Game: The Sequel to I Hunt Killers

Game: The Sequel to "I Hunt Killers" by Barry Lyga. FIVE stars! Move over Jeffrey Deaver, John Sanford, there's a new man in town, Barry Lyga. Billy Dent, is a serial killer mastermind teaching other serial killers to play the supreme game. Odds are: No one gets out alive. This is a MUST read. This book picked up where I Hunt Killers left off. Jasper has the tattoo on his chest to show it.

Jasper is Billly Dent's son & afraid since he can think like his father, he may turn into a serial killer like him. Howie, his hemophiliac friend gives some comic relief with his quick wit. Connie, Jasper's black girlfriend is a smart girl who makes unwise choices.

Billy's Mother, Jasper's grandmother needs to be in a facility for her own & others protection. Aunt Samantha comes to help with her when Jasper is called to New York. Howie finds her a desirable cougar.

Billy & his son Jasper Dent have a more than usual father son relationship. They are both intriguing characters. It was un-put-down-able! An overnight read where I had glassy eyes the next day. I eagerly await the next book Blood of My Blood (I Hunt Killers Book 3).
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Link to purchase: http://www.the store.com/gp/product/B008TUWWRC?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B008TUWWRC&linkCode=xm2&tag=injoslifethin-20

This was full of twisties and beautiful passages just like the first in the series. We follow Jazz track down yet another serial killer who may or may not be associated with his dad, Billy Dent. This time around the location is New York City and we see from many different people than before. It had the same creepy factor as the first and probably even more gruesome details about the crimes. Some of the twists and events were predictable, but few and far between.

Jasper, or Jazz as he prefers, is still just as messed up if not more so. He was raised by the world's most infamous serial killer and it definitely did some damage. He still questions if he is acting normal or if he is just pretending to be human like he was taught. He consistently brings up brainwashing and cult behavior and wonders if that is what his dad did to him. It did bother me that he kept rehashing the same things-social services, his crazy grandma, the deaths from the prior novel, etc. He didn't really have any new thoughts this time around.

It was nice hearing from Connie's point of view. In I Hunt Killers I really didn't like her that much, but now seeing things from her side I actually do. She is strong and definitely independent. She picks up on a lot of the things Jazz tells her about how to get away with crimes and how to manipulate people. She also wants to be an actress so I'm sure that definitely helped. I hate not knowing what happened to her by the end of the story and not knowing when the next book will be out.

Howie was still a typical guy-thinking about girls and sex. He was very loyal to his friends though.
Hughes was very childlike at times. He got excited like a child and reacted to reprimands as children would.
Morales was smart. She treated Jazz like an adult most of the time. She did have moments where she was obviously not thinking clearly.

It was interesting that there was more than one bad guy. It was seriously like a game. I never would have thought of what game it was based off of though. That was a cool twist. Also I liked how we were introduced to the bad guys previously in the novel but wasn't quite aware of it. There were some things involving this case that were not resolved that I hope get explained in the next one. Also-that dang cliffhanger! It was a rough spot to end on, but at the same time the best spot. I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series!

I thoroughly enjoyed I Hunt Killers and gave it five stars. While I also enjoyed Game, the sequel to I Hunt Killers, I was really upset at the end when Lyga just ends the book prematurely like one of the weekly 30 minute serials that preceded the main movie when I was a boy. It is very much like leaving us with the young maiden tied to the train track as we hear the train drawing nearer. Stay tuned for next week!

In this novel Jazz is enlisted to help investigate serial killings in New York. We know that Billy Dent is on the loose but these killings do not appear to be his handiwork. At least two psychopaths are involved in what appears to be the work of one serial killer. And somewhere in the background Billy Dent appears to be pulling the strings.

Jazz's girlfriend Connie plays a stronger role in this novel. She defies her parents to go to New York to help Jazz. Jazz continues to have issues with his sexuality, fearing that having sex with Connie will lead him to kill her.

The novel ends with Jazz and Connie both trapped in situations which seem destined to lead to their deaths.

So now I have to read the sequel to the sequel to find out how they survive (presumably).

