The Foxhole Court (All for the Game Book 1) Kindle Edition

Neil has just been recruited to a university Exy team... a life-long dream. Except that he's also been on the run from murderous criminal, so his dream has been an impossible one. If he stays in one place too long, he's dead, and playing on a top Exy team will mean he'd be dead sooner than later. But he's tired of running, and the Coach and top player who want him won't take no for an answer.This is a non-magical, but alternate world, as Exy is a highly popular game that doesn't exist in our world. But it's an exciting mix of lacrosse and hockey and hold attention even for a non-sports type like me.There is a lot of implied abuse, murder and violence. The Coach is known to recruit team-members who have had difficult lives, and Neil is a prime example... he's scarred and has witnessed murder and violence and his mother's death. Plus, hey, it's not like team sports aren't contact-free, no matter if there are penalties!-- but beyond that, the top team is positively psychotic and they are out to get Neil's team, as if he doesn't have enough problems. And the criminal organizations are about as ultra-violent as possible. Even Neil's own team members are known as psychotic and violent. A lot of the violence is implied and off-stage. That which is on-stage is enough, however.So this is a pretty dark story... BUT, beyond that, there are fascinating characters and situations and it's hard to not want to read along, even when darkness and violence isn't really what I want in a story. There is an almost fairy-tale feel to the evil. I mean, it's as bad as it can get... but then so are witches who eat children who get thrown into their own ovens, if you can see what I mean. It's nearly over-the-top, but the author manages to make it work. There are, of course, good parts, and those are fairy-tale in a way, too. I mean, Neil is living his dream even while he's living his nightmare... There are such highs and lows that it's all given a sense of wonder. It's hard to explain... but there's really something here. You root for Neil and his team (dysfunctional as they all are), and want those wins as long as the near hopelessly impossible happy ending.There are three books in this story and they end at good places but are definitely a continuous story. I nearly wanted to quit a time or two, but it was worth it to carry on. Definitely not for the faint of heart, however.There are some same-sex relations, but pretty much no romance/sex until the last book. The story is mainly a very dark YA sports fairy-tale that is probably more for mature adults, although the YAs tend to go for dark... and as I said, it's not like fairy tales aren't free from very dark themes, and those are told to kids!If you are curious, definitely try it! As I said, I'm not a YA or into sports or into dark tales or violence or extreme situations... These are very unique books... the author is definitely following a passion and that comes through. Very quirky and different, but basically compelling story-telling that is worth reading.

Firstly, I'd say I want Exy to be a real sport. I'd watch that.Secondly, what an interesting set of characters! I'm re-reading, and it's as good on the second try. Dark, but in a manner that makes it very, very hard to not cheer for the characters.Like, give them a break!All fot the game.

I am so mad at how much I enjoyed this and how badly I want to read the next book. I have reasons, ok! The main reason is that I really thought this was a romance novel, and it's not. It's good, ok. But I kept trying to figure out what couple I'm supposed to be rooting for and then it's the end and I'm like......"ohhhhh, well I would have understood that a lot better without the preconceived notions."Then we have the second reason which is that I can't start book 2 right away! I have a library book and an ARC in the queue before I can jump back into the series! How dare?!?Other than those things, I loved it. I saw this book on BookTok and Bookstagram. Actually, that's a lie. I had to search out the book after seeing all of the hashtags that do and do not mention the title. Based on those posts, I really wanted to check it out. I get it. It's got a bit of everything. You've got sportsball, mafia/gang drama, university setting. It's almost dark academia but without the paranormal. Which was also a shock because I truly thought I was getting into some fae or fox shifter lore here. I really did not know what I was signing up for, but now I'm just along for the ride.I can tell it was published 10 years ago. I swear like a sailor, so I'm not afraid of a well-placed swear in a book. But I will say this had some harsh language that I am not a fan of. I do not like derogatory language, especially when used by MCs about other MCs. But even that couldn't make me DNF it. Here we are 4 stars later, and I feel like I've been bamboozled! But I'm happy about it? It's madness over here, so maybe it was the fae!