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dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Eating disorder, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Murder
dark
emotional
sad
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
nora sakavic is both my enemy and someone i admired beyond belief. let me wipe my tears. a truly amazing story, with everything i loved about the foxes and more. i can barely put into words how much this book means to me, if i could give more than 5 stars i would. that rating seems insufficient when i reflect on the masterpiece i just read.
jean yves-moreau holds a very special place in my heart, one that now houses my beloved foxes and the trojans. if he doesn't get every single thing he deserves, i will be rioting. the glimpses of the foxes we got i inhaled and i need more of them. the descriptions of andrew and neil made my little heart sing and neil in the final chapter??? he knows he is THAT bitch and seeing him from an outside pov is exhilarating and i crave more.
sakavic writes found family masterfully and creates incredibly complex characters that i have rarely come across. cat and laila are just amazing, refreshing characters and the need i have for them to hang out with dan, allison, matt and renee is unreal. jeremy is such an exciting character to read, he's got so much depth that is slowly being explored and his story is one i can't wait to read.
i am hoping for more books with the trojans, especially about jeremy and his relationship with his family. also more exy games, i adored the game scenes with the foxes and would love to see the behind the scenes of trojans playing against other teams. an utter masterpiece that i will never forget, right there with the foxes. 🦊🦊🦊
(lucas and graysen?? it's on SIGHT. i truly don't give a shit is lucas apologised, i will put him down.)
jean yves-moreau holds a very special place in my heart, one that now houses my beloved foxes and the trojans. if he doesn't get every single thing he deserves, i will be rioting. the glimpses of the foxes we got i inhaled and i need more of them. the descriptions of andrew and neil made my little heart sing and neil in the final chapter??? he knows he is THAT bitch and seeing him from an outside pov is exhilarating and i crave more.
sakavic writes found family masterfully and creates incredibly complex characters that i have rarely come across. cat and laila are just amazing, refreshing characters and the need i have for them to hang out with dan, allison, matt and renee is unreal. jeremy is such an exciting character to read, he's got so much depth that is slowly being explored and his story is one i can't wait to read.
i am hoping for more books with the trojans, especially about jeremy and his relationship with his family. also more exy games, i adored the game scenes with the foxes and would love to see the behind the scenes of trojans playing against other teams. an utter masterpiece that i will never forget, right there with the foxes. 🦊🦊🦊
(lucas and graysen?? it's on SIGHT. i truly don't give a shit is lucas apologised, i will put him down.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
challenging
emotional
medium-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
just inject this directly into my veins. idk wtf Nora puts in these books but I just want moreeeeee
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
real literature is back /lh
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Biphobia, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Blood, Grief, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Emotional abuse, Murder
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-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
I cant believe i actually got to read this i was hesitant at first bc its been such a long time between the last book and this one and we’ve all had so much time to come up with our own headcanons by now but this absolutely lived up to my expectations
This was a deeply traumatizing time for jean but i was having the time of my life ngl i think the funniest part in this book is that jean was just like “yeah the torture i had to endure for years was bad but you know what is worse? being bisexual” and hes so real for that obviously the trauma goes a lot deeper but this stood out lol
The scenes we got from the last book in jeans and jeremy’s pov had me grinning like a maniac while reading ngl it was so fun (not for jean but i digress)
also neil in jeans pov?? absolutely feral. he was in this book for like max 5-6 pages and still solved about 3-4 of jeans problems and delivered him a found family on a silver platter truly a man of action i love him so much
as with the previous books look at the trigger warnings this may be called sunshine court but we get to hear about all of the torture and rape jean had to go through with the ravens and nora truly did not hold back. We even got 2 jean lines that hit equally hard as andrews “i was seven of course i believed him” and his answer to the “who said please so much” so you know, prepare.
also jean having an equivalent to neils “im fine” with his “injuries happen during scrimmages” with equal reactions from everyone around him was truly *chefs kiss*
also im curious about the pacing bc this felt like a very slow plot progression considering this is only supposed to be a duology. I know this is a story of healing but there’s still so much to go through especially bc we barely touched on jeremy’s problems and jean made minimal progress which is still a lot considering the amount of trauma he has but we also only have one book left?
