Childhood Promises, Shattered Fates

In the shadowed corners of a harsh world, a poor boy and a forgotten girl—Kase and Malin—forge a bond of hope and love. They dream of distant lands, safe from the cruelty that hunts them. Their friendship is sealed with tokens: a raven and a rose, carved from wood, exchanged as promises to keep each other's secrets. But fate is unkind. Wicked men tear them apart, and the innocence of their childhood is lost. The boy is forced into servitude, the girl hidden away, both marked by trauma and longing. Their story, once filled with dreams of heroes and happy endings, is rewritten by violence and separation, setting the stage for a future where love and memory become weapons in a kingdom ruled by fear and lies.

The Masquerade's Aftermath

The Masque av Aska, a festival meant for revelry, ends in chaos. Malin, now a skilled memory thief, is left reeling from the violence and the loss of Kase, who sacrifices himself to save her and their friends. The survivors—Kryv and Falkyns—flee into hiding, haunted by the knowledge that Kase is now a prisoner of the Black Palace, subject to the Lord Magnate Ivar's cruel mesmer. Malin is consumed by grief and guilt, her only solace the hope that she can find a way to rescue Kase. The group's unity is tested as they grapple with the cost of rebellion and the weight of secrets, while the kingdom's power brokers spin new lies to cover their tracks.

Prisoner of the Black Palace

Imprisoned in the Black Palace, Kase is subjected to Ivar's memory-altering mesmer. His true past is buried beneath layers of false loyalty and hatred, especially toward Malin, whose face now incites murderous rage in him. He is haunted by dreams of a red-haired thief he both desires and despises, unable to reconcile the truth. The palace is a nest of manipulation, with Ivar's family plotting for power and using Kase as a weapon. Meanwhile, Malin and her allies learn of the depth of Ivar's control and the urgency to act before Kase's mind is lost forever.

The Curse of False Memories

Luca, Ivar's second son, reveals the nature of Ivar's mesmer: it does not erase memories but buries them under falsehoods, creating a war within the victim's mind. Kase's memories of love and loyalty are twisted into fear and hatred, especially toward Malin. The group realizes that to save Kase, they must create enough doubt and emotional conflict to crack the spell. Malin clings to hope, determined to reach the man she loves, even as the risk grows that he will kill her before he remembers the truth.

Schemes in the Shadows

The Kryv and Falkyns, joined by Luca, devise a plan to infiltrate the Black Palace and reach Kase. Disguises, elixirs, and voice-altering masks are prepared. Malin is forced to wait, her nerves fraying as others risk their lives to get close to Kase. The group's bonds are tested by jealousy, fear, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. Each small victory—Kase's purchase of a wooden rose, a flicker of recognition—fuels their hope, but the danger is ever-present, and time is running out.

The Rose and the Raven

In a crowded trade square, Kase is drawn to a wooden rose, unaware it is a relic of his childhood bond with Malin. The act of buying it stirs something deep within him, a longing he cannot name. Malin, watching from afar, dares to hope that the true Kase is still fighting beneath the spell. The rose and the raven become symbols of their connection, threads of memory that might lead Kase back to himself. The group seizes on these moments, pushing Kase toward doubt and emotional conflict.

The Game of Manipulation

The group orchestrates encounters designed to trigger Kase's true memories. Hanna, a mute child from their past, is sent to confront him, communicating in sign language only he should understand. Kase is unsettled, his mind warring between the implanted hatred and the inexplicable pull toward these people. Malin, desperate, volunteers to confront Kase herself, risking her life for a chance to break the spell. The tension mounts as the group prepares for a confrontation that could end in tragedy.

The Battle for Kase's Mind

Malin, aided by Luca's illusion magic, faces Kase in a staged encounter. She tries to reach him with words and touch, but the spell is strong—Kase, torn between desire and hate, stabs her (the illusion) in a fit of confusion. The group is devastated, but Malin insists the hesitation and conflict she saw in his eyes are signs the real Kase is still inside. The plan shifts: they must get even closer, risking everything to bring him back.

Allies from Distant Kingdoms

As the group regroups, unexpected allies arrive: fae from the Southern and Northern kingdoms, each with their own agendas and prophecies. The fae princess Eryka, a star seer, hints at a destiny entwined with Malin's. Political intrigue deepens as Ivar seeks alliances through marriage, and the threat of war looms. The group's mission expands from saving Kase to challenging the very foundations of the kingdom, as ancient prophecies and bloodlines come into play.

