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galacticvampire's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"It's about second chances, Neil. Second, third, fourth, whatever, as long as you get at least one more then what anyone else wanted to give you."
The Foxhole Court isn't for everyone. It has a unique style exclusive to books that didn't go through an editorial process, what can be either refreshing or amateurish, depending on personal taste.
It's different, the characters feel alive, and the plot is so surprising it's borderline nonsensical. The writing style is direct and portrays dialogue extremely naturally, until it doesn't and it's outright weird.
Because the characters are weird. And problematic. But that's clearly intentional and I have to give praise to the author for daring to give her characters unlikable flaws and make them genuinely morally questionable, completely unsanitazed.
The main problem with this book is that, given that is over 200 pages, not much happens. Space is taken by a lot of infodumping about the made-up sport and characters' backstories, that albeit necessary, are not integrated that seamlessly or naturally in the conversation. The result is that, by the end, the actual plot and story are still on very early stages, and the reader is seeking the next book as if it were simply the next chapter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Physical abuse, Blood, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Vomit, and Violence
Minor: Sexism and Death of parent
violette_magpie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Medical content, Murder, Physical abuse, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcoholism and Child abuse
solinel7's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
All the talk about the sport got me lost, but like the characters, and where they're going. I obviously have a lot of issues with them because they're abusive and have a lot of problems but I wanna know where this is going and how is gonna unravel. It's contradicting but oh well.
Look up the Trigger Warnings if you plan on reading this.
Look up the Trigger Warnings if you plan on reading this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Car accident, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Murder, Violence, and Vomit
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Neil Josten is living under the radar, squatting in an empty home when he can and sleeping in his high school's locker room after Exy practice the rest of the time. Neil isn't even his real name, but the latest in a long line of aliases he has used to hide from his mob boss father. When Coach Wymack of the Palmetto State Foxes shows up wanting to sign Neil to PSU's Exy team, Neil should run the other way, but he's tired of running. Things only get more complicated when Neil meets the rest of the Foxes, who all have their own dark pasts, but it's also the first time Neil has belonged anywhere—even if he knows it can only be temporary.
I've read a lot of great books this year, but this one was different. It's not my normal type of book at all because it's much darker and more violent than I prefer (please check the trigger warnings!!), but I still couldn't put it down. The Foxes made me love them in spite of their problems and violent tendencies, and Exy intrigued me even though I don't think I'd ever watch it if it was real. No hints of romance (yet), but I know it'll come in the later books and I can't wait.I kind of love knowing that Andreil will be a thing because I can pay extra attention to all their interactions and recognize the small details now instead of having to go back and piece them together later.
I had heard before I read it that the plot doesn't always make sense, and that's fair for a book about a fictional sport and the Japanese mob, but honestly I thought it'd be a bit crazier; the only time I was really surprised (again, taking into account the extreme premise) was when Seth overdosed because it was so abrupt.
I've read a lot of great books this year, but this one was different. It's not my normal type of book at all because it's much darker and more violent than I prefer (please check the trigger warnings!!), but I still couldn't put it down. The Foxes made me love them in spite of their problems and violent tendencies, and Exy intrigued me even though I don't think I'd ever watch it if it was real. No hints of romance (yet), but I know it'll come in the later books and I can't wait.
I had heard before I read it that the plot doesn't always make sense, and that's fair for a book about a fictional sport and the Japanese mob, but honestly I thought it'd be a bit crazier; the only time I was really surprised (again, taking into account the extreme premise) was when Seth overdosed because it was so abrupt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Mental illness
Moderate: Addiction, Blood, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, and Vomit
Minor: Homophobia and Murder
korgi's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
first, i want to heavily advise reading the trigger warnings before reading this. i went into this book not having a clue what it was even about and i’m lucky that nothing was triggering for me but it might be for someone else. that being said, this book was dark. a lot darker than i was expecting it to be. and i absolutely loved it. i was hooked from the moment i started reading it and hooked the moment i finished it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, and Vomit
jbellomy'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
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
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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