Nora Sakavic

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. 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.

All for the Game, Book 1 

The Foxhole Court

luca

Neil looked down at the key in his hand. "Home," he whispered, needing to hear it aloud. It was a foreign concept to him, an impossible dream.

they just pushed him into andrew and he got all philosophical about it 

A group of people shouldered their way up to the bar counter at Neil's back, pushing him into Andrew. Andrew didn't budge beneath his weight. He was something solid to lean against, something violent and fierce and unmoving. Neil couldn't remember what it felt like to have someone hold him up. It was terrifying and liberating all at once. His life was out of his control now; he was giving it to Andrew and hoping Andrew would keep it safe.

"Remember this feeling. This is the moment you stop being the rabbit."

You gave your game to Kevin. Give your back to me."

"You're going to eat those words," Neil said. "You're going to choke on them."

"I will ask you only once to tone down that animosity." "I can't," Neil said. "I have a bit of an attitude problem." Riko's smile was all ice. "A bit?"

All predictions said he'd never play again, but he carried a racquet with him to halfcourt like he'd always known he would return.

"This is my reassured face," Neil said, pointing up at his blank expression.

"How are you getting along with your teammates?" "I'm pretty sure the majority of them are clinically insane."

"Are you stupid?" Seth asked. "Yeah," Neil said.

Hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it.

Andrew wasn't smiling anymore, but Neil was. He felt it as it curved across his lips and knew it was a sick, ghastly expression. He dug his fingernails into his mouth, trying to claw the look off his face, but it was frozen in place.

"Is your spine the spine of the righteous?" Andrew wondered.

and they say this isn’t a romance book? 

Neil watched him do it, trying to remember the last time someone gave him a gift and coming up blank. That his first one should be from Andrew was unsettling.

"He's short, he can't play, and he looks like he has an attitude problem."

"Maybe this time they'll follow through and actually kill one of us. Let's vote. I nominate Seth."

Seth pointed at Neil and said angrily, "I'm fucking concerned—"

"Believe this, Neil: you can't put a leash on me. Don't think you can, okay? And don't be stupid enough to tell other people you will. It's not safe. You'll make me want to break you."

"A liar who practices occasional honesty. Clever. Keeps people guessing. Very effective.

"You worry about your incompetence. I'll worry about Andrew." "You'd better," Neil said. "Put a leash on your pet monster or I will." "A frightened child like you?" "Fuck you, cripple." Across the room Kevin's face went white. "What did you call me?" "I called you a deadweight hasbeen," Neil said.

Andrew was the first to react. He flicked his cigarette out the window and smiled. "Try again, Neil. You're in the wrong room!"

The smart thing to do was pretend to not notice anything amiss and wait for the thief to come to him. That was what his mother would do. Unfortunately, Neil had inherited his father's temper, and he'd finally had enough.

Neil was much better at instigating fights than winning them, but it'd be worth losing if he could just put a fist through Kevin's face once.

This was extremely boring without a single likable character. I think I’m supposed to give a fuck about Neil, and maybe if the writing was better, I would. I at least don’t hate him, so that’s a win. Completely loveeee the casual ableism and disregard for consent as well.

On top of this being a waste of 250 pages, the sports part of it is wholly unnecessary and borderline offensive. I’m honestly glad that a lot of people who enjoy this book don’t like actual sports because as someone who watches and enjoys real life athletics, this drove me insane. The mechanics of the game may as well have been quidditch (which also made no sense). The way that the NCAA and the school and fans interacted with exy and players was nonsensical at best. I completely understand why it’s always the people who don’t like sports that read sports related books. I’m genuinely shocked that this series has such a strong fanbase that made it far enough to tell people “it gets better, I swear!”

Nik ✨

This was extremely boring without a single likable character. I think I’m supposed to give a fuck about Neil, and maybe if the writing was better, I would. I at least don’t hate him, so that’s a win. Completely loveeee the casual ableism and disregard for consent as well.

On top of this being a waste of 250 pages, the sports part of it is wholly unnecessary and borderline offensive. I’m honestly glad that a lot of people who enjoy this book don’t like actual sports because as someone who watches and enjoys real life athletics, this drove me insane. The mechanics of the game may as well have been quidditch (which also made no sense). The way that the NCAA and the school and fans interacted with exy and players was nonsensical at best. I completely understand why it’s always the people who don’t like sports that read sports related books. I’m genuinely shocked that this series has such a strong fanbase that made it far enough to tell people “it gets better, I swear!”

I loved it! And i am excited for what will happen in the rest of the series!

Nate Mason

ang 

I just love these books so much not even I believe in this review. I’m too biased, sorry. 

crazy story but it could use more explanation on the made up sport(exy). also they kept using the word racket but they meant like a lacrosse stick. kind of a slow start but really picked up the quarter. interested in seeing where this goes.

