Take a photo of a barcode or cover
misshappyapples 's review for:
Black Chalk
by Christopher J. Yates
I liked this book a lot. It reminded me of a mix between [b:The Night Climbers: A Novel|331244|The Night Climbers A Novel|Ivo Stourton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1407139893s/331244.jpg|321812] (which, of course, reminded me a lot of [b:The Secret History|29044|The Secret History|Donna Tartt|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327733397s/29044.jpg|221359]) and the film 'Jeux d'enfants' ('Love Me If You Dare' in English). So, it was derivative. Fortunately, it was derivative of a couple of my favorite things.
In 1990 six inseparable friends at Oxford play a game of dice, cards, and consequences. A game amusing on paper but polarizing in application that will stretch these friends to the limits. Fourteen years later the game resumes it's final round. But both players hold secrets about the past and present and the very nature of the game itself.
This is essentially a story about how far people will go for pride; what they will risk personally and what (and whom) they are willing to give up. The two main characters were wonderfully drawn, as was one of the females. Their choices, while not always understandable, were organic and in character. The plot was fast paced and interesting. The setting rich (though I will be honest in my bias for college settings, particularly old institutions like Oxford).
There were a few characters that were basically relegated to "filler" in order to round this crowd out. It would have been nice if more time was allowed to really get to know these people. But, I understand that that is difficult to do without making your book very long and seemingly off the point. So, yes, this is action driven when it should have dealt a little more with the characters. It was still immensely enjoyable. I would definitely recommend.
In 1990 six inseparable friends at Oxford play a game of dice, cards, and consequences. A game amusing on paper but polarizing in application that will stretch these friends to the limits. Fourteen years later the game resumes it's final round. But both players hold secrets about the past and present and the very nature of the game itself.
This is essentially a story about how far people will go for pride; what they will risk personally and what (and whom) they are willing to give up. The two main characters were wonderfully drawn, as was one of the females. Their choices, while not always understandable, were organic and in character. The plot was fast paced and interesting. The setting rich (though I will be honest in my bias for college settings, particularly old institutions like Oxford).
There were a few characters that were basically relegated to "filler" in order to round this crowd out. It would have been nice if more time was allowed to really get to know these people. But, I understand that that is difficult to do without making your book very long and seemingly off the point. So, yes, this is action driven when it should have dealt a little more with the characters. It was still immensely enjoyable. I would definitely recommend.