The Game of Sunken Places

Lore & Background

The story centers on Brian and Gregory, friends who are complete opposites. They visit a mansion in Vermont owned by Gregory's Uncle Max, a strange man who uses archaic words such as 'effluents' and behaves like an Edwardian-era aristocrat. In the nursery, the boys uncover the board of the Game of Sunken Places and unintentionally set the game into motion. They also meet Gregory's cousin Prudence, a girl from the area, and become involved in an age-old ritual conflict between enchanted supernatural races.

Reader's Guide

The Game of Sunken Places is significant as the opening volume of the Norumbegan Quartet, establishing the world and conflict that continue through three subsequent novels. The book received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, as well as positive reviews from LitPick and Kirkus Reviews, indicating strong critical reception. Its plot involves a board game that serves as a map, leading the protagonists into challenges with unlikely allies such as Kalgrash the troll. The novel's resolution reveals that Prudence originally came up with the game, and that the true opponent was not Jack Stimple but Gregory himself, playing for the Thusser Hordes. Brian ultimately wins the game for the Norumbegans, setting the stage for the series.

Did You Know?

• The novel's plot involves a board game that functions as a map.
• The Game was originally created by the Norumbegans, not by Prudence; Prudence is a player who helps the boys.