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Two Can Play That Game
Funny and romantic, an upbeat YA novel about gaming, goals and getting even from a fresh new voice in contemporary fiction.
How did I let my sister talk me into going out when I have a game to fix and a jerkface to destroy?
Sam Khoo has one goal in life: create cool indie games. She's willing to do anything to make her dream come true - even throw away a scholarship to university. All she needs is a super-rare ticket to a game design workshop and she can kickstart her career.
So when Jaysen Chua, otherwise known as Jerky McJerkface, sneakily grabs the last ticket for himself, Sam is left with no choice. It's war. Knowing all too well how their Australian-Malaysian community works, she issues him an ultimatum: put the ticket on the line in a 1v1 competition of classic video games, or she'll broadcast his duplicity to everyone. Thank you, Asian Gossip Network.
Meeting in neutral locations, away from the eyes and ears of nosy aunties and uncles, Sam and Jay connect despite themselves. It's a puzzle that Sam's not sure she wants to solve. But when her dream is under threat, will she discover that there is more than one way to win?
'A gloriously nerdy debut about family, culture, passion and ambition.' Tobias Madden, bestselling author of Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell
'A relatable, fire-cracking story about chasing your dreams. Sam Khoo stole my heart.' Wai Chim, award-winning author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling
'Witty, charming and full of heart. I didn't want it to end!' Kay Kerr, acclaimed author of Social Queue and Please Don't Hug Me
'Funny, romantic and heart-warming. A dazzling debut.' C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise
How did I let my sister talk me into going out when I have a game to fix and a jerkface to destroy?
Sam Khoo has one goal in life: create cool indie games. She's willing to do anything to make her dream come true - even throw away a scholarship to university. All she needs is a super-rare ticket to a game design workshop and she can kickstart her career.
So when Jaysen Chua, otherwise known as Jerky McJerkface, sneakily grabs the last ticket for himself, Sam is left with no choice. It's war. Knowing all too well how their Australian-Malaysian community works, she issues him an ultimatum: put the ticket on the line in a 1v1 competition of classic video games, or she'll broadcast his duplicity to everyone. Thank you, Asian Gossip Network.
Meeting in neutral locations, away from the eyes and ears of nosy aunties and uncles, Sam and Jay connect despite themselves. It's a puzzle that Sam's not sure she wants to solve. But when her dream is under threat, will she discover that there is more than one way to win?
'A gloriously nerdy debut about family, culture, passion and ambition.' Tobias Madden, bestselling author of Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell
'A relatable, fire-cracking story about chasing your dreams. Sam Khoo stole my heart.' Wai Chim, award-winning author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling
'Witty, charming and full of heart. I didn't want it to end!' Kay Kerr, acclaimed author of Social Queue and Please Don't Hug Me
'Funny, romantic and heart-warming. A dazzling debut.' C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2023
21 people are currently reading
1534 people want to read
About the author
Leanne Yong
1 book34 followersLeanne Yong is an Asian-Australian author of Singaporean and Malaysian heritage who loves writing the diaspora experience into contemporary and fantasy YA fiction. She started her career as an IT business analyst (boring) and is now an escape room creator (much more interesting). She has designed internationally recognised games with her partner that weave unique puzzle mechanics with narrative. She currently resides in Sydney for work, but Brisbane is where her home, family and heart (i.e. her cat) are. TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
December 14, 2022
So charming and funny — I wish this book had been around when I was growing up!
July 31, 2024
3.5 stars
Quite a slow.... start to this book, and although being categorised as romance, there really is only minimal tension and minimal romance to the plot. With around 20 pages remaining, no confessions were said, with none to actually be said at all.
I liked the writing style, the overall plot, but for being categorised as romance, and even yellow-tagged in the library, I feel that it is undeserving of the genre: romance in general.
The name was incorporated into the book sooooo well, I thought that is was so smart, and it just made so much sense!
As an Asian eldest child, I could 100% relate with the mc, and all the feelings just seemed so real.
Quite a slow.... start to this book, and although being categorised as romance, there really is only minimal tension and minimal romance to the plot. With around 20 pages remaining, no confessions were said, with none to actually be said at all.
I liked the writing style, the overall plot, but for being categorised as romance, and even yellow-tagged in the library, I feel that it is undeserving of the genre: romance in general.
The name was incorporated into the book sooooo well, I thought that is was so smart, and it just made so much sense!
