The Raven King (All for the Game) (Volume 2)

This fleshes out the characters so well! You learn more about the Foxes, get sucked into the intensity of their dynamic, and read with bated breath! Neil stops running. 'Nough said.
Mind you, trigger warnings for no consent content.

Absolutely amazing. No grouping of words could describe this book and its siblings. Very pleased with the storyline and all its characters. Hope you keep writing. Looking forward to reading more of your material.

I finished the series in like 4 days and immediately reread my favorite parts. I'm currently obsessed. I cant get the characters out of my head because I care about them so much. I've read very few other works like this, and this one is so memorable. I'm so desperate for more.

Great book series, definitely worth the read but very disappointing delivery standards. The books came in no protective casing whatsoever and were bent and torn in a half-open cardboard box. They also had black stains on them. Not happy.

The Raven King is not enough! I need to know what happens next. It is impossible to finish this book and walk off like it never existed because it's just too wonderful. I have so many questions about "Neil's" future and I'm dying to find out!!!!

After reading The Foxhole Court, I knew mostly what to expect when going into The Raven King. But while the main characters continued to impress me with their complexity, the plot fell completely short of the mark. You could argue that the plot was complex, because it certainly isn't lacking for twists and turns, though the pacing in this book leaves something to be desired. Most everything happens near the very end of the book as far as the plot goes, and yet I found myself enjoying the beginning of this book far more than the back half, despite the general lack of plot. My favorite part of these books are when the characters sit down and talk about things, heart to heart. I really appreciated the way Allison dealt with the trauma she was faced with, and the slow reveal of what had happened to Andrew was done pretty well.

I like how this book explained Andrew's aversion to being touched, even though that seemed pretty obvious from the start. But I liked how he was fleshed out here and how you see he's more than the angry kid that lashes out at any and everything. Not that trauma or mental illness justifies his behavior, but the explanation was well done, and it rounds him out as a character and reveals a heart in him that really is touching. His scene with Aaron towards the midpoint was especially lovely.

But all of this just couldn't make up for the back half of this book. The villains, for starters, don't seem to even exist outside of serving as the bad guy for the characters in the story. The antagonist in Andrew's story, arguably the main one, was revealed and removed all before I could really learn his name. I wasn't sure why he did what he did, or what drove him to be so absolutely twisted and cruel. And then the matter of Nicky's family was never quite resolved for me. I would have preferred to see some resolution with them realizing what they'd done and maybe that they weren't the Christians they thought they were (or at least why they justified what they did.) But as far as I can remember, once everyone left after the incident, they were never mentioned again. I enjoyed Neil's and Nicky's guilt for their role in the ordeal, but that just wasn't enough to account for the rest of the giant question mark that the plot point left me with. The whole thing felt abrupt and clumsy.

I also didn't love the medicine storyline. As someone who struggles with mental illness, it was hard to read about how medicine makes you so lost for feelings that you can't even respond to trauma accurately. And while I agree that sometimes it can be difficult to find the right medicine, the arc never touched on that. The message seemed to be that the idea of medicine itself turns Andrew into an unfeeling, manic zombie. And while it could be just that way for Andrew personally, given that medicine wasn't touched on anywhere else in the series - it left me feeling a bit uneasy.

