Endgame, a trilogy created by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton, follows 12 teenagers- all on the same mission and all fighting to win. The teens all descend from the 12 original civilizations on earth, such as Sumerian and Aksumite. Due to their status, they were given the chance to be put into this competition, just as their parents, grandparents, and their line of ancestors have before them, where they act as a representative for their line. This competition, titled Endgame, put their lives, and their line’s lives in danger of elimination. Since the game started, they were told there were no rules, but one- find the three keys in the right order. Whoever won this game will have everyone in their line spared, while everyone else is purged in a worldwide massacre.
The game itself isn’t what makes the series memorable, however. The diversity of the characters and their development keeps the series swimming in your head for days, weeks, and even months. The characters, due to their heritage and ancestry, come from all over the world. They have fascinating characteristics, and their interactions with each other drive the series forward. The following are the main characters, separated based on their line:
- Aksumite: This line comes from northeastern Africa, around the Ethiopian area. Their representative is Hilal Ibn al-Salt. He has a strong sense of spirituality and attempts to fight for the greater good.
- Cahokian: Coming from North America, Sarah Alopay took over the responsibility after her brother is injured, and fights to survive rather than win.
- Donghu: The representative of this line, Baitsakhan, is quickly recognized as a blood-thirsty child, but protects those he is close to.
- Harappan: Shari Chopra puts more emphasis on impeccable planning rather than brute force. Most patient of the other players, which may be due to her status as a mother.
- Koori: Hailing from Australia, Alice Ulapala is best known for her loyalty. Helps players she sees as worthy and good people.
- La Tene: Aisling Kopp is most notable for her sniper skills. She doesn’t agree with the game and is conflicted with whether or not they should continue playing.
- Minoan: With his lineage going back to the Aegean Islands, Marcus Megalos is excited for his chance at Endgame. He is hot-blooded and impulsive.
- Mu: Chiyoko Takeda is mute, best known for her stealth and infiltration skills. She doesn’t intend on making friends but will be loyal to those who help her.
- Nabataean: Currently living in Poland, Maccabee Adlai is the levant-based player. Depends on his rough exterior, but has moments of vulnerability.
- Olmec: Jago Tlaloc lived in Peru with his family, and is known for his notable scar. He loves his family, but feels a stronger connection to other players.
- Shang: Consistent with his use of bombs and explosives, An Liu is dangerous and unpredictable. He suffers from severe PTSD due to childhood trauma relating to his training.
- Sumerian: Kala Mozami is seen as materialistic, but shows a deep appreciation of poetry. She tries to be prepared for any situation and is probably hiding a knife in her hijab.
Although their lineage is continuously brought up throughout the series, they don’t allow it to define them. They created their own character, and refuse to bow down to the social expectations based on their line. Rather than having their personalities dependent on their lineage (with them either rebelling against the stereotypes or being prime examples of it), their background compliments them. This book not only provides the diversity we’ve been yearning for in YA novels, it provides characters that we can look up and relate to. Plus, we won’t have to worry about those pesky drawn-out romances, it will go straight to the action. Endgame is what we asked for, and more.