This was a deeply traumatizing time for jean but i was having the time of my life ngl i think the funniest part in this book is that jean was just like “yeah the torture i had to endure for years was bad but you know what is worse? being bisexual” and hes so real for that obviously the trauma goes a lot deeper but this stood out lol
The scenes we got from the last book in jeans and jeremy’s pov had me grinning like a maniac while reading ngl it was so fun (not for jean but i digress)
also neil in jeans pov?? absolutely feral. he was in this book for like max 5-6 pages and still solved about 3-4 of jeans problems and delivered him a found family on a silver platter truly a man of action i love him so much
as with the previous books look at the trigger warnings this may be called sunshine court but we get to hear about all of the torture and rape jean had to go through with the ravens and nora truly did not hold back. We even got 2 jean lines that hit equally hard as andrews “i was seven of course i believed him” and his answer to the “who said please so much” so you know, prepare.
also jean having an equivalent to neils “im fine” with his “injuries happen during scrimmages” with equal reactions from everyone around him was truly *chefs kiss*
also im curious about the pacing bc this felt like a very slow plot progression considering this is only supposed to be a duology. I know this is a story of healing but there’s still so much to go through especially bc we barely touched on jeremy’s problems and jean made minimal progress which is still a lot considering the amount of trauma he has but we also only have one book left?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Murder
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-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
I have to say, after seeing some other reviews, I feel a bit less awkward sharing my deepest, darkest feelings about this book. It might not always make sense, though.
I honestly didn't know I needed this book. I made my peace with Jean's ending at the end of The King's Men. Oh, boy, was I wrong?!
This book totally destroyed me emotionally and put me through a wringer. But I inhaled it. Jean and Jeremy's story is exactly what was missing from the original trilogy.
I can assure you it is just as tragic and dark and emotionally loaded as anything Nora writes, but it also has the one thing that Nora does best: HOPE.
The hope is palpable in the writing and in all the emotions that are depicted in this book. It's almost overwhelming, yet it's the most precious thing ever.
Hope to live.
Hope to feel.
Hope to have something good.
Jean went through unspeakably horrible times. Things were done to him that would break anyone. The fact that he's still standing, even though the tons of baggage he brings, is a miracle and shows that deep down, hidden even from himself, is a man who hasn't given up yet. It shows in his progression of letting in the world, piece by piece, person by person, after being kept away from it for so long.
I bowled my eyes out multiple times, reading his most vulnerable thoughts about the slivers of hope and beauty he discovers. I am a wreck, yet I am somehow happy.
Of course, none of Jean's progress would be possible without Jeremy. Our golden boy, our sunshine captain. Oh, how he is good. His want to take care of Jean in any way he lets him is so palpable and honest. His kindness is EVERYTHING. I want to see his smile thaw the icy loneliness around Jean.
Adding in the Trojans and their overall good nature is the perfect contrast to Jean's previous reality. And, of course, Cat and Laia are the best chaotic lesbians out their. I low-key adore them. The way they immediately took Jean into their circle, the subtle ways they made him feel at home. It radiates their goodness.
I cannot string together thoughts. This book is just simply good. I want more of it. I want the second book now. I want to know Jeremy's story. I want to have more of the ridiculously queer Trojans. I want more Cat and Laia. I want Jean to smile. At Jeremy preferably. I want him to feel safe. I want to see Jeremy show Jean what it's like when someone loves him. I. Want. More.
I honestly didn't know I needed this book. I made my peace with Jean's ending at the end of The King's Men. Oh, boy, was I wrong?!
This book totally destroyed me emotionally and put me through a wringer. But I inhaled it. Jean and Jeremy's story is exactly what was missing from the original trilogy.
I can assure you it is just as tragic and dark and emotionally loaded as anything Nora writes, but it also has the one thing that Nora does best: HOPE.
The hope is palpable in the writing and in all the emotions that are depicted in this book. It's almost overwhelming, yet it's the most precious thing ever.