But I still enjoyed Neil and Andrew's story arc enough to give this book a higher rating if not for the ending sequence. I'd been waiting to get more of a reveal on who Riko was and what being a Raven meant. I understood that it wouldn't be good, given what had happened to Kevin, but this was completely unbelievable. I appreciate a martyr storyline more than the next guy probably, it's one of my favorite things to write/read, but this started coming across really heavy-handed. The Moriyamas have money, sure, but being in a Class I league seems like it might draw attention to the fact that the Ravens literally beat their players, even if they had paid a few people off. It's like a cult, and the idea that no one seems to notice or care just ruined my suspension of disbelief. I just didn't enjoy it, at all. I appreciated that we see what Neil is willing to go through for Andrew here, and that was very sweet, but aside from a weird attachment to Kevin, Riko just continues to come off as a deranged creep. Did they really think Neil would crack? And once he didn't crack, did they not worry that he'd give them up to the authorities once he got away? There's only so far 'we'll kill all of you' will go if you get the right people involved. And they're already making an effort to expose Neil as who he really is, so why would they assume that'd stop him? I just didn't feel like the sudden introduction of torture to this mostly modern, contemporary story worked, given how it was done. I could have seen the storyline working with a little more subtlety, but I put this book down feeling very uncomfortable. But because I'm a sucker for gay romance, still willing to read the next book to know how Andrew responds. So, in that regard, at least, the book succeeded.

As much as I hate giving 2 stars to an indy author, I'm trying to be as honest as I can. The book isn't unreadably bad, but it was hard to read for me, and the writer has talent, so I do feel like she could improve immensely given some edits.

This book was really good. You have really complex characters that maybe fill the story with unnecesary drama but it doesn't stop beeing interesting and heart wrenching in some parts. Besides, the twists are something to yell for.

No issues with the content of the books, I think they’re really good. But I ordered the first one and it came slightly bent and with some weird dirt marks on the back cover. Chocked it up to the fact that the package was torn when I got it, read the book and liked it, so I ordered the other two. The books weren’t bent this time, but both had black/brown discoloration on the covers, as well as some sort of oily substance on the front of the last one. Not sure what kind of issue this is, but I’m pretty disappointed in the store right now.
Aside from that, the books are really good. I always feel weird reviewing books cause I’m obviously not qualified to do so, but I don’t want the shipping issues to discourage anyone from reading it.

My rating is probably a bit unfair because I am forcing myself to read the book for the characters and relationships, not because I truly enjoy the book as a whole, but it's just too dark and *seriously* messed up for me to rate it any higher than this. I physically couldn't read parts of the book.

My full review is under The Foxhole Court (the three books are very much one continuous story).

The short version: unrelentingly nonsensical, frustrating, and confusing. I wanted to like them, but cannot recommend them at all.

I HATE THIS FILTH! I HATE HER GAY HATE!
She’s plain and simply a sadistic sow!
My boyfriend insisted that I read this drivel. Said it’s a “beautiful love story”.
I left him for a woman!

3 stars because author has lost touch with the characters and is now unable to complete the third book "The King's Men." Now I am left hanging!!!!! This is why I do not like books that cover multiple sequels to tell a story.

I finished this series a few days ago, and I don't really know what to write in a review. This series have filled me with such conflicting emotions.

The story had me intrigued, interested, curious, shocked, irritated, frustrated, sad, emotional, bored, annoyed, terrified, exhilarated, cheering, face palmed, shocked again, disappointed, confused, hopeful, glad, gleeful, sorrow, and basically just a general feeling of WTF throughout the series, both positive and negative.

I'm choosing to write a joint review of the series, and not the individual books, #1 The Foxhole Court, #2 The Raven King, and #3 The King's Men, because you really don't get the full picture until you've finished the series.

The story in very simplified, and short terms is about Neil Josten, who has been on the run from his crazy murderous mobster of a father for the last eight years. Neil decides to stop running since he's out of options, and joins a team who plays Exy (a made up game that's kinda like lacross in a way, I think). At the Palmetto University he finds a "team" of messed up individuals, all with their own issues. I say "team" in loose terms, because they really don't function as a team as all, and have been on the bottom of the rankings for ages. The series follow Neil and his team as they train and play Exy, and develops as a team, but also as individuals. At the same time having deadly enemy rivals like one opposing team, and their captain, in addition to crime syndicates.

There is so much stuff happening in these books, it really is impossible to sum it up. It just needs to be read and experienced.

