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booksnbones13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Death of parent, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, and Suicide
ainereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Death of parent, and Hate crime
knife violencejbellomy's review against another edition
2.5
ugh dnf. this reads like fan fiction and not in a fun way
_________________
EDIT DEC 2023
I did it. I read the unhinged fake lacrosse yakuza book. Someone on tumblr said this is a sports anime in book form and it clicked (particularly the psychotic love interest, who speaks and behaves like one of the twins from Ouran). I don't know if I like it exactly but it is for sure entertaining. Check those content warnings -- impossible for it to not be entertaining.
_________________
EDIT DEC 2023
I did it. I read the unhinged fake lacrosse yakuza book. Someone on tumblr said this is a sports anime in book form and it clicked (particularly the psychotic love interest, who speaks and behaves like one of the twins from Ouran). I don't know if I like it exactly but it is for sure entertaining. Check those content warnings -- impossible for it to not be entertaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Murder, Physical abuse, Death, Death of parent, Mental illness, Alcohol, Suicide, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Domestic abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Addiction, and Blood
Minor: Animal cruelty, Vomit, Sexual assault, and Forced institutionalization
rab373's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Suicide, and Gore
Moderate: Cursing, Homophobia, and Vomit
withoutchase_allconjecture's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Suicide, Self harm, and Mental illness
czerny's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Violence
Moderate: Suicide and Drug use
Minor: Ableism, Death, Vomit, Physical abuse, Blood, and Homophobia
fiekesfiction's review against another edition
sad
tense
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
(Many trigger warnings!)
I, once again, have mixed feelings.
The reason I read this is peer pressure and fomo (as always). And because I was interested in the “be gay do crime” and “found family” promise.
So did this meet those expectations?
In the foxhole court you follow Neil Josten. He plays the (fictional) sport Exy. Coach Whymarck recruits players to play in his team and live on campus. Specifically, he looks for young people in horrible family situations. When he asks Neil to join the team, it is the last thing Neil should do. He is the runaway son of a murderous crime lord. Getting involved in a high profile team and sports news broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation is dangerous and the truth will get him killed. But Neil’s not the only one on the team with secrets.
The idea of actually risking your life just to be able to sport is absolutely ridiculous to me. Also just playing such a violent sport. Also everything else that happened in this book. But it’s hard to not be interested in reading it.
My expectations were sort of met on the do crime part, yes. In fact, this book might present itself as being about sport but it’s mostly about maffia. It is insane and kind of unrealistic, but also really original and interesting. Part of the appeal of the story is the wild weirdness.
Unfortunately, part of the crimes were actually horrible and inexcusable and committed by characters who I think we’re supposed to like? Now that isn’t exactly sure, because the main character rightfully feels angry and (at least in this book) doesn’t forgive everyone easily.
It’s a complicated situation because we’re dealing with a bunch of very mentally unstable teenagers who are traumatised and also pretty terrible. Generally I feel like I might get over part of it (as the whole situation is insane and some of the flawed reasons are understandable) but I have a huge hatred towards Nicky and I will not get over it.
Then there’s the be gay part which…. Ehh I don’t see yet. But I feel okay because these people need more build up on their relationship and also their personality in general. (There’s just so many characters it’s hard to remember who everyone is.)
This obviously comes back in the found family theme. I like the moments where Neil reflects on how great it is to be part of a team and his jealousy and loneliness. Bút this is not the general happy lovely group of friends I expected. This is a bunch of horrible people who would probably die for each other but sometimes also would actually kill each other. They’re a mess and I love the idea, I think having fights within a friend group is normal and okay, but drugging someone because you don’t trust him and then sexually assaulting him is absolutely over the line and goes way over the “interesting dynamics” territory and into the “run and never interact with this person again” territory.
So it is complicated. I will say that I see a lot of potential for this to be heartwarming. I like that there’s this set up of Neil being lonely and having no one, because I feel like it might develop into him being part of this group and it being cute.
In general I think Neil is sometimes extremely idiotic, but also nice as a main character. As you’re seeing things from his perspective his actions are slightly more understandable. However, emphasis on SLIGHTLY. Because he is basically risking his life because he just can’t give up this sport. It’s to hard for him not to play, no matter the fact that it will draw the attention of people who are actively trying to kill him. and then getting on tv and picking a fight with a world famous player and son of a maffia boss even as he was trying to stay under the radar.
