The Game of Oaths

by S.C. Bandreddi

In this heart-pounding, richly imagined fantasy set in the Belle Époque, a trapeze artist fights to win a deadly tournament amid the glamour and illusions of a magical circus. But survival isn’t her only goal—she wants revenge.

It’s 1896. Beneath a hotel in the heart of Paris is the famed le Cirque des Ombres, led by ringmaster and Enchanteur Jean-Pierre. But behind the dazzling spectacles, the circus performers are bound by magical contracts, also making them potential players in the annual Game of Oaths, an underground bloodthirsty tournament watched by the wealthy elite. Twelve will compete. Eleven will die.

Seventeen-year-old trapeze artist Falan Sunkara is out for revenge. After her sister ended up as one of the unlucky eleven last year, Falan wants nothing more than to make Jean-Pierre pay for her death. When she’s chosen to compete in this year’s tournament, Falan is not above playing dirty and forging unlikely alliances. But to be the last one standing, she has to determine whom to trust and whose motives to question. Vengeance on top of survival is a dangerous gamble—and in games like this, the house always wins.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult Fantasy

432 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication June 2, 2026

About the author

S.C. Bandreddi is a writer who hails from California’s Bay Area, where she grew up scribbling stories deep into the night and hasn’t stopped since. She’s a graduate of California State University, Fullerton, where she studied Communications and film. When she’s not putting words on paper, she’s usually gaming, rewatching her favorite movies, or at an arcade trying to win as many plushies as she can. Her debut novel, THE GAME OF OATHS, will be published June 2026.

Reviews

[Sierraaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, i would like to thank NetGalley, Candlewick Press, and S. C. Bandreddi for the opportunity to read and review this book early!

This book was a fun one, and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what twist or shocking event would happen next. In The Game of Oaths, we follow Falan Sunkara, a young trapeze artist who is out for the revenge of her sister’s death. As part of a magical circus group, Falan has no choice but to work for Enchanteur Jean-Pierre, a sadistic ringmaster who enjoys the tremendous power he has within French society in 1896. and every year, a deadly competition takes place between 12 unlucky competitors from Jean-Pierre’s contracted performers. but this year? Falan is chosen to compete—but it’s okay, because she’s taking Jean-Pierre down with her if it’s the last thing she does

I actually really liked Falan’s character, even if she was definitely unexpectedly bloodthirsty. she is set on getting revenge for her sister’s death in last year’s Game of Oaths, and nothing will stop her. But I also like that she had a bit of a soft side that she showed to almost no one, as she was not very social with others and liked to keep to herself. And the other POV characters were interesting too, because most of them were Falan’s accomplices, and it was cool to see how they felt about Sunkara and her actions

I also liked the glamour of a circus setting in 1896 France! I’ve learned I really enjoy historical settings or time periods for fantasy books, and this one was no exception. The glamour of old circus performances coupled with extravagant parties for the rich held my attention from the start, and made for a good read overall.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Game of Oaths is a book that left me feeling a bit torn. The story has genuinely strong bones: an alluring circus setting, a dangerous magical competition, and high stakes that should make this impossible to put down. At its best, especially during the game days themselves, the tension and pacing really worked for me. Those chapters were easily the strongest parts of the book and where the story felt most alive.

That said, I struggled with the execution. Much of the dialogue felt stilted, and the transitions between scenes were often choppy. Some character motivations, particularly Ronan’s, didn’t fully land for me, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested. The romance was very light, and the payoff never quite materialized in a satisfying way.

I also found myself wishing the magic played a larger role. Falan’s abilities felt like they should be central to the story, but they largely stayed in the background. I kept expecting a moment where her magic would truly manifest or help her escape a dire situation, but that euphoric breakthrough never really came.

Where the book surprised me was in the flashbacks. I don’t usually gravitate toward memory-heavy storytelling, but Falan’s recollections of her “sister” Lavanya were genuinely charming and added much needed emotional depth. Those moments helped ground the story and made the characters feel more human.

Overall, Game of Oaths shines brightest in its gameplay and world concept, but the setup and ending felt like the weakest points. With tighter dialogue, more believable motivations, and a stronger payoff, this could have easily gone from a 3 to a 5 star.