My copy of Game was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Best advice I can give you for reading this book? 1-Don't try to eat anything and 2-DO NOT START READING IT BEFORE BED. The book is huge, but the material definitely deserves the length, and I figured that I would read half and then crash. Naturally by the time I reached the halfway point I was too invested to stop, and then I finished and had to write this immediately in the hopes that my brain would process it enough for me to sleep.

I'll admit the book got off to a slow start for me. There was some seriously gruesome killing going on, a cop acting very suspiciously and my precious baby Jasper caught in the middle of it. I found it difficult to get invested, and there were some moments when the writing just turned me off completely, because of the utter improbability of it all. In particular the driving force of the plot-that the NYPD and FBI would actually be so desperate that they would pull in a 17 year old boy as a consultant on a case...and then at times be visibly afraid of this kid? I had an incredibly hard time buying it. I also had an issue with the multiple POVs and the complete lack of character development. I could see why it was necessary to advance the many different plot-lines, but switching between Jasper and Connie and Howie and the killers was incredibly distracting at times and sacrificing any kind of character evolution for action? Not cool.

After reading I Hunt Killers I expected this book to be full of interesting character studies. The reason I loved that novel so much had less to do with the serial killer vs boy-detective thriller plotline then the exploration of Jasper's messed up head, and the constant nature vs. nurture internal struggle that he was going through. That novel was one of the most brilliant studies of human psychology that I'd ever read, and I was expecting something similar here, and was disappointed to find it more of an action packed cat and mouse thriller.

Other than that the writing is enjoyable. Lyga definitely has a plan and the complexity of it really showed towards the end. I especially liked what the "game" ended up being, although I was definitely angry at myself for not putting it together.

Lyga's writing is also incredibly evocative, funny, and very human at times. Jasper's internal struggle between right and wrong, humanity and serial-killerness (terrible word choice, I know) is palpable. He's one of the most complex characters I've come across in years, and I really enjoy being in his head. I just wish there had been some kind of development in his character in the 500+ pages of this novel, but I finished the book feeling as if he was in the exact same place as he was at the end of the first.

As for the other characters, I don't have much to say. I enjoy Howie, and I don't particularly like Connie. I'm invested in her relationship with Jasper only because he is, and I am terrified to see what he would do if something happened to her. I just find her to be immature and like every other teenager in the world she thinks she is brilliant and invincible and that nobody could possibly trick her. She makes a lot of bad choices because of this. I had a lot of problems with her actions in this book, if you couldn't tell. As I was reading this I also found that I don't particularly like the way that Lyga writes women. They are either victims, insane, or needy. Maybe I'm just reading too much into it. It's just the way I feel.

Overall though I enjoyed it. It was creepy and intriguing and there were multiple OMG moments that made it impossible for me to put down. While there wasn't as much to invest me emotionally, there was definitely enough action to engage my interest. And after the major cliffhangers of this ending I am desperate to get my hands on the next book.

Originally posted on my blog

Cover Talk: Blood. Red. Again. I'm sold.

First Line: She had screamed, but she had not cried.

Why I Read It: After devouring I Hunt Killer in a night, I started on Game the very next day. It left on a wee bit of a cliffhanger and I needed to have more.

Characters: Jasper is doing what he does best. Getting into the mind of a serial killer. And my gosh, he is too good. In I Hunt Killers, he struggled against his good and bad side. This definitely intensifies in this book and I feel so bad for the boy.

Connie is just as feisty and fierce as she was in I Hunt Killers. Maybe even more. She definitely enters into some crazy s*** in this one. And where she ends up at the ending of this book....eff my life! Homegirl is super brave. Maybe a little but stupid.

Howie. My dear, sweet, horny Howie. I love him so much and he is seriously one of the best best friends after Ron Weasley. I feel like he didn't make a huge impact in this particular book, but he still made me laugh every time.

Billy plays a bigger role in this book than he did in the first. I will not say in what role, but he's definitely present. He's so freaking terrifying and charming... Ugh.