If we would’ve gotten anyone else’s POV he would probably just look odd and suspicious, while in this POV he just looked like a very dramatic and lonely idiot.
The other characters were a lot harder to understand. Especially as you don’t know much about them and their backstories.
Generally I had some issues trying to remember everyone’s names because there’s like 10 people in the team and then even more other characters.
I specifically remember Nicky, because I hate him.
Kevin, because I respect his commitment to the sport especially his backstory. I like that we know more about him and everything you know about him makes sense with his behaviour. He is far from perfect and like everyone, he annoyed me at times, but I feel pretty positive towards him.
Matt, because I think he’s one of the most likeable ones. I liked his relationship with Neil and his vibe. So far he’s great.
Renee, because I want to know more about her (and about the other girls as well.)
Andrew, because I don’t like him. He was super annoying and weird a lot of times, straight up horrible at other times, but I just didn’t really get him. I hated the way his medications were handled because it did not seem like the author did any research on it at all. He is horrible to almost everyone, I didn’t like how possessive he was and generally… ugh. But I do want to know more about what’s going on with him and why.
Other than that I only have vague ideas who everyone is and what their story is. But I am curious about the rest.
This is like if teenwolf didn’t have supernatural stuff in it and was more dramatic.
This story is a great time if you want to read some INSANE INSANE things with a vague found family of horrible people. But if you’re looking for something happy or objectively “good” it’s not for you.
I, once again, have mixed feelings.
The reason I read this is peer pressure and fomo (as always). And because I was interested in the “be gay do crime” and “found family” promise.
So did this meet those expectations?
In the foxhole court you follow Neil Josten. He plays the (fictional) sport Exy. Coach Whymarck recruits players to play in his team and live on campus. Specifically, he looks for young people in horrible family situations. When he asks Neil to join the team, it is the last thing Neil should do. He is the runaway son of a murderous crime lord. Getting involved in a high profile team and sports news broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation is dangerous and the truth will get him killed. But Neil’s not the only one on the team with secrets.
The idea of actually risking your life just to be able to sport is absolutely ridiculous to me. Also just playing such a violent sport. Also everything else that happened in this book. But it’s hard to not be interested in reading it.
My expectations were sort of met on the do crime part, yes. In fact, this book might present itself as being about sport but it’s mostly about maffia. It is insane and kind of unrealistic, but also really original and interesting. Part of the appeal of the story is the wild weirdness.
Unfortunately, part of the crimes were actually horrible and inexcusable and committed by characters who I think we’re supposed to like? Now that isn’t exactly sure, because the main character rightfully feels angry and (at least in this book) doesn’t forgive everyone easily.
It’s a complicated situation because we’re dealing with a bunch of very mentally unstable teenagers who are traumatised and also pretty terrible. Generally I feel like I might get over part of it (as the whole situation is insane and some of the flawed reasons are understandable) but I have a huge hatred towards Nicky and I will not get over it.
Then there’s the be gay part which…. Ehh I don’t see yet. But I feel okay because these people need more build up on their relationship and also their personality in general. (There’s just so many characters it’s hard to remember who everyone is.)
This obviously comes back in the found family theme. I like the moments where Neil reflects on how great it is to be part of a team and his jealousy and loneliness. Bút this is not the general happy lovely group of friends I expected. This is a bunch of horrible people who would probably die for each other but sometimes also would actually kill each other. They’re a mess and I love the idea, I think having fights within a friend group is normal and okay, but
So it is complicated. I will say that I see a lot of potential for this to be heartwarming. I like that there’s this set up of Neil being lonely and having no one, because I feel like it might develop into him being part of this group and it being cute.
In general I think Neil is sometimes extremely idiotic, but also nice as a main character. As you’re seeing things from his perspective his actions are slightly more understandable. However, emphasis on SLIGHTLY. Because he is basically risking his life because he just can’t give up this sport. It’s to hard for him not to play, no matter the fact that it will draw the attention of people who are actively trying to kill him.
If we would’ve gotten anyone else’s POV he would probably just look odd and suspicious, while in this POV he just looked like a very dramatic and lonely idiot.
