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monicakessler's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. You can clearly see how Malorie Blackman has progressed as an author throughout this series; structurally, Checkmate is by far superior to the others in the series. Its plot weaves throughout the entire book rather than jumping from here to there like in the first book, or only really kicking off halfway through in the second book. The introduction of timeline jumps assists this and adds to the sense of dramatic tension as we watch Callie Rose grow up. The side characters are far more fleshed-out in this instalment too, and have their own moments to shine – although Callie-Rose's “female best friends” are still little more than cardboard cutouts. Nonetheless, it was great to see Meggie and Jasmine becoming more central in this book, with purpose too.
Unfortunately, a side effect of this fleshing-out of characters and structure means that the book is still slower-paced than the superior original of the series. Not only this, but it doesn't have the vast and powerful dramatic worldbuilding of its predecessors to fall back on; by now we know the drill, and also bigotry has improved somewhat since Noughts and Crosses through the passage of time. Obviously it still stands as an original and thought-provoking concept, but perhaps not in the startling way that N&C managed.
However, this is a useful tale about radicalisation and grooming. I feel like maybe if more children read this series, they might understand how to be more aware of potential groomers in their own lives and be able to protect themselves accordingly. That might be a reach, but an awareness is better than nothing. In addition, I still wonder if this series should be mandatory for law enforcement or anyone in a position of power to read. Or even parents; to them, though, maybe it just becomes another “love conquers all”-type tale. Either way, important moral lessons can be digested from this content.
The most important part of this book to me was actually the author's note at the beginning of my edition, explaining that this – ironically and significantly – was due for publication on 7/7/2005, the day many of us remember as the London bombings. It really provides food for thought, especially with the context that Blackman was told that a book about a teenager being trained to become a suicide bomber was unsuitable for a YA novel. Many cases of radicalisation occur within teen years so I would beg to differ; forewarned is forearmed.
4.25* because while the book was excellent, it wasn't always enjoyable - the pacing was only bearable because I read the book in a couple of long sittings; I'm also not convinced I'm a fan of Blackman's writing style – she may have been a YA trailblazer but that doesn't stop her writing from succumbing to the pitfalls of YA cliché. Nonetheless, still a very good read.
Unfortunately, a side effect of this fleshing-out of characters and structure means that the book is still slower-paced than the superior original of the series. Not only this, but it doesn't have the vast and powerful dramatic worldbuilding of its predecessors to fall back on; by now we know the drill, and also bigotry has improved somewhat since Noughts and Crosses through the passage of time. Obviously it still stands as an original and thought-provoking concept, but perhaps not in the startling way that N&C managed.
However, this is a useful tale about radicalisation and grooming. I feel like maybe if more children read this series, they might understand how to be more aware of potential groomers in their own lives and be able to protect themselves accordingly. That might be a reach, but an awareness is better than nothing. In addition, I still wonder if this series should be mandatory for law enforcement or anyone in a position of power to read. Or even parents; to them, though, maybe it just becomes another “love conquers all”-type tale. Either way, important moral lessons can be digested from this content.
The most important part of this book to me was actually the author's note at the beginning of my edition, explaining that this – ironically and significantly – was due for publication on 7/7/2005, the day many of us remember as the London bombings. It really provides food for thought, especially with the context that Blackman was told that a book about a teenager being trained to become a suicide bomber was unsuitable for a YA novel. Many cases of radicalisation occur within teen years so I would beg to differ; forewarned is forearmed.
4.25* because while the book was excellent, it wasn't always enjoyable - the pacing was only bearable because I read the book in a couple of long sittings; I'm also not convinced I'm a fan of Blackman's writing style – she may have been a YA trailblazer but that doesn't stop her writing from succumbing to the pitfalls of YA cliché. Nonetheless, still a very good read.
marianguish's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
justagirlwithbooks's review against another edition
3.75
“When a chance for real happiness comes by, grab it with both hands and devour it. If it lasts five minutes or five lifetimes, it's still worth it.”
I loved the way that this book shifted between multiple internal battles between all the characters. It just wrapped (almost) everything up so neatly. Especially how Jude's character arc wrapped up. Poor Meggie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Racism, and Violence
caitlin_123a's review against another edition
5.0
And she's done it again! I swear Miss Malorie Blackman is the best author I have come across, I LOVED it!!!
saestrah's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heatherreadingbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
2.5
zoeg97's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5