Poisoned Blade

By: Kate Elliott

Narrated by: Georgia Dolenz

In this thrilling sequel to World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott's bestselling young adult debut Court of Fives, a girl immersed in a high-stakes competition holds the fate of a kingdom in her hands.

Jessamy is moving up the ranks of the Fives--the complex athletic contest favored by the lowliest Commoners and the loftiest Patrons in her embattled kingdom. Pitted against far more formidable adversaries, success is Jes's only option, as her prize money is essential to keeping her hidden family alive. She leaps at the change to tour the countryside and face more competitors, but then a fatal attack on her traveling party puts Jes at the center of the war that Lord Kalliarkos--the prince she still loves--is fighting against their country's enemies. With a sinister overlord watching her every move and Kal's life on the line, Jes must now become more than a Fives champion....She must become a warrior.

Critic reviews

Praise for Poisoned Blade:
A Locus Awards Top-Ten Finalist
"With strong characters and vivid worldbuilding that refuses to oversimplify individuals, cultures, and the opposing forces they represent, this sequel to Court of Fives (2015) blends emotional intelligence, passionate idealism, and realpolitik in a plot ending at the cliff's edge of revolutionary change. At once nuanced and thrilling--a worthy sequel."
—Kirkus Reviews

"A worthy sequel, doubling down on the tension and politics and surpassing Court of Fives in suspense and depth of world-building.... a tense, dramatic adventure, raising the stakes and the potential for drastic consequences as the story barrels towards its conclusion."—Barnes & Noble

"Jes makes for a worthy heroine, as bold and daring as she is endearing. One of the best things about this series is that the characters--heroes and baddies alike--are vividly real, their motives and emotions often fierce but always recognizable."—Booklist

"The main character is the classic 'strong female warrior' archetype...and will remind most people of Katniss Everdeen.... The book deals with issues of family loyalty, standing up for one's beliefs, and self-discovery.... A solid addition to a high school collection."—Voya

"Anyone who things Young Adult fiction can't successfully handle themes like a culture's endurance in defiance of colonialism, the myriad socio-economic factors leading toward revolution, or racial and/or gender inequality, needs to read these books."—Fantasy Literature

"Stellar description and pacing. [Elliott's] eye for detail is extraordinary, and descriptions of court life are very evocative."—Teenreads

"Kate Elliott adds to her fantastical Court of Fives series with Poisoned Blade, and fans won't be disappointed."—Bustle

Praise for Court of Fives:A New York Times BestsellerAn Andre Norton Award NomineeAn NPR Best Book of 2015A Junior Library Guild Selection

* "Jes will remind readers of fearless Katniss with her skill and strategy for games. But it's the fascinating descriptions of traditions, royal interactions, and, of course, the intensities of the Fives that will enthrall readers most of all. Let the games continue!"—Booklist, starred review

"A gripping, original plot; vivid, complicated characters; and layered, convincingly detailed worldbuilding. A compelling look at racial and social identity wrapped in a page-turning adventure."—Kirkus Review

"An imaginative journey.... Elliott creates an intricate and intriguing story, conjuring a world of mysticism and centuries-old customs. Jessamy's boldness and impulsiveness make her a striking heroine in a male-dominated land."—Publishers Weekly

Captivating until the end!

You feel as if you are ther in the mist of the action. The author draws you in making you feel like you are part of the story.

The reader keeps the voices clear and steady, allowing you to always distinguish between the characters.

A must read! Don't miss out on this. I actually read the first book, but will definitely purchase it here. I can't wait to listen to it and book 3!

Love Love Love

This was so good! I can't wait until next year😫. I want the next book now!!!!! Athea will rise!

Great sequel

It took me a little bit to get back to this story but was able to fall back into the story quickly. It picks up Jess's story at the court of fives and leads you deeper into a war that is full of betrayal! I can't wait to see how this unfolds in the next book!!

Very entertaining, better than book 1

Couldn't put it down, very entertaining and an improvement on the first book. Enjoyed the twists and turns. Still some too-cheesy moments or lazy moments of characters moving plot through unbelievable dialogue but solid fun and suspense on the whole.

Well done

I was pulled into the story from beginning to end. Great narration. Wel l done!