I have THREE EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS for you. Make sure you check out all three!
1. I have THREE ARCs of TRAITOR’s GAME to give you for the holidays!
Want one? Here’s what to do: Read the summary of the plot below, then in comments, suggest for me a song for a TRAITOR’S GAME playlist, along with your reasons for the suggestion. I will pick the three that I think are the closest fit.
The contest will end at midnight EST on Dec 10. One entry per person. Anyone can enter provided they have a US address I can mail the ARC to.
Plot Summary
Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won’t stop her from being drawn back into her father’s palace politics. He’s the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well — and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.
The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what — and who — it is they’re fighting for.
2. If you know you’re going to buy a book anyway…
Then check this out for instructions on how to get a free gift pack and be entered for other giveaways!
3. If you want a signed copy of any of my books for the holidays…
Buy my book from my local indie, The King’s English. At checkout, in “Notes,” you can put in the name of the person you want the book signed to. Once I’ve signed it, King’s English will send the book to you.
74 Comments
I think that Halsey’s “Castle” would be a great candidate for the playlist.
The song itself has a rebellious manner, as I’ve found the summary suggests a lot of. Additionally, Halsey states that “I’m heading straight for the castle,” just as Kestra was doing before she was kidnapped. A final attribute to my decision would include that Kestra sounds just about ready to destroy anyone who gets in her path; the background music to the song suggests just this.
I was actually researching this one! Until I realized it is about how woman are treated badly as celebrities.
Agreed! I adore the song!
this girl is on fire
she is feisty and goes by her own rules
Fire lake
their in lave
Fight with Fire
thare in lava
I’m for sure purchasing the ascendant trilogy from King’s English to have them signed to replace the ones I lost in my house fire.
Thank you, Krystal (and sorry about the house fire).
Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys
Coming from Lava Fields with a saucy spirit, this song sounds fitting.
I love the song “Walk On,” by U2. There are so many parts that could have meaning to the plot outlined above, especially this part:
Home
Hard to know what it is
If you never had one
Home
I can’t say where it is
But I know I’m going
Home
That’s where the hurt is
The song I think is a good fit is “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore. It sounds like Kestra would be sick of being her father’s bargaining chip. And then when the rebels kidnap her they try to control her as well, but she isn’t going to be obedient and submissive. It sounds like she tries to stay her own person and uses all her resources to have her own way. I think she would be tired of feeling like people own and control her and would be trying to break free and assert her independence in any way she can.
My vote is “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. It’s a survirol’s song and an anthem full of spunk, grit, girl power. It’s a little out of the ordinary which sounds just like Kestra.
I like Beyoncé Run The World for the playlist.
I don’t know if this is exactly correct, but I was thinking of “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Most of it doesn’t really fit, but I was thinking the part where it says,
And I don’t really care if nobody else believes
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me.
I was thinking of Kestra fighting the rebels who captured her.
“Wonder Woman’s Wrath” seems fitting for a girl that is trying to get out on her own while saving the world. I am so excited about this book!
I don’t listen to a lot of music, unfortunately, so I don’t have a suggestion on that. I was wondering, though, I’ve sent you the email for the gift pack two times and each time it says that it can’t send. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi Ellie – Try again to send it without the receipt attached, then just remind me that you’ve tried to send it with the receipt and it wouldn’t work. If that doesn’t work, we’ll come up with a plan B.
I am thinking “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. Being kidnapped is so scary. Also, having to deal with the pressure of retrieving the lost Olden Blade to destroy the immortal king. She has to keep fighting for what she believes is right and never to give up no matter what!
The song I’d choose is “Do you hear the People Sing?” from Les Miserables. I chose this because it is an anthem for fighting what they believe in. In Les Miserables, it’s the famous group of rebels fighting for freedom. The song is displayed in the movie version with them marching with flags and attempting to speak up. The song is also reprised at the very end of the musical displaying a glimpse of Heaven, where they are still fighting. I found this fitting for Kestra as she rebels against her kidnappers for what’s right. The description reveals that she does not do what they ask her to, so the rebels from Victor Hugo’s classical story display a similar characteristic to her. The song is also originally a fight against certain politics, and I see that politics has a role in this story.