The First Reunion

With the help of her stepfather Jens and the Kryv, Malin infiltrates the Black Palace and confronts Kase in person. The encounter is fraught with danger—Kase is still under the spell, torn between killing her and succumbing to his desire. Malin risks everything, using her memory-thieving power in a desperate attempt to steal the false memories and restore the truth. Their connection, forged in childhood, becomes the key to breaking the curse.

The Queen of Shadows Rises

The spell is broken—Kase's true memories return in a flood of pain and love. The reunion is passionate and bittersweet, as both realize the cost of their journey. Malin, now recognized as the true heir to the Eastern Kingdom, must decide whether to claim the throne or flee. The group is fractured by loss and sacrifice, but their resolve is hardened. Malin's power as a memory thief, and her role as the Queen of Shadows, become central to the coming conflict.

The Trap at the Riverbend

The group is lured into a trap by Ivar, who uses Kase's lingering connection to Malin to capture them. In a brutal confrontation, Jens sacrifices himself to save the others, and the group barely escapes with their lives. The cost is high—loyalty is tested, and the pain of loss threatens to break them. Kase, now fully himself, is wracked with guilt and rage, vowing vengeance against those who have wronged them.

Sacrifice and Betrayal

In the chaos of escape, Bard, Malin's estranged brother, is forced to kill their stepfather Jens to prevent him from being used as a weapon by Ivar. The act shatters the found family, leaving Bard broken and Malin consumed by grief. The group reels from the loss, but the urgency of their mission drives them forward. The lines between loyalty and betrayal blur, and the cost of rebellion becomes ever more personal.

The Memory Thief's Gambit

To fully free Kase from Ivar's spell, Malin uses an ancient, dangerous form of her mesmer: she enters Kase's memories, walking beside him through the pain and love of their shared past. Together, they confront the lies and reclaim the truth, their bond stronger than ever. The process is harrowing, nearly killing them both, but it succeeds—Kase is restored, and their love is rekindled. The group celebrates, but the shadow of war looms.

The Nightrender Awakes

Kase, now free and whole, takes up his role as the Nightrender, leader of the Kryv. He and Malin, bound by vows, become the heart of the rebellion. The group rescues children from Bastard House, including Dagny's lost son and the fae princess Eryka, whose visions hint at a greater destiny. The cost of victory is high—Vali, a beloved Kryv, is killed in the escape, leaving the group mourning and vowing vengeance.

Vows in the Darkness

In the aftermath of loss, Kase and Malin take Alver vows, binding their souls and powers together. The ritual changes them, deepening their connection and enhancing their magic. The group, battered but united, prepares for the next phase of their struggle. The vows are both a comfort and a weapon, a promise that even in darkness, they will fight for each other and for the future of the kingdom.

The Bastard House Rescue

Guided by stolen memories and the help of their allies, the group infiltrates Bastard House, a secret prison for Ivar's unwanted heirs. They battle Watchers and Rifter Alvers, rescuing the children and Eryka. The victory is bittersweet—Vali's death haunts them, and the threat of Ivar's vengeance grows. The group is forced to flee, seeking refuge and time to heal, but the war is far from over.

Loss and the Price of Loyalty

The group mourns Vali with a funeral pyre at sea, their unity tested by loss. Niklas, the Falkyn leader, exacts brutal revenge on Eero, the traitor who betrayed them. The cost of loyalty is laid bare—every victory is paid for in blood. Malin and Kase, now leaders in their own right, must guide their people through grief and toward a future that is uncertain and fraught with danger.

The Gathering Storm

Ivar, dying and desperate, forges new alliances with the Southern fae, offering his son Niall as a suitor in exchange for power. Malin is declared an outlaw, a bounty placed on her head. The group is hunted across the kingdom, forced into hiding. Eryka's visions and the prophecies of the four queens become central to their plans. The arrival of the Northern army, led by the cursed king and queen, signals a turning point—the possibility of war, and of reclaiming the throne.

The Ring and the Throne

Malin is urged to claim the queen's ring, the symbol of true rulership, but she hesitates, torn between her desire for peace and the demands of destiny. The group debates their next move—flee, hide, or fight. Eryka's visions suggest that only by embracing her role as queen can Malin hope to save those she loves. The decision looms, and the cost of inaction grows ever higher.