As an Asian eldest child, I could 100% relate with the mc, and all the feelings just seemed so real.
February 3, 2023
Such a puzzling (ha, no, pun NOT intended) read. Took me ages to work out what was niggling at me, what felt off, and why it felt oddly tedious.
It was NOT the games stuff. I actually found that fascinating, both the play and the development. The family and cultural stuff was heartbreaking, and the Asian Gossip Network aunties and uncles digs were hilarious.
What didn’t work for me was the dialogue that was way too formal to feel real. Everyone talked in full sentences all the time. Which isn’t possible even for overpaid barristers. Even when Sam was lying her arse off, she was hyper-articulate and weirdly self-aware (despite her character arc) to a degree that just didn’t feel authentic to a young adult whose brain hasn’t fully developed yet. All those painstaking discussions felt very much like mature adults aware they’re being monitored, not actual messy humans.
The messiness certainly is there in the fact of their emotions and the dynamics of each relationship, and I appreciated them all even as my heart ached for Sam. And I fully teared up on the bus at Jay’s revealed knowledge of her anguish. I felt what I was supposed to feel at each step of the way but the formalism of the dialogue and the anxious over-explanation of Sam’s turmoil did not help any of that. It almost started to get in the way.
I’m inclined to think that’s a debut novel thing. Doesn’t have to be but is in the case. If the whole novel was written with the colloquial ease and unfettered energy of the acknowledgements, I would have loved it. Might well be with the next novel.
And my god, the xiao long bao analogy was brilliant and distressed me just as much as when it happens in real life.
It was NOT the games stuff. I actually found that fascinating, both the play and the development. The family and cultural stuff was heartbreaking, and the Asian Gossip Network aunties and uncles digs were hilarious.
What didn’t work for me was the dialogue that was way too formal to feel real. Everyone talked in full sentences all the time. Which isn’t possible even for overpaid barristers. Even when Sam was lying her arse off, she was hyper-articulate and weirdly self-aware (despite her character arc) to a degree that just didn’t feel authentic to a young adult whose brain hasn’t fully developed yet. All those painstaking discussions felt very much like mature adults aware they’re being monitored, not actual messy humans.
The messiness certainly is there in the fact of their emotions and the dynamics of each relationship, and I appreciated them all even as my heart ached for Sam. And I fully teared up on the bus at Jay’s revealed knowledge of her anguish. I felt what I was supposed to feel at each step of the way but the formalism of the dialogue and the anxious over-explanation of Sam’s turmoil did not help any of that. It almost started to get in the way.
I’m inclined to think that’s a debut novel thing. Doesn’t have to be but is in the case. If the whole novel was written with the colloquial ease and unfettered energy of the acknowledgements, I would have loved it. Might well be with the next novel.
And my god, the xiao long bao analogy was brilliant and distressed me just as much as when it happens in real life.
February 17, 2023
DNF @ 59% of the book 😭
idk maybe i’ll pick it up again later when i’m in the mood for something like this.
i wanted to like it so bad. i found it entertaining reading the references to australian culture and lifestyles as someone who lives here. that was cool considering i haven’t read a book written about australian characters!
i also really liked the scenes that showcased the dynamic between the mc and her sister. i found it very comforting and cute. and the topics that addressed dreams, taking a gap year and the parental expectations regarding education and career really hit home for me personally.
however, i just… didn’t connect with sam and jay who are the main characters of this entire book. their interactions weren’t engaging for me personally?
the way the characters talk just seem off to me- like real people wouldn’t really talk like this? idk how to explain. i know they are just fictional characters but given that this is set in a contemporary world that is somewhat relatable, i can only relate to the fact that they know what coles is and not how they talk to one another and their peers 😭😭
the concept for this book is cool and unique since i haven’t seen a lot of books about gaming culture and women playing games but unfortunately couldn’t get hooked 😭
idk maybe i’ll pick it up again later when i’m in the mood for something like this.
i wanted to like it so bad. i found it entertaining reading the references to australian culture and lifestyles as someone who lives here. that was cool considering i haven’t read a book written about australian characters!
i also really liked the scenes that showcased the dynamic between the mc and her sister. i found it very comforting and cute. and the topics that addressed dreams, taking a gap year and the parental expectations regarding education and career really hit home for me personally.
however, i just… didn’t connect with sam and jay who are the main characters of this entire book. their interactions weren’t engaging for me personally?
the way the characters talk just seem off to me- like real people wouldn’t really talk like this? idk how to explain. i know they are just fictional characters but given that this is set in a contemporary world that is somewhat relatable, i can only relate to the fact that they know what coles is and not how they talk to one another and their peers 😭😭
the concept for this book is cool and unique since i haven’t seen a lot of books about gaming culture and women playing games but unfortunately couldn’t get hooked 😭
March 17, 2023
I really struggled to connect with this story and its characters. The writing style felt formal and over-explanatory which was at odds with the young cast and the awkwardness of where they are at in their lives.