I think Fight for Glory by X-Ray Dog would be an epic fit! It doesn’t have any lyrics, but it’s about running, fighting back, and divided loyalties. 🙂
Love this idea for a giveaway! My song is “The Boxer” by Carbon Leaf. The chorus seems to fit the relationship between Kestra and Simon (She is the Boxer, she knows when and where to strike/He is the Boxer, he knows no peaceful sleep tonight). Then the end hits the shifting motives and change of perspective (All’s quiet on the front. Smokey room/Boxer standing tall, peering through/Finding no one left to fight What to do?/To the ring to the right point of view).
Looking forward to reading this book as soon as I can get my hands on it! 🙂
After hours upon hours of searching all my songs and analyzing each one, I finally picked my song! So the song that I believe is the perfect depiction of Kestra and The Traitor’s Game is “Rise” by Katy Perry ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-7LcuWtirY )! I have a bunch of reasoning behind this, but for the sake of length, time, and your sanity I will only mention a few things.
To begin, by the plot summary I can tell that Kestra is a very determined and strong-willed heroine. That being said, when the lyrics “I won’t just survive. Oh, you will see me thrive.” are sung, I can just imagine Kestra being this confident and courageous when confronting the rebels and the foreshadowed battle.
Another lyric that truly stands out to me as Kestra is “I won’t just conform. No matter how you shake my core. ‘Cause my roots—they run deep.”, because she will not change for the sake of the rebels and will not obey them. She is relentlessly bold.
Additionally, if she is anything like Jaron from the Ascendance Trilogy, she will definitely be a stubborn fighter. Just like the lyrics “Victory is in your veins. You know it, you know it. And you will not negotiate. Just fight it, just fight it”, Kestra will not buckle to their demands nor surrender- however, she will fight and guard her beliefs.
In summary, after much speculation (I am not joking when I say I have spent hours contemplating on this song) I believe “Rise” is a mirror image of Kestra in song-version. Even the beat of the song itself has an essence of bravery, conflict, and boldness. I hope that my paraphrased analysis didn’t bore you too much, haha. And good luck to all who enter!
P.S. I love your work and always will! <3
I think the song, “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten would be a nice song to chose. To me, the summary of the story infers that Kestra is tired of being used as a tool and that she wants to fight back and help those around her. I think maybe Kestra wants to have full control of her own life and make her own decisions.
I already got all of my Jennifer A. Nielsen books signed in September but now I need to pre-order The Traitors Game! I’m so excited to read it!!
I detect a hint of impossible romance (please, please!!) so I’m going out on a limb and suggest: Rewrite the Stars from the new movie coming out, the Greatest Showman.
“You know I want you
It’s not a secret I try to hide …
Everything keeps us apart
And I’m not the one you were meant to find.”
Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdjR2lvIfJ4
Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson. It sounds like Kestra doesn’t like to be told what to do. She is going to do whatever she needs to, of course she might end up needing a little hello along the way.
My vote is for Daya’s Sit Still Look Pretty. Sounds like Kestra isn’t going to just sit around and what for things to happen. She’s going to rule the world someday, she’s not just going to sit still and look pretty. It also sounds like she’s not into all of the fancy still, just trying to be herself.
I think “Game of Survival” by Ruelle is a good fit. The mood really matches (I can picture Kestra kicking butt very well) and the lyrics remind me of her stubbornness and determination to fight her captors. But the lyrics portray that degree of uncertainty. Is she really going to get out of this? Or is she their prey after all?
Princess in China by Coldplay because it’s about kingdoms, power, loyalty, contention, hurt, and has a strong quick drive through the song that feels like the pace of what your books would be like.
I think “Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons best fits what you have said about the book thus far. Kestra sounds very determined, and I think this song best exemplifies this:
“I’m an apostrophe, I’m just a symbol to reminds you that there’s more to see
I’m just a product of the system, a catastrophe
And yet a masterpiece, and yet I’m half diseased
And when I am deceased
At least I go down to the grave and I happily
Leave the body of my soul to be a part of me
I do what it takes”
This song also is also very upbeat and has a rugged edge that seems to fit the action that this story will no doubt contain.
