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A Game of Noctis
A thrilling middle grade fantasy about a girl who must participate in a deadly game with a ragtag team of players to save her grandfather from a terrible fate—perfect for fans of James Riley and Shannon Messenger!In the opulent, sinking city of Dantessa, the Great Game rules all. Pia Paro believes that so long as you follow the rules, you always have a chance at winning. But after her beloved Gramps is sentenced to a life of servitude, Pia accepts a dangerous offer and joins a team of players seeking to win the most perilous game of Noctis. The Seafoxes—Pia’s new teammates—are unlike anyone she’s ever met. There’s brash, bold Carlo; macabre Serafina; kindhearted Pasquale; and their dashing ringleader, Vittoria. Each has their own reason for playing, and soon, Pia begins to question all her long-held beliefs. Maybe the rules Pia once trusted to lift her up have only been keeping her—and thousands of others like her—down. As she struggles with these revelations, Pia must survive a gauntlet of clockwork soldiers, perilous underwater adventures, and even a game against Death herself. But with Pia’s grandfather’s life at stake, Pia must finally decide whether she’s brave enough to not just break the rules, but to change the very nature of the Game.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2024
About the author
Deva Fagan
10 books214 followersI write fantasy and science fiction for readers of all ages. I live in Maine with my husband and our dog. When I'm not writing I spend my time reading, playing video games, doing geometry, and drinking copious amounts of tea.
NOTE: My comments on books I've read are not meant to be critical reviews, but are just my own reactions. I don't generally use stars, but I do occasionally mark a book with five stars if it's one that feels like it will become a long-term favorite, because it's exactly my sort of book, and caters to my specific tastes as a reader. There are plenty of books I read and really admire that are clearly excellent books, but which are not so exactly "for me" that I give them five stars. I will unabashedly stop reading books I really don't care for, so if a book is on my read list at all it means I liked it enough to finish it.
NOTE: My comments on books I've read are not meant to be critical reviews, but are just my own reactions. I don't generally use stars, but I do occasionally mark a book with five stars if it's one that feels like it will become a long-term favorite, because it's exactly my sort of book, and caters to my specific tastes as a reader. There are plenty of books I read and really admire that are clearly excellent books, but which are not so exactly "for me" that I give them five stars. I will unabashedly stop reading books I really don't care for, so if a book is on my read list at all it means I liked it enough to finish it.
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December 16, 2025Hello Readers! This is my seventh middle grade fantasy adventure and I wanted to share a few notes here. First of all, huge thanks to designer Karyn Lee and artist Viv Tanner for this gorgeous cover! There is so much I love about this cover which so perfectly captures the fierce determination of Pia and her friends and the dangerous magical world they live in.
This story had a long and twisty journey to publication, and I am just so happy that it is finally out in the world, and deeply grateful I had the opportunity to tell it. This book is both my love letter to game-playing and an interrogation of gamification and the dangers of assuming that everyone is playing by the same rules.
Happy reading!
This story had a long and twisty journey to publication, and I am just so happy that it is finally out in the world, and deeply grateful I had the opportunity to tell it. This book is both my love letter to game-playing and an interrogation of gamification and the dangers of assuming that everyone is playing by the same rules.
Happy reading!
April 27, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“All my life, I’d loved games. Loved the challenges, loved the thrill. Losing was never fun, of course, but I learned from my mistakes.
And I always knew, deep inside, at the core of my being, that I could eventually win.”
In a world where lives and laws are dictated by a deadly game of Noctis, twelve-year-old Pia Paro starts to question the system she once so strongly believed in when her grandfather is taken into custody without reprieve. And the only way she knows to seek justice for him and save him from a terrible fate is to join the Seafoxes, a ragtag team of misfit players, each with their own desire to win A Game of Noctis that also could finally change the clandestine rules that have governed their world for countless of years. ✨
“Games can be magic,” said Ginevra. “They can give us hope and joy, make us laugh, make us feel more alive. But they can trick us too. They can make us believe that there’s always a winner and a loser. That what matters is being right, not doing the right thing.”
I was initially drawn to how vibrant the cover was, but I was pleasantly surprised at it being a well thought-out if not entertaining middle grade read with a likeable enough protagonist that did not have me completely bored with the story. Think Hunger Games, but with a lighter touch to it. 🎲⚡ 'Noctis was supposed to be a challenge of wit and grace, charm and cleverness. Not threats and intimidation and payoffs' - where the threat isn't entirely deadly, but still frightening and challenging enough for the tension to escalate at a palpable level that will have readers enjoy how everything unfolds. 🌟
With a fascinating mix of puzzle-solving and deadly games with a legendary fantastical-touch prophecy that ties everything together, I liked seeing Pia grow as a character with her new teammates - ones who lent their strength and courage for her to see how very jaded her views on the games had been, as well as help her seek out their support when facing up to the superior powers that threatened their existence. 🥺 'Sometimes you need to lose a battle in order to win the war.' The dialogue and writing also seemed fitting for young readers along with the usual diverse cast that will feel relatable to a mix of readers - the bold, the daring, the brawn, the brains, and the charismatic leader. It's not a critique, but one that I didn't mind having, considering how smoothly their interactions felt and how easily the narration flowed. 👌🏻
“To be here, surrounded by players, surrounded by so many games, many of which were completely new to me. I wanted to learn them all. Play them all. Win them all.”
Pia has her own traumatic past that she has to shield herself from - one that is made up with her fierce tenacity and spirited bravery and her skillful talents that she displays as a passionate ket player in the Games. She's that inadvertent leader who sees the cracks in the system and leads the rebellion that demands swift action and change - without really endangering anyone's lives, because well, it is a middle grade. ☺️ Friendships and rivalries play a major part in the story, and I liked how the once-closed Pia finally allows others to help her, while also learning what it means to be part of a team that looks out for each other - without making rash decisions that could endanger everyone involved.
While the world building was not entirely a unique one, it was still well developed and the magical system was easy to grasp, along with the rules of Noctis, itself. 👍🏻 It was a fun touch to see how points are rewarded and how it served as a compelling, if not tempting drive for Pia and her teammates to react in certain ways that could either harm them or have them victorious in the face of a looming threat. The conflict was resolved in a well-rounded and hopeful light that made it a satisfying read that young fantasy readers who seek out the thrill of a deadly game with high stakes will surely enjoy. ♣️🏹
“All my life, I’d loved games. Loved the challenges, loved the thrill. Losing was never fun, of course, but I learned from my mistakes.
And I always knew, deep inside, at the core of my being, that I could eventually win.”
In a world where lives and laws are dictated by a deadly game of Noctis, twelve-year-old Pia Paro starts to question the system she once so strongly believed in when her grandfather is taken into custody without reprieve. And the only way she knows to seek justice for him and save him from a terrible fate is to join the Seafoxes, a ragtag team of misfit players, each with their own desire to win A Game of Noctis that also could finally change the clandestine rules that have governed their world for countless of years. ✨
“Games can be magic,” said Ginevra. “They can give us hope and joy, make us laugh, make us feel more alive. But they can trick us too. They can make us believe that there’s always a winner and a loser. That what matters is being right, not doing the right thing.”
