The Betrayals is complex and clever with a brilliant twist. Set in an alternate reality, which is difficult to place in time, the narrative draws on art, history, politics, jealousy and love to weave an engaging tale, in much the same way as the contest at the heart of it all, the intriguing, and never fully explained, grand jeu.

It’s an intricate tale, that never becomes confusing; imaginative, elegant and poised. The characters are authentic, and flawed, the atmosphere at times stifling, laden with fear, the fascistic party in power an ever present threat.

We learn the story from Leo and Claire, and also from extracts from Leo’s diary, written when he was a student. Through these narratives , we piece together a history that has informed the present of the narrative, moving us closer to the brilliant twist that makes everything suddenly make sense.

There are also chapters told from the point of view of ‘the Rat’, a young girl who lives in the walls, chimney breasts and passageways of the academy, observing as events play out that change everything for everyone, including her.

An absolute pleasure to read.

“The Betrayals” by Bridget Collins is a mesmerizing tapestry of mystery, intrigue, and hidden truths. Let me share my personal and glowing impressions of this captivating novel:

A World of Secrets: At Montverre—an exclusive academy nestled in the mountains—the best and brightest are trained for excellence in the grand jeu, an arcane and mysterious contest. Here, the past whispers through ancient walls, and every step holds a secret. When Léo Martin returns in disgrace, he discovers that Montverre has changed. A woman, Claire Dryden, now serves as Magister Ludi—the highest office in the grand jeu. Their odd connection sparks curiosity, even though they’ve never met before.

Built on Lies: Both Léo and Claire carry burdens of deception. Their lives are intricately woven with half-truths and hidden motives. As the legendary Midsummer Game approaches—a climax that reverberates through the academy’s history—secrets rise, and centuries-old traditions are upended. Bridget Collins masterfully explores the cost of truth and the weight of redemption.

Imaginative and Exquisite: “The Betrayals” is a literary epic—a delicate dance between reality and illusion. Collins’s prose paints vivid landscapes, from the secluded academy to the heart of political intrigue. The grand jeu itself becomes a character—an enigma that draws us deeper into its labyrinth.

Themes of Identity and Redemption: Zillah, our mixed-race heroine, grapples with her place in a world of masks and hidden agendas. Her journey mirrors the struggle of conflicted protagonists, caught in a dystopian one-party state. As she unravels the web of competitive games, she seeks not just escape but self-discovery.

In summary, “The Betrayals” confirms Bridget Collins as one of the most inventive voices in speculative fiction. It’s a symphony of mystery, love, and the courage to unmask our own illusions.

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.

Sorry but I did not finish.
I've read other books by Bridget but just couldn't get into this one - not for me.

I really tried to read this, kept going on and off but it just wasnt for me. This is not saying it wouldnt suit someone else I just really struggled with it.

I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

This was unfortunately a DNF for me: I was not in the place to read it at the time, I will try to give it another chance in the future.

I'll be honest, I found this one hard to read.

The story was good, it was just a really slow burner.

It didn't grip me enough so I was only reading one chapter at any time and unfortunately (or not), other books just grabbed my attention more so this kept being put to the bottom of the pile. Hence why this review is so late.

I love historical fiction, but this isn't one that I'd want to read again.

From its description this seemed really interesting and exciting. However in the end I did not finish the book (read about 50%) as I found it so drawn out and it did not keep me engaged and wanting to read on. Such as shame as I enjoy this author and the cover is gorgeous.

I found this almost impossible to read and follow.
Very confusing and bouncing all over the place. I felt that lots of key details were glossed over.
And that's before I even get to reviewing the book.

An enchanting story set in a school dedicated to the Grand Jeu. The story follows Lèo, Claire and The Rat, 2 of whom have built their lives their on lies.

I enjoyed how the story developed, flicking backwards and forwards to Lèo’s time at the school as a boy. You soon discover all the betrayals which changed him and lead him on the path he found himself on.

One thing I do wish the book explained was what exactly the rules of the Grand Jeu were. You find out snippets but it was quite confusing and didn’t make an awful lot of sense!