Lydia 

kelsey

just some fav quotes:

”oh, neil, as unpredictable as he is unreal.”

“remember this feeling. this is the moment you stop being the rabbit.”

giving it 4 stars for the characters ... i know in my head that it sucks but in my heart .... it says the foxes 🥰🥰

kevin day could save me neil josten my male diva son nicky my gay son i love all of u guys 

sarah ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

like objectively im not sure if this is the best book but the nostalgia got me and it’s just so fun in its dramatics. like if you don’t like this book you don’t like fun and dramatic 18 year olds. crazy to read as an adult instead of a 14 year old! bc honestly the college experience is unrealistic bc they didn’t get a million parking tickets 

Clara Gauthier

aleksandra

4.5/5

Why did I wait so long to read this? I hate myself sometimes. I've seen this series several times over the years on various apps and never thought about starting it. What a huge mistake that was.

When reaching for this series, I expected a found family, with sport as the main theme and a hint of romance. Definitely not a bunch of troubled mafia-connected teenagers playing Exy like their lives depended on it. Not that I complain about it. I ate it up, and I sense a new addiction here. 

I can honestly say that this series won't be for everyone, and that's completely understandable, but I'm definitely not in that group. If you overlook some things that could never actually happen in real life, you will love it. It’s fiction, so that doesn't mean the book has to be correct in every aspect, but it's worth keeping in mind when you're starting it.


There are many reasons why I loved it so much, even though it was quite depressing at times (or, more like all the time), so let’s just go to them.

The found family. You know you're going to love the development of relationships and friendships between characters when they think at the beginning like this.


  
    "So much for family, hm?" 
"I don't believe in family." 
"Neither do I."
  


Most of the characters hate one another, but you can see that they help and care for each other when the time comes. There are some exceptions to this, such as Nicky, who made me laugh several times, but I just can’t wait to see them become a family towards the end. Or, at least I hope to so see it. Fingers crossed.

 
  
    "Hey, maybe you can teach me a couple good pickup lines. Kevin refuses to help." 
"I'm pretty sure I never learned the things you want to say." 
"What a waste," Nicky complained."
  



The characters. Everyone is unique and interesting in their own way. I know these characters are far from perfect, but it doesn't change anything for me. I still like them. I was a little confused at first and had to read slower so as not to get confused with all the names. That's why I'm glad that the book was told from one point of view. Neil’s point of view. One of the best characters here, in my opinion. He didn't deserve everything he had to go through and continue to suffer the consequences, living each day as if it could also be his last. I need to so see him getting his happy ending, I know it's still a long way, but I need to see him happy. He deserves it.

I've seen spoilers so I know who will end up with who, but I'm glad I did because the crumbs in this book didn’t disappoint me. There weren't many of them, because romance isn't the main plot here, but I enjoyed them. Especially Neil and Andrew ones. Obviously, because how could I not? Former mafia kid and five-foot psycho? This combination is so out of nowhere that I literally love it.


  
    "Neil tensed as Andrew's fingers wrapped around the back of his neck, but Andrew only wanted to pull Neil's head down. Neil focused on Andrew's cheekbone so as not to go cross-eyed and let Andrew study his eyes."
  


I screamed every time Andrew pulled Neil's neck or collar to look him in the face. 


  
    "We were just talking about you," Riko said. 
"With your fists, it seems," Andrew said. "Don't touch my things, Riko. I don't share." He reached back without looking and pushed at Neil's shoulder. Neil took the hint and skirted around Andrew and Riko."
  


*screaming* This scene had to no reason being this hot. 

There were other characters that will definitely become my favorites. For example, Coach Wymack. This man was such a grump, but he had the biggest heart of them all. I loved him. How could I not, when he was dealing with a group of teenagers who would drive many people crazy after just one day spent with them?


I never expected to love Exy to this level. I've never been a fan of reading descriptions of gameplay in books, especially when it was described at length. Here, unexpectedly, I read it in basically one breath. I was literally stressed out reading this. I'm still not sure how it works exactly, it's very similar to lacrosse, but it keeps me entertained so I don't really care.


I don't know what I did all my life without this series and these characters, but I'm glad and happy I finally decided to read it. I know the next books will hurt, but who cares. I'll read them anyway.

akynn 

3rd read and can confirm I am not stopping💪🏿💪🏿

Kat 

Lisa-Maria Hofmann

I am well aware of the flaws in the writing of this series but I simply do not care. They are gay and I am free 

TheLyd

Teeeeeesha

A book where people are obsessed with playing exy, a fictional game, even if a psychopathic murderer is after them. Lot of angsty teenagers with anger issues. Runaway boy and One lovable psychopath.