I was initially drawn to how vibrant the cover was, but I was pleasantly surprised at it being a well thought-out if not entertaining middle grade read with a likeable enough protagonist that did not have me completely bored with the story. Think Hunger Games, but with a lighter touch to it. 🎲⚡ 'Noctis was supposed to be a challenge of wit and grace, charm and cleverness. Not threats and intimidation and payoffs' - where the threat isn't entirely deadly, but still frightening and challenging enough for the tension to escalate at a palpable level that will have readers enjoy how everything unfolds. 🌟
With a fascinating mix of puzzle-solving and deadly games with a legendary fantastical-touch prophecy that ties everything together, I liked seeing Pia grow as a character with her new teammates - ones who lent their strength and courage for her to see how very jaded her views on the games had been, as well as help her seek out their support when facing up to the superior powers that threatened their existence. 🥺 'Sometimes you need to lose a battle in order to win the war.' The dialogue and writing also seemed fitting for young readers along with the usual diverse cast that will feel relatable to a mix of readers - the bold, the daring, the brawn, the brains, and the charismatic leader. It's not a critique, but one that I didn't mind having, considering how smoothly their interactions felt and how easily the narration flowed. 👌🏻
“To be here, surrounded by players, surrounded by so many games, many of which were completely new to me. I wanted to learn them all. Play them all. Win them all.”
Pia has her own traumatic past that she has to shield herself from - one that is made up with her fierce tenacity and spirited bravery and her skillful talents that she displays as a passionate ket player in the Games. She's that inadvertent leader who sees the cracks in the system and leads the rebellion that demands swift action and change - without really endangering anyone's lives, because well, it is a middle grade. ☺️ Friendships and rivalries play a major part in the story, and I liked how the once-closed Pia finally allows others to help her, while also learning what it means to be part of a team that looks out for each other - without making rash decisions that could endanger everyone involved.
While the world building was not entirely a unique one, it was still well developed and the magical system was easy to grasp, along with the rules of Noctis, itself. 👍🏻 It was a fun touch to see how points are rewarded and how it served as a compelling, if not tempting drive for Pia and her teammates to react in certain ways that could either harm them or have them victorious in the face of a looming threat. The conflict was resolved in a well-rounded and hopeful light that made it a satisfying read that young fantasy readers who seek out the thrill of a deadly game with high stakes will surely enjoy. ♣️🏹
August 15, 2024
Such a lovely book with games galore and a lot of insight into the American Dream.
June 14, 2024
A more placid Hunger Games meets Escape from Mr. Leomonchello’s Library. The games were plentiful, if a bit hard for me to picture. I appreciated how it shined the difference between equality and equity, even if it were none too subtle about it. I can’t say I felt super engaged with the characters, but it tried hard.
52 Book Club: #30 - Picked without reading the blurb
52 Book Club: #30 - Picked without reading the blurb
June 2, 2024
I often hesitate to call stories original, given the vast dialogue of books over time, but I fail to think of another way to describe the setting of this story. The use of games as the primary driving force/determinant of social standing in this world immediately grabbed my attention and refused to let it wane throughout. The idea of a world based on games at first glance seems both outrageous and idyllic, but A Game of Noctis manages to make it neither, creating a fresh and interesting setting.
I also loved how Fagan executed the flaws of this world. She manages to create a society that is clearly flawed, and whose flaws are examined and dissected, without falling prey to common dystopian tropes that might make the world feel flat. Certainly, all the characters are not objectively ‘good’, but I do truly believe that nearly all of them are doing their best to make things better, which made me enjoy the entire story so much more than I would have had it presented a binary, us-versus-them worldview.
The characters were also excellent. Getting to know the Seafoxes over the course of this story was one of my favorite parts of A Game of Noctis; my evolving understanding of them, particularly of Serafina and Pasquale, made me keep turning the pages. But Pia definitely stood among them all; tenacious and clever, I fell in love with her from page one. I highly recommend A Game of Noctis to readers ages nine and up who are looking for a fast-paced adventure that they won’t be able to resist falling in love with!
Thank you so much to Deva Fagan for sending a copy of A Game of Noctis in exchange for an honest review! All opinions here are my own.
I also loved how Fagan executed the flaws of this world. She manages to create a society that is clearly flawed, and whose flaws are examined and dissected, without falling prey to common dystopian tropes that might make the world feel flat. Certainly, all the characters are not objectively ‘good’, but I do truly believe that nearly all of them are doing their best to make things better, which made me enjoy the entire story so much more than I would have had it presented a binary, us-versus-them worldview.
The characters were also excellent. Getting to know the Seafoxes over the course of this story was one of my favorite parts of A Game of Noctis; my evolving understanding of them, particularly of Serafina and Pasquale, made me keep turning the pages. But Pia definitely stood among them all; tenacious and clever, I fell in love with her from page one. I highly recommend A Game of Noctis to readers ages nine and up who are looking for a fast-paced adventure that they won’t be able to resist falling in love with!
Thank you so much to Deva Fagan for sending a copy of A Game of Noctis in exchange for an honest review! All opinions here are my own.
April 11, 2025
exciting, nicely written middle grade book.
February 8, 2024
this book is kinda like if you combined the puzzles/riddles/games of the inheritance games/the gilded wolves with the cast of six of crows into a middle grade fantasy book. I love those kids so much 😭 also there’s trans rep!!
November 22, 2024
This was honestly stellar. The world the author weaves is so intricate and interesting and just plain FUN, the only thing that holds this book back is that it has to be rather surface level to keep it to a single volume. One-offs are fun though, and I had a blast with this one!
March 21, 2024
A beautifully gripping, thought-provoking, and fun magical read!
August 7, 2024
If i had read this in middle school it would've been my entire personality.
August 21, 2025
It's fun, the idea is great but once again (as I've noticed in most books tvat came out the last 1-3 years) the author wants to do too much in too little time to the point where things become ridiculous.
Don't get me wrong, I really loved and enjoyed the concept of this world. It's fun to read and immerse oneself in. It's silly. Too silly at times tho. But I think this would translate great into a DnD One Shot or sth of the sort.
But there were some things I wish that had been put more thought into them.
I would've prefered the author focusing on only a handful fleshed-out games instead of throwing in multiple "shallow" ones that are basically those you know from your childhood but with "fancy" names (which I get is the point of the book, kinda, but still sometimes led to logic errors and allowed almost no suspense). Or such that I wouldn't even consider proper games. And some rules didn't make any sense other than being "silly and fun" (which became rather tedious fast). And I know this was sort of explained towards the end but didn't made it any more fun to read.
Also the author introduces a lot of other things like boons and stuff, which, if only used for a small part or certain games could work but more often than not felt rather all over the place.
Another thing that bothered me, was the absence of "stakes" and "consequences". Sure, the book makes you believe it has those things but once introduced, at some point an easy solution or explanation arises. It rids the story of tension. Unfortunately.
Especially after Chapter 16 the life-threatening danger and excitment of encountering Lady Death in the finale of the games was being completely erased.
Also the twist/revelation in Chapter 22 doesn't feel that rewarding because it felt too easy.
Last but not least, I think the book would have profited from an external narration, focusing on all players alike and make the reader feel for them as a whole.
This being said. I still enjoyed the book most of the time. It was an easy read and fun. I loved the reveal/concept of the game master, the underlying metaphors and allegories, the harsh critique and disappointment of an imperfect system, and I'll definitely gonna take inspiration for a DnD campaign!
I just wish the story weren't so rushed.
