Reviews

Het Spel by Barry Lyga

teddybears1221's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

deedralapray's review against another edition

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4.0

Another riveting book by Barry Lyga. Not as good as the first one, but still thoroughly enjoyed it!

erincataldi's review against another edition

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5.0

GAHH!! Amazing!!! I loved the first Jasper Dent book (I Hunt Killers) so I assumed I would like the sequel. Wrong! I LOVED LOVED LOVED it! It may even be better than the first one. Seriously so good.

This time around the story follows not only Jazz, but his hot black girlfriend Connie and his best friend, Howie. The three of them all have adventures of their own to deal with it, adventures that are more connected then they realize.

Jazz shoots off to New York where the NYPD have asked for his expertise on the serial murderer, the hat-dog killer (i'll admit at first I was skeptical that NYPD would ask for a teenager for help but as the story went on it did seem plausible). Jazz uses all the knowledge his dad (the worst serial murderer of all time) imparted on him to help out as much as he can. Back in his home town, Howie and his aunt look after Jazz's seriously crazy grandma and Connie starts to get weird texts asking if she wants to join the game.

This book is so fast paced and amazing that you don't even realize it's over 500 pages. You fly through it and wish there was more at the end. Seriously must read. I am eagerly eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. This is hands down one of the best books I've read this year. A real nail biter that leaves you wanting more. Barry Lyga really does his homework and the details, the graphic crime scenes, intricate plot lines, and super amazing characters makes it hard to believe that this book is for young adults.

ashcash04's review against another edition

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4.0

I feel so stupid when I read these books because the twists get me every time! I'm a terrible guesser but that makes the books more enjoyable. I did guess a couple parts of the ending but still exciting read. Loved the game twist and can't wait to read the final book!

bas0513's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

4.0

inkstndfngrs's review against another edition

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4.0

This is really more New Adult than YA to me, simply because of content. Some of the terminology and the descriptions of the crime scenes are...frankly, really disgusting. More than once I found myself with my face screwed into a grimace because it really was just...gross. However, the intrigue keeps you reading and over all, I really enjoyed it. Although, will say: I don't like Connie! She's one of those characters that purposefully does something just because they're told not to. She's supposed to be the "intelligent black girl", and really...she's an idiot. I'm looking forward to her death in the next book.

beccaperson's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

jenniepicky's review against another edition

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4.0

Cliffhanger ending!!??!??! Argh.

Lyga is always so fun to read.

thereadrose's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5/5 Stars! I really liked this book! The first book was great but this one blew its predecessor out of the water. IRL I compare this series a lot to The Naturals By Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Jazz reminds me a lot of JLB’s character Dean (which is awesome!) I’m a sucker for a book about profilers investigating serial killers (apparently, as I’m finding out). I hate that I wasn’t able to enjoy the ending as much as most people. I was on a time crunch to finish this book, even though (don’t kill me), I guessed how it ended. The way that the Game, came to be was absolutely amazing. I, as I’m sure some people had lightly made the connection without realizing it. So. Genius. I’m so excited to read the next one, I’m sure I’ll be picking it up very soon!

christajls's review against another edition

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5.0

This review originally posted on More Than Just Magic

Mystery and thriller writers pay attention – this is how it’s done.

Last year I picked up I Hunt Killers after seeing non stop great reviews about it. I thought it worked well as stand alone but when I heard there was a sequel I was excited for more Jasper, Howie and Connie! In Game Billy Dent has escaped from prison but that’s not Jasper’s only problem. There’s a new killer on the loose in New York City and the desperate FBI and police have asked him to come to the Big Apple to help.

Like I Hunt Killers, Game provides an interesting psychological insight into a boy who is struggling between nature vs. nurture. Jasper desperately wants to prove to himself and the world that he is not about to follow in his father’s footsteps. But there’s some things that are so ingrained due to being raised by one of the world’s most famous serial killers. Jasper is such an interesting character. He’s complex and layered and simultaneously good and dark. Though the mystery is Game is compelling I think it is Jasper’s internal struggle that really kept me reading.

As if Jasper weren’t enough I also love the supporting cast of this novel – particularly Howie and Connie. Howie is by far my favourite character. He’s hilarious and brave and just down right awesome. I was a bit sad that he didn’t have as big of a part as he did in I Hunt Killers. But on the bright side Connie had more of role this time! She’s a sassy, independent woman. And even though her relationship with Jasper explains her role in this story, it doesn’t define who she is.

The plot for this novel was incredible. Full of twists and incredible turns that I never saw coming. I’m the type of person who is constantly trying to guess what’s going to happen but I was totally floored by Game. There are some creepy and twisted people at work here. And Game switched points of view throughout, building the complexity and intricacy of the mystery throughout. Honestly, I think I liked Game better than I Hunt Killers. I thought it was more complex, more intricate and more detailed.

Recommendation: This series is a must read for mystery and crime novel lovers. You’ll love Jasper Dent and have a fantastic time trying to guess what’s really going on in New York City.