Hope to live.
Hope to feel.
Hope to have something good.
Jean went through unspeakably horrible times. Things were done to him that would break anyone. The fact that he's still standing, even though the tons of baggage he brings, is a miracle and shows that deep down, hidden even from himself, is a man who hasn't given up yet. It shows in his progression of letting in the world, piece by piece, person by person, after being kept away from it for so long.
I bowled my eyes out multiple times, reading his most vulnerable thoughts about the slivers of hope and beauty he discovers. I am a wreck, yet I am somehow happy.
Of course, none of Jean's progress would be possible without Jeremy. Our golden boy, our sunshine captain. Oh, how he is good. His want to take care of Jean in any way he lets him is so palpable and honest. His kindness is EVERYTHING. I want to see his smile thaw the icy loneliness around Jean.
Adding in the Trojans and their overall good nature is the perfect contrast to Jean's previous reality. And, of course, Cat and Laia are the best chaotic lesbians out their. I low-key adore them. The way they immediately took Jean into their circle, the subtle ways they made him feel at home. It radiates their goodness.
I cannot string together thoughts. This book is just simply good. I want more of it. I want the second book now. I want to know Jeremy's story. I want to have more of the ridiculously queer Trojans. I want more Cat and Laia. I want Jean to smile. At Jeremy preferably. I want him to feel safe. I want to see Jeremy show Jean what it's like when someone loves him. I. Want. More.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Murder
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
This is the story of Jean after he leaves (or is taken from, rather) the Raven's Nest. It is the story of how he finds hope again after everything was taken from him so many years ago.
It is a good story, but I have to admit it was not what I expected, or wanted, from it.
In comparison to the original trilogy, it is very slow, introspective and focussed on the past. A long time is spent on Jean's (re-)living and remembering and reacting, and maybe even starting to process his trauma and the horrific abuse he suffered at the Moriyamas' hands. It reaches only a couple month's past the end of The King's Men, and doesn't reach past Jean finding that first spark of hope and realizing he really is free of Riko.
It's that what left me feeling really unsatisfied.
Not a lot of questions left over from the original trilogy are answered. Instead, a whole new slew of questions arrise, and very few of those are answered too.
Part of that is Jeremy. He is also a POV character, but less so than Jean. We get glimpses into the personal life, his struggles and hopes, and the issues he has going on too... but his main focus in on Jean. I honestly don't think his POV adds much other than more questions about what's going on with him, just to not get much info other than vague hints, and no closure. Why even open that can of worms when there isn't even an attempt to close it? We could have found out about him from Jean's POV as well.
I guess the issue is that just Jean's POV would have been really bleak, and he wouldn't have paid so much attention to the Trojans, so maybe Jeremy's POV is a blessing in disguise. Still, that was another reason why the book felt really unsatisfying to read.
Overall, this felt much more like a beginning than an ending. I get that it's supposed to be about closure, about closing one chapter of one's life and beginning a new one. But only getting teased with so many threads of it and how it could continued.... I hate that. I want definite happy endings. I won't want all these old and new questions to be left unanswered. If there really is a sequel (can't find any definite source on that) I sure hope they will be answered.
Beyond that, reading this was also heavy. So much focus is on Jean's trauma, and he's got a lot of it. The original trilogy is already heavy on the trigger warnings, but there, due to the characters' personalities, the faster pace, and the constant presence of Exy, there isn't as much in-depth lingering and focus on the horrible abuse. For Jean, it's different. He is much more introspective, and is constantly remembering the horrific things that happened to him. And it's so much worse than what's alluded to in the original trilogy. This made it a very bleak, heavy, sad and uncomfortable read.
The overall direction of the broader picture story about the Ravens, Foxes, Trojans, and Exy as a sport is very unsettling too - Jean is not too concerned with it, so there are not many details, but seeing it from his perspective rather than Neil's makes me antsy.
