The Game of Oaths

★ “Bandreddi’s debut, which features a diverse cast, is an impressive addition to its genre, enlivened with miraculous thrills and savagely unpredictable twists that will keep readers guessing. The author explores themes of allyship, survival, and colonization in this work that will appeal to fans of Squid Game and The Hunger Games. Utterly captivating.” — Kirkus Reviews [starred review]

★ “The relationship between la lien, class, and colonialism is seamlessly acknowledged and appropriately credited for much of the carnage of the Game. However, Falan is not cleared of responsibility for her actions and she is truly ruthless in a way that will especially delight fans of Black’s The Cruel Prince (2018). The tension is set high throughout the story, with third-person POV playing a critical and engaging role in escalating the feelings of uncertainty in Falan’s goal to survive.” — Booklist [starred review]

“Bandreddi writes with flair and style, engaging readers with equal parts dialogue, action, and reflection. The pacing moves readers along the journey evenly, leaving open questions that get answered as the plot progresses. . . With an intriguing premise and beautifully written, this book is perfect for a teen library.” — School Library Journal

“The packed plot doesn’t shy away from brutal action, delivering on the festival’s promised deadly stakes and the competitors’ complex relationships, and the pace effectively draws the reader in. . . . While the grim atmosphere feels dystopian, the alternate Parisian Belle Epoque setting blends just the right amount of fantasy with French language and cultural elements to transport yet not alienate readers. . . . [An] engrossing glimpse of sensationalizing talent for survival.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This intricately built and darkly sumptuous story of vengeance and liberation will appeal to fans of Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves.” — Publishers Weekly

“A captivating and brutal tale of magic and revenge that will leave you entranced, enchanted and unable to do anything but turn the next page.” — Ann Sei Lin, author of Rebel Skies

“Riveting. Breathtaking. The sharp thrill of a deadly game mixed with the alluring spectacle of dark magic, and a cast of characters so fiercely vivid they had me in a chokehold from the first page.” — D. L. Taylor, author of The Beasts We Bury

“The Game of Oaths is a journey through a historic Paris like you’ve never seen… Reading it is like walking a tightrope—except you never want to reach the end.” — Brooke Archer, author of Hearts Still Beating