Traitors' Nest

LoveReading4Kids Says

September 2026 Book of the Month

When you open a new novel from the Costa-winning Frances Hardinge, you know you will be in for a truly original work of the imagination that will transport you entirely. This is a master craftsman of world building and character creation.

Although the initial premise, of a kingdom with castles being abruptly moved like chess pieces by mysterious other worldly players, seems almost too fantastical, she manages to make it seem absolutely real. For me, that is the mark of a good fantasy or dystopia, its internal reality must be cohesive and authentic, and its human characters must act and react, credibly and relatably.

I love the author’s statement telling us that this is not a historical fantasy and that the laws of physics ‘have taken a bruising’ and that we should ‘expect that of me by now’! So, the kingdom of Thelatel is merely inspired by the feudal mediaeval society of 12th century Europe and yet the village, where the central character Burr lives with his family, shows the reality of serfdom, struggling to survive and to meet the demands of the lord in their castle.

But their village is of little strategic value, so it comes as a real shock when their castle is replaced, and the new pitiless inhabitants start plundering residents’ livestock and winter food stores.

Facing starvation, Burr’s father turns to rebellion, and failure leads to his execution. Burr, desperate to protect his younger sisters, is forced to publicly denounce his father and when the castles shift again, he and his younger sisters, and some friends infiltrate the new fortress and seize control with help from Lady Berenice, herself the reluctant fiancée of this castle’s tyrannical lord. When that castle then jumps away, with Burr and company inside, he begins to understand the precarious life of any castle’s ordinary inhabitants, who never know where they will land and if their castle will structurally survive.

It is the Great Game that is responsible for so much human misery, can their peasant’s revolt really overcome the whole system? Can Burr unravel the secrets of the ancient Magpie Maiden and the origins of the Great Game before he becomes just another casualty.

With precarious alliances, violent clashes and traitors to unmask, the mystery elements keep the reader desperate to know what happens next. We are also wholly committed to the outcomes for a brilliantly realised ensemble of characters that we either love or despise. This is a complex novel of great depth that really examines power, greed, poverty and oppression, but which is leavened by a gentle humour and balanced by sacrifice, courage, resourcefulness, loyalty, love and hope.

This will appeal to readers who like an intense reading experience which will make them think. Perfect for readers of 12 upwards (and I include adults in that) and worthy of English study for the sheer quality of the writing. A past Branford Boase debut author winner who has certainly lived up to her promise!

Reviewed by Joy Court
Joy Court is co – founder of All Around Reading, having previously managed the Schools Library Service in Coventry, where she established the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards and…
More reviews by Joy Court

About Traitors' Nest

Castles traded places sometimes. Everyone knew that. It was always something that might happen, except that it never had. It was one of those unlikelihoods, like finding treasure, or being eaten by a wolf, or having a handsome, powerful stranger turn up to right all your wrongs. It could happen, except it didn't.

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