I'm choosing to give this series as a whole 4 stars. I can't honestly say I enjoyed all of it, since I raged and rolled my eyes through a lot of the events. At the same time, though, a lot of it was great. See list of emotions above. I liked getting to know the characters and the story. I couldn't wait to find out what happened and how it all would end. I didn't feel exactly happy finishing, I felt mostly relief. Also, shocked, because that epilogue! Aren't epilogues supposed to leave you with a smile on your face, and not a horrified grimace?

Anyway, these books are not a romance, and shouldn't be read as such either. It's a story about making complicated pieces of a puzzle fitting together when an outside force threatens with you with violence and death. AKA a group of individuals trying to work together as a team playing a game they love. It's literally ALL FOR THE GAME in every way. There are violence and deaths (yes, plural) in the story. They are not an easy read. In the last book there is also a romance blossoming. I felt it was a very non-romantic romance.There wasn't a lot of sweetness described. But that doesn't mean it wasn't important. It was grand and very emotional, so subtle, at the same time all consuming.

The author has done a fabulous job writing this book. The writing is brilliant, and she doesn't hold your hand with the story. You need to put things together yourself, which may leave you confused and exhausted, until they are revealed or hinted at later. Hence, I think a re-read of the series will make several scenes and happenings make more sense. I think I will definitely appreciate everything more reading it again, when my shock factor isn't as huge as it was reading it the first time.

Kudos to Nora Sakavic, who not only wrote a series, but made a Foxhole universe. She introduced me to the crazy, messed up characters who lives there, whom I was mostly frustrated with, but couldn't help caring for.

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"Yes or no?"
"It's always yes with you."
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Know that this book contains scenes of self harm, rape, murder, torture, and other potentially triggering content. If you’re sensitive to any of those topics or just have a light stomach this book (and series) might not be for you.

I’m holding out on the 5th star because, while it was as good as the first book, it just didn’t blow me away. The author continues to do a pretty good job of character development and character arcs, but some of the events and dialogue felt a little cliché, especially Nicky’s dinner with his parents.

It also seems like Neil is developing a bit in that he is finally accepting help from his team and friends, which was great to see. I’d like to see Neil eventually address that he is traumatized by the events of his past, as he has a lot of symptoms of PTSD. Overall I think Nora handles the theme of mental illness well, not holding too closely to any stereotypes.

I’m also enjoying the development of relationships between Neil, Andrew, and Kevin. Their relationships are very complex and it seems like there’s still a lot to be explored.

I can’t wait to see how the characters fare through All the King’s Men... knock on wood.

As good as the first book was, there was some room for improvement. Let me tell you, that this book went above and beyond what I was expecting. Again, this book does contain events that could be triggering for some people, so you might not be the audience for this book series. That being said, I felt that the grace the author handled everything with was extraordinary. I am a sucker for angst and character development. I literally could not put this book down and it left me wanting more. I have fallen in love with Nora’s characters and writing. She has made people who are whole and complete characters despite some of the things they went through in their life. I cannot do anything but gush about how much I love this book and this series.

This is an excellent series so far. I just about inhaled the story, I read so fast. Totally engrossing.

Here's a cut and paste of the review I left on The Foxhole Court (my purchase of The Raven King was on Smashwords): I enjoyed these two novels (The Foxhole Court and The Raven King). The story was engrossing, but very dark emotionally, which is to be expected when the story concerns mafia, death threats and mental illness. After finishing, it took me a while to rise out of the miasma of the main character's life. So as I said, very dark, but riveting.

I admit to skimming some of the sports bits. That said: the sports bits that I read were very well done. I've just never been that interested in sports. But the author has meshed the sports very well with the plot and character emotions/thoughts, so I doubt many readers will skim like me. I'm a chronic skimmer or speed reader. Some things just put me into speed mode. Sports is one, but gotta say, I slowed down for this book. This is an excellent first novel in a series and well written over all.

