Why Did I Choose To Listen To This Book?:
I had previously listened to Barry Lyga’s I Hunt Killers and found it to be an excellent audiobook and one that really kept me engaged. When I had the opportunity to read Game as an e-galley, I seized it. BUT THEN, because I am the worst, I saw how long it was and got apprehensive, even though I knew it would be awesome. Eventually, I waited a little bit and saw that Game was on audible, and so I immediately purchased it because I LOVE a guaranteed good listen. Y’all, this book was great as an audiobook and one that I am glad I had with me for commuting and showering and cleaning among other things.
What’s The Story Here?:
There’s a new serial killer in town, well, not quite Lobo’s Nod, but in New York City, which might as well be town ;-). Detectives are having a really hard time figuring out who the killer is and so they call in Jasper Dent, being a serial killer’s kid, he might have some insight as to who is behind the murders. OH OH and murderer is called the Hat-Dog Killer. Not Hot Dog, HAT Dog. Of course, the murders are like this sick and twisted game the killer is playing with everyone. Meanwhile, Billy Dent is still on the loose being creepy as hell you guys. OH and Jasper decides to take his girlfriend Connie with him to New York, only she gets in a lot of trouble because her parents do not approve of her little trip. YEP. And then, then, Howie is stuck in Lobo’s Nod watching Jazz’s grandmother with the help of his aunt Samantha. OH and meanwhile there’s someone called Ugly J who is involved. THERE ARE SECRETS TO UNRAVEL. As you can guess, I freakin loved the story in Game.
So, Jasper Dent – Hero or Creeper?:
I am on the fence for this question, but lean heavily on the side that calls Jazz a hero. I mean, there’s the nature versus nurture argument — is Jazz going to be a killer because his dad is, or because his dad sort of nurtures those aspects. There are plenty of moments where Jasper flashes back to his dad’s “lessons” and it seems as though he is fighting those. However, it made me nervous that he was even thinking about certain uh, sketchy, things in the first place. HOWEVER, Jazz resists the impulses. He basically is on the side of the good guys. So, while his thoughts are morally ambiguous I felt his actions were not. Therefore – HERO.
How Is The Writing?:
Barry Lyga has an engaging read in Game, throughout the 500 or so pages my mind was never wandering or thinking OMG how long do I have until I can start the next book, because I unfortunately do that sometimes. I loved that he makes the characters complex with moral ambiguity. I loved that Lyga weaves a very intricate tale of murder and mystery along with intelligent themes of nature vs. nurture. I also got a little bit of free will versus fate too -because hey Jazz grew up with all these factors that could fate him to be a murderer but then he chooses to not wander around killing people. That’s awesome and makes me think, ya know? The whole question of is it possible to rise above the circumstances? In all, a smart read.
Would You Put This Book In The Freezer?:
Hell yes. Total freezer book my friends.
How Is The Narration?:
The audiobook of Game by Barry Lyga is narrated by Charlie Thurston, who basically is awesome. Like, I loved his narration of Howie and Billy Dent. He makes Billy Dent sound real scary, like someone you would not want to meet in a dark alley, ya know? AND I liked his narration of Jazz. Basically, he does a great job with voices and I was very impressed this go around. Hey guys, I listened to this audiobook for hours straight, that’s how good it is. FYI it is 13 hours and 28 minutes long and produced by Hachette Audio.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
Obviously.
Disclosure: Purchased my copy via Audible, but I also received an egalley through Netgalley.
Other reviews of Game by Barry Lyga:
YA Love Blog – “excellent job building Jazz’s character”
Wrapped Up In Books – “I enjoyed Game, but not as much as I Hunt Killers“
The Midnight Garden – “But am I still excited by the series? Hell, yes”
Books by Barry Lyga:
I Hunt Killers
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I love this book so hard. The hero-creeper line that Jazz walks is one of the highlights of this series because sometimes, it’s really hard to tell which side of the line he’ll land on.
And…based on the audiobook portion of this review, I think I have to recommend it to my boyfriend’s brother. 😀
Hah hah, I kept reading it as “Hot Dog Killer,” too! 500 pages was a little on the long side for me, particularly with the WTF LASSIE IS STILL IN THE WELL cliffie at the end, but I definitely enjoyed this, too. And yeah…total freezer book!
I’ve been waiting to read this one because it is a bit longer than the first. Definitely picking up the audio!
I’m so glad to hear that this series is awesome on audio, though since I bought a hardcover I’ll likely continue to read it in text. Totally waiting for the next one though because of the FOUR CLIFF HANGERS. Love that it’s a freezer book though. Why am I so into those lately?