A review by calsivier
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

In the first half of this book, the story is ok and acceptable. I enjoy Mallory's family relationship; I like her sisters. But I don't get almost everything about the chess world they are living. I know it was a mistake when I think this would give similar vibes like The Queen's Gambit. Which is absolutely not. I was wrong and I'm glad about it.

First, I don't like Nolan and Mallory first encounter. It was an amateur tournament and yet Nolan should be head-to-head with Mallory in the first match already, meanwhile Nolan is a pro player and Mallory still counts as amateur.

Second, it's really annoying when Nolan / Mallory said that her / his play is beautiful. Like God ... how do you describe beautiful in that context? I mean chess is not something that identical with or even need a beauty. The author needs to elaborate what beautiful means in this context.

Third, hufttt I really don't like Nolan and Mallory dynamic. And Mallory ... I give up on her.