Confidence Game

by Michelle M. Welch and TurtleMe

SHE DIDN'T BREAK THE RULES. THEY BROKE HER. Beneath its peaceful exterior, Dabion is a land of violence and intrigue, its politics run by judges, schemers, and spies. Elzith Kar is one such spy,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553586270
• ISBN13: 9780553586275
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Random House Worlds
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Quite good

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow and hard to keep track of in the beginning with all the geographical information and a very lacking map for reference, but as I became more interested in the characters, more aware of thier surroundings and able to tell the difference between this guy who wants to wear a wig and this guy who shuns it, I developed a craving to learn more. Ms. Welch gave me just enough information to peak my interest, but never enough to fully understand and drove me after finishing the first book to want the second. I do admit that I had prior knowledge that this was going to be at least a three part story and expected open questions at the end, but what I did not expect was a craving to know more and a genuine caring for Elzith. This is not a book for people who read too quickly and want everything summed up in tidy package by the end. Instead it leaves things open for you to think about, ponder and question. In short, I really liked it. And as a first book, I think it is fantastic.

Make no mistake; buy this book!

I felt, after reading some reviews of this book, that I should add my own piece, since it's true that people who dislike something are more likely to give their opinion than those that like that same something. Well, I liked Confidence Game, and I'm stepping up to say so! The setting for Confidence Game is Dabion. This is one exceptionally screwed-up place. Law is the religion and its priests are judges. The priests (called Justices), if you hadn't guessed, run Dabion completely. Seem grim? It is. Now, add in that the Justices are corrupt. Seem bleak? It is. Dabion, though, is merely a backdrop to this gem. The story is only surrounded by the confines of this totalitarian-fascistic society. It is really the story of Elzith, former spy. Elzith has questionable origins. She's deeply broken. More than simply having a "tragic flaw", she is unfixable. This doesn't stop Tod from trying to enact repairs, though. Elzith lives in Tod's downstairs flat. Tod is the only stable element in Elzith's life. If it were possible to meet Tod in real-life, I'd slap him (only to bring a little excitement to his life, of course). Of all the characters in the book, Tod could be considered the most "boring". That's the polite way to put it. Tod's chosen profession of bookbinding is explained in the first four chapters. Still, without Tod, Elzith is unredeemable. Matters aren't helped by the high-up Justice who wants Elzith dead. Dabion is one exceptionally screwed-up place, after all, and simply leaving a former spy alone with her new "love interest" for the rest of her retirement would make a boring book. Yes, more boring, even than Tod. Political intrigue is the rule in Confidence Game. While elements of magic and mysticism add to the wonders of the story, this is truly a dark fantasy. This "ain't yer Daddy's" happy world of Hobbits. In Confidence Game the future is dim, and it looks like the author is wearing shades.

A classic tortured spy novel set in a fantasy world

This fantasy novel takes the somewhat cliche story of the tortured spy and sets it in another land, where judges are the rulers and their reasons for their schemes are difficult to ascertain. Elzith, the best spy in the ruling judge's secret army was found as a baby by thieves in a trash pile. Her life pretty much goes downhill from there (figuratively). Elzith is tortured by those she has killed, tortured by the abuse to her own body and somewhat tortured by her magical abilities that make her what she is. Tod Redtanner, is also tortured, but by failure and fear. When Elzith rents the room in his apartment, he falls in love with her and does everything he can to help her. While this may sound somewhat trite, it is difficult to convey the interesting world where Welch sets this tale. As Elzith recounts her story to Tod, one can't help but notice the parallels with all society (corruption of its leaders, their opaque goals). I had never heard of this book and picked it up on a whim, I am glad I did and look forward to the sequel due out in August '04.

A fine fantasy starring heroic characters

In the country of Dabion, the Justices who make the laws and the Public Force militia rule the people. Certain colored jewelry and ornamentation are banned and anyone who has or uses magic is sentenced to death. Dabion has conquered its neighbors except for Sor'raia where magic is the norm and it's borders are closed.Elizith Kor is the most successful spy in the Secret Force due in part to her Sor'raian blood which allows her to enter and read people's mind. After a very difficult assignment Elizith wants to leave the espionage game but she knows too many secrets to be free of her masters. She rents a flat in Tod Redtanner's home and he becomes someone she trusts and cares about. Their relationship puts both of them in danger from an unknown enemy who wants nothing more than to see Elizith die a slow and painful death.Over the course of CONFIDENCE GAME, the protagonist slowly reveals her history to Tod. This technique leads to readers feeling sorry for someone who felt nothing until she reaches a breaking point and suddenly feels everything. Michelle M. Welch's debut novel is a fine fantasy starring heroic characters endearing to the audience because they are scarred and don't even realize it. It is hoped that there will be a sequel to this book that explores the magical world of Sor'raia of which the author has given the audience only tantalizing glimpses.Harriet Klausner