By Frances Hardinge (author)
"An epic, multi- layered, totally engrossing, medieval inspired fantasy, that combines the magic of Diana Wynne Jones, the mythmaking of Alan Garner, the world building of Patrick Ness and the philosophical depth of Philip Pullman."
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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!
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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Until all of a sudden it did.
Far above the valleys and villages of the Kingdom of Thaletal, a Great Game is played. Players move castles around the realm like chess pieces - and the ordinary villagers are mere pawns at the whim of their tactics.
When 16-year-old Burr's peaceful village is disrupted by the arrival of an ominous new castle, he decides he's had enough. But what starts as a plucky coup soon escalates - and soon the castle is wrenched away to a far-flung corner of the kingdom, where whispers mount of a mysterious ancient maiden whose magpies collect her debts at dangerous prices.
Here, the stakes are higher than the tallest turrets, and every move counts. Burr must work with his sisters and friends - and rely on the unexpected help of a strange and intriguing heiress - to unravel the secrets of the Magpie Maiden and the origins of the Great Game before he becomes just another casualty of the Players' deadly contest.
"Absorbing, thought-provoking and full of twists that will keep fans gripped" - Daily Mail
"Unique world building and quirky, complex characters" - Observer
Frances Hardinge spent a large part of her childhood in a huge old house that inspired her to write strange stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University, then got a job at a software company. However, a few years later a persistent friend finally managed to bully Frances into sending a few chapters of Fly By Night , her first children's novel, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer. The book went on to publish to huge critical acclaim and win the Branford Boase First Novel Award. She has since written many highly acclaimed children's novels including, Fly By Night's sequel, Twilight Robbery , as well as the Carnegie shortlisted Cuckoo Song and the Costa Book of the Year winner, The Lie Tree.
Author photo © David Levenson
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Castles traded places sometimes. Everyone knew that.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Traitors' Nest and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-18 years old
Traitors' Nest features in the following genres: Featured Books for 11+ readers, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism / Magical fantasy
Paperback, Hardback. £15.29, down from the £16.99 cover price. In Stock.
Traitors' Nest was written by Frances Hardinge and published by First Ink an imprint of Pan Macmillan
Traitors' Nest has 435 pages
£15.29, reduced from £16.99. In Stock.
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