I start with apologies (again!). I am rather late in posting for the book tour of this book and I must say a massive thank you to The Write Reads and Rebellion Publishing Ltd for my copy if this book to (eventually) take part today. These are my own honest views.
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 that 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 Knave of Secrets is a fantasy book that has a synopsis which drew me in immediately. I was curious before I even opened the book. Alex Livingstone is a new author for me, but if I’m really honest, I don’t know overly many fantasy authors anyway. So I just started reading with an open mind and went with the flow.
This is a story that immersed me totally. I really felt like I was there in the world that Alex Livingston had created. I was fascinated with the world of the cardsharp and everything that comes with it. I loved the magic, the deceit and the gangs. Everything just flowed so smoothly for me.
Valem Quinol, Marguerite his wife, Teneriéve and Jacquemin are the main characters and the Gang who work together well. They each have their own unique set of skills that balance each other out and makes certain they can get the results they want at the tables. I was intrigued by the world of cardsharps and the things such as sleight of hand and the amount of cheating that is part of the cardsharp world. I definitely learned a thing or two there. I always say I love to be entertained and enducated by books. I just never expected it with this book.
As the story unfolds and we see things for Valens begin to take a turn for the worse. I was really engrossed. The world building is fantastic and the maps that are in the book really helped too. It gave me the feeling I was really there.
The Knave of Secrets is a story that took me right out of my own life for the time it took me to read it. The characters have enough depth to add to the overall multi layered plot. I was definitely ‘away with the fairies’, or cardsharps! If you love a great fantasy that has the power to envelop you in another world, and allow you to feel like you are part of that world, then you may just enjoy this intricately detailed story.
About the Author
Alex Livingston grew up in various quiet New England towns before moving to Buffalo, NY to study English at Canisius College. He writes SFF prose and interactive fiction. Alex is married and lives in an old house with his brilliant wife and a pile of aged videogame systems.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 