Thank you to Candlewick press and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Fanna]

you promise me a vengeful mc and i come running. also, the hunger games meets the night circus

[Natalie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for this to be out :))

[Melissa Kincaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant! Set in a richly imagined 1896 Belle Époque France, it centres on a deadly competition known as The Game of Oaths. This brutal tournament is staged for the entertainment of the upper classes, and those forced to enter are fighting for freedom from their contracts with the dark circus ringmaster and Enchanteur, Jean-Pierre.

Think The Hunger Games meets The Night Circus, and that is exactly what you get. The circus element is woven in beautifully, with trials tailored to each performer’s strengths, giving them both advantages and disadvantages throughout the deadly games.

The writing was excellent, the pacing strong, the trials genuinely frightening, and the sense of danger constant. I really loved the main characters, and even the side characters had purpose and depth, which made me care for all of their fates.

What to expect:
🎪 1800s Belle Époque Paris
🩸 YA fantasy
🗡️ Multiple POVs
🎪 Revenge
🩸 Illusion magic
🗡️ Deadly tournament
🎪 Circus setting
🩸 High stakes
🗡️ Historical France

Although marketed as young adult, this book leans into darker themes, particularly in the horror and violence of the trials. So check the content warnings before giving it to a younger reader! There are clear similarities to The Hunger Games in the structure of the deadly challenges, but it brings a fresh twist by using a deck of cards and the circus as the backbone. There is blood, danger, and gore, with countless moments that had me on edge, wondering who could truly be trusted.

Fans of deadly trials, subtle romantic undertones, revenge driven FMCs, and a beautifully dark reimagining of a glittering eighteenth century French circus setting will devour this whole.

A huge thank you to the absolute legends at Walker Books Australia for my gifted proof copy. I’m so grateful, I am very happily leaving this review ❤️✨


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[Nerelle Donnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A storyline that, on the surface, has similarities to The Hunger Games, but a depth that is further reminiscent of the Paris circus scene of a bygone century, with magic involved of course.

Locations are skilfully described, giving the reader the full experience of both the beauty and danger involved, woven with the magic that surrounds it. Costumes are eye-catching and the death-defying events will have you holding your breath.

The cast is large and as varied as you could possibly get, with the main protagonist being Falan, a troubled teenage trapeze artist, hellbent on staying alive to exact her revenge on those that have wronged her.

This one had me guessing all along. Trying to guess intentions, secrets, motives and of course, outcomes, but I will admit that there were many well executed twists and turns that like a great magic show, kept me totally entertained, out of my depth, and in a state of shock when it came to the events unfolding at the end.

A remarkable book with a magical storyline that will have you captivated and glad you didn’t get selected to be part of the Game of Oaths.

Thank you Better Reading and Walker Books Australia for my #gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication date | 4 June 2026 | 14+ years

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[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75* - thank you to NetGalley and Walker Books UK for approving me for this arc.

I really enjoyed The Game of Oaths. I found the pacing to be great, and although it felt like the games arrived quickly, the author spent enough time in each that you really got to experience them. I found the first two to be quite scary, I really liked the descriptions of the scenery and characters. There is a love triangle of sorts and then a separate romance. I do feel like these could have been fleshed out a bit more, as it read as if she was going to pick the one she didn’t (I was routing for that one). Also for the separate one, I wanted a kiss on that balcony. Falan as a main character was great and I especially enjoyed her interactions with Ronan. Even though there are multiple characters in this book, you do get to learn about each of them. I would have liked a bit more rounding off at the ending, or at least a bit more with certain characters, but the ending was good nonetheless. For a debut, it’s really great and I would definitely read from this author again.