The infamous Foxhole Court to the rescue when I’m in the deepest reading slump ever – and they did it. I’ve had this on my kindle ever since @Stephanie loved it deeply and I finally found the courage to deep dive into this band of misfits, loving every second of it.

It is for sure no absolute literary masterpiece but that’s perfect in itself, because none of the characters are perfect either. They are diverse, absolute menaces, unpredictability on two legs and to be fair I rarely had a hunch of what would happen next. It has become rare that a book manages to surprise me, but the Foxhole Court did and that is pretty impressive in itself.

One of the points I adored the most was the immaculate banter between the characters. I hate it if it’s portrayed in books as if characters despise each other but it’s oh so obvious they don’t. Give me actual aversion, give me the bite and the tear, give me proper nastiness. I’m so tired of the pretending and then revelation that they never even hated each other – negative feelings towards other people are valid, too, and to have them portrayed the way  they were in this book? I was here for it.

As someone who enjoys banter bordering on meanness and villainy, this book was made for me. All the quick-witted responses, the sharp dialogues and rarely knowing who would leave the conversation having the upper hand kept me on my toes and made it massively enjoyable to me.

Having said this: If you’re on the hunt for likeable characters – keep moving. This book makes you second-guess every emotion you have towards every single one of the players all the time and the only thing ever changing is your ranking in the most despicable characters. However, any time the reader settles on hating every single one of them, enter their opponents and redirecting the hatred towards them.

The unpredictability of it all added a fun element for me and in general I quickly fell in love with this band of misfits and their fitting leader. The sport itself is a super interesting concept and I’d give everything to play it once.

With all this praise, there is a reason this book did not break the 5-star mark: It wasn’t enough. There was not enough information about the system of the game itself, the way the season works (tournament? Playoffs? League system? What’s a Class 1 team? How do scores work? Is one goal one point scored? Are there differences? How does the schedule look in general? Etc). Knowing more about this would have deepened the involvement of the reader in the season’s happenings which were kept a bit shallow by leaving this out. However, the match description was perfectly done (with exception of aforementioned points missing).

Plotwise … there was not much progress made, if one left the altercations between team members out of the equation. Which is okay but might be a point of critique for some readers.

At some points the writing itself made it a bit difficult to follow who is currently talking to whom about who and the language used could have been a tad more precise to avoid this.

All in all: I’m in love with the team. I know this sort of character is not for everyone and if you don’t feel comfortable with these menaces running wild that’s valid, too. I, however, related a lot to some of them and I thought this book was serving massively quotable parts and a different depiction of characters for once.

Leonie

The infamous Foxhole Court to the rescue when I’m in the deepest reading slump ever – and they did it. I’ve had this on my kindle ever since @Stephanie loved it deeply and I finally found the courage to deep dive into this band of misfits, loving every second of it.

It is for sure no absolute literary masterpiece but that’s perfect in itself, because none of the characters are perfect either. They are diverse, absolute menaces, unpredictability on two legs and to be fair I rarely had a hunch of what would happen next. It has become rare that a book manages to surprise me, but the Foxhole Court did and that is pretty impressive in itself.

One of the points I adored the most was the immaculate banter between the characters. I hate it if it’s portrayed in books as if characters despise each other but it’s oh so obvious they don’t. Give me actual aversion, give me the bite and the tear, give me proper nastiness. I’m so tired of the pretending and then revelation that they never even hated each other – negative feelings towards other people are valid, too, and to have them portrayed the way  they were in this book? I was here for it.

As someone who enjoys banter bordering on meanness and villainy, this book was made for me. All the quick-witted responses, the sharp dialogues and rarely knowing who would leave the conversation having the upper hand kept me on my toes and made it massively enjoyable to me.

Having said this: If you’re on the hunt for likeable characters – keep moving. This book makes you second-guess every emotion you have towards every single one of the players all the time and the only thing ever changing is your ranking in the most despicable characters. However, any time the reader settles on hating every single one of them, enter their opponents and redirecting the hatred towards them.

The unpredictability of it all added a fun element for me and in general I quickly fell in love with this band of misfits and their fitting leader. The sport itself is a super interesting concept and I’d give everything to play it once.

 

With all this praise, there is a reason this book did not break the 5-star mark: It wasn’t enough. There was not enough information about the system of the game itself, the way the season works (tournament? Playoffs? League system? What’s a Class 1 team? How do scores work? Is one goal one point scored? Are there differences? How does the schedule look in general? Etc). Knowing more about this would have deepened the involvement of the reader in the season’s happenings which were kept a bit shallow by leaving this out. However, the match description was perfectly done (with exception of aforementioned points missing).

Plotwise … there was not much progress made, if one left the altercations between team members out of the equation. Which is okay but might be a point of critique for some readers.