Plot/World-building: Game is so intense. If you thought I Hunt Killers was intense, oh man, just you wait. So, so many bodies. So much blood. So much gore. It's glorious. I also love how this book switched POVs. We get Jasper's, Connie's, Howie's, and the killer's. It is so interesting to see the murders from everyone's eyes.

This book. My gosh. I just can't really put into words how amazing it is. Jasper gets called away to New York to help the NYPD and FBI catch the Hat-Dog Killer. (Does anyone else think Cat-Dog? No? Just me? Awesome.) And like Giselle from Xpresso Reads, I do find that to be a little bit unrealistic. I don't think such a high profile case would be left in the hands of a 17 year old, but like Giselle, I was able to overlook it.

I did call two out of four "twists/reveals" in this book. One was pretty obvious and the other, I just really wanted to be true, so it was. I did NOT call the ending! Or rather, the lack thereof! Seriously. Barry Lyga leaves this book with two cliffhangers and guys, they are pretty major. Life and death, major.

Final Thoughts: I. Need. The. Next. Book.

Jazz's life has gotten somewhat back to normal, or at least as normal as Jasper Dent's life could ever be. Plagued by the same questions, and the same inner battle, he just can't seem to let himself rest. The only thing that quells the demons is Jazz's new passion; hunting killers. So when New York's finest calls upon him to help catch the Hat-Dog Killer, he answers.

Pulled out of the safety of his small town, and taken away from the people who hold him together, Game shows an even stronger Jazz than the previous book. I was amazed at how much he grew during the story. Not only is he faced with an unfamiliar city, he also has to put together the pieces of a brand new serial killer's rampage. Watching Jazz fight off his inner demons, while simultaneously hunting for a true demon, kept things moving lightning fast. True to form, Lyga throws in twists and turns galore. Just when you think you've figured things out, you haven't. Trust me, it's frustrating in the best way possible.

Connie also plays a much bigger role in this book. Jazz's feelings for her have always been tempered with the possibility he might someday snap. That's what I loved about their relationship in the first place. However in this book we really see how strong Jazz has to be to keep his life at an even keel. Best of all, Connie gets much more hands-on with the action! She is one feisty girl, and I couldn't help but want to follow her. If there was ever a girl who was worthy of Jasper Dent, Connie is it.

I could babble on and on about the perfectly placed clues, the brilliant writing style, or the new characters who come into play, but then this review would essentially end up as a book itself. The highest compliment I can give Barry Lyga and Game is that 528 pages flew by in what felt like seconds. I was left holding a book, with a gaping maw, and lamenting the fact that there were no more pages left to read. There's one heck of a cliffhanger here, so don't say I didn't warn you. You should definitely pick up a copy of this book and, in the meantime, I'll be sitting here. Whimpering and waiting for more.

Thankfully, unlike numerous second books in a series, Game holds its own against the first book in the series. It starts off strong and keeps going. The story is solid and moves steadily along. It is just as good and possibly even better than I Hunt Killers. The biggest difference between the two books is how they end. I Hunt Killers ended in a place where that could have been the end. Game, however, ends on a rather large cliffhanger. It's one of those cliffhangers that demands you read the next book ASAP! Unfortunately, the next book isn't due out until September 9. (Hey! I don't have to wait too long.) It's certainly a book that I'll be reading and soon.

As I said with the previous book, those that enjoy the mind of a serial killer or those that enjoy the thriller/crime genres will likely enjoy this series. In my opinion, it's only getting better.

* This book was received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. *

Game by Barry Lyga, was received direct from the publisher in exchange for this review. I have had this book quite some time and had not reviewed it because when I got it from the publisher it was already “old.” I was looking forward to reading and reviewing this novel because the first book with these characters (I Hunt Killers), I found to be a breath of fresh air. This book did entertain me, I did not skim enough to notice but I lost some anticipation for reading the next book in the series. I think this was entirely due to the non ending, which annoyed me maybe more than it should have. If you liked the first in the series, or this author specifically, please obtain this book and continue to read the series. I know I will.

In I Hunt Killers, author Barry Lyga introduced readers to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, only son of Billy Dent, the world's most infamous serial killer. Billy was grooming Jazz to continue his legacy but Jazz had other ideas and, rather than become a serial killer, he helped the police bring one down.

