Claire North is one of my favorite writers for her ability to take her stories in new and unexpected directions. The Games House is no different in this regard. The games house of the story is a civilization and culture spanning place where people can go to play games of strategy. Once a player graduates to the upper levels of the house these games turn real as they are played across and with the world and its citizens. The book tells of three such games. The first is a game of kings where the winner successfully installs their player as Doge of Venice. The second is game of hide and seek across 1930s Thailand with lasting consequences. The last speaks of a game of chess across the whole world for control of the house itself.
The book is an excellent choice for lovers of intricate plotting and action of all sorts. I would recommend it.