The Trojans are of course a beam of light in all that darkness, but as I said, the book ends right when Jean finds that first spark of real hope. We don't get to see him heal, we don't get to see him thrive, we don't get to see him fall in love or be loved, we don't get to see him claim his own life for himself. All that good stuff that I want to read about when I read about such an abused character is just omitted. Sure, it's in the future, but... yeah, it's just not satisfying!!
It is still good. Still emotional and heart-breaking but also giving hope. I also want to specifically recommend the author's writing style - it excells at being in a character's head incresibly organically. No exposition is given where a character wouldn't give it. It can be a bit frustrating at times when it's clear the character knows something the reader doesn't, but it also feels rewarding. And it's overally just super fun to read!
Absolutely hoping there will be a sequel answering all the open questions and threads. As a first book to a new story it works amazingly. As a standalone, it's not for me.
It is a good story, but I have to admit it was not what I expected, or wanted, from it.
In comparison to the original trilogy, it is very slow, introspective and focussed on the past. A long time is spent on Jean's (re-)living and remembering and reacting, and maybe even starting to process his trauma and the horrific abuse he suffered at the Moriyamas' hands. It reaches only a couple month's past the end of The King's Men, and doesn't reach past Jean finding that first spark of hope and realizing he really is free of Riko.
It's that what left me feeling really unsatisfied.
Not a lot of questions left over from the original trilogy are answered. Instead, a whole new slew of questions arrise, and very few of those are answered too.
Part of that is Jeremy. He is also a POV character, but less so than Jean. We get glimpses into the personal life, his struggles and hopes, and the issues he has going on too... but his main focus in on Jean. I honestly don't think his POV adds much other than more questions about what's going on with him, just to not get much info other than vague hints, and no closure. Why even open that can of worms when there isn't even an attempt to close it? We could have found out about him from Jean's POV as well.
I guess the issue is that just Jean's POV would have been really bleak, and he wouldn't have paid so much attention to the Trojans, so maybe Jeremy's POV is a blessing in disguise. Still, that was another reason why the book felt really unsatisfying to read.
Overall, this felt much more like a beginning than an ending. I get that it's supposed to be about closure, about closing one chapter of one's life and beginning a new one. But only getting teased with so many threads of it and how it could continued.... I hate that. I want definite happy endings. I won't want all these old and new questions to be left unanswered. If there really is a sequel (can't find any definite source on that) I sure hope they will be answered.
Beyond that, reading this was also heavy. So much focus is on Jean's trauma, and he's got a lot of it. The original trilogy is already heavy on the trigger warnings, but there, due to the characters' personalities, the faster pace, and the constant presence of Exy, there isn't as much in-depth lingering and focus on the horrible abuse. For Jean, it's different. He is much more introspective, and is constantly remembering the horrific things that happened to him. And it's so much worse than what's alluded to in the original trilogy. This made it a very bleak, heavy, sad and uncomfortable read.
The overall direction of the broader picture story about the Ravens, Foxes, Trojans, and Exy as a sport is very unsettling too - Jean is not too concerned with it, so there are not many details, but seeing it from his perspective rather than Neil's makes me antsy.
The Trojans are of course a beam of light in all that darkness, but as I said, the book ends right when Jean finds that first spark of real hope. We don't get to see him heal, we don't get to see him thrive, we don't get to see him fall in love or be loved, we don't get to see him claim his own life for himself. All that good stuff that I want to read about when I read about such an abused character is just omitted. Sure, it's in the future, but... yeah, it's just not satisfying!!
It is still good. Still emotional and heart-breaking but also giving hope. I also want to specifically recommend the author's writing style - it excells at being in a character's head incresibly organically. No exposition is given where a character wouldn't give it. It can be a bit frustrating at times when it's clear the character knows something the reader doesn't, but it also feels rewarding. And it's overally just super fun to read!