The other characters were a lot harder to understand. Especially as you don’t know much about them and their backstories.
Generally I had some issues trying to remember everyone’s names because there’s like 10 people in the team and then even more other characters.
I specifically remember Nicky, because I hate him.
Kevin, because I respect his commitment to the sport especially his backstory. I like that we know more about him and everything you know about him makes sense with his behaviour. He is far from perfect and like everyone, he annoyed me at times, but I feel pretty positive towards him.
Matt, because I think he’s one of the most likeable ones. I liked his relationship with Neil and his vibe. So far he’s great.
Renee, because I want to know more about her (and about the other girls as well.)
Andrew, because I don’t like him. He was super annoying and weird a lot of times, straight up horrible at other times, but I just didn’t really get him. I hated the way his medications were handled because it did not seem like the author did any research on it at all. He is horrible to almost everyone, I didn’t like how possessive he was and generally… ugh. But I do want to know more about what’s going on with him and why.
Other than that I only have vague ideas who everyone is and what their story is. But I am curious about the rest.
This is like if teenwolf didn’t have supernatural stuff in it and was more dramatic.
This story is a great time if you want to read some INSANE INSANE things with a vague found family of horrible people. But if you’re looking for something happy or objectively “good” it’s not for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Bullying, Homophobia, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Death of parent, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Acephobia/Arophobia
samchase112's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rating: 5 stars
It’s not the world that’s cruel. It’s the people in it.
Did I seriously just finish this book in 5 hours? I was so totally engrossed in the storyline that I couldn't even be bothered to change into pjs. The pages kept flipping, and all I could think was "one...more...chapter..." I love, love, love these characters so much, with all their messed-up priorities and crazy addictions and even insane violent tendencies. I don't know how it happened, but somehow I grew to love them despite all their flaws.
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.
Especially Neil, Andrew, and Kevin. Neil is my baby, he must be protected at all costs and sohelpmegods I will force him to find a home with these boys if it kills me. His obvious desperation that grew into a quiet confidence, and even a little hope, was everything. Kevin grew from stay-away-from-me-I'm-untouchable to I-have-such-a-tragic-past-and-I-need-love so quick I didn't realize what hit me. And Andrew. How can you not adore Andrew and everything he does for the people he cares about?! The supporting characters were equally as interesting, though I hated Nicky a bit by the end there. Ah well, all a part of the game ;) I don't want to make too many Raven Cycle parallels here, but Ronan is Andrew no questions asked; Adam is Neil (blooming romance included); and Kevin is undoubtedly Gansey. I could write a freaking essay about the similarities between each respective character, but needless to say I can see why people would recommend this series for fans of [b:The Raven Boys|17675462|The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103737s/17675462.jpg|18970934] - and I say the same.
Exy was a bastard sport, an evolved sort of lacrosse on a soccer-sized court with the violence of ice hockey, and Neil loved every part of it.
Exy is such a fantastic game to read about, and I loved the passion these characters have for it. I'm a huge sports fan, so the sports scenes were engrossing to me. Nevertheless, I could see how it could become really confusing for someone who didn't understand the basics of lacrosse; the explanations and play-by-plays were clear enough to me, but I could see how they could become confusing to others. As for me, I frequently found myself gritting my teeth in frustration during the game against Breckenridge, and cheering on little ol' Neil and a perfectly cocky Andrew. Seriously, I was so into these games that when the plot twist happened at the end all I could think (please don't judge) was "great, this will help the team mesh better and go on to win it all!"
It sounded like a dream; it tasted like damnation.
The plot was totally unbelievable..........but who freaking cares?! Call me crazy, but I had so much fun with gangs and murder and drugs and sneaking out and punching everyone left and right. Every single oh-so-sincere "I hate you" or not-so-sincere sarcastic remark was said in such a way that I basically cracked up. I don't know, it was just something about this book that I absolutely loved, and which spoke to me on an entertainment level that ended up getting me way too invested in these characters and this outrageous plot. Whoops :)
Keys meant Neil had explicit permission to be here and do what he liked. They meant he belonged.