Don't get me wrong, I really loved and enjoyed the concept of this world. It's fun to read and immerse oneself in. It's silly. Too silly at times tho. But I think this would translate great into a DnD One Shot or sth of the sort.
But there were some things I wish that had been put more thought into them.
I would've prefered the author focusing on only a handful fleshed-out games instead of throwing in multiple "shallow" ones that are basically those you know from your childhood but with "fancy" names (which I get is the point of the book, kinda, but still sometimes led to logic errors and allowed almost no suspense). Or such that I wouldn't even consider proper games. And some rules didn't make any sense other than being "silly and fun" (which became rather tedious fast). And I know this was sort of explained towards the end but didn't made it any more fun to read.
Also the author introduces a lot of other things like boons and stuff, which, if only used for a small part or certain games could work but more often than not felt rather all over the place.
Another thing that bothered me, was the absence of "stakes" and "consequences". Sure, the book makes you believe it has those things but once introduced, at some point an easy solution or explanation arises. It rids the story of tension. Unfortunately.
Especially after Chapter 16 the life-threatening danger and excitment of encountering Lady Death in the finale of the games was being completely erased.
Also the twist/revelation in Chapter 22 doesn't feel that rewarding because it felt too easy.
Last but not least, I think the book would have profited from an external narration, focusing on all players alike and make the reader feel for them as a whole.
This being said. I still enjoyed the book most of the time. It was an easy read and fun. I loved the reveal/concept of the game master, the underlying metaphors and allegories, the harsh critique and disappointment of an imperfect system, and I'll definitely gonna take inspiration for a DnD campaign!
I just wish the story weren't so rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2025
3.5 Sterne
Ein gleichermaßen hoffnungsvolles und deprimierendes Kinderbuch, das sehr viel mehr ist als man auf den ersten Blick meint.
Eine Welt, in der jeder erfolgreich sein kann, wenn er hart arbeitet und sich an die Regeln hält.
Aber nicht jede:r spielt fair. Und die gleichen Regeln gelten nicht für alle gleich...
Ab 12 kann jeder Bewohner spielen, um einen höheren Rang, Geld, und ein besseres Leben zu gewinnen. Die Besten treten jährlich zu einem großen Spiel an, bei dem es um alles geht.
Die Spiele geben uns Regeln und Struktur. Sie schenken uns die Kontrolle über unser Leben.
Doch dieses Jahr tritt eine Gruppe Außenseiter an. Die vor allem eins wollen: Gerechtigkeit für sich und ihre geliebten Menschen, ein Leben ohne Spiele, bei denen jede:r jede Zeit alles verlieren kann. Denn wozu spielt man, wenn nicht für die Hoffnung, dass Dinge sich ändern können?
Manchmal reicht es, ein paar weitere Stufen zu bauen, damit der Nächste ein Stück weiterkommt.
Oberflächlich betrachtet also Hunger Games mit Gameshow Elementen und einer diversen Gruppe von Dreamers.
Wenn man will, kann man allerdings so viel mehr in dieses Buch reinlesen.
Ich war positiv überrascht, wie viel in diesem kleinen Buch steckt. Es ist super geschrieben und schwer wegzulegen. Ja, es ist nicht perfekt und vielleicht ein bisschen zu kurz, als dass man als erwachsene Person wirklich glaubt, dass die Kinder am Ende etwas ändern können. Aber das ist das schöne an Hoffnung.
*Leseexemplar vom Verlag via NetGalley erhalten*
Ein gleichermaßen hoffnungsvolles und deprimierendes Kinderbuch, das sehr viel mehr ist als man auf den ersten Blick meint.
Eine Welt, in der jeder erfolgreich sein kann, wenn er hart arbeitet und sich an die Regeln hält.
Aber nicht jede:r spielt fair. Und die gleichen Regeln gelten nicht für alle gleich...
Ab 12 kann jeder Bewohner spielen, um einen höheren Rang, Geld, und ein besseres Leben zu gewinnen. Die Besten treten jährlich zu einem großen Spiel an, bei dem es um alles geht.
Die Spiele geben uns Regeln und Struktur. Sie schenken uns die Kontrolle über unser Leben.
Doch dieses Jahr tritt eine Gruppe Außenseiter an. Die vor allem eins wollen: Gerechtigkeit für sich und ihre geliebten Menschen, ein Leben ohne Spiele, bei denen jede:r jede Zeit alles verlieren kann. Denn wozu spielt man, wenn nicht für die Hoffnung, dass Dinge sich ändern können?
Manchmal reicht es, ein paar weitere Stufen zu bauen, damit der Nächste ein Stück weiterkommt.
Oberflächlich betrachtet also Hunger Games mit Gameshow Elementen und einer diversen Gruppe von Dreamers.
Wenn man will, kann man allerdings so viel mehr in dieses Buch reinlesen.
Ich war positiv überrascht, wie viel in diesem kleinen Buch steckt. Es ist super geschrieben und schwer wegzulegen. Ja, es ist nicht perfekt und vielleicht ein bisschen zu kurz, als dass man als erwachsene Person wirklich glaubt, dass die Kinder am Ende etwas ändern können. Aber das ist das schöne an Hoffnung.
*Leseexemplar vom Verlag via NetGalley erhalten*
September 28, 2024
Dalej nie mogę uwierzyć, że niektórzy mają po 12 lat. Obłęd.
January 28, 2024
Is January too early in the year for me to start a Best of '24 list? I'm so glad I snagged this arc. I wasn't familiar with the author before but I'm definitely going to check out her other works. The story was compelling and, even though the overall idea of the Game setting/play to survive has been done I found this setting unique and fun to read and I liked the characters and their growth throughout. Also the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait until this is released to share!
September 1, 2025
Imagine a world where being good at games is necessary for survival. Why would a world like that exist, you ask? Good question. But that is the premise of A Game of Noctis.
When kids in Dantessa turn 12 they become official “players” and are given a ranking. The more you win, the higher your ranking climbs. And if it gets higher than everyone else’s, then you get to be in charge. But if you lose too much and your ranking falls to 0, you become a pawn, and are forced into servitude/slavery.
Also the money you need to buy food and everything else is earned by playing games. But if you lose, you lose your money and then you can’t eat. And if you’re rich then you can buy a higher rank and/or unpawn yourself.
Every year, there is a living game of noctis (similar to chess) where two teams of 12-15 year olds embody the five noctis characters and play against each other. Also death gets to play, and if death captures you, then you actually die. So, like the hunger games meets harry potter’s life-size chess.
So anyway, our main character Pia has just turned 12, and she and her gramps are trying to survive. Pia thinks that if she follows the rules and plays games well enough she will be successful. Unsurprisingly, this is not true, which Pia learns the hard way. And obviously she joins a team to vie for the chance to play in the live noctis death game.
This book combines everything I hate about the fantasy genre with many of the things I love about the dystopian genre. It’s plot heavy, with lots of action and twists, which will keep kids who like these kinds of books engaged. I do wonder if kids will get that this odd game economy is an allegory for capitalism. Maybe 5th and up?
When kids in Dantessa turn 12 they become official “players” and are given a ranking. The more you win, the higher your ranking climbs. And if it gets higher than everyone else’s, then you get to be in charge. But if you lose too much and your ranking falls to 0, you become a pawn, and are forced into servitude/slavery.