My choice is an unconventional song for this genre, but my vote is ‘You can’t take me’ from the movie, Spirit, sung by Brian Adams. My reasoning is this:
The lyrics talk about someone being led somewhere they don’t want to go, just like Kestra. It says ‘I can’t be beat, and that’s a fact.’ It accurately portrays her fighting spirit, along with this verse: ‘you ain’t gonna take me down no way.’ Another applicable verse is, ‘Don’t judge a thing until you know what’s inside it – don’t push me I’ll fight it.’ As Kestra is a captive, she feels underestimated as a woman and as a daughter of a Lord. She will fight them at every turn, despite what type of a person they think she is or isn’t. And then the last verse, ‘you can’t take me, I’m free.’ She is free, despite her exile, despite her captivity – she is her own person, and will not stand by and be made a slave to men she does not agree with. Most of all, despite being a ‘bargaining chip’ she is tired of being owned, and wants to be free to fight for what she believes in.
If Only by Dove Cameron
I put a lot of thought into this contest, and in the end there were no songs that perfectly matched the things I’d been trying to convey. From the clues I’ve seen I think Traitor’s game will be full a web of counter and deadly ambitions with Kestra somewhere in the middle. I wanted to find a song that encompassed a sneaky, rebellious and victorious attitude as she unravels the dangers. The song I landed eventually was “Bird with a broken wing” by Owl City. Kestra will have a lot weighing on her in this book I’m sure, new friendships, the people this country, and possibly threats and black mail from the rebels and people under the immortal king, maybe her father. This is her broken wing part. She also seems unwilling to accept any friend ships so she is “Alone” and kind of out her element as the “astronaut on an ocean floor” implies. And the background of this world certainly seems “dark and deadly”. Also it sounds like this will be the only book, so Kestra’s “Final Chapter”, (hopefully not in a final stand way, kind of like Scourge with a very intense and captivating plot but happy ending).
While I was looking I also considered a few songs like “Smoke and Fire”, “Shadows” and “Eyes Wide Open” by Sabrina Carpenter, “Fight Song”, “I’m Still Standing”, and “Its not over yet”. I really considered the Smoke and Fire one for the friendship between Kestra and Simon.
I also found a few songs that I thought fit Sage perfectly “One Jump ahead” from Aladdin and “I”m on my Way” from Brother Bear which reminds me of him and Fink.
oops lots of grammar mistakes XP
I think “Live in the Dark” by Jeff Beck would be a great song to go along with this book. It has a very dramatic feel that seems like it should accompany a scene with lots of action. The lyrics like “we will live in the dark” and “won’t see me dying in the light” would be good for Kestra as she struggles through this mystery. I think the instruments behind all the great lyrics work really well on this playlist, too; the sound is very epic! Thank you so much for the giveaway, Jennifer! I can’t wait to read TRAITOR’S GAME.
Also, I recently created another manicure inspired by one of your books; this time I chose A NIGHT DIVIDED. I emailed the picture to you, and I hope you like it! 🙂 Here’s the link: http://threesixtynails.com/2017/11/24/31-day-challenge-2017-day-24-a-book/
Have a merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season!
Link to “Live in the Dark” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6dsffOrOoI
I can’t wait to read this book! Thanks for the chance!! My choice is “The Greatest” by Sia, because it seems to relate to Kestra fighting to do whatever she can to come out on top and isn’t going to rely on anyone to do the fighting for her.
I’m going to suggest “Take Back the City” by Snow Patrol. This may be an odd choice, but boiled down, it’s about picking a side, drawing your own line in the sand, and fighting for a city (or a kingdom in the case of the book) that even you understand it’s flawed but you love it anyway. From the sounds of the synopsis, this kingdom has “bear[ed] it’s teeth like a light and spit [Kestra] out after days”. But still, she’s fighting for it. Even the music of the song itself sounds like it’s taking a stand, remaining immovable, whether for the good or ill of the song’s subject – much like many of the main characters of your books.
