Immortal Game by Allison Saft ~ a Review

by MK French

Six years ago, Shea Fury's sister was taken by the High King of the Otherworld, a land separated from that of humans by the Iron Veil. Those who win a chess tournament with the fae can ask for a boon, and Shea intends to get her sister back. It's a competition, and most of Shea's opponents bend the rules to try getting the boon. To win, Shea makes an alliance with her longtime rival, the sharply beautiful fae princess, Ciara of Bri Leith. One wrong move, and Shea could lose the competition, her sister, her dignity, and maybe even her life.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

August 2026; Wednesday Books; 978-1250404763
audio, ebook, print (400 pages); YA fantasy

The immortal game of the title is chess, something that the fae value and revere. Shea no longer enjoys the game, determined to do well so she can be invited to High King Midir's competition, which takes place once a century. Fae and human competitors are locked into place, and the consequences of disobeying the rules are lethal. Threats and sorcery are not explicitly outlawed, increasing the dangers involved. Shea is prickly and feral, and her competition tends to look down on her poor background and lack of social graces. Ciara has her own reasons for participating, which we find out nearly halfway through the book. 

The push and pull between Shea and Ciara is a classic rivals-to-lovers set against a competition backdrop. 

Buy Immortal Game at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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