Why you SHOULD judge a book by its cover (THE GAMESHOUSE)

 Hello Charlie! Today I'll be writing about one of my favourite books ever : 

The Gameshouse by Claire North!!

So yes, shame on me, the cover is in French, BUT there is a reason for that : it's beautiful.

I bought it because of the cover but it's originally in English (and it doesn't look as good), and it got me hooked from the first page.

The story takes place in Venice in the 17th century, and it's about Thene, a woman that lives in her irresposible drunk husband's shadow. As he gambles a lot, he once takes her to the Gameshouse, a strange casino. There, she is approached by a stranger who reveals that there are other ways of gambling, only for the best players, and that behind the silver doors of the house is a room where you can bet much more than money : a talent, an ability, lifetime... 

To join these players, she must win a game by making her candidate win the upcomig election for Inquisitor at the supreme court. Put up against other contestants, she is given influent and random people as pawns to manipulate politics. 

There is tension all through the story, which pushes you to read further. What I liked most was the writing style, I'd never yet read something like it. First the story is told by an external point of view, that calls themselves the mediators, and that sometimes talks to the reader to invite them to read. This immerses you into the story, and there is a mistery about them and the Gameshouse that makes you eager to learn more. Then there are sentences that are repeated through the chapters, and it gives a certain rhythm to the story which I found really cool. 

"The coin turns, the coin turns. And like that, they are gone"

The book is very short, so you can finish it in a day (sadly), but it's a trilogy! The other books focus on other players of the higher league and other games. I didn't find the second one as good as the first, because it's less breathtaking, and I really like Thene (who isn't mentioned). But I think the third book makes up for it and it has a good end because you uncover a lot of the mystery aroud this universe.

So now you have all the good reasons to buy it :

    - it's great

    - It looks amazing on your bookshelf 

    - I'll be happy

    - you'll be happy

You can also borrow it from me if you don't find it in a library :)

Thank you for reading! and DO READ IT

Elaï