Absolutely loved the concept of this book but its delivery missed the mark and I never fully relaxed into the story. At times it got repetitive, even boring and unfortunately I didn't buy the connection between Sam and Jay.
Set in Brisbane with references to Sydney, the familiar locations were strange to read about but kinda cool and I appreciated the backstory of migrated families and how they adjust to life in Australia.
Absolutely loved the concept of this book but its delivery missed the mark and I never fully relaxed into the story. At times it got repetitive, even boring and unfortunately I didn't buy the connection between Sam and Jay.
Set in Brisbane with references to Sydney, the familiar locations were strange to read about but kinda cool and I appreciated the backstory of migrated families and how they adjust to life in Australia.
February 25, 2024
Great concept and diversity rep, but the first half of the book moved really slowly and the characters felt a bit flat. The second half was better, but
This is a cute coming-of-age story, but I don't know if I'd also call it a romantic comedy.
This is a cute coming-of-age story, but I don't know if I'd also call it a romantic comedy.
February 8, 2023
Been a while since I stayed up late to finish a book and this was definitely worth it!
Two Can Play That Game by @shewhowritesthings is a fantastic YA romcom that traces the competition between two young Malay-Australians as they duel to win a ticket to a games workshop.
I loved the writing style and found the first half of the book really fun and enjoyable but the second half really knocked me out. Leanne’s plot took risks in not going for the obvious story and it really paid off, leaving me much more emotionally invested in Sam’s story.
I highly recommend this book and suspect it’s the perfect slump-breaker!
Two Can Play That Game by @shewhowritesthings is a fantastic YA romcom that traces the competition between two young Malay-Australians as they duel to win a ticket to a games workshop.
I loved the writing style and found the first half of the book really fun and enjoyable but the second half really knocked me out. Leanne’s plot took risks in not going for the obvious story and it really paid off, leaving me much more emotionally invested in Sam’s story.
I highly recommend this book and suspect it’s the perfect slump-breaker!
March 22, 2023
I really loved this book when it went into the whole world of video games and escape rooms which are things that I love.
I discovered the Asian gossip network is just as bad as the Wog gossip network that I've grown up with. I definitely smiled a few times throughout the book because the experiences Sam had amongst the Asian community shared so many similarities to the Croatian community I've grown up in.
The main reason I'm not giving this 5/5 is because I've recently fallen out of love with romance books so when the romantic storyline kept popping up I just wanted to fast forward those parts because they were so predictable that they weren't interesting.
The book is pretty predictable but it's still a good fun read.
I discovered the Asian gossip network is just as bad as the Wog gossip network that I've grown up with. I definitely smiled a few times throughout the book because the experiences Sam had amongst the Asian community shared so many similarities to the Croatian community I've grown up in.
The main reason I'm not giving this 5/5 is because I've recently fallen out of love with romance books so when the romantic storyline kept popping up I just wanted to fast forward those parts because they were so predictable that they weren't interesting.
The book is pretty predictable but it's still a good fun read.
April 7, 2023
This is actually SO cute! I'm always such a sucker for stories about our passions not turning out in the way that we intend them to. When we work so hard for something but the thing that's meant to comes together rather than the thing we think is supposed to happen. It's always such a delight and it's always so comforting.
Can't wait for more from Leanne Yong!
Bookish Brews | Ko-Fi | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook
Can't wait for more from Leanne Yong!
Bookish Brews | Ko-Fi | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Facebook
April 8, 2023
Such a fun, unique novel! And set in Brissy! Ah!
I was so excited to read this, after hearing great things from people in the Aussie YA space, then meeting Leanne herself (she is so, so cool). I finally got myself a copy and couldn't wait to dive in.
Admittedly I had absolutely no clue what this was about when I started. I knew it was YA, video games and Brisbane. I was so hyped for the book that it wasn't until I started it that I realised I didn't know what the plot would be.