Despite my obvious new obsession with this book, it certainly had its flaws. The plot didn't seem to have much structure, and I wouldn't be surprised to find out the author wrote a whole giant book and then was asked to cut it up into three parts. That means I am really looking forward to the next book, but it also just shows the lack of structure here. The author also had a bit of an odd writing style, mostly in terms of grammar. It's hard to explain, but sometimes the characters' names were mentioned a ton in a couple sentences, while it wouldn't have been confusing to just use "he" once in a while. There were copy editing mistakes as well, which aren't much of a problem but can become a nuisance to some people. Some of the plot points were also pretty hard to follow, such as the specifics of Kevin's, Andrew/Aaron's, and Neil's pasts, respectively. I'm hoping this issue, at least, is fixed up a bit in the next books.
Welcome to the Foxhole Court.
As you can see, I am not way too invested in these insane, violent characters and the brutal game they love. I need the next books in my hands, asap!
Note: this was probably not a coherent review, because I honestly just wanted to get my thoughts down and forget about having it make sense in any way - sorry!
Bonus quote for my Andrew x Neil loving heart: It's fine, Coach," Andrew said, catching up to them. He touched Neil's back on his way by, fingers light enough to give Neil goose bumps, but didn't slow on his way to Kevin's side.
Reread August 2019
Am I too obsessed with these characters? Definitely not. Never.
This is a perfect series to reread, because once you’ve seen how everything plays out a reread will show how many little details and signs are hidden in the first book. I LOVE IT. I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!
Reread October 2019
I am such FREAKING TRASH FOR THIS SERIES.
The dark humor gets to me every time. Seriously, I crack up. I also want to cry half the time, and the other half I’m smiling at these insane characters. These are my children, okay? Andrew and Neil deserve the ENTIRE WORLD. And, okay, Kevin too.
So, um, yeah. I’m trash and I’m okay with it.
Reread September 2020
Hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it.
It's been over a year, and I'm STILL so freaking OBSESSED with these characters and their stories that it's actually becoming a problem. I'm always gasping and laughing out loud throughout the book, even the fourth (!!!) time through. I just keep saying the same things over and over in these reviews, but what else is there to say? I can't seem to find any other words; all I can say is that you need to read this book, because I'm addicted. Oh well.
*note: I typed that quote up there from memory. if that doesn't tell you something...
Reread November 2022
Damn, I just can’t get enough of this story. It gets funnier and darker and more engrossing the more I read it. I just tried to explain why I loved it to my mom, and woo boy my ramblings made absolutely no sense. Guess I’m a bit messed in the head, but at this point I’m too far gone to care.
Reread June 2023
Reading this book literally evokes shrieks and laughter and physical reactions from me, I can’t help it. I’m so attached to these characters it’s not even funny. I’m almost resentful of the library books I have to read now because I want to start The Raven King so freaking badly. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to give this one another looksie when I get there…
It’s not the world that’s cruel. It’s the people in it.
Did I seriously just finish this book in 5 hours? I was so totally engrossed in the storyline that I couldn't even be bothered to change into pjs. The pages kept flipping, and all I could think was "one...more...chapter..." I love, love, love these characters so much, with all their messed-up priorities and crazy addictions and even insane violent tendencies. I don't know how it happened, but somehow I grew to love them despite all their flaws.
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.
Especially Neil, Andrew, and Kevin. Neil is my baby, he must be protected at all costs and sohelpmegods I will force him to find a home with these boys if it kills me. His obvious desperation that grew into a quiet confidence, and even a little hope, was everything. Kevin grew from stay-away-from-me-I'm-untouchable to I-have-such-a-tragic-past-and-I-need-love so quick I didn't realize what hit me. And Andrew. How can you not adore Andrew and everything he does for the people he cares about?! The supporting characters were equally as interesting, though I hated Nicky a bit by the end there. Ah well, all a part of the game ;) I don't want to make too many Raven Cycle parallels here, but Ronan is Andrew no questions asked; Adam is Neil (blooming romance included); and Kevin is undoubtedly Gansey. I could write a freaking essay about the similarities between each respective character, but needless to say I can see why people would recommend this series for fans of [b:The Raven Boys|17675462|The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1)|Maggie Stiefvater|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103737s/17675462.jpg|18970934] - and I say the same.
Exy was a bastard sport, an evolved sort of lacrosse on a soccer-sized court with the violence of ice hockey, and Neil loved every part of it.