“Love And War” by Fleurie.
“For one, for all, I’ll do what I have to do / You can’t understand, it’s all part of the plan.” Simon and the other kidnappers must be determined to find this blade and destroy the cruel king, and I’d imagine they wonder (at least at first) why the difficult Kestra doesn’t seem to understand their motive? Whatever the case, the determination in these lyrics fits with the determination the kidnappers must have, concerning what they’re trying to do.
“Broken pieces of the night / Sing like hollow lullabies” makes me think of her nights with these kidnappers. Nights are for deep thoughts, and sometimes for fear. Surely she’s a little bit afraid, no matter how stubborn and determined she is.
“Lover, hunter, friend, and enemy” – I don’t know about “lover” or “friend,” but I’m thinking of Kestra’s view of Simon with the “hunter” and “enemy” part. The kidnappers are hunting for the blade, in a way, and she obviously considers them enemies, because she’s trying to foil their plans.
And finally, “The truth begins to show” fits with the synopsis’ mention of secrets emerging.
Cool contest, Ms. Nielsen! The Traitor’s Game sounds amazing – I am so pumped for it!! 😀
Shatter Me by Lindsay Sterling featuring Lizzy Hale. This song has a fierce beat just like Kestra. Also it’s about being trapped into a certain habit or situation much as Kestra is stuck going where she’s ordered and taken because of her father’s position which is none of her doing. But the song is also about breaking free which is what she and Simon seem to do. Plus it’s a great song to rock out with.
Great choice … I love Lindsey Stirling!
I would choose “Wunderkind” by Alanis Morissette. The Traitor’s Game, to me, feels like it will contaiin a lot of unpleasant experiences and also battles, not necessarily physical ones, but political ones, and mind games. Through it all, Kestra appears to be a fighter and a rebel, and doesn’t want others to control or use her. Overall, the song mentions cold/new situations, secrets, being a rebel, and a journey of a person who is destined to be a world-changer. Kestra’s ready to take charge of her own destiny.
i think believer by imagine Dragons because she is kidnapped and she has to get a sword and her dad is bad so i think believer and it would fit the story
I think the song is Look what you made me do because it sounds like the stuff that Kestra is going through and when I hear it reminded me of Kestra or another one I think is the song is Radioactive because is about action like the book and it has a lot in common And it also reminds me of Kestra.
are you ready for it by Taylor swift
are you ready for it by Taylor swift
It’s been a long day without your friend
Becuase the prison of the kioonapers
tamar braxton empty boxes
Fat Joe i pick this song because the daughter and father fighting but have love.
Don’t Let Me Down i pick this because the daughter need her dad.
who are you by Jessie j
fight song by rachel platten
Oooh! this is so fun! I would definitely go with “Arsonist’s Lullaby” by Hozier. I feel like it has that really tough, ready-for-battle sound to it. Also, it blurs the lines between good and bad, as it sounds like some of the characters in the book do. Kestra sounds like one of those really great ‘gray’ characters, whose motives may not be 100% good, at least at first, since she has been in exile and is the daughter of one of the cruel king’s right hand man. Kestra (and the kidnappers, too, it seems) appears to be resilient, determined, and like I said, may have a bit of a dark side, so I think the lyrics fit perfectly:
All you have is your fire
And the place you need to reach
Don’t you ever tame your demons
But always keep them on a leash
Honestly, I can’t wait for this book!!!
I think the song Braver Still by JJ Heller is great for Traitor’s Game.
I think that after a while Kestra will come to realize that her father is evil and that the life she once knew is one she can no longer live. I imagine that once she accepts that she will have to leave behind much of what she loves, her hope will be from Simon’s love and the knowledge that she is fighting for what is right.
I found a song! This song is Lions by Skillet. Here are some of the lyrics…..
Take every chain that kept us slaves and throw them off.
We’re not waiting for permission
we defy our inhibition
like our middle name is fearless
unafraid
If we’re gonna fly, we fly like eagles
Arms out wide
If we’re gonna fear, we fear no evil
We will rise
I can see Kestra thinking this. Whatever happens, she is going to decide her path.
