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The End of the Game #1
Jinian Footseer
Jinian's love for Peter, the son of wizards, leads her to share his life of danger and adventure
284 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1985
10 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Sheri S. Tepper
74 books1,082 followersSheri Stewart Tepper was a prolific American author of science fiction, horror and mystery novels; she was particularly known as a feminist science fiction writer, often with an ecofeminist slant.
Born near Littleton, Colorado, for most of her career (1962-1986) she worked for Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood, where she eventually became Executive Director. She has two children and is married to Gene Tepper. She operated a guest ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She wrote under several pseudonyms, including A.J. Orde, E.E. Horlak, and B.J. Oliphant. Her early work was published under the name Sheri S. Eberhart.
Born near Littleton, Colorado, for most of her career (1962-1986) she worked for Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood, where she eventually became Executive Director. She has two children and is married to Gene Tepper. She operated a guest ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She wrote under several pseudonyms, including A.J. Orde, E.E. Horlak, and B.J. Oliphant. Her early work was published under the name Sheri S. Eberhart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 19, 2016
I haven't read any of the previous books set in the land of the true Game which didn't matter because this starts the beginning of Jinian's story. Jinian grew up in Stoneflight demesne constantly being terrorized by her oldest brother Mendot and having an uncaring mother. She was befriended by Murzy who started teaching her and introducing Jinian to her Wize-ard friends. When she was fourteen Mendot returned from a journey to announce that Jinian was betrothed to King Kelver. With advice from Murzy and friends she worked out a deal with the negotiator to send her to school at Xammer. Before she could get there she was kidnapped by Porvius Bloster who wanted to call Game against Mendot. ... When she got to Xammer, traveling through Chimmerdong forest on the way, fellow student Dedrina-Lucir made life as hard as possible for Jinian. ... Jinian's promise to Chimmerdong to do what she could to help the ailing forest was called in before Jinian had any idea of what she could do to help.
Surprizingly easy to read with the concepts of Game and Talents, creatures such as Grompozzle, flitchhawk, gobblemole, bunwit and verbs like grimble, gramble and druggle. These new words were all easily learned by context. I liked the characters, Jinian, the dams, etc. I thought it was great that invisibility, i.e. being so ordinary that you aren't seen, was a key rather than being a martial arts master or some other ability. Jinian had to be clever and use her limited knowledge. In the last twenty or so pages Jinian glossed over the battle of the bones, but I think that's because I haven't read Wizard's Eleven.
This one was fun and exciting. Now I need to decide whether to read Dervish Daughter, or find the earlier books.
Surprizingly easy to read with the concepts of Game and Talents, creatures such as Grompozzle, flitchhawk, gobblemole, bunwit and verbs like grimble, gramble and druggle. These new words were all easily learned by context. I liked the characters, Jinian, the dams, etc. I thought it was great that invisibility, i.e. being so ordinary that you aren't seen, was a key rather than being a martial arts master or some other ability. Jinian had to be clever and use her limited knowledge. In the last twenty or so pages Jinian glossed over the battle of the bones, but I think that's because I haven't read Wizard's Eleven.
This one was fun and exciting. Now I need to decide whether to read Dervish Daughter, or find the earlier books.
July 27, 2018
Jinian is one of the most human and satisfying of fantasy heroines, and she and Peter make a couple you can really believe.
The race against time that forms the ending is superb.
Read this and understand a lot of things
The race against time that forms the ending is superb.
Read this and understand a lot of things
July 15, 2020
Read 20 odd years ago,found on bookshelf
September 1, 2014
I love it since I was a kid One of the book I read a thousand time and more ... I remember crying because if a wisch would be granted to me, I was so sure I could not choose between PERN or The land of the True Game
Even now, i like to re-read it (all the books of the true game)
Even now, i like to re-read it (all the books of the true game)
January 24, 2021
~The Quick Take~
If you like a strong protagonist not wrapped up in her feelings meandering through strange encounters in a detailed world and meeting enigmatic and fascinating people/creatures/animals with the stolid support of a bunch of delightful and supportive old(er) women, and are comfortable with those meanderings not leading to a strong conclusion (at least in book one of the series) go forth and purchase this novel.
[I read old fantasy and sci-fi novels written by women authors in search of forgotten gems. See more at forfemfan.com]
~The Real Review~
I really liked Jinian Footseer, book one of Return to the Land of the True Game, but I find myself in a curious predicament because I cannot tell you why. This is not a snarky way of saying "it was terrible, but I still liked it for some reason," but a simple statement of fact. I really liked the book, the characters, the world, the storytelling, all of it, but I'm struggling to articulate why in a manner that might help you figure out if you'd enjoy it, too.
