Children's Books · Hardback

The Game of Death

Norwegian title: Dødens spill

Anne Elvedal

The Game of Death is the first book in a paranormal horror trilogy on par with the best we've seen within YA.

Sixteen-year-old Rebekka is looking forward to the annual motorcycle summer vacation with her father. But plans change abruptly when her father dies in an accident, just after a big quarrel between them. Filled with guilt and despair, Rebekka visits the Barn, her father’s car repair shop where he helped troubled kids put their lives back together. Among old vintage cars and tools, she finds a spirit board. Hoping that this may bring her in contact with her father, Rebekka uses the spirit board, which opens up a number of strange and frightening events. In addition, Rebekka receives a surprising message: Her father’s death was not an accident, he was killed. Suddenly Rebekka faces a mystery that is far greater and more complicated than she could have imagined.

The Game of Death explores existential issues around death and love, loneliness and grief, faith and belonging. Belonging to oneself, to other people, and to something greater outside oneself. Is it possible that our lives are woven together with past lives, allowing old curses to haunt us and giving love left unspoken another chance?