Also the money you need to buy food and everything else is earned by playing games. But if you lose, you lose your money and then you can’t eat. And if you’re rich then you can buy a higher rank and/or unpawn yourself.
Every year, there is a living game of noctis (similar to chess) where two teams of 12-15 year olds embody the five noctis characters and play against each other. Also death gets to play, and if death captures you, then you actually die. So, like the hunger games meets harry potter’s life-size chess.
So anyway, our main character Pia has just turned 12, and she and her gramps are trying to survive. Pia thinks that if she follows the rules and plays games well enough she will be successful. Unsurprisingly, this is not true, which Pia learns the hard way. And obviously she joins a team to vie for the chance to play in the live noctis death game.
This book combines everything I hate about the fantasy genre with many of the things I love about the dystopian genre. It’s plot heavy, with lots of action and twists, which will keep kids who like these kinds of books engaged. I do wonder if kids will get that this odd game economy is an allegory for capitalism. Maybe 5th and up?
February 1, 2026
Sometimes you have to read a lighthearted YA novel about magic and games ✨ It was a very easy and relaxing read. Serafina is my favorite character, spouting her random fun facts. I thought the characters behaved accurately for their ages. The main character Pia is 12 years old. She has strong beliefs about right and wrong. She really struggles with accepting that people cheat and that the world isn't always fair. Even in our world, I think kids face a moment where they lose their naivety like Pia did. Cute book!
June 8, 2025
Die besseren Hungerspiele
Ein Buch für junge Jugendliche, die Bock auf ein Spiel haben. Wunderbar bildhaft und richtig
gut geschrieben. Die Zusammenhänge und die Figuren sind bunt wie das Leben selbst.
Ein Spiel, das nie enden soll, wenn es nach den Mächtigen geht, doch unsere Truppe junger
Helden sieht das anders und findet Unfassbares heraus. Es hat richtig Spaß gemacht, hier
mitzufiebern, denn es ist auch sehr kurzweilig. Man rutsch förmlich durch das Buch wie die
Figuren auf dem Brett.
Mochte ich wirklich sehr und würde es Kindern ab neun Jahren empfehlen
Ein Buch für junge Jugendliche, die Bock auf ein Spiel haben. Wunderbar bildhaft und richtig
gut geschrieben. Die Zusammenhänge und die Figuren sind bunt wie das Leben selbst.
Ein Spiel, das nie enden soll, wenn es nach den Mächtigen geht, doch unsere Truppe junger
Helden sieht das anders und findet Unfassbares heraus. Es hat richtig Spaß gemacht, hier
mitzufiebern, denn es ist auch sehr kurzweilig. Man rutsch förmlich durch das Buch wie die
Figuren auf dem Brett.
Mochte ich wirklich sehr und würde es Kindern ab neun Jahren empfehlen
October 7, 2025
Although in here was way more 'grimacing' and 'flinching' than a normal human would do, this book kinda won me over? I haven't actually read middle grade fantasy all that much, even when I was the correct age range for them because oh, was I so high and haughty about my literature choices at that age. I missed out, folks. This was so much fun. 🩷
September 17, 2024
Wow. This book was everything. I loved it so much! It felt like something different then the usual dystopian book. It was funny, fast paced, and had a awesome plot! I loved all the characters so much, and im heartbroken that I won’t get to see them again. Anyways read this book its a masterpiece!
October 7, 2024
Like a steampunky Warcross, this is about as fun as a middle grade book about the ethical quandaries of meritocracy and systemic privilege can be. I think this is the third book I've read by Deva Fagan and I think she deserves so much more buzz.
June 10, 2025
This was such a cool concept! A world where your status is defined by how well you play games. The games are also how you earn money or buy things. So cool! I think kids will find this high stakes book super exciting and a fun, thrilling read.
July 4, 2025
3.5 stars
July 1, 2024
Clever & fun, plus love a Venice-inspired setting.
April 3, 2026
Great fantasy read for middle schoolers! Pia tries to save her grandfather from the life of a Pawn by winning the Game of Noctis. Lots of creative challenges and new friends. Examples of who to trust and true friendship.
Recommended: grade 5+
Topics: social class, critical thinking, games of challenge, friendship, team
SPOILER ALERT: Chapter Summaries BELOW
Chapter 1
Gramps status has dropped to one?
Chapter 2
Pia has to find a way to play games and win steaks so that she can enter the competition to save her grandfather. Victoria saves her from the robot guard and ask her if she wants to play a game of obnoxious. This is a board game and not the game that’s played in the arena.
Chapter 3
Pia plays knocked us against Victoria on a rooftop. There are red and black pieces and white pieces that represent death at one point in the game Victoria saves Pia from death. She wins the game and gets 20 sigma. Victoria gives her a piece of paper with snake eyes and tells her she can find her there .
We also learned that Pia and her grandfather used to live at Palazzo Brejcha. Until he was forced to retire because his eyesight was going.
Chapter 4
PA lives in the damps. She’s a water rat. And arbiter comes to their house and relegates her grandfather to pawn Island. His standing has dropped to zero or below. The only way she can get him off. The island is with 10,000 stigma. She heads to the cats eye Club snake Alley to see if she can win more money. There is reference to playing it safe in the long game compared to taking risks.
Chapter 5
PSC’s Victoria playing a game with a swordfish. She sees Renzo Lord Barris, his son who is only 12. He has many more resources. We learned about goons. They are ways to boost your game. Like speed power strength. However, one plays player uses it as a nostril enhancer And sneezes to try to win the game! Ha ha. When Victoria sees Pia, she confirms she can win a lot of stigma and wants her on her not this game that starts next week.
Chapter 6
Six members on a team, including death. Which means there are five portal mortal members.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻details of game👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Stag- Carlo
Prince- Vittoria
Hare- Seraphina
Peacock - Pasquale
Archer- Pia
Ginevra benefactor- room n board, previous player that almost made it to win.
Sarah in the moon story. Persistence and generations finally build a tower to the moon.
Pia joins the Sea 🦊
Chapter 7
Pia meet the team and decide if she can trust them. Pascal is Lorenzo Braca‘s older sibling. He does not approve the way. His family plays the game.
Chapter 8
All children are eligible to play the game at 12 even if their parents are pawns. The team played minnows and Pasquale and Pia teamed it up to be Carlo.
Chapter 9
Victoria‘s parents lived in the diamond District. They sent her to the collegiate to train. Why is she a Seafox then?
Tons of different games mentioned and preparation time.
Master and puppet game – master can tell the puppet what to do, but cannot give directions like forward right left. Let’s try this with the students blindfolded!
Chapter 11
The council are the nine best players in the league
They enforced the book of Law
They issued the challenge at the Isle of Keys
The arbiter said the steaks have been raised to $100 sigma. As they try to scramble for the money, Renzo shows up with 50. P challenges him to slap trap. Left hand up right hand down don’t flinch!
Pia wins. Renzo tries to make amends and says he sent letter to Pia. She never got them.
Chapter 12
The challenge begins a couple pages and has the first riddle🎈
Sirens win a key
See foxes win one of the four keys
Crackens
Chapter 13
Learn about Carlo fathers temper.
New costumes
Next round. Sea Fox vs Dolphins
Chapter 14
New riddle
Find middle. Avoid clues. Wall is made of fire
Pia and Victoria make it to the middle and win!
Chapter 15
Discuss Boons. $$&&&
Sponti is spontaneous Boon.