Now, in Game, the second book in the series, there's a serial killer known as Hat-Dog terrorizing New York and a police officer have asked Jazz for help. But this killer doesn't follow any discernible pattern, leaving even Jazz stumped. Worse, there is every indication that Billy is somehow involved.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints including that of Jazz' girlfriend, Connie but it's mostly from Jazz' viewpoint and he is a very interesting and complex character. He is likable and determined to prove his father wrong but he is also manipulative and occasionally deceitful. He worries that, despite all his efforts, it would take very little to turn him into the killer his father wants him to be.

Game is a real page-turner and great fun to read and I will definitely be picking up the third in the series. However, I have two caveats: first, since this is the second in a series and though the Hat-Dog murders are solved, there is clearly much more to Jazz' story and, not too surprising, Game ends on a cliffhanger and second, this is a YA novel but there are some disturbing scenes including rape, murder, and mutilation making it unsuitable for a younger teen audience.

Over 500 pages and it ends on a cliffhanger! This is killing me because there's so many loose ends. Jasper Dent's story continues in Game with his father escaped from prison at the end of I Hunt Killers. Jasper is brought to New York by the police to help them uncover a serial killer they call the Hat-Dog killer. There are many players to the Game: Jasper, his friends, family, his father, police, FBI, killer(s) and so many unanswered questions when this book ends. I guess I'll have to wait for Jasper Dent #3 :( This book was definitely more mature than I Hunt Killers probably not as YA appropriate as the first book. This is a page-turner you won't want to put down.

What a intricate puzzle. The mind of this author is amazing. This sequel is also amazing. Almost better than the first. I was so caught up in it I lost track of time and read through the night till morning. The ending totally leaves you hanging.

Good follow up in a promising series!

I would give this 5 stars, but there are several parts that are hard to buy into. I know teenagers can be impulsive and dumb, but some of their decisions went beyond dumb.

Ends in a MONSTER cliff-hanger :(

Enjoyed this story as much as the first. You learn more about the characters and are guessing until the end. The struggle of the main character, Jasper, really makes you focus on his father's actions.

In I Hunt Killers, author Barry Lyga introduced readers to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, only son of Billy Dent, the world's most infamous serial killer. Billy was grooming Jazz to continue his legacy but Jazz had other ideas and, rather than become a serial killer, he helped the police bring one down.

Now, in Game, the second book in the series, there's a serial killer known as Hat-Dog terrorizing New York and a police officer have asked Jazz for help. But this killer doesn't follow any discernible pattern, leaving even Jazz stumped. Worse, there is every indication that Billy is somehow involved.

The story is told from multiple viewpoints including that of Jazz' girlfriend, Connie but it's mostly from Jazz' viewpoint and he is a very interesting and complex character. He is likable and determined to prove his father wrong but he is also manipulative and occasionally deceitful. He worries that, despite all his efforts, it would take very little to turn him into the killer his father wants him to be.

Game is a real page-turner and great fun to read and I will definitely be picking up the third in the series. However, I have two caveats: first, since this is the second in a series and though the Hat-Dog murders are solved, there is clearly much more to Jazz' story and, not too surprising, Game ends on a cliffhanger and second, this is a YA novel but there are some disturbing scenes including rape, murder, and mutilation making it unsuitable for a younger teen audience.

Unfortunately this book had the feel of being rushed to publish before the interest in "I Hunt Killers" diminished. It did not live up to its predecessor at all. I think it was too soon to take the kids to New York. Let them solve a few more around home maybe a serial arsonist or a serial rapist. I like these characters and do not want to see them go away so keep writing.

Game is exciting and suspenseful. I couldn't put it down. Even though I did not remember the original Jasper Dent story very well, I quickly caught up. I think you could read this book independently and still enjoy it. I enjoyed the writing, and the story was very imaginative and entertaining. My rating would have been higher if the book had not ended with multiple cliff-hangers and very little resolved. Now I have to hope the next one comes out before I forget the details of the ending.