In "The Betrayals" by Bridget Collins, readers are transported to the enigmatic world of Montverre, an isolated and prestigious academy nestled in the mountains. The story unfolds around Léo Martin, a former student and disgraced politician who is forced to return to Montverre, confronting the ghosts of his past and the mysteries surrounding the grand jeu, a complex and cerebral game central to the academy's traditions.

Collins masterfully constructs a world where the grand jeu is more than a game; it's a philosophy, an art form that influences the lives of those at Montverre. The academy, with its cloistered and arcane atmosphere, becomes a character in its own right, casting a spell over the narrative. The book is as much about the game's impact on the characters as it is about the characters themselves.

The protagonist, Léo, is a deeply flawed yet relatable character. His journey back to Montverre is not just physical but also emotional, as he grapples with unresolved issues from his youth and the implications of his fall from grace. The introduction of Claire Dryden, the first female Magister Ludi in the history of the academy, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Her presence challenges the traditional norms of Montverre and creates a dynamic tension within the story.

The narrative is richly textured, weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives. Collins' prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of the academy's austere beauty and the intricate complexities of the grand jeu. The story unfolds with a slow burn, gradually revealing the secrets and lies that lie at the heart of Montverre.

However, Collins' depiction of certain characters, particularly in relation to their physical attributes, does lean into the overused trope of fat people = morally bad. This aspect of the novel may be seen as a misstep, reducing the nuance of character development in favor of a clichéd narrative device.

Despite this, "The Betrayals" stands out for its originality and the depth of its world-building. The interplay of politics, history, and personal ambition creates a compelling backdrop for the unfolding drama. The grand jeu, with its blend of music, philosophy, and strategy, is an intriguing construct that adds a unique flavour to the story.

This is a novel that offers a rich, immersive experience. Bridget Collins has created a world that is both mysterious and familiar, a place where the past and present collide with profound consequences. For readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy, mystery, and literary fiction, "The Betrayals" is a journey worth taking.

The world building in this book is so good. The writing is beautiful.
The characterisation is done so well.
The ending was a little disappointing

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

"The Betrayals" by Bridget Collins is a captivating fusion of fantasy and romance, crafting a truly enchanting storyline. Collins' writing is both poetic and evocative, and her world-building is brimming with imagination. Within its pages, the narrative unfolds in a realm where memories are intricately intertwined with magic and politics, offering a tale of love, ambition, and deceit that continuously engages the reader. For those seeking a beautifully crafted story that immerses them in a distinct and enchanting universe, "The Betrayals" is an essential read, leaving a lasting impression even after the final page is turned.

Giving feedback although I did not read as my percentage will be affected if I choose DNF. 3 stars for fairness.

Unfortunately another covid request and not a genre I enjoy. I’m very selective on historical fiction and this just sounds confusing.

I just couldn’t get into this book. I tried several times to read it but in the end it just didn’t grab my attention which is upsetting as I had such high hopes for this book.

The Betrayals confused me. I didn't know where it was set, I didn't understand who the characters were. There was a lot of information given without any information being given. Overall, I didn't really enjoy this book which is a shame because I was really looking forward to reading it.

The Betrayals is set at Montverre, a school for scholars of the "Grand Jeu", the unnamed country setting's national game. A disgraced politician, Leo, is sent back to Montverre, where he attended as a young man, in disgrace following a disagreement with the prime minister. There he meets the school's only female "magister", Claire, the sister of an old school friend. Set against a backdrop of developing oppression of christians, there is a sense of unease throughout the book.

Despite hearing lots about her earlier book, The Binding, this was actually the first book by the author that I read. I didn't find the characters particularly likeable, but I did find them intriguing, particularly, their honesty, or lack thereof, with each other, and with themselves. The story is told in both present day, and flashbacks to Leo's time at Montverre as a scholar.

My favourite thing about this book though, was the setting. The school intrigued me, and this may partly be down to the mystery surrounding what the "grand jeu" actually is. Apparently a game that includes elements of music, mathematics and more, you are constantly provoked to imagine what form the playing of it might take.

The ending both offers some resolution and leaves us to wonder on other matters, but I would love to see more set in this world, as it does feel like there'd be more stories to tell.

This book was more of a case of just not being for me. I can definitely see the literary merit of this book but unfortunately it didn’t work for me

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed The Binding, I was looking forward to reading The Betrayals, Bridget Collins' second book for adults. However I'm afraid to say that I didn't like it nearly as much. I didn't take to the characters or the plot at all. I also didn't understand the whole Rat part at all. I felt overall that I wasn't clever enough to properly grasp the essence / deeper meaning of this book. It's a pity as her writing is fantastic, this one just wasn't for me.

Im currently catching up with reviews and I can’t believe it’s taken me so long, first to read this book and even longer to finally review. I’m hoping that transferring the review to Amazon will do my bit in promoting this imaginative novel. I love books that give me that sense of the uncanny, those that seem to take place in our world, but not quite. I started not knowing anything about the book so as I was introduced to the place and the ancient game of Grand Jeu I really didn’t know what was going on. I met the characters with no prior knowledge of who was hero and who was villain, so I had a lot to work out! I relaxed and went along for the ride, because I knew I was in good hands.