Another thing was I wish there was more a back story/follow up to The Rat. Left how it was she sort of seems like a pointless character.

Other than those points I thoroughly enjoyed my first book by Bridget Collins.

Thank you for Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for an honest review

A beautifully written book that I flew through in super quick time. I missed my calls on my phone as I’d set to silent. A sign of a good book if it means I don’t check on my phone for hours. I’d recommend this book as it’s a very strong 4/5.

This would have been a very different review if I had not learned that the author had been seen actively engaging with anti-transgender tweets on Twitter before writing it. I’d already had some misgivings while reading The Betrayals and finding this out about the author confirms some thoughts I had previously dismissed. As a result this review is not completely spoiler free, however, don’t worry I’ll be placing the spoiler section under a spoiler cut, so it can be skipped if wished.

I thoroughly enjoyed Collins’ previous novel, The Binding, a historical fantasy novel which blew me away and was looking forward to more of the same in The Betrayals. In some ways Collins did deliver, with the same twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I found the whole setting of this one quite confusing, and it took me a while to realise that despite being described as “an arcane and mysterious contest” the grand jeu is a belief system where male students learn to compete against one another to create compositions that are more akin to a type of musical composition than magic. I kept expecting them to get to a point where they would have grand magical duels once they had got through all the theory and philosophy (and there is a lot of both) and it never happened.

The Betrayals is listed as fantasy and honestly, I’m not quite sure why, at best it is alternative historical fiction due to the belief system that shuns Christianity. As a Pagan, I have to admit it was interesting to see a book where there was another leading religion and Christians were the ones being ostracised, although one organised religion is much the same as another as seen by their actions.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I must admit it was the cover that first attracted me but am sooooo glad I was able to read this
Absolutely loved it

Finally ticked The Betrayals off my TBR! It turned out to be unique historical fiction that centres around a disgraced politician Leo and the mysterious 'the grand jeu'.

Once you took the time to immerse yourself into the world the book was creating, I found it satisfying and so interesting. Definitely one to pick up if you're looking for something a little different.

Rather simple but an interesting read. Disappointing to learn that key concepts are based on another author's work.

Nothing like Collins first book, this one was confusing, far too complex and I didn't understand it. Its a disappointment after her last novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Betrayals is the second novel I've read, the first being The Binding, which I loved. This one, however... I didn't make it very far through, unfortunately - approx 15%, then I decided it just wasn't for me. It seems to be centered around a game called the 'grand jeu' but I have no idea what that was. The sensible thing would have been for me to continue on reading to find out, but the game was mentioned so often then I found it very off putting, and couldn't focus on anything else. This does seem to be a very 'Marmite' novel as some people do love it, going by other reviews. This was an ARC so I feel bad for not finishing it but I wasn't able to connect with it at all.

Set in a fictional totalitarian state, where foreigners and Christians are subject to arbitrary sanctions and where the slightest deviation from the party line loses civil servants their jobs, this novel revolves around a game that has taken on the status of a religion. Suspected of disloyalty, Leo is sent by his department to his former college where for the first time ever, a woman has become Magister Ludi, the most important master of the game. On arrival, he realises she is the sister of his greatest rival from his time at the school and the pair are instantly mistrustful of each other. From then on, the story alternates between flashback of Leo’s schooldays, and the present of the novel, where political machinations are taking a worrying turn for students, staff and visitors.
This novel is at once a gripping mystery and a coming of age story, where adolescent experiences are shown to have affected whole life times, set against a backdrop of an intolerant society where no-one can really be trusted. Once I became immersed in the world of the story I was totally absorbed in the relationship between the protagonists and their back story. This is an absorbing and intriguing novel that stays with the reader for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it to my book group.

this is an extremely atmospheric novel. with the abstract concept of the grand jeu, a tragic death, a nefarious government party, and elusive characters, theres a mysterious feel to everything. and i think its because the primary focus seems to be on the characters, which im not quite sure was the best decision, as that leave the multiple outside forces not really fully explored, and i feel like the story was hindered because of it.

Bridget Collins does it again! This book will have you gripped and questioning everything you think you know!