[Linda Westhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I would like to thank Better Reading for this advance copy of Game of Oaths, it is everything I love in a book. I had forgotten how much I enjoy a good YA fantasy novel until I ventured into The Game of Oaths. As a big fan of The Hunger Games and anything Fantasy Circus, think The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or The Circus Train by Amita Parikh, I was excited early on. The Game of Oaths is a page turner, the characters not necessarily endearing and likable but you get to know them all pretty well, and even though all very unique they just worked in this story. The story keeps you guessing, set on the streets of France in 1896, it swaps between past and present throughout. I was left longing with the love triangle that teased the whole way, I would have liked there to have been a kiss when the romance finally emerged. I highly recommend this book, you will constantly wonder just who you can trust. I feel there may be a sequel which I look forward to.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly I wanna thank the author, the publisher and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for my review.
As soon as I read the synopsis of this book, I immediately said I need it!! I love the concept of a circus and having trials happening inside of a circus was kinda unique.
I struggled with the beggining of the book. I don't know why but wasn't grasping me but as soon as it was the day of the choosing for the games, I felt a shift the the energy of the book for me. She had to do a deal to survive the games and I knew things would go down from then on...
The stakes were high, I struggled with the pacing sometimes and with some characters and their motivations. But the games' days were what kept it fresh and alive for me.
I feel like the ending could have been better. But it was still a good read and had fun reading it.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Good... but I think we could have done even better

First off, I was completely captivated by this book. It was a fun read and it kept me glued to the pages from start to finish, wanting to know what comes next.

It is also a standalone that works well as such, while also effectively keeping the door open for a sequel, not something all authors can do.
The writing style was good, I liked the characters, and the plot develops in a way that actually makes sense.

Unfortunately, most debuts have the same problem: the idea is there, but the execution leaves something to be desired.
In this department, I was not convinced at all with some of the characters' motivations. Surviving and revenge as a motives can only take you so far, just saying.
The pacing was also a bit off, alternating heart-racing and dull moments.

Overall, The game of oaths was a great novel and I wouldn't be opposed to reading more from the author in the future.

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up for Goodreads and Netgalley.
I had a really fun time reading this book. I loved the setting and the atmosphere, they were stunning. The plot was intriguing and enthralling. And it was also fast-paced, which was great. There was a rather large cast of characters but it did not bother me at all, they were compelling. Falan, the main character, was probably my favorite; she was fierce and vengeful. I did not connect with some male characters but again, it did not bother me. It was also quite gruesome at times, for a young adult novel, but I did like that as well. Overall it was a really good historical fantasy and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and S.C Bandreddi for the ARC.

The cover of "The game of Oaths" really caught my eye, and then the description of "Hunger games meets Caraval"?? It's been so long since I read either, but I was sold.

This was an enjoyable read, the writing was lovely and the plot was interesting. The pacing had a few problems for me, but it didn't affect my overall enjoyment much.

The characters were a bit hit or miss for me. I liked some of them, but didn't feel invested enough in others to have any kind of opinion on them.

A great debut, and I'll certainly be checking out any future releases from the author.

[Michelle (easy.vesey.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Game of Oaths was such a great book! I was hooked from the start and enjoyed reading it. The book is basically The Hunger Games but set at a magical circus. I loved Falan as a character. She was strong and would do whatever it takes to avenge her sister’s death. With respect to the other characters, it was really hard to trust anyone because they’re all trying to win the game (where there can only be one winner). I had a great time reading this one and while it was a standalone, the last few lines of the book make me wonder if there will be a spin off or sequel.

Thank you so much to Candlewick Press for the advanced copy!

[Keles Wyntor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy from Barnes and noble Bookfest. I resonated strongly with a character who would burn the world down for her sister. I found the premise of this book very interesting. I loved the revenge, the witchiness, the circus, and hunger games esque competition. A very captivating read!

[Amaryllis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shannon Miz]

From PW:

"Lindsay Warren at Candlewick Press has bought The Game of Oaths by S.C. Bandreddi, a high-stakes historical YA fantasy set in Belle Époque Paris, where Falan Sunkara is a trapeze artist for Paris's famous magical circus, Le Cirque des Ombres. Le Cirque is ruled by one of the few magicians in the city legally allowed to use magic for entertainment. Each year, 12 members must compete in the Game of Oaths, a brutal tournament of deadly games watched by the city's elite, and only one will survive. Candlewick and Walker Books UK will release simultaneously in summer 2026; Catherine Cho at Paper Literary brokered the deal for world rights."