The North Arrives

As the group prepares for their final stand, Gunnar reveals he has summoned the Northern army, led by the cursed king and queen. The arrival of their allies transforms the balance of power, offering hope for victory. Malin and Kase, united in love and purpose, stand at the forefront of the coming war. The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance, and the story ends on the cusp of battle, with the promise that together, they will fight for a future where love and memory are stronger than hate and lies.

War on the Horizon

The armies gather, alliances are forged, and the stage is set for a war that will decide the fate of the Eastern Kingdom. Malin, the Queen of Shadows, and Kase, the Nightrender, stand together, ready to face whatever comes. Their journey—from childhood dreams to the brink of war—has been marked by loss, sacrifice, and the unbreakable power of love. As the horns of battle sound, they prepare to write the next chapter of their story, determined to reclaim their kingdom and their future.

Characters

Malin Strom

Malin is the heart of the story—a memory thief whose power is both a gift and a curse. Orphaned and hidden as a child, she grows into a woman shaped by loss, longing, and the need to protect those she loves. Her relationship with Kase is the emotional core, defined by childhood promises, separation, and a love that endures even the darkest magic. Malin's journey is one of self-discovery: from a forgotten girl to the Queen of Shadows, she must embrace her destiny, wield her power, and make impossible choices. Her devotion is her strength and her vulnerability, driving her to risk everything for Kase and her found family. Through trauma, sacrifice, and hope, Malin becomes a leader, a lover, and a symbol of resistance.

Kase Eriksson (The Nightrender)

Kase is a man forged in pain—a killer, a thief, and a victim of memory manipulation. Once a hopeful boy, he is transformed by Ivar's mesmer into a weapon of fear, his true self buried beneath layers of hate and confusion. His journey is a battle for his own mind, fought with the help of Malin and their shared past. Kase's power over fear and shadows makes him both a threat and a protector. His love for Malin is the anchor that pulls him back from the brink, and their reunion is both passionate and fraught with guilt. As the Nightrender, he becomes a leader, embracing his darkness to fight for those he loves. His arc is one of redemption, reclaiming agency, and learning that even the most broken souls can be healed by love.

Luca Grym

Luca is the second son of the Lord Magnate, living in the shadow of his family's cruelty. Outwardly feckless, he is in truth a master of illusion and subterfuge, risking everything to help Malin and Kase. His relationship with Dagny is marked by regret and longing, and his loyalty to Kase is unwavering. Luca's unique mesmer allows him to project illusions and manipulate perception, making him a key player in the group's schemes. He is both comic relief and emotional ballast, hiding pain behind bravado. As the political stakes rise, Luca's willingness to betray his own blood for the sake of justice and love marks him as one of the story's most complex and endearing figures.

Jens Strom

Jens is Malin's stepfather, a man who has spent his life hiding and protecting the children of the lost bloodlines. His actions are often harsh, but always motivated by love and duty. Jens's mesmer allows him to tie tongues and manipulate memory, making him both a shield and a weapon. His relationship with Malin is fraught with misunderstanding, but ultimately reconciled through shared sacrifice. Jens's death is a turning point, forcing the group to confront the cost of rebellion and the meaning of loyalty. His legacy is one of love, regret, and the hope that his children will succeed where he could not.

Hagen Strom

Hagen is Malin's brother, a survivor of captivity and war. His devotion to his family, especially his son Gunnar and his lover Herja, defines his actions. Hagen's mesmer allows him to block and counteract other magic, making him a crucial ally in battle. He is both a warrior and a father, torn between the need to protect and the desire for vengeance. Hagen's arc is one of endurance, learning to trust others and accept help, even as he struggles with guilt and loss. His relationship with Malin is a source of strength and conflict, as both siblings grapple with the burdens of leadership and sacrifice.

Gunnar Strom

Gunnar is Hagen's son, a prodigy with a powerful mind-control mesmer. Born into captivity, he is fiercely independent and desperate to prove himself. Gunnar's relationship with his father is complex, marked by love, frustration, and the need to step out of Hagen's shadow. His bond with Eryka, the fae princess, hints at a future where he plays a pivotal role in uniting kingdoms. Gunnar's arc is one of coming-of-age, learning to balance power with responsibility, and finding his place in a world that often underestimates him.