The game of Grand Jeu is hard to explain and pinning it down seems to make it even more inexplicable but here goes. The game is held in high regard and it’s players must be scholars of maths, philosophy, religion but also involves music and a performative element. So it’s players can be arrogant and pompous, full of determination and thoroughly unpleasant. I didn’t feel there was any clear cut ‘good’ characters as the nature of the game leads to deception and even betrayal. I was on edge sometimes and unsure who to trust. Our setting is Montverre, an establishment solely focused on the study of Grand Jeu run by a Magister. The Magister is a lifetime appointment and only men are appointed to the role. However, in a huge upset, the current Magister is a woman called Clare Dryden. Sent to Montverre to keep an eye on this woman, who has somehow circumvented the vetting process, is Leo. So, these two people are in a game of their own, incredibly suspicious of each other, each with their own viewpoint on what happens. Woven into this are chapters that come from Leo’s diaries and recount his student days and strange brief interludes from a character we only know as The Rat. Through all these viewpoints we learn more about Grand Jeu, the school and it’s politics, and the ancient institution’s adjustment to a female Magister.

The author lets the story unfold slowly and it was a book I had on the bedside table to read one or two chapters every evening while also reading other things. There were occasions when I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I was intrigued and that kept me reading. The dual time period was interesting because it gave me insight into Leo, answering lots of questions I had about his character. I wasn’t sure I liked him in the later time period, but once the story of his youth unfolded I could see how the betrayals he suffered created his suspicious nature. Even so, I still wasn’t sure about his motivations in the present day. I found myself drawn to Claire, possibly because she had succeeded despite dusty, old, masculine academia. I thought she fought back against misogyny with grace, but real guts too. My only quibble would be that I didn’t feel satisfied with The Rat’s storyline, particularly the ending. Overall, this book requires patience and work from the reader, but it rewards that patience in spades.

This is a book which I have been meaning to read for a long time. I found it difficult to understand the story initially, I'm still not really sure what the grand jue is... a dance, performance, musical piece or a combination? Anyway, I found the second half of the book picked up pace and I became much more interested in the characters and genuinely wanted to find out how it all came together eventually. I haven't read the authors first adult book, The Binding yet, but am curious to now.

A spell binding book of the journey we take from student to master and the people who surround us on the journey. The scholl itself is a major character in the story. As the students and/or teachers travel the halls, their memories set the story onto unexpected plot lines. A great read but one I'd recommend you read when you have quiet and calm to concentrate on the story.

I have had this book on my Kindle for a while and thought I would give it a read. The cover is very intricate and appealing, it would make me pick up the book if I saw it on a shelf. I have heard of the author before, but this is the first book of hers that I have read.

Straight away, the book was very atmospheric and descriptive. There’s a sense of mystery which features throughout the book.

Leo is a disgraced politician, removed from The Party and sent back to his old University, Montverre. He’s sent there to complete the ‘grand jeu’ which seems to be a game the students create, combining music, art etc. The grand jeu is never properly explained in the book but seems very important for the students and is mentioned constantly.

Each chapter is from the point of view of a few characters, mainly Leo, Magister Ludi, and a mysterious character known only as the rat. The time periods also switch regularly and it can be confusing to follow at times.

When Leo was first at Montverre, he ended up forming a close relationship with his fellow student, Carfax. He disappears and Leo is told he has died. Leo doesn’t return to Montverre until a decade later, when he feels an unexplained attraction to Magister Ludi.
Eventually, it becomes a little clearer as to what happened, and how the characters are connected.

I’m not sure this was a book for me. It’s definitely not my usual type of novel. I found it far too long and ambiguous. I didn’t care for any of the characters and it felt like a real slog to get through. At the end of the book, the author says she was inspired by another novel called The Glass Bead. I haven’t read this novel and don’t know what it’s about. Perhaps if I had read that, I would have enjoyed this more, I’m not sure.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for a copy to review.

I did not get around to reading this book prior to it’s publication date and it has since been archived therefore I cannot leave a review at this time.

A difficult book to read.

I devoured The Binding. I raved about it and told everyone that I met that it was my favourite book – it still is. When I saw that she had written The Betrayals, I grabbed it and waited for her writing to work its magic on me again. What a terrible disappointment. I started and thought, “this can’t be Bridget Collins. I’m not getting to the storyline.” I stopped, read another few books, and returned once again, thinking that I’d just not been in the right frame of mind, alas, not the case. I honestly cannot read this book. I don’t see/have a connection with any of the characters.

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book to review.

Reading a story in which initially you think the main character in the novel is a rat could have turned this reader right off this book. However, having loved The Binding I persevered with Bridget Collins second novel The Betrayals and it was a good thing I did because much like The Binding I found myself loving this sophomore release.

The reasons I enjoyed it are two fold. Firstly, I love a good mystery and I love the moment the penny drops. The later the better for me, I want to be shocked by events and I totally was by The Betrayals. The twists, the turns, the sense of injustice. I loved it all. Secondly, it was a campus novel. For me, that it usually enough.

Add into the mix a bit of romance, a bit of class division and a dollop of a corrupt government and I am sold. If you like these things too then you should make The Betrayals your next read.

The Betrayals by Bridget Collins is available now.

For more information regarding Bridget Collins (@Br1dgetCollins) please visit www.thebindingbook.com.

For more information regarding Harper Collins (@HarperCollinsUK) please visit the Twitter account.

This was my first time reading a book by Bridget Collins and I really enjoyed her writing. This was a lovely story and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future!

LOVE Bridget Collins. Such a brilliant writer and incredible storyteller. LOVE Bridget Collins. Such a brilliant writer and incredible storyteller. LOVE Bridget Collins. Such a brilliant writer and incredible storyteller.

I loved this book by Bridget Collins. She has such vivid imagination in her tale of a dystopian romance set in a totalitarian political future. It has sharp twists and turns throughout, making it a thrilling read, but also has moments of artistic beauty and escapism. A truly wonderful read that I would recommend to anyone.