I would suggest “Roundtable Rival” by Lindsey Stirling. As a song, it has a mischievous air, and sounds a bit rebellious and badass. It’s all about girl power and defiant attitudes. It seemed to fit Kestra as a character.
I am going to choose Revolution by the Score. The song is about understanding that changes (a revolution) are going to happen and being strong enough, brave enough to allow those changes. From the plot, it sounds like Kestra is reluctant to join the rebels, but will learn what they are fighting for is necessary for the good of all. Part of the chorus says
“All my wolves, begin to howl
Wake me up, the time is now
Oh, can you hear the drumming?
Oh, there’s a revolution coming”
Kestra will need to wake up to what she needs to do. But she will strong and brave.
I’m going to say “Stand My Ground” by Within Temptation. I pick this song because by the end of the blurb I get the feeling that both Kestra and Simon are very determined characters, with firm ideas and ideals, so whatever they face and whatever they discover will decide the paths they follow. Be strong and face whatever challenges come their way and fight for what they believe in.
“Stand my ground, I won’t give in
No more denying, I’ve got to face it
Won’t close my eyes and hide the truth inside
If I don’t make it, someone else will
Stand my ground”
I think Wolfred by Jelonok matches the scenario very well. The piece starts with a rancorous tone reflecting the years of exile Kestra had to suffer through. The piece intensifies slowly and it gives a rebellious feeling while maintaining the rancorous tone at the climax. The climax of the piece seems fitting for the time when Kestra is kidnapped. Afterall, the summary displays Kestra as uncooperative with the kidnappers and how did she end up in exile in the first place.
I also posted this on the good reads post, but I wanted to make sure you would see my entry.
“Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken” by P!nk
I think that this song captures Kestra’s will to never give up and fight for what she believes in. It also expresses how Kestra isn’t giving in to her captors/won’t let them break her and is trying to get free–
“There’s not enough rope to tie me down
There’s not enough tape to shut this mouth
The stones you throw can make me bleed
But I won’t stop until we’re free
Wild hearts can’t be broken
No, wild hearts can’t be broken”
This song, overall, represents Kestra’s fighting spirit and her resistance to be overtaken or told what to do, along with her relationship between her father/the kingdom she was exiled from and her kidnappers.
“You beat me, betray me
You’re losing, we’re winning
My spirit above me
You cannot deny me
My freedom is burning
This broken world keeps turning
I’ll never surrender
There’s nothing, but a victory”
(Lyrics from Google)
Fight song by Rachel Platten I think this song would be great for the playlist because it shows power and strength and shows jow no matter what they won’t give up. This is how I imagine Kestra to be. I imagine her as strong and not someone to back down no matter the odds.
There is a song that has an interesting twist depending on how it sung it feeling changes a bit depending on the version. It’s called “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” It was originally sung by Tears for Fears but recently Sung again by Lorde. However all the lyrics remain the same. I think it matches very well with the plot summery here because depending on how things are presented..things may appear not to change but it seems there are implied twists where perhaps the context may. I can’t wait to read it!
I think a good song for this playlist would be “You Can’t Take Me” by Bryan Adams. The lyrics, “Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up, no. You can’t take me, I’m free” and “I’m not where I’m supposed to be. I gotta fight another fight. I gotta fight with all my might” really symbolize Kestra in her situation, and how she refuses to submit to her captive’s control. Overall, the message of this song is to never stop fighting for freedom, which I believe fits well with the plot of A Traitor’s Game.
Thank you so much for this opportunity! Happy Holidays! 🙂
Um, I actually already chose that one a few days ago … maybe choose a different song? 😉
“Dangerous Game” by Sam Tinnesz would be a good fit. It describes the shadow of apprehension in Kestra and Simon’s minds as they comprehend the gravity of the game they are forced to play and their actions that shove them across a line they can’t return to. It perfectly captures the essence of their realization that it is indeed a dangerous, traitorous game.