At some points the writing itself made it a bit difficult to follow who is currently talking to whom about who and the language used could have been a tad more precise to avoid this.

 

All in all: I’m in love with the team. I know this sort of character is not for everyone and if you don’t feel comfortable with these menaces running wild that’s valid, too. I, however, related a lot to some of them and I thought this book was serving massively quotable parts and a different depiction of characters for once.

 

Much love for the tiny psychotic ones.

And for @stephanie, for making me read it.

Aishling

Third read [30 May 2021]:
Bumping this up to 5 stars after this read, cause it’s just so bloody good and I enjoy reading it so much. I know there are issues with the plot, but the writing is just so good that every moment is entertaining and the characters are just so incredible. 


Second read [28 Aug - 29 Aug 2020]:
Literally just as entertaining this time, what sort of magic does this book have.

I read someone say that this first book is more like a first chapter to a story, and I have to agree. It’s a brilliant read but it’s just the beginning of the whole story and there’s so much more to come in the future books. 

And I’ll say this because I had no clue going into this series, there are a lot of triggers warnings that need to be disclosed first. There future books feature heavier stuff than this one, so just be warned. 

Personally I loved how it was all written, it comes across like a YA with the darkness of an Adult story. There’s a lot of suspense with no silly drama which again was just up my ally. I honestly cannot fault this book/series at all. 

First read [22 Aug - 23 Aug 2020]:

brianna

"hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it."


3.5 stars

The majority of this book felt so slow to me, it took forever to get into. While the characters were all interesting enough for me to want to continue, the plot didn't make sense, and the writing style took a bit to get used to. I was expecting to see a lot more of the characters and their backstories since that's what I see everyone mention when they talk about this series, but I was disappointed with the lack of page time any of them had. 

I wish I could figure out what the plot ultimately is but it went over my head completely. I just think I went in with too high of expectations and it ended up being a completely different vibe than what I thought. Neil is such an interesting protagonist and I can't wait to see more of his backstory and his dynamic with the other characters, ESPECIALLY ANDREW. Andrew had me gasping half the book because of how intriguing he was and I found myself more and more motivated to continue reading just for more scenes with him. I think they have the potential to serve so hard in the next 2 books and I'm hoping its more uphill from here. Based on the last 60 pages of this one, I think this series has the potential to grasp me completely with the next 2 books.

um kinda confused but i think??? i like it??

Annabella

3.75  
I'm amazed and creeped out and anxious.

  "As he slipped the lock into place again he realized his hand was trembling. He held up his shaky fingers where he could see them better and wondered at the equally weak flutter in his chest.

Hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it.”  
Secrets, mafia, agressive sports - all mixed up with fucked up team dynamics.
[image error]
Neil has been on the run for as long as he can remember, cut off from anyone and anything but his now dead and buried mother. So when one of the probable reasons for his hit-and-run lifestyle recruits him into a team of mysfits in the most violent sport ever, what does he do? He falls into it slowly, unwlingly even, and finds himself in a huge, yakuza-tinted mess.
 PLEASE  B> Give me book two asap

Rachel Evans

(3.25/5) 3 hours 18 minutes - This book really wasn't what I was expecting. The characters are somehow lovable despite barely any of them being good people or doing good things. I'm looking forward to reading the next books even though this one didn't quite live up to my expectations. I feel like not much actually happened, although towards the end I did feel myself get enveloped in the story and the characters. Near the beginning of the novel, I think too many characters were introduced too quickly so it was quite hard to keep up, and I have no idea whether I am meant to understand Neil's past at the moment (I don't) or the more serious aspects of gang rivalry yet (I also don't), but hopefully this will become clearer in the next books.

brooooo im rereading this bc i just finished the golden raven and i could NOOOOT stop thinking abt it. yeah this was even better than the last time i read it, maybe bc i know what the hell is going now, i also like kevin a lot more now too yk he's actually not that bad.

special thanks to wymack i dont think anyone would've survived without this man, also neil what do you mean "i have a bit of an attitude problem", like, we didnt notice that at all?? whaaat?!

matti horckmans

first read: 3.5 stars

//

second read (april 2025): 4 stars

brooooo im rereading this bc i just finished the golden raven and i could NOOOOT stop thinking abt it. yeah this was even better than the last time i read it, maybe bc i know what the hell is going now, i also like kevin a lot more now too yk he's actually not that bad.

neils "im fine" count: 7

special thanks to wymack i dont think anyone would've survived without this man, also neil what do you mean "i have a bit of an attitude problem", like, we didnt notice that at all?? whaaat?!

riven

** spoiler alert **
           going to be honest, i loved it, was confused in some areas, still am but i’m definitely reading the raven king

The Foxhole Court All for the Game, Book 1

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