In search of inspiration, I went a-reading other reviews. They tend to be short declarations of "I liked this book," which isn't helpful but makes me feel like I'm not alone.
So where does that leave me, other than grasping for words?
I guess we can start with Jinian. She's the unloved daughter of, essentially, nobility. Ignored by her parents and abused by her brother, she finds solace among a group of six older women who live within her mother's estate. Jinian's childhood, however, is cut short when her brother's dishonorable politicking backfires. For various reasons, she must leave her family's demesne.
At times, Jinian must make her way on her own. At others, her older friends assist her. And sometimes she communes with mysterious and timeless creatures—some might call them the 'old gods.'
Throughout all of this, Jinian is pragmatic and vulnerable and likable. She fails at tasks and finds problems she cannot surmount without help. She also sticks in where she can get a foothold, regardless of whether or not she has a clear path to her goal.
This storytelling is captivating and fascinating, but there is some distance between the reader and the action. As Jinian Footseer is told as if written by Jinian after the fact, this distance feels natural, but it's worth noting that at no point do we spend much time in her head, settling in with her thoughts or feelings. The book isn't meant to read that way.
The world itself is engrossing. It's clearly much larger than this one book, this one series, and is packed with mythology and interesting asides and so much lore. It came as no surprise that Return to the Land of the True Game is a standalone series set in a world already explored in a different series.
I think this made me appreciate the novel even more. There was something about the world being so big and packed full of ideas that Tepper didn't feel compelled to keep explaining that made it fascinatingly immersive. There were so many things I wanted to dive deeper into, that I couldn't wait to get back to, that slowly grew into meaning as I kept reading. I wasn't halfway through the book before I eagerly thought about rereading it to understand better the earlier scenes for what I'd learned along the way.
There also was a lilting adventure-ness to it that I find tantalizing. Perhaps the best-known example I can compare it to is The Hobbit. Like, there's a plot, but all the asides along the way are just as important, and the book wouldn't be the same without them.
... which is another way to say that Jinian Footseer doesn't follow a traditional plot structure. Sometimes it'll feel like you're about to get into it, only to boomerang back to a topic you thought was closed several chapters ago. But that topic was one you were sad to leave and wanted to know more about, so you couldn't be more thrilled to revisit it.
The only negative I can come up with about Jinian Footseer is that the conclusion is rushed to the point of worthlessness. It's so worthless that, multiple times, I forgot it existed entirely and wondered why I hadn't finished reading that book I was enjoying so much. Then I'd recall that I did ... the ending was just worthless. It's a serious negative, but one I can't fault Tepper for too much. See, the end of Jinian Footseer is apparently told in detail in this world's first series: The Land of the True Game. It would be a bit absurd to re-tell it from Jinian's POV. And since Jinian Footseer isn't the sort of book you read for the conclusion—it's a story you savor every step along the way—it didn't depreciate any of my previous enjoyment.
Honestly, the fact that I don't "get" the ending will only make it all the more delicious to start at the beginning in The Land of the True Game and read both series through.
I feel like this review is lacking and that I've not done a proper job of conveying how much I liked it and reasons why you might like it, too. Perhaps I'll figure out some more words later. Until then, I hope you'll take my word for it that Jinian Footseer is a good read.
If you like a strong protagonist not wrapped up in her feelings meandering through strange encounters in a detailed world and meeting enigmatic and fascinating people/creatures/animals with the stolid support of a bunch of delightful and supportive old(er) women, and are comfortable with those meanderings not leading to a strong conclusion (at least in book one of the series) go forth and purchase this novel.
[I read old fantasy and sci-fi novels written by women authors in search of forgotten gems. See more at forfemfan.com]
~The Real Review~
I really liked Jinian Footseer, book one of Return to the Land of the True Game, but I find myself in a curious predicament because I cannot tell you why. This is not a snarky way of saying "it was terrible, but I still liked it for some reason," but a simple statement of fact. I really liked the book, the characters, the world, the storytelling, all of it, but I'm struggling to articulate why in a manner that might help you figure out if you'd enjoy it, too.
In search of inspiration, I went a-reading other reviews. They tend to be short declarations of "I liked this book," which isn't helpful but makes me feel like I'm not alone.
So where does that leave me, other than grasping for words?
I guess we can start with Jinian. She's the unloved daughter of, essentially, nobility. Ignored by her parents and abused by her brother, she finds solace among a group of six older women who live within her mother's estate. Jinian's childhood, however, is cut short when her brother's dishonorable politicking backfires. For various reasons, she must leave her family's demesne.
At times, Jinian must make her way on her own. At others, her older friends assist her. And sometimes she communes with mysterious and timeless creatures—some might call them the 'old gods.'