Went to 1 eyed jacks
Jack’s said everything with the dice. That is how he saved and adopted Serafina. He does not make any decisions for himself only the dice. During a fishing game, Pia retrieves lady death sickle. Lady death arises they make a deal to change her sickle for a boo. He also learns that it is not magic that creates the game, but someone!
Lady death was tricked into playing the great game by not reading the fine print!
Chapter 17
Lady death spoon that she gave Peter will remove an opponent permanently
Safina is building a skeleton name Mario
Next challenge is on the water while they ride dolphins!
Lots of action with a variety of fish! Billfish frenzy
Chapter 18
Crackens won the challenge.
Sea foxes realize the Kraken cheated because they knew what would set the bull fish off with the shorts scarf. They also had the perfect boom. When Pascal accuses Renzo of cheating the arbiter takes away 50s Sigma points from Pasco dropping him from 80 to 30.
Chapter 19
Pascal told Pia that his father wanted him to challenge someone to a game of nightshade. The loser dies. He refused to do it and his father disowned him. His father just wanted power didn’t care about the person.
Chapter 20
Victoria, Papa had a journal about the great game. When the arbiter saw her with it, she told the truth and ended up sending Papa and dad to pawn Island. She began forming a team and trying to figure out the great game and how to change it.
Brasha is with Hare Lucia and Pia and Vic follow them to a gondola. Brasha is threatening Lucia to cheat.
They find a rock with a secret passage.
Chapter 21
Pita and Vittore, yeah Victoria meet Maggie. She is the original prince. She actually invents the game of play. She doesn’t see that it has potential unfairness to it, and Victoria tried to explain to her how it is in equitable no luck.
Chapter 22
Here in Victoria told the team about mugging. Victoria stole the plans for the next challenge. They faced the sirens in a sweet gingerbread setting. He uses the Jack bone and Prince Elena goes to death store. He throws herself to the door too!
Chapter 23
Yeah, talks to lady death. She convinces her to let Elena return. She realizes the way to change. The game is to have a new game master. Which means to team up in Lady death loses. C foxes win the challenge.
Chapter 24
Lady death does not want to be caught in an endless game. She wants to build her gazebo. She cannot fit.
They are going to face the Kraken so they think they should approach Renzo and see if they can team up. If they defeat Lady death no more standings. No more ponds.
He talks to Renzo, but looked in interest before she can convince them of the truth
Chapter 25
Blood Russia challenges, the sea foxes. Because he has a 99 standing, they are expelled from the game. Their key is taken by the armor. They throw a smoke screen and a skate. And I was trying to figure out how to save the world. Lord Russia has already paid off the sirens so that the Kraken will win. When Lady Jeff wins all the ponds goes up.
Chapter 26
They go to one eye jacks. He let the dice aside if he will give them the key when it says no Serafina asks him to believe in her. He gives them the key and throws the dice overboard. C Fox is breaking into the arena. They challenged the Kraken. It would match an immortal. And Renzo in his team, except despite Brasha’s plea to reject.
Chapter 27
The teams combine and they defeat Lady death. It takes three strikes. Serafina gets the first one Renzo gets a second. And when Victoria and Pia face her together, the queen can only strike one and together they defeat her. This puts Victoria as the number one player. All the ponds return and a new law has started. Lots of people from the diamond district have left to form their own community and Gramps is reunited.
Discussion
What do you think of Serafino’s skeleton?
Which player would you be? Peacock, Prince Hare
If you could create the game, what would you include?
Recommended: grade 5+
Topics: social class, critical thinking, games of challenge, friendship, team
SPOILER ALERT: Chapter Summaries BELOW
Chapter 1
Gramps status has dropped to one?
Chapter 2
Pia has to find a way to play games and win steaks so that she can enter the competition to save her grandfather. Victoria saves her from the robot guard and ask her if she wants to play a game of obnoxious. This is a board game and not the game that’s played in the arena.
Chapter 3
Pia plays knocked us against Victoria on a rooftop. There are red and black pieces and white pieces that represent death at one point in the game Victoria saves Pia from death. She wins the game and gets 20 sigma. Victoria gives her a piece of paper with snake eyes and tells her she can find her there .
We also learned that Pia and her grandfather used to live at Palazzo Brejcha. Until he was forced to retire because his eyesight was going.
Chapter 4
PA lives in the damps. She’s a water rat. And arbiter comes to their house and relegates her grandfather to pawn Island. His standing has dropped to zero or below. The only way she can get him off. The island is with 10,000 stigma. She heads to the cats eye Club snake Alley to see if she can win more money. There is reference to playing it safe in the long game compared to taking risks.
Chapter 5
PSC’s Victoria playing a game with a swordfish. She sees Renzo Lord Barris, his son who is only 12. He has many more resources. We learned about goons. They are ways to boost your game. Like speed power strength. However, one plays player uses it as a nostril enhancer And sneezes to try to win the game! Ha ha. When Victoria sees Pia, she confirms she can win a lot of stigma and wants her on her not this game that starts next week.
Chapter 6
Six members on a team, including death. Which means there are five portal mortal members.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻details of game👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Stag- Carlo
Prince- Vittoria
Hare- Seraphina
Peacock - Pasquale
Archer- Pia
Ginevra benefactor- room n board, previous player that almost made it to win.
Sarah in the moon story. Persistence and generations finally build a tower to the moon.
Pia joins the Sea 🦊
Chapter 7
Pia meet the team and decide if she can trust them. Pascal is Lorenzo Braca‘s older sibling. He does not approve the way. His family plays the game.
Chapter 8
All children are eligible to play the game at 12 even if their parents are pawns. The team played minnows and Pasquale and Pia teamed it up to be Carlo.
Chapter 9
Victoria‘s parents lived in the diamond District. They sent her to the collegiate to train. Why is she a Seafox then?
Tons of different games mentioned and preparation time.
Master and puppet game – master can tell the puppet what to do, but cannot give directions like forward right left. Let’s try this with the students blindfolded!
Chapter 11
The council are the nine best players in the league
They enforced the book of Law
They issued the challenge at the Isle of Keys
The arbiter said the steaks have been raised to $100 sigma. As they try to scramble for the money, Renzo shows up with 50. P challenges him to slap trap. Left hand up right hand down don’t flinch!
Pia wins. Renzo tries to make amends and says he sent letter to Pia. She never got them.
Chapter 12
The challenge begins a couple pages and has the first riddle🎈
Sirens win a key
See foxes win one of the four keys
Crackens
Chapter 13
Learn about Carlo fathers temper.
New costumes
Next round. Sea Fox vs Dolphins
Chapter 14
New riddle
Find middle. Avoid clues. Wall is made of fire
Pia and Victoria make it to the middle and win!
Chapter 15
Discuss Boons. $$&&&
Sponti is spontaneous Boon.
Went to 1 eyed jacks
Jack’s said everything with the dice. That is how he saved and adopted Serafina. He does not make any decisions for himself only the dice. During a fishing game, Pia retrieves lady death sickle. Lady death arises they make a deal to change her sickle for a boo. He also learns that it is not magic that creates the game, but someone!
Lady death was tricked into playing the great game by not reading the fine print!
Chapter 17
Lady death spoon that she gave Peter will remove an opponent permanently
Safina is building a skeleton name Mario
Next challenge is on the water while they ride dolphins!