Niklas Tjuv

Niklas is the leader of the Falkyns, a guild of thieves and alchemists. His loyalty to his guild and his wife Junius is absolute, and his hatred for traitors like Eero is consuming. Niklas's expertise in elixirs and strategy makes him indispensable in the group's schemes. He is both mentor and avenger, guiding the younger members while exacting brutal justice on those who betray them. Niklas's arc is one of leadership, loss, and the struggle to balance mercy with the need for retribution.

Dagny

Dagny is a former serf and cheer girl, brutalized by the Grym family and separated from her child. Her journey is one of survival and hope, as she risks everything to find and reclaim her son Von. Dagny's relationship with Luca is marked by pain and missed opportunities, but also the possibility of healing. She is both vulnerable and fierce, a testament to the strength of women who endure and fight back. Dagny's arc is one of reclamation—of her child, her dignity, and her future.

Raum

Raum is a warrior with a sharp tongue and a deep bond with his fellow Kryv, especially Vali. His humor masks pain, and his loyalty is unwavering. Raum's grief over Vali's death is raw and transformative, pushing him to the edge of despair and back. He is both comic relief and emotional anchor, a reminder that even in darkness, laughter and love persist. Raum's arc is one of brotherhood, loss, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of tragedy.

Eryka

Eryka is a fae princess and star seer, whose visions guide the group toward their destiny. Imprisoned for her power, she becomes both a symbol of hope and a harbinger of war. Eryka's bond with Gunnar hints at a future alliance between kingdoms, and her prophecies shape the group's choices. She is both otherworldly and deeply human, struggling with the burden of foresight and the desire for connection. Eryka's arc is one of revelation, guiding the group toward the choices that will define their fate.

Plot Devices

Memory Manipulation and Mesmer

The central plot device is the use of memory magic—mesmer—that can steal, alter, or bury memories. Ivar's curse on Kase is the engine of the story, creating a psychological battleground where love, loyalty, and identity are constantly in flux. The narrative structure alternates between Malin and Kase's perspectives, using foreshadowing and parallel scenes to heighten tension. The rose and raven tokens, recurring dreams, and the motif of childhood promises serve as symbols and anchors for the characters' true selves. The use of illusion, both magical and emotional, blurs the line between reality and deception, forcing characters and readers alike to question what is real. The gradual unraveling of the curse, through emotional conflict and acts of devotion, is both a plot and thematic device, culminating in the literal journey through Kase's memories.

Prophecy and Destiny

The story is shaped by ancient prophecies—the four queens, the queen's ring, the uniting of kingdoms. Eryka's visions and the recurring references to the Norns (fates) create a sense of inevitability, even as characters struggle for agency. The tension between destiny and free will is explored through Malin's reluctance to claim the throne and Kase's fight to reclaim his mind. The arrival of foreign allies, the significance of bloodlines, and the looming war are all foreshadowed by prophecy, creating a sense of epic stakes and interconnected fates.

Found Family and Sacrifice

The group's unity—Kryv, Falkyns, and their allies—is both a source of strength and vulnerability. The narrative uses the found family trope to explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of rebellion. The deaths of Jens and Vali, the betrayals of Eero and others, and the constant threat of loss create an emotional landscape where every victory is bittersweet. The vows between Malin and Kase, and the bonds between siblings and friends, are both plot devices and emotional anchors, driving the story forward and giving meaning to the struggle.

Analysis

L.J. Andrews' Game of Hate and Lies is a sweeping fantasy that explores the power of memory, love, and identity in a world ruled by manipulation and fear. At its core, the novel is a psychological and emotional journey: the battle to reclaim one's true self from the lies imposed by others. Through the intertwined stories of Malin and Kase, the book examines how trauma, devotion, and hope can both wound and heal. The use of memory magic as both a weapon and a means of salvation is a powerful metaphor for the ways in which our past shapes us—and how love can be the key to breaking cycles of pain. The narrative's focus on found family, sacrifice, and the struggle for agency resonates in a world where power is often wielded through deception. The story's modern relevance lies in its exploration of truth, the dangers of propaganda, and the resilience required to resist systems of control. Ultimately, Game of Hate and Lies is a testament to the enduring strength of love and the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming darkness.

Last updated: August 24, 2025