end of a baby pool.

3 stars. Because while Simon is loathsome. I actually did enjoy the Kestra parts. I don't think I want to continue with this series. Frankly it's such a common trope of the chosen one that I can find another series to read. The angst and the obvious setup for a love triangle is so 2006. Just not interested in that nonsense.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Dynamic characters!

Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2019

Verified Purchase

Dynamic characters!
Thanks to Edelweiss and Scholastic Press for the opportunity to read and review The Deceiver’s
Heart by Jennifer A. Nielsen!
Kestra is back with Lord Endrick and he wants her to be a spy by infiltrating the Corack rebellion. She refuses but Lord Endrick takes her memories to the point where she doesn’t even know who Simon is. Kestra is sent to kill Simon. Luckily, before Endrick took Kestra’s memories, she gave the Olden Blade to Basil to hide it from everyone including herself. Simon sees Kestra in his village and figures out that she doesn’t recognize him at all. Kestra is taken to the Blue Caves where her memories begin to be restored and she realizes what she’s supposed to do. Kestra and Simon seem to continuously be pulled apart by their circumstances, people around them or their separate missions. They love each other but everything is getting in their way. The two of them are running in circles and they’re surrounded by the kingdom’s chaos and rebellion. The ending leaves the story and their relationship wide open and left me anxious for the third book of this series, The Warrior’s Curse! Dynamic characters within a doomed kingdom build this great fantasy series, 5 stars!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Amazon buyer

Well written, captivating plot , relatable characters and realistic setting

Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2019

Verified Purchase

The reasons I love this book so far ( I am in middle, I will write another review when done the book)
Since it's so good, I had to start my review already!
_KESTRA!!!!! Such a strong girl , I feel as if I know her , as if we could be friends , she is ALIVE!
- It catches you from the first sentence.
-So many twists and plot turns that actually are able to be followed and although there is so much going on, it all keeps coming together in a clear way.
- The characters and the setting are very well developed. I feel a deep attachment to these characters.
Reading the book, I truly feel " sucked into the world".
I can see the sights, I can hear the sounds and I can smell the scent's of each chapter.
It's so vividly and beautifully crafted.
Will add more information once I finish the book .

Helpful

Vm66Top Contributor: Fantasy Books

What the heck...come and gone?

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2019

Verified Purchase

Now that the Infadante and Olden Blade have been determined and found, respectively, the relationship of Kestra and Simon is in a brink that has turned to tug-and-pull. On top of that, a new love triangle is added in the mix despite of the chaos in Antora. I have come to a point that I just want to smack Simon for being foolish. This second installment is packed with action and young teen drama (usual scenario in YA) . On the other hand, the author has managed to mislead me on who is the foe or friend (e.g. Loelle) in the story. Kudos to the author for making my head reel. I need book 3 now por favor!

Helpful

WaukeeGirl

Couldn’t get enough of it!!

Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2020

Verified Purchase

My 10 and 11 year
Old kid’s read these books in a day. They could not put them down. My fav part was when my son had a call with all his friends and asked me how does he tell them he’d rather keep reading his book as of was that good!!

Helpful

Tech Goddess

Can't seem to finish it

Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2019

Verified Purchase

It's a terrible sequel and I really don't care how it ends. Quite a disappointment! I really liked the first one. I don't usually not finish a book. It has to be extremely bad for me to walk away from it. I am walking away from this one and you should too!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

JacQueline Roe

Fabulous Ending

Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2019

Verified Purchase

This continuing series does not disappoint. The author keeps me guessing until the end and though I was frustrated quite a bit, I know that is exactly how I should feel in the middle of a great trilogy. Well-paced storytelling with imaginative characters!

Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2019

Verified Purchase

This book was awesome. Definitely not a lull in the series as sometimes happens with a middle book! The author has a way of really making you love her main characters and Kestra is no exception— girl makes things happen! Super ready for book 3 now.

Helpful