Lots of action with a variety of fish! Billfish frenzy
Chapter 18
Crackens won the challenge.
Sea foxes realize the Kraken cheated because they knew what would set the bull fish off with the shorts scarf. They also had the perfect boom. When Pascal accuses Renzo of cheating the arbiter takes away 50s Sigma points from Pasco dropping him from 80 to 30.
Chapter 19
Pascal told Pia that his father wanted him to challenge someone to a game of nightshade. The loser dies. He refused to do it and his father disowned him. His father just wanted power didn’t care about the person.
Chapter 20
Victoria, Papa had a journal about the great game. When the arbiter saw her with it, she told the truth and ended up sending Papa and dad to pawn Island. She began forming a team and trying to figure out the great game and how to change it.
Brasha is with Hare Lucia and Pia and Vic follow them to a gondola. Brasha is threatening Lucia to cheat.
They find a rock with a secret passage.
Chapter 21
Pita and Vittore, yeah Victoria meet Maggie. She is the original prince. She actually invents the game of play. She doesn’t see that it has potential unfairness to it, and Victoria tried to explain to her how it is in equitable no luck.
Chapter 22
Here in Victoria told the team about mugging. Victoria stole the plans for the next challenge. They faced the sirens in a sweet gingerbread setting. He uses the Jack bone and Prince Elena goes to death store. He throws herself to the door too!
Chapter 23
Yeah, talks to lady death. She convinces her to let Elena return. She realizes the way to change. The game is to have a new game master. Which means to team up in Lady death loses. C foxes win the challenge.
Chapter 24
Lady death does not want to be caught in an endless game. She wants to build her gazebo. She cannot fit.
They are going to face the Kraken so they think they should approach Renzo and see if they can team up. If they defeat Lady death no more standings. No more ponds.
He talks to Renzo, but looked in interest before she can convince them of the truth
Chapter 25
Blood Russia challenges, the sea foxes. Because he has a 99 standing, they are expelled from the game. Their key is taken by the armor. They throw a smoke screen and a skate. And I was trying to figure out how to save the world. Lord Russia has already paid off the sirens so that the Kraken will win. When Lady Jeff wins all the ponds goes up.
Chapter 26
They go to one eye jacks. He let the dice aside if he will give them the key when it says no Serafina asks him to believe in her. He gives them the key and throws the dice overboard. C Fox is breaking into the arena. They challenged the Kraken. It would match an immortal. And Renzo in his team, except despite Brasha’s plea to reject.
Chapter 27
The teams combine and they defeat Lady death. It takes three strikes. Serafina gets the first one Renzo gets a second. And when Victoria and Pia face her together, the queen can only strike one and together they defeat her. This puts Victoria as the number one player. All the ponds return and a new law has started. Lots of people from the diamond district have left to form their own community and Gramps is reunited.
Discussion
What do you think of Serafino’s skeleton?
Which player would you be? Peacock, Prince Hare
If you could create the game, what would you include?
May 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this! Game obsessed society, Venice-like setting, Hunger Games-lite, perfect for middle grade readers!
August 24, 2024
I LOVED this book, and let me tell you why, my dear fellow book loving friends!
- CHARACTERS-
One, the characters were REALLY well thought out.
To put into perspective what kind of characters these people are, I'll place the Higwarts house I think they would belong in next to their name.
Pia - Griffindor, because of her determination and bravery.
Vittoria - Slytherin, because of her cunning and ambition.
Serafina - Ravenclaw, because of her intelligence and ability to come up with an idea and act on it quickly to help her friends. (She may also be able to be in Griffindor as well.)
Carlo - Griffindor, because of his strength and fighting spirit, and his ability to NEVER give up.
Pasquale - Hufflepuff, because of his kind heart, loyalty, and hopeful spirit.
Each of the characters had a drive, a REASON for what they were doing, and that made them even MORE real to me. I fell in love with their personalities and passion.
+ 1 stars for the Characters
-WORLD-
Okay, as a blossoming author who LOVES to world build, this section is held special to my heart.
The world that this book was built on, Dantessa, is a confusing world at first, but as you read, you gain an understanding and insite to how this world works.
I love the culture of the world that is based off of GAMES. The world itself and the flaws that come with it. I love how the author made an incredible world, but gave it the flaws that only the people who suffer would see. It is an incredibly built world, and I loved exploring it with the main characters.
+ 1 stars for the World
-PLOT-
...
I HAVE NO WORDS FOR HOW WELL THOUGHT OUT AND HOW GOOD THIS PLOT WAS!
Even though the world and story were oriented towards the 6-8 grades, I LOVED reading this, even though I am WELL past those grades.
The story revolved around what is called the Great Game, which dictates the world around them. Even the push for the main character to shift from a walk into a run was a great idea.
This plot took me on a wild ride, and I couldn’t get off of said ride until it ended. 😅🤣
+ 1 stars for the Plot
-WRITING-
This book was incredibly well written as well.
The dialog between the characters clearly showed their own separate personalities and desires. It showed strength and unity, even though all of them had JUST met recently. None of it was unclear or confusing in any way.
The descriptions were well done as well. I loved how the book have just enough details to give you mind a basis and then let you brain run wild with the rest. It was a great way to color details into the story.
+ 1 stars for Writing
-OVER ALL ENJOYMENT-
Me: *claps hands together*, *takes a deep breath*
Me: ILOVEDREADINGTHISBOOKSOMUCHITHURTS!
Oh, my gosh this book was incredible from the first word. I loved the way it flowed and I loved the way the story took me on a wild goose chase and didn't let me stop moving through the story with the characters.
This book is now going to be one of my top recommendations for kids because of how good it was.
PLEASE READ IT!
+ 1 stars for Over All Enjoyment
-------
Total Stars: 5
- CHARACTERS-
One, the characters were REALLY well thought out.
To put into perspective what kind of characters these people are, I'll place the Higwarts house I think they would belong in next to their name.
Pia - Griffindor, because of her determination and bravery.
Vittoria - Slytherin, because of her cunning and ambition.
Serafina - Ravenclaw, because of her intelligence and ability to come up with an idea and act on it quickly to help her friends. (She may also be able to be in Griffindor as well.)
Carlo - Griffindor, because of his strength and fighting spirit, and his ability to NEVER give up.
Pasquale - Hufflepuff, because of his kind heart, loyalty, and hopeful spirit.
Each of the characters had a drive, a REASON for what they were doing, and that made them even MORE real to me. I fell in love with their personalities and passion.
+ 1 stars for the Characters
-WORLD-
Okay, as a blossoming author who LOVES to world build, this section is held special to my heart.
The world that this book was built on, Dantessa, is a confusing world at first, but as you read, you gain an understanding and insite to how this world works.
I love the culture of the world that is based off of GAMES. The world itself and the flaws that come with it. I love how the author made an incredible world, but gave it the flaws that only the people who suffer would see. It is an incredibly built world, and I loved exploring it with the main characters.
+ 1 stars for the World
-PLOT-
...
I HAVE NO WORDS FOR HOW WELL THOUGHT OUT AND HOW GOOD THIS PLOT WAS!
Even though the world and story were oriented towards the 6-8 grades, I LOVED reading this, even though I am WELL past those grades.
The story revolved around what is called the Great Game, which dictates the world around them. Even the push for the main character to shift from a walk into a run was a great idea.