Throughout all of this, Jinian is pragmatic and vulnerable and likable. She fails at tasks and finds problems she cannot surmount without help. She also sticks in where she can get a foothold, regardless of whether or not she has a clear path to her goal.
This storytelling is captivating and fascinating, but there is some distance between the reader and the action. As Jinian Footseer is told as if written by Jinian after the fact, this distance feels natural, but it's worth noting that at no point do we spend much time in her head, settling in with her thoughts or feelings. The book isn't meant to read that way.
The world itself is engrossing. It's clearly much larger than this one book, this one series, and is packed with mythology and interesting asides and so much lore. It came as no surprise that Return to the Land of the True Game is a standalone series set in a world already explored in a different series.
I think this made me appreciate the novel even more. There was something about the world being so big and packed full of ideas that Tepper didn't feel compelled to keep explaining that made it fascinatingly immersive. There were so many things I wanted to dive deeper into, that I couldn't wait to get back to, that slowly grew into meaning as I kept reading. I wasn't halfway through the book before I eagerly thought about rereading it to understand better the earlier scenes for what I'd learned along the way.
There also was a lilting adventure-ness to it that I find tantalizing. Perhaps the best-known example I can compare it to is The Hobbit. Like, there's a plot, but all the asides along the way are just as important, and the book wouldn't be the same without them.
... which is another way to say that Jinian Footseer doesn't follow a traditional plot structure. Sometimes it'll feel like you're about to get into it, only to boomerang back to a topic you thought was closed several chapters ago. But that topic was one you were sad to leave and wanted to know more about, so you couldn't be more thrilled to revisit it.
The only negative I can come up with about Jinian Footseer is that the conclusion is rushed to the point of worthlessness. It's so worthless that, multiple times, I forgot it existed entirely and wondered why I hadn't finished reading that book I was enjoying so much. Then I'd recall that I did ... the ending was just worthless. It's a serious negative, but one I can't fault Tepper for too much. See, the end of Jinian Footseer is apparently told in detail in this world's first series: The Land of the True Game. It would be a bit absurd to re-tell it from Jinian's POV. And since Jinian Footseer isn't the sort of book you read for the conclusion—it's a story you savor every step along the way—it didn't depreciate any of my previous enjoyment.
Honestly, the fact that I don't "get" the ending will only make it all the more delicious to start at the beginning in The Land of the True Game and read both series through.
I feel like this review is lacking and that I've not done a proper job of conveying how much I liked it and reasons why you might like it, too. Perhaps I'll figure out some more words later. Until then, I hope you'll take my word for it that Jinian Footseer is a good read.
December 13, 2011
I love the True Game books bp Sherri Tepper. How does she come up with those awesome names? Sweetning Horb? Dedrina Dreadeye? Chimmerdong Forest? Porvious Bloster? Good stuff.
February 15, 2019
I really liked this book and look forward to reading the rest of Jinian's story.
January 17, 2024
Unlike everyone else in her highborn family, fourteen-year-old Jinian of Stoneflight Demesne has no Talent. While her brothers have true Talents such as flying, mind-reading, and shape-shifting, Jinian's only minor ability is as a Footseer--even blind-folded, her feet can follow the Old Road as it winds through the lands of the True Game.
Without a Talent, Jinian can only be a pawn in the Game, as she learns when her brother, Mendost, decides to marry her off to the rival lord of Dragon's Fire Demesne in order to make an alliance. Not willing to be a mere pawn, Jinian leaves the only home she has ever known and sets off on a journey of discovery--one that will reveal who she really is, her hidden Talent, and her role in the True Game....
Without a Talent, Jinian can only be a pawn in the Game, as she learns when her brother, Mendost, decides to marry her off to the rival lord of Dragon's Fire Demesne in order to make an alliance. Not willing to be a mere pawn, Jinian leaves the only home she has ever known and sets off on a journey of discovery--one that will reveal who she really is, her hidden Talent, and her role in the True Game....
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October 23, 2025Unlike everyone else in her highborn family, fourteen-year-old Jinian of Stoneflight Demesne has no Talent. While her brothers have true Talents such as flying, mind-reading, and shape-shifting, Jinian's only minor ability is as a Footseer--even blind-folded, her feet can follow the Old Road as it winds through the lands of the True Game. Without a Talent, Jinian can only be a pawn in the Game, as she learns when her brother, Mendost, decides to marry her off to the rival lord of Dragon's Fire Demesne in order to make an alliance. Not willing to be a mere pawn, Jinian leaves the only home she has ever known and sets off on a journey of discovery--one that will reveal who she really is, her hidden Talent, and her role in the True Game....