Mafia matters are very intertwined with the sports in this series. It works. It was very easy to suspend disbelief except every once in a while I wondered if Japanese mafia members were really that f---ed up and totally without a sense of humour. There's always some twisted SOB or two in a story with mafia.

I'm looking forward to book three and how the main character continues rising out of his emotional shut down while learning to have faith in some of the human race again.

This book is the perfect sequel to the Foxhole Court. The haunted and twisted puzzle pieces of characters that she introduced in the first novel were carried over beautifully into destructive and thrashing scraps of what they once were, and the journey is brilliant. This book easily grips you and keeps you with it's mysteries, lies, and hope. I can't recommend these books more.

So often I find characters in books are handsome or beautiful, intelligent and just flat out perfect. The characters in the Foxhole Court are wonderfully three dimensional. Yes, they may be attractive, and have some of the characteristics above, but they are also flawed. They have pasts, make mistakes, and experience pain both emotionally and physically. But, they are also brave in the face of their fear and understand that loyalty and honor are not dependent upon high ideals, but instead upon acceptance and a compass of what is right based not upon society, but upon their own ideals of what is just.

This book and the previous one, The Foxhole Court, were pleasures to read. I look forward to seeing the story complete in The King's Men as soon as the author can publish it.

Good second novel, picking up pretty much where the first one left off. Compelling read. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star review is the torture the author put the characters through. I know it's a plot point, but the torture endured by some of the characters makes me think the author doesn't like them that well.

this is not good in any way shape or form. the writing is dreadfully slow; the characters unpleasant and misleading; tension is nonexistent or overly drawn. show dont tell. there is no connection no sex no joy.

I think it's pretty crappy that it's been over a year & she still hasn't published the 3rd bookin this series.....how can an author do that to the fans & still expect them to continue buying books from them.....I'm done with this author & will never buy another book from her, IF she ever publishes anything else

A 5-Star rating for Nora Sakovic's "The Raven King." The story just keeps getting better as Neil's character continues to develop throughout the second book in this series. Readers will try to decide if he is being stupid, heroic, self-destructive, or becoming the kind of man he was destined to be become.

Many surprises are in store for the Fox team as each of them learns more about themselves and each other. Watching a group of misfits pull together into a cohesive team is magic. All of us are more alike than we are different. Those who have suffered know just how difficult it can be to open up and trust others.

I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy suspense, that ties together the growth and coming of age for the characters. You must read the first book in the series, "The Foxhole Court," to truly appreciate the sequel.

Personally, I like this series. I tend to get too tense watching suspense movies and reading suspense novels. The dynamics of the team and its characters keeps my interest. I can't help but be charmed by them. The next edition will be worth waiting for and I am looking to see what ultimately happens to the Fox and Raven teams.

Better than the first book in the series, but that doesn't make it good. The backstory info dumps are ridiculously confusing. Out of character moments and stilted dialogue. Tries to fit in too many plot twists to be believable. The ending goes really intense and then skips over it, robbing you of those scenes. I liked Neil being in this weird position of being the only one who can unite the team when it's the last thing he's qualified to do but that's mostly it. There's potential in this series but the author doesn't use it.

When you think it couldn't get better, it just does? Wow I was so not prepared. I also love how despite all the horrible stuff that happens, it never gives me the impression that the writer is enjoying the pain. It's a common problem when you read stories with this level of violence, the writers often make it seem like they're taking pleasure on their characters' suffering, which makes me uncomfortable. But Sakavic manages to make this feel cruel in a senseless way instead of making it pain for the sake of pain. Bad things happen, and she doesn't linger unnecessarily and I love her for that.

And i was not let down. These books are too real and so good I am at loss for words. The characters are amazingly portraied and you can't wait (no literally, I read all three book over one weekend) to see what's going to happen next.

I'm conflicted on how to describe this without giving it all away. All I know is once I started I couldn't stop and I was honestly jumping screaming and crying with full emotion. This is becoming one if my favorite series