This plot took me on a wild ride, and I couldn’t get off of said ride until it ended. 😅🤣
+ 1 stars for the Plot
-WRITING-
This book was incredibly well written as well.
The dialog between the characters clearly showed their own separate personalities and desires. It showed strength and unity, even though all of them had JUST met recently. None of it was unclear or confusing in any way.
The descriptions were well done as well. I loved how the book have just enough details to give you mind a basis and then let you brain run wild with the rest. It was a great way to color details into the story.
+ 1 stars for Writing
-OVER ALL ENJOYMENT-
Me: *claps hands together*, *takes a deep breath*
Me: ILOVEDREADINGTHISBOOKSOMUCHITHURTS!
Oh, my gosh this book was incredible from the first word. I loved the way it flowed and I loved the way the story took me on a wild goose chase and didn't let me stop moving through the story with the characters.
This book is now going to be one of my top recommendations for kids because of how good it was.
PLEASE READ IT!
+ 1 stars for Over All Enjoyment
-------
Total Stars: 5
April 20, 2025
Ein magisches Spiel, doch wie fair ist es? Spannend und gesellschaftskritisch für alle ab etwa 10 Jahren
Das erste, das mich an "Game of Noctis - Spiel um dein Leben" von Deva Fagan fasziniert hat, war dieses schöne Cover, das nicht nur die wichtigsten Figuren der Geschichte zeigt, sondern auch Dantessa, eine Stadt, die mich mit ihren Wasserstraßen gleich an Venedig erinnert hat.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Sicht von Pia Paro erzählt, einem Mädchen, das durch ihr strategisches Geschick ein großes Talent für viele Spiele hat, aber aus ärmlichen Verhältnissen stammt. Als ihr Großvater aus Dantessa verbannt wird, bietet ihr nur das große Spiel Noctis die Möglichkeit, genug Geld zu erspielen, um ihn wieder zurückzuholen. Pia ist bereit, alles zu tun, um ihren einzigen lebenden Verwandten zu retten.
Zum Glück ist Pia nicht allein, denn sie trifft auf das Team der Seefüchse, angeführt von der mysteriösen Vittoria. Dabei ist es schön zu lesen, wie die Gruppe von Kindern langsam zusammenwächst und durch die verschiedensten Übungsspiele Vertrauen zueinander aufbaut. Auch die Nebenfiguren sind hier sehr gut ausgearbeitet und haben ganz verschiedene Hintergründe, die sie dazu bringen, ihr Bestes zu geben.
Spätestens mit Beginn des großen Spiels wird es dann richtig spannend, denn bei Noctis geht es um Leben und Tod und die Gefahren lauern überall. Die Spiele haben alle etwas Magisches an sich, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. So gibt es Teams, die plötzlich fliegen können oder eine Arena, die an ein gefährliches Schlaraffenland erinnert.
Besonders spannend fand ich aber die gesellschaftskritischen Aspekte, die sich auch auf die reale Welt übertragen lassen. Es gibt Spielregeln, die für alle gelten, aber von Reichen und Mächtigen durch Geld oder andere Einflüsse übertreten werden können. Einige wenige Personen sind privilegiert und können sich in den Spielen Zusatzfähigkeiten kaufen, die ihnen gewaltige Vorteile bringen.
So treten die Seefüchse als Team aus den Armenvierteln gegen Teams mit Macht und Vermögen an. Dabei wird Pia im Laufe der Geschichte immer bewusster, wie ungerecht das System an sich ist und es geht bei dem Spiel längst nicht mehr nur um die Rettung ihres Großvaters.
Der Schreibstil von Deva Fagan ist fesselnd und sehr spannend, auch wenn die Action erst mit dem großen Spiel so richtig losgeht. Zwar spielt der Tod in der Geschichte durchaus eine Rolle, aber "Game of Noctis" ist bei Weitem nicht so brutal wie zum Beispiel die Tribute von Panem und damit für alle ab etwa 10 Jahren geeignet.
Wegen der magischen Elemente empfehle ich das Buch allen, die gerne Fantasy Geschichten mögen. Aber auch alle, die gerne Kinderbücher lesen, in denen der Status quo angezweifelt wird und eine gerechtere Welt nur durch gesellschaftliche Veränderungen möglich ist, werden hier Spaß beim Lesen haben und zum Nachdenken angeregt.
Das erste, das mich an "Game of Noctis - Spiel um dein Leben" von Deva Fagan fasziniert hat, war dieses schöne Cover, das nicht nur die wichtigsten Figuren der Geschichte zeigt, sondern auch Dantessa, eine Stadt, die mich mit ihren Wasserstraßen gleich an Venedig erinnert hat.
Die Geschichte wird aus der Sicht von Pia Paro erzählt, einem Mädchen, das durch ihr strategisches Geschick ein großes Talent für viele Spiele hat, aber aus ärmlichen Verhältnissen stammt. Als ihr Großvater aus Dantessa verbannt wird, bietet ihr nur das große Spiel Noctis die Möglichkeit, genug Geld zu erspielen, um ihn wieder zurückzuholen. Pia ist bereit, alles zu tun, um ihren einzigen lebenden Verwandten zu retten.
Zum Glück ist Pia nicht allein, denn sie trifft auf das Team der Seefüchse, angeführt von der mysteriösen Vittoria. Dabei ist es schön zu lesen, wie die Gruppe von Kindern langsam zusammenwächst und durch die verschiedensten Übungsspiele Vertrauen zueinander aufbaut. Auch die Nebenfiguren sind hier sehr gut ausgearbeitet und haben ganz verschiedene Hintergründe, die sie dazu bringen, ihr Bestes zu geben.
Spätestens mit Beginn des großen Spiels wird es dann richtig spannend, denn bei Noctis geht es um Leben und Tod und die Gefahren lauern überall. Die Spiele haben alle etwas Magisches an sich, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. So gibt es Teams, die plötzlich fliegen können oder eine Arena, die an ein gefährliches Schlaraffenland erinnert.
Besonders spannend fand ich aber die gesellschaftskritischen Aspekte, die sich auch auf die reale Welt übertragen lassen. Es gibt Spielregeln, die für alle gelten, aber von Reichen und Mächtigen durch Geld oder andere Einflüsse übertreten werden können. Einige wenige Personen sind privilegiert und können sich in den Spielen Zusatzfähigkeiten kaufen, die ihnen gewaltige Vorteile bringen.
So treten die Seefüchse als Team aus den Armenvierteln gegen Teams mit Macht und Vermögen an. Dabei wird Pia im Laufe der Geschichte immer bewusster, wie ungerecht das System an sich ist und es geht bei dem Spiel längst nicht mehr nur um die Rettung ihres Großvaters.
Der Schreibstil von Deva Fagan ist fesselnd und sehr spannend, auch wenn die Action erst mit dem großen Spiel so richtig losgeht. Zwar spielt der Tod in der Geschichte durchaus eine Rolle, aber "Game of Noctis" ist bei Weitem nicht so brutal wie zum Beispiel die Tribute von Panem und damit für alle ab etwa 10 Jahren geeignet.
Wegen der magischen Elemente empfehle ich das Buch allen, die gerne Fantasy Geschichten mögen. Aber auch alle, die gerne Kinderbücher lesen, in denen der Status quo angezweifelt wird und eine gerechtere Welt nur durch gesellschaftliche Veränderungen möglich ist, werden hier Spaß beim Lesen haben und zum Nachdenken angeregt.