October 6, 2025
I've had the "omnibus" collection of this series on my bookshelves (and later, boxes in my basement) for 30+ years when I got it in a sign-up order with the "Science Fiction Book Club". Finally picked it up to actually read it, and man, I should have gotten to it sooner.
Great old-school coming of age of a teenage girl interacting with a world where mysterious powers are pulling strings that she doesn't have full information about, but still manages to find her way and come into her own strengths. Loved it, and am now intrigued to go back and check out the earlier trilogies in this world after I finish this current trilogy.
Great old-school coming of age of a teenage girl interacting with a world where mysterious powers are pulling strings that she doesn't have full information about, but still manages to find her way and come into her own strengths. Loved it, and am now intrigued to go back and check out the earlier trilogies in this world after I finish this current trilogy.
December 22, 2025
I hold all of Sheri S. Tepper's True Game series close to my heart.
It has been many years since I've read them until now, and having re-read Jinian Footseer, I know I'm going to have to go back and re-read Peter's Trilogy - King's Blood Four, Necromancer Nine and Wizard's Eleven.
But not quite yet.
The growth of Jinian from a poorly treated young girl to a powerful woman is magical and a tale full of simple wonders, part fable, part science fiction of a world lost.
Set in such a complex world, I would recommend reading Peter's Trilogy first, but I love this as it builds upon Peter's tale and (in the next books) takes it further.
It has been many years since I've read them until now, and having re-read Jinian Footseer, I know I'm going to have to go back and re-read Peter's Trilogy - King's Blood Four, Necromancer Nine and Wizard's Eleven.
But not quite yet.
The growth of Jinian from a poorly treated young girl to a powerful woman is magical and a tale full of simple wonders, part fable, part science fiction of a world lost.
Set in such a complex world, I would recommend reading Peter's Trilogy first, but I love this as it builds upon Peter's tale and (in the next books) takes it further.
October 25, 2021
I had read books by this author, and when I saw this trilogy on the library booksale table, I thought hooray! Ill discover some of her earlier works. This starts out like many fantasy novels - red-headed green-eyed girl child, not accepted at home, possesses unusual powers...but Tepper has a way of making everything interesting, and then she throws in a twist! Which she hinted at in this first one..and you've got to read the others to understand! Very fun.
December 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this!
November 18, 2019
Very good!
November 20, 2019
Okay, but doesn't make me want to acquire the final two.
June 9, 2020
Nice world building (well fleshing out) I like the different point of view and magic from the Peter books.
One nice thing about the pandemic - rereading books I haven’t picked up in years.
One nice thing about the pandemic - rereading books I haven’t picked up in years.
January 21, 2021
My fave True Game series. I constantly return to these books to re-read.
November 13, 2025
Good. This is the third trilogy of the True Games series and it again follows a different lead character, although she did appear previously. This book, and trilogy, is as good as the previous ones, with a good balance of existing and new concepts. This first book does cover a lot of events from previous books, but from a very different perspective, which is well done. Again the lead character is good. Again the story is typical Tepper, well written and quirky. At a pinch you could read this book first, but I would recommend starting with the other 2 trilogies first.
May 6, 2013
My first encounter with this series and I really enjoyd it. Will definately look for the rest of the books in this series. A quick read with very interesting characters and "stuff" that makes for a good fantasy. Need more....
March 11, 2013
A slow start for the second trilogy. My interest in Jinian from the previous book, wanting to learn more about her, and see things from her perspective helped push me through until it gained enough steam on its own.
May 18, 2015
How have I missed Sheri S. Tepper before? Now, of course, I want to read the other books in the series, and it may be difficult to find them.
And - the cover is by one of my favourite artists. Bonus!
And - the cover is by one of my favourite artists. Bonus!
November 23, 2015
It was an enjoyable trilogy. I can see the author getting more mature over the course of these 9 books of hers I read. I feel more was promised and set up than delivered, but that’s okay, it was not unsatisfying.
December 20, 2008
Jinian Footseer, Dervish Daughter, and Jinian Star-eye are this trilogies books.
May 1, 2009
It's to bad that series are only so long because I could really go for more of this series.
June 22, 2010
a new visit with a favorite world
March 20, 2018
Jinian is another of Sheri Tepper's intriguing characters and her world is a battleground for power and justice.
March 31, 2011
Jinian Footseer Trilogy in omnibus edition, BAO is key
August 14, 2012
I'm not as keen on this trilogy... Too much of what Jinian learns weakens or undoes the excellence of the earlier True-game trilogies. Still in itself it is very good.
April 4, 2013
1990 Was a long time and thousands of books ago, but I considered worth keeping to read again. It lead me to buy many more by Sheri S Tepper as well.
August 18, 2013
I liked it! I'mma go read the Mavin and Peter books first... or maybe just the Peter books...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews