The Foxhole CourtCover Redesign by me.
All for the Game: Book One
Written by Nora Sakavic
Young Adult, Sports, LGBT
Published January 15th 2013 by Smashwords Edition
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
Neil Josten is the newest addition to the Palmetto State University Exy team. He's short, he's fast, he's got a ton of potential—and he's the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher.Neil Josten has lived his entire life on the run from his father. A father who would not hesitate to kill Neil if he is were to be found. Neil finds himself in the small town of Millport with a population of nine hundred. It is there that the coach from Palmetto State University finds him and offers him a spot on the team. PSU boasts one of the most aggressive Exy (a fictional sport) teams in America - the Foxes. It is no secret that to qualify, one must have had a difficult life.
Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn't need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed.
But Neil's not the only one with secrets on the team. One of Neil's new teammates is a friend from his old life, and Neil can't walk away from him a second time. Neil has survived the last eight years by running. Maybe he's finally found someone and something worth fighting for.
After much consideration, Neil agrees to join the team - understanding the consequences of his face being flashed on plasma screens all over the nation making him a viable find for his father. However, Neil is not alone in his fight for survival. The Foxes consist of ten kids that are damaged and broken in their own way. The entire team has everything to gain, yet nothing to lose which makes them dangerous opponents both on and off the court.
I won't do this book justice. I know I won't. I can't even wrap myself around my thoughts at the moment. I'm stumbling through the woods trying to find my way out. I'm quickly discovering that this will be a series that will hold onto my soul forever. One of those books where you go nothing can get better than this book. I mean that with every bit of me. My only complaint is that the original cover is ugly, I had to make my own because I knew with one glance at the other one people would think it was a cheap story based on the lazy cover (shh we all care about the cover a little bit).Kynndra's Thoughts
This book kept me awake. I finished it at nearly 3:30 AM and I couldn't sleep until 5:40 AM simply because I was worried for the characters as if they were real people. I had to hold off reading the second right at that moment because I knew if I started I probably wouldn't have stopped. I think when people hear a book consists of sports, we wrinkle our noses (unless sports are your thing). In my case, I hate sports so that was my initial reaction when I read the synopsis. But I was wrong, and 100% ignorant. I'm happy I pulled myself out of my shallowness and read this book.
Also the Exy (sports) scenes are actually bad ass and I was always into them.
I know I say a lot of the books I read are my favorites. That's because I'm open to enjoying just about everything as long as it entertains me. But this was different. The Foxhole Court gnawed a gaping wound into my feelings, it left me shattered. These characters, all ten of them broke my damn heart. They're on the team for a reason, horrible and gut wrenching reasons. But they are still strong. They are fighters, especially our MC's (Neil, Kevin and Andrew). This book consisted of the richest cast of characters I've ever read. Each was so different and had different personalities and voices.
The plot was brilliant. Despite the book heavily focusing on Exy, the plot was always up in your face. Neil puts himself in a vulnerable position, after eight years of running he has finally crept out of the shadows. His dad is a psychopath, and he knows one day he'll come for him. Not only that, but some of his teammates are rabid and viscious in their ways. Some will make Neil earn his place on the court, some will make him wish he never accepted the position. Either way, Neil must go through hell and back throughout the book. It made for a fantastic thrill ride that always had me nervous and pleading for the safety of Neil. Plus, there's a few plot twists that put me through the ringer."People want to pretend people like us don't exist, you know? Everyone hopes we're someone else's problem to solve. They don't understand, so they don't know where to start. They feel overwhelmed and give up before they've taken the first step."
The writing is a bit unpolished, but I think that's what added a special effect to it. There are no pretty words to nurture the nasty world the Foxes were birthed in. Nora Sakavic made sure to emphasize that she has no problem hurting a character. Nothing is predictable, nobody is safe. The Foxes have been fighting tooth and nail since birth. They'll fight to survive no matter the end result.
I probably won't review the next two, but since I've read them I'll tell you right now: This series is fucking amazing. It's so dear to me that I can't begin to tell you all how much the story and the characters meant to me. I don't care what I read after, nothing will beat this series.
Give this book a chance. You don't even have to spend your money on it, its free on Amazon and Smashwords. The sequels are only a dollar each. It's everything: broken boys and girls, bruises and blood, tears and sweat. The characters are loveable in so many ways, despite their flaws they are unhateable. The plot is terrifying yet exciting. The writing is raw and focused on telling a twisted and soul sucking story. There's nothing quite like this. I plead for everyone to read it and suffer with me.in conclusion
Kynndra is going to go curl up on the heater and watch some X-Files while wallowing away about the end of this book.
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First of all, you did a beautiful job with the cover you came up with, Kynndra! It's so gorgeous and definitely gives a great vibe of the story.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, what a stunning review! I mean you write some of my favorite reviews already but this one speaks to me on a whole different level.
I love stories like this, that can make you feel just so much for the story and the characters. I need to read the book and meet these characters already.
Beautiful review, Kynndra!
Aww thank you so much, Nick! It means a whole lot to me <3 I needed to make a nicer cover, the other one is put off.
DeleteAsdfgh omg I'm blushing! I really tried to do this book justice, the series stunned me - especially for it being an indie. It's so special to me, I honestly didn't even want to review it because it would (secretly) hurt my heart a bit if people hated it. But it deserves so much more attention! The characters are one of a kind, Nick. I cannot wait for you to meet them c: Thanks once again, bub!
You designed the cover? Go you!
ReplyDeleteI sadly haven't heard of this one, but you had me at 'runaway son of the murderous crime lord.' I'm trying to branch out of the norm YA so I'll check this one out.
Yes! The original cover is.. not all that great to be honest. Yes! It has a lot of mature content, so hopefully you're okay with that c: It's definitely different! So excited to see what you think.
DeleteI really wanted to read this book based on a really small description of the plot but your review made me even more eager to do so! And I did not know it was free on Amazon! Thank you for mentioning that! I really think that if they haven't, they should hire you to redesign the cover, it's amazing :)
ReplyDeleteBah! My covers are terrible (but more desirable than the original). But thank you so much, I truly appreciate it. The synopsis drew me in right away too, I'm glad it pulls others in as well. I feel very protective of this small, unknown series but I really want to get more people to read it ^^ I hope you like it (and if not.. at least it was free). But I doubt anyone could hate it.
DeleteI WANT THIS SO SO BAD. :O And omg, I'm a cover judger too...but that blurb?!? It took me right in. I take it this is an indie book? And I usually don't even read indie books but I'm going to see if it's still free on Amazon. XD ALSO THAT TITLE JUST CAPTIVATES ME SO MUCH. AHHH. Thank you for this review, Kynndra!
ReplyDeleteYAAAS CAIT READ IT, PLEASE. IT'S SO GOOD. Oh gosh, I judge covers hardcore, but i caved with this one and it was the best mistake I ever made. It is an indie book, but a really well done indie book. I'm pretty sure it's free everywhere, on Amazon and Smashwords. I cannot wait to hear what you think. Thanks so much, Cait!
DeleteWow you're speechless. That's just like a factor I definitely take seriously when it comes to choosing what books I will read. OMG the cover is amazing. I actually thought it was the real cover. You should definitely consider a job in cover design lmfao or do you just love graphic design. Loved this review and thank you so much for all the recommendations you've given me :D
ReplyDeleteAlex @ The Book's Buzz
I'm so speechless! Especially after finishing the entire series (which did not disappoint) It's incredible. Hah! I hope she eventually redesigns the covers, I think this series could be huge if she did but the covers don't send off the best vibes. Lmao, a cover design job? I've never thought about it. I actually lowkey don't like doing graphics unless it's for a book I love. It's the only time I do graphics. Anytime, Alex. If you listen to any of my recs, I would urge you to put this one at the top of your TBR. Thanks so much <3
DeleteYea, your cover is SO much better than the actual one. Such a bummer if the book is that great - people judge books by its cover quite often. It happens. Anyway, this sounds awesome. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe original cover kills my soul a little bit. People judge the cover of a book hardcore, I know I do. And the original ones don't do this series justice at all. Thanks, bub. I hope you pick it up!
DeleteWow, Kynndra. It sounds like I need to get my hands on this immediately. I've never heard of it before this but wow, clearly this is a must-read. Awesome job on the cover, I thought it was professionally designed! Gorgeous quotes too.
ReplyDeleteYou need it ASAP Alise. It is brilliant and heartbreaking and made me cry - the entire series is amazing. I hadn't heard of it either, it's a hidden little gem for sure. Thanks so much, it means a lot to hear that ^^
DeleteI'm still skeptical. The synopsis doesn't sounds super thrilling, but your raving review is certainly winning me over. I hope you do review the next two, even if it's just snippets!
ReplyDeleteThat's completely understandable, Alyssa. Not everything is for everyone, but give it a look over and see if you like it (if you hate it, you haven't lost anything - it's free!). Hmm, I'll see what I can do. I just know I'll be very repetitive, the short version: All three books are phenomenal, emotionally devastating, and captivating. I can't imagine why more people haven't read these. I wish the author would promo them more, they deserve more praise. Also, I wish she'd get new covers lmao. Thanks a bunch, Alyssa. I still hope you try this one out!
DeleteI haven't heard of this series before but it really sounds like it emotionally drained you Kynndra! I love the sound of the diverse cast of characters that you really rooted for in the end. Lovely review!
ReplyDeleteI was so drained by the ending of this series, Jeann. But in a good way, you know? I love when I experience emotions from a book! I loved every single one of the characters, I'll miss them. Thanks so much c:
DeleteBut OH your cover is glorious! It suits the (fabulous) title SO WELL. And gosh, this team of people sounds like they need a hug, also I want to read about them. (I'm such a nice bookworm.) I grabbed a copy on my Kindle and I'm looking forward to curling next to my heater and reading this too!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you - really. YAAS READ IT ALYSSA. I'm so happy you got yourself a copy. I promise it's soooo good. The characters need hugs that last a lifetime, my small broken babes. Asdfghj I'm excited to hear how/if you like it :D
DeleteYou made this cover yourself? It is amazing! I really like it.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I had no idea that this book existed. Blurb sounds good but it was your review that made me thinking about adding this to my TBR even though I dont usually read M/M stories. But this one sounds like so much more! Perfect review, Kynndra!
Yes, I did (I think it's shit, but I'm happy you guys like it)! It's all good, this book is truly a hidden gem so it doesn't surprise me not many know about it. I can't stress how great this book is (also the M/M isn't really prevalent until book three, it's a slow burn and not really a vibrant factor in books one and two). Thanks so much Lucia, I hope you read it one day!
DeleteWow, good job on the cover!! I've actually never read a LGBT book before, but this one sounds really interesting and you really enjoyed it... Perhaps it might be time for my first! :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteYou should make this your first, Anissa! (the romance is prevalent in book three w/a slow burn in two). And thanks so much! c:
DeleteBeautiful cover, Kynndra! So glad to hear how brilliant this book is - it sounds fantastic! Adding it to my TBR list right now <3
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah! Yaas, I hope you pick it up!
DeleteYES YES YES! I love this series SO very much and I am so happy to see others picking it up. I think it is so underrated and gorgeous. New follower ♥
ReplyDeleteYELLS. You've read this book series, Eva?! Isn't it amazing and heartbreaking? Aghhh it deserves SO MUCH LOVE. It's definitely underrated and needs more readers <3
DeleteAlso, this cover finally does this book justice !!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks! I think it deserves a much better one, but I'm no artists. Maybe one day it'll get big enough to get new covers c':
DeleteFirst, it looks great in here, you two! Love what you've done with the place. :D
ReplyDeleteSecond, gosh. I can tell how much you loved this book with your brilliant review. I'm definitely adding this to my arsenal! Thanks for the heads up on this being a freebie. :D
Gah! Thanks, Joy. I can't take the credit though - aesthetics is Kelly's department.
DeleteYAY! Omg I just want the whole world to read this tbh. It's just amazing. And no problem! The entire series is no more that $2 (and worth a helluva lot more if you ask me). :D
I don’t like the original cover either, and I like you take on it very much. I’m not a sport fan and I’m always hesitant to pick up books where sport plays a big role. But your review is so emotional and beautiful, that I’m intrigued. Your last sentence “I plead for everyone to read it and suffer with me” was very convincing.
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