Exy is such a fantastic game to read about, and I loved the passion these characters have for it. I'm a huge sports fan, so the sports scenes were engrossing to me. Nevertheless, I could see how it could become really confusing for someone who didn't understand the basics of lacrosse; the explanations and play-by-plays were clear enough to me, but I could see how they could become confusing to others. As for me, I frequently found myself gritting my teeth in frustration during the game against Breckenridge, and cheering on little ol' Neil and a perfectly cocky Andrew. Seriously, I was so into these games that when the plot twist happened at the end all I could think (please don't judge) was "great, this will help the team mesh better and go on to win it all!"
It sounded like a dream; it tasted like damnation.
The plot was totally unbelievable..........but who freaking cares?! Call me crazy, but I had so much fun with gangs and murder and drugs and sneaking out and punching everyone left and right. Every single oh-so-sincere "I hate you" or not-so-sincere sarcastic remark was said in such a way that I basically cracked up. I don't know, it was just something about this book that I absolutely loved, and which spoke to me on an entertainment level that ended up getting me way too invested in these characters and this outrageous plot. Whoops :)
Keys meant Neil had explicit permission to be here and do what he liked. They meant he belonged.
Despite my obvious new obsession with this book, it certainly had its flaws. The plot didn't seem to have much structure, and I wouldn't be surprised to find out the author wrote a whole giant book and then was asked to cut it up into three parts. That means I am really looking forward to the next book, but it also just shows the lack of structure here. The author also had a bit of an odd writing style, mostly in terms of grammar. It's hard to explain, but sometimes the characters' names were mentioned a ton in a couple sentences, while it wouldn't have been confusing to just use "he" once in a while. There were copy editing mistakes as well, which aren't much of a problem but can become a nuisance to some people. Some of the plot points were also pretty hard to follow, such as the specifics of Kevin's, Andrew/Aaron's, and Neil's pasts, respectively. I'm hoping this issue, at least, is fixed up a bit in the next books.
Welcome to the Foxhole Court.
As you can see, I am not way too invested in these insane, violent characters and the brutal game they love. I need the next books in my hands, asap!
Note: this was probably not a coherent review, because I honestly just wanted to get my thoughts down and forget about having it make sense in any way - sorry!
Bonus quote for my Andrew x Neil loving heart: It's fine, Coach," Andrew said, catching up to them. He touched Neil's back on his way by, fingers light enough to give Neil goose bumps, but didn't slow on his way to Kevin's side.
Reread August 2019
Am I too obsessed with these characters? Definitely not. Never.
This is a perfect series to reread, because once you’ve seen how everything plays out a reread will show how many little details and signs are hidden in the first book. I LOVE IT. I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!
Reread October 2019
I am such FREAKING TRASH FOR THIS SERIES.
The dark humor gets to me every time. Seriously, I crack up. I also want to cry half the time, and the other half I’m smiling at these insane characters. These are my children, okay? Andrew and Neil deserve the ENTIRE WORLD. And, okay, Kevin too.
So, um, yeah. I’m trash and I’m okay with it.
Reread September 2020
Hope was a dangerous, disquieting thing, but he thought perhaps he liked it.
It's been over a year, and I'm STILL so freaking OBSESSED with these characters and their stories that it's actually becoming a problem. I'm always gasping and laughing out loud throughout the book, even the fourth (!!!) time through. I just keep saying the same things over and over in these reviews, but what else is there to say? I can't seem to find any other words; all I can say is that you need to read this book, because I'm addicted. Oh well.
*note: I typed that quote up there from memory. if that doesn't tell you something...
Reread November 2022
Damn, I just can’t get enough of this story. It gets funnier and darker and more engrossing the more I read it. I just tried to explain why I loved it to my mom, and woo boy my ramblings made absolutely no sense. Guess I’m a bit messed in the head, but at this point I’m too far gone to care.
Reread June 2023
Reading this book literally evokes shrieks and laughter and physical reactions from me, I can’t help it. I’m so attached to these characters it’s not even funny. I’m almost resentful of the library books I have to read now because I want to start The Raven King so freaking badly. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to give this one another looksie when I get there…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Alcoholism, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Violence, Rape, Suicide, Drug abuse, and Grief
Minor: Car accident
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