Their secrets like bullets
Flying overhead
This fear is a weapon
stealing breath
Can’t escape this target
on our backs
Through chaos and shadows
It’s a dangerous game we’re playing
A dangerous game
Caught in the heat of the fire
It’s deadly line we’re crossing
A deadly line
Will we be the only survivors?
It’s a dangerous game
I believe that the song “Branded” by natewantstobattle-nathan sharp give heart records represents the books very well. For one the song sounds like a struggle that someone would be going through. Anyway there are three others which are lines from the song. Th first says
“Fat stacks and hybrid cars
They don’t take you very far”
I chose these because it shows that a position in power that brings wealth makes the people in that family in more danger rather than less. Another is
“We’re in a special kind of hell”
This was chosen because the rebels don’t know what they are truly doing. In my opinion hell represents some great and dangerous unknown. Like what the rebels are venturing into. The last is
“I’ve got a burning in my heart
It’s tearing me apart”
I chose this because the rebels take her without knowing how to take care or control her, like a fire, and Kestra won’t give up fighting for her freedom, representing a fire in her heart refusing to be extinguished.
First of all thank you for this opportunity. I am a huge fan of The Ascendance Trilogy. I would definitely go with “Branded” by Natewantstobatle- Nathan Sharp give heart records. It gives a very distinct sense of rebelliousness. I have three other reasons which are lines from the song. The first is
“Fat stacks and hybrid cars
They don’t take you very far”
I chose this because people who are in a position of power or are wealthy are usually actually more likely to be threatened by others. The next is
“We’re in a special kind of hell”
I chose this because I fell hell represents some great and dangerous domain. The description says “As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what — and who — it is they’re fighting for.” I feel that eventually the main characters will do something blindly aka waling into hell. The final is
“I’ve got a burning in my heart
It’s tearing me apart”
I chose this line because Kestra won’t give up trying to do what she wants. Kestra truly has a fire to do what she wants but the rebels didn’t know this. And they will eventually not be able to control her, like a fire(I know I say that a lot) that won’t be extinguished.
Thanks, Nalin
Only use my second one, the first wouldn’t appear so I thought I needed to resubmit it.
I think that “The Darkness Keeps Chasing Me” by Grace Vanderwaal would be a really good song based on the summary.
My choice was ‘It’s My Life’, Bon Jovi. The reasoning behind my choice is because in the summary you talked about who she rebels against those who capture her; she doesn’t give into them, and she potentially said “It’s my life so you can’t boss me around.” In all honesty one of the first ones I thought of was ‘Everybody Lies’ by Jason Walker because of in the past books iv’e read by you in which well everybody-mainly the main characters-lies. But that is not my answer, my answer is ‘It’s My Life’ by Bon Jovi.
I would still that Keep the Dog Quiet by Owen Pallett would fit pretty well from what the blurb tells us. The song itself has a fairly quiet yet intense instrumental to it which fits with the scheming atmosphere that both parties are falling into, as well as the feeling of suspenseful. As for the lyrics, I would say the last bit fits very well:
A nation bound by your will
Still a violin plays on
Plays its devotional song
Once it was, once it was so essential
Now sequential
Sequential
Sequential
Sequential
I think this works well with the nature of the plot of getting rid of the king and how her cooperation is demanded but might be the only logical move.
“I would say”. I apologize for the mistake.
UNDONE-FFH!!!!!!!!! Or these-I had a hard time choosing
Circles by Ludovico Eiunadi
Air raid drill by James Newton Howard
I found by amber run
Mrs. Nielsen, okay I realize this is a bit off topic, as it doesn’t have anything to do with the Traitor’s Game (which I am REALLY excited for by the way..) but I was wondering, what are the main songs you think would go along with your other 2 trilogies? (The False Prince and Mark of the Theif)
Hi Elise – For Mark of the Thief, the two main songs for me are, “I Bet My Life” by Imagine Dragons and “Wavin’ Flag” by K’Naan. For The False Prince, the main song is “Guaranteed” by Eddie Vedder, and then if you listen to the lyrics to “What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park, it’s pretty much the exact plot of “Runaway King.”