April 28, 2025
Spiel um dein Leben, oder das von allen!
Das Cover von Game of Noctis war das Erste, was mich angesprochen hat, danach kam der Klappentext und der Rest ist Geschichte. Mir hat der Schreibstil richtig gut gefallen, er lässt sich flüssig und schnell lesen, was mich förmlich durch die Seiten hat fliegen lassen.
Ein bisschen hat mich die Idee mit dem Spiel Noctis an die Tribute von Panem erinnert, nur harmloser, obwohl es letztendlich nicht um weniger geht. Die Charaktere hab ich in kürzester Zeit in mein Herz geschlossen und wenn ich einmal nicht gelesen habe (was, um ehrlich zu sein, kaum vorgekommen ist), dann habe ich nur daran gedacht, wie es wohl weitergehen könnte.
Die Thematik rund um die Spiele hat mich definitiv von sich überzeugt und ich mochte, wie die Welt aufgebaut wurde. Generell ist der Weltenaufbau für dieses Buch nicht zu kurz gekommen, was ich nur positiv anmerken kann.
Die Umsetzung mochte ich ebenfalls sehr, das Buch war, wie schon erwähnt, spannend genug, dass ich es in kürzester Zeit förmlich inhaliert habe. Hatte demnach definitiv auch meinen Spaß beim Lesen, nicht nur, weil es sich so flüssig lesen lässt, sondern auch, weil zwischen dem Ernst der Lage immer wieder ein paar lustige Situationen entstanden sind, über die ich schon lachen musste.
Die Figuren kamen mir an sich wirklich authentisch vor, allerdings habe ich mich manchmal gefragt, ob zwölfjährige heutzutage bereits so erwachsen agieren, ich habe das in dem Alter nämlich sicherlich nicht gemacht. Allerdings könnte das natürlich auch den Umständen der Welt geschuldet sein und dass alle Kinder dort schnell erwachsen werden mussten, aus welchen Gründen nun auch immer. Vielleicht also auch gerechtfertigt.
Fazit:
Ich mochte auf jeden Fall was für eine große Rolle die Spiele in dieser Welt gespielt haben und auch die Charaktere mochte ich sehr. Bin nur so durch dieses Buch geflogen und kann es echt nur empfehlen.
Das Cover von Game of Noctis war das Erste, was mich angesprochen hat, danach kam der Klappentext und der Rest ist Geschichte. Mir hat der Schreibstil richtig gut gefallen, er lässt sich flüssig und schnell lesen, was mich förmlich durch die Seiten hat fliegen lassen.
Ein bisschen hat mich die Idee mit dem Spiel Noctis an die Tribute von Panem erinnert, nur harmloser, obwohl es letztendlich nicht um weniger geht. Die Charaktere hab ich in kürzester Zeit in mein Herz geschlossen und wenn ich einmal nicht gelesen habe (was, um ehrlich zu sein, kaum vorgekommen ist), dann habe ich nur daran gedacht, wie es wohl weitergehen könnte.
Die Thematik rund um die Spiele hat mich definitiv von sich überzeugt und ich mochte, wie die Welt aufgebaut wurde. Generell ist der Weltenaufbau für dieses Buch nicht zu kurz gekommen, was ich nur positiv anmerken kann.
Die Umsetzung mochte ich ebenfalls sehr, das Buch war, wie schon erwähnt, spannend genug, dass ich es in kürzester Zeit förmlich inhaliert habe. Hatte demnach definitiv auch meinen Spaß beim Lesen, nicht nur, weil es sich so flüssig lesen lässt, sondern auch, weil zwischen dem Ernst der Lage immer wieder ein paar lustige Situationen entstanden sind, über die ich schon lachen musste.
Die Figuren kamen mir an sich wirklich authentisch vor, allerdings habe ich mich manchmal gefragt, ob zwölfjährige heutzutage bereits so erwachsen agieren, ich habe das in dem Alter nämlich sicherlich nicht gemacht. Allerdings könnte das natürlich auch den Umständen der Welt geschuldet sein und dass alle Kinder dort schnell erwachsen werden mussten, aus welchen Gründen nun auch immer. Vielleicht also auch gerechtfertigt.
Fazit:
Ich mochte auf jeden Fall was für eine große Rolle die Spiele in dieser Welt gespielt haben und auch die Charaktere mochte ich sehr. Bin nur so durch dieses Buch geflogen und kann es echt nur empfehlen.
April 5, 2026
love it love it LOVE IT!! would give it a million stars if i could because this captures the childhood essence of morality mixed with the excitement of games (this book is especially for those who enjoyed the tension of the living chess match of HP, you will ADORE this).
Side ramble, can i just say, Death is such a mood in this book? she's peaceful(ish) and just wants to be left alone (also a big note in this book, please read the fine print people or everyone will be miserable in the long run). I enjoyed how the "big bad" isn't really a major factor in this book, it's back to basics, back to magical chaos with the risk of life and death mixed in with a corrupted economy. In simple terms, not grand twists or complicated drama, just five teens (ish) searching their way to break the system and restore order etc similiar to the vibes of "the girl with no soul" book though I acknowledge content wise they're pretty different.
There's inkling of the great games being spoiled too, I love how they're all mashed up into a tournament style setting with the chance to change your life. The plot lines may be typical to most readers but sometimes its nice to step back and enjoy the simplicity, remembering where it all came from. The portrayal of different game interpretation is wildly fascinating and there's so many opportunities for spin offs- think the hunger games but more magical. oh and with a splash of the trials from the school of good and evil (though in team formats this time and not as deadly due to genre).
It's not bad actually, this book has the potential to be a classic and I applaud Ms Deva Fagan on her balancing the chaos without tilting to too cliche or too overdone. It was on the tip of Death's Scythe perfectly every time. It doesn't make my head spin and tells the story as it is, in all it's moral high and lows (no drama here, just character growth and moral changes!). Would read again for a light one on a normal day, not bad!
xoxo Ari
Side ramble, can i just say, Death is such a mood in this book? she's peaceful(ish) and just wants to be left alone (also a big note in this book, please read the fine print people or everyone will be miserable in the long run). I enjoyed how the "big bad" isn't really a major factor in this book, it's back to basics, back to magical chaos with the risk of life and death mixed in with a corrupted economy. In simple terms, not grand twists or complicated drama, just five teens (ish) searching their way to break the system and restore order etc similiar to the vibes of "the girl with no soul" book though I acknowledge content wise they're pretty different.
There's inkling of the great games being spoiled too, I love how they're all mashed up into a tournament style setting with the chance to change your life. The plot lines may be typical to most readers but sometimes its nice to step back and enjoy the simplicity, remembering where it all came from. The portrayal of different game interpretation is wildly fascinating and there's so many opportunities for spin offs- think the hunger games but more magical. oh and with a splash of the trials from the school of good and evil (though in team formats this time and not as deadly due to genre).
It's not bad actually, this book has the potential to be a classic and I applaud Ms Deva Fagan on her balancing the chaos without tilting to too cliche or too overdone. It was on the tip of Death's Scythe perfectly every time. It doesn't make my head spin and tells the story as it is, in all it's moral high and lows (no drama here, just character growth and moral changes!). Would read again for a light one on a normal day, not bad!
xoxo Ari
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