Absolutely hoping there will be a sequel answering all the open questions and threads. As a first book to a new story it works amazingly. As a standalone, it's not for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Eating disorder
Minor: Pedophilia, Murder
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved this book. Hate it. Would definitely read again. Would not recommend. I honestly think Nora got better at writing. Love the continuation. Cant wait for TSC2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Suicide, Vomit, Medical content, Trafficking
Minor: Suicide attempt, Murder, Outing
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-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
I don’t really know how to rate a book in the AFTG series. Is the plot completely chaotic and absolutely unrealistic? Yes. Is it grounded in very real, aching grief and hurt and comfort and gritted-teeth survival instincts, and so well written that you forget how far fetched it all is? Also yes.
Did I devour it in a day? Also yes.
The main characters are so flawed and so human and so, so loveable. The found family vibes are impeccable. The weird blend of made up collegiate sports and a mafia thriller shouldn’t work but somehow does. 10/10. 5 stars. I love them. I’m horrified by at least 50% of the plot. I need Jean to have all the hugs. I don’t even know how to review this book.
Did I devour it in a day? Also yes.
The main characters are so flawed and so human and so, so loveable. The found family vibes are impeccable. The weird blend of made up collegiate sports and a mafia thriller shouldn’t work but somehow does. 10/10. 5 stars. I love them. I’m horrified by at least 50% of the plot. I need Jean to have all the hugs. I don’t even know how to review this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Stalking
emotional
hopeful
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
This is a rating from the heart, okay? A soul rating. Once again Nora has me by the throat.
This book is every bit as dramatic and ridiculous as the other AFTG books, and I ate it up!! I love Jean, I love Jeremy, I love Cat and Laila, of course I love my feral son Neil whenever he shows up. This book also employs one of my absolute favorite, criminally underused tropes: when characters are introduced that are part of a group of some kind, such as a team, a religion, a species, etc.; and we assume their quirks and habits and way of life are just the standard for that group. Then, later, more characters from that same collective are introduced who are just. The most absurdly normal people. And we realize, oh, those other guys are just freaks!
We spent three books with the Foxes and Ravens, the most traumatized and maladjusted group of people you've ever seen in your life, who all speak in edgy Green Day lyrics and treat exy like it's their religion. And now, suddenly, we get an inside look into a third team, which is comprised of a bunch of normal college kids who play a sport; and we realize that most teams are comprised of normal people playing a sport, and no one actually knows just how co-dependent and cult-like an exy team can get. The Ravens and Foxes live in a completely different world than the rest of the exy players.
This book is every bit as dramatic and ridiculous as the other AFTG books, and I ate it up!! I love Jean, I love Jeremy, I love Cat and Laila, of course I love my feral son Neil whenever he shows up. This book also employs one of my absolute favorite, criminally underused tropes: when characters are introduced that are part of a group of some kind, such as a team, a religion, a species, etc.; and we assume their quirks and habits and way of life are just the standard for that group. Then, later, more characters from that same collective are introduced who are just. The most absurdly normal people. And we realize, oh, those other guys are just freaks!
We spent three books with the Foxes and Ravens, the most traumatized and maladjusted group of people you've ever seen in your life, who all speak in edgy Green Day lyrics and treat exy like it's their religion. And now, suddenly, we get an inside look into a third team, which is comprised of a bunch of normal college kids who play a sport; and we realize that most teams are comprised of normal people playing a sport, and no one actually knows just how co-dependent and cult-like an exy team can get. The Ravens and Foxes live in a completely different world than the rest of the exy players.
"He hasn't played a clean game in years," Kevin admitted, "but he knows how to follow orders. If you tell him to submit, he will."
"Literally the most awkward way you could've worded it," Jeremy said.
We're used to the dialogue being ultra dramatic and serious, but juxtaposed with a totally normal guy like Jeremy's reaction, it's hilarious. The stark contrast between their realities is jarring. In Jean's case, it's usually downright heart-breaking. But every now and then the humor pokes through, because we all know it's ridiculous, and now we finally have some other characters who can point out how ridiculous it is.
Ridiculous, but heartfelt. As with the rest of the books, the love the author has for this story shines through every page. Nora embraces the cringe and commits to it, and so it transcends cringe and becomes... kind of beautiful, actually. Outrageous and overly-dramatic and angst-ridden and tropey, and an absolute banger.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Grief, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Suicide attempt, Alcohol