But I really enjoyed it! The characters are well-written, complex and lovable, and the plot was so well done with high stakes and a great ending. I related to Sam a lot, I crushed on Jay, and the supporting characters were wonderful too. The family dynamics, the representation, the slow-burn romance - there was SO MUCH love and passion written into this story.
My only criticism of the book is that it felt a bit too long. I have this general rule where YA contemporaries need to be 300 pages or less, or I start to tire of them. There was a lot of repetition in Sam's inner monologue, and I would've liked the book to be a bit punchier. Still, the ending was so great that it was well worth the wait.
I'm so excited to keep following Leanne and see what she does next.
I was so excited to read this, after hearing great things from people in the Aussie YA space, then meeting Leanne herself (she is so, so cool). I finally got myself a copy and couldn't wait to dive in.
Admittedly I had absolutely no clue what this was about when I started. I knew it was YA, video games and Brisbane. I was so hyped for the book that it wasn't until I started it that I realised I didn't know what the plot would be.
But I really enjoyed it! The characters are well-written, complex and lovable, and the plot was so well done with high stakes and a great ending. I related to Sam a lot, I crushed on Jay, and the supporting characters were wonderful too. The family dynamics, the representation, the slow-burn romance - there was SO MUCH love and passion written into this story.
My only criticism of the book is that it felt a bit too long. I have this general rule where YA contemporaries need to be 300 pages or less, or I start to tire of them. There was a lot of repetition in Sam's inner monologue, and I would've liked the book to be a bit punchier. Still, the ending was so great that it was well worth the wait.
I'm so excited to keep following Leanne and see what she does next.
April 9, 2023
A good, fast paced read with characters I was genuinely invested in. I also liked the unique storyline of being a game developer, it was refreshing.
Having said that the romance is definitely not a focus of the story. It was also quite predictable, but still enjoyable.
Having said that the romance is definitely not a focus of the story. It was also quite predictable, but still enjoyable.
September 5, 2023
second half was definitely better than the first half, might have liked it more if i were a gamer myself
March 24, 2024
Another one that had me crying!
This YA contemporary novel delves into what it means to try to live up to your parents expectations, in this case specifically Asian parents, but as a white Australia. I can understand the pressure somewhat. It also looks at indie gamers and how hard it is to make a name for yourself as a dev. A great novel for teens maybe to read in Nov for international games month. Love the sibling relationships too.
CBCA Shortlist 2024 - Older Readers
This YA contemporary novel delves into what it means to try to live up to your parents expectations, in this case specifically Asian parents, but as a white Australia. I can understand the pressure somewhat. It also looks at indie gamers and how hard it is to make a name for yourself as a dev. A great novel for teens maybe to read in Nov for international games month. Love the sibling relationships too.
CBCA Shortlist 2024 - Older Readers
February 21, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“Because the only way you can change the world is by being a winner. Otherwise, the world at best ignores you, or at worst destroys you.”
If you're an avid gamer and are interested in pursuing a career in video game developing, then Two Can Play That Game is definitely right up your alley. And while I may not be too familiar with the world of video games, you can certainly see how passionate and knowledgeable Leanne Yong is about it. h, And yes, I definitely want to try out an escape room in the future!
I could also tell how personal this book is to her, as we are introduced to Sam Khoo, a young developer on the cusp of deciding whether her dream of designing video games is something she can have a future in. All whilst discovering this newly unveiled feelings for Jaysen, another gamer who challenges her in a "friendly" competition to win a ticket to a gaming convention.
I did enjoy reading it, even if often times the video game jargon would be a bit too much for my taste. And as a Pakistani myself, the family moments were spot-on exactly how they are and earned a chuckle here and there - especially how very realistically gossip spreads through the aunties express, no arguments there. 🤣🤣🤣 And all the feelings that Sam experienced through the course of one month were very much relatable and believable.
From her hesitancy to sharing her future decisions with her parents, her struggle to mask her sadness at seeing a friend's success shine over her own, her inner denial over realizing that a male friend can be more than a friend, everything was well-rounded, well-written and spoke with a fresh heart and voice that definitely made a worthwhile read, for sure. 👍👍
“Because the only way you can change the world is by being a winner. Otherwise, the world at best ignores you, or at worst destroys you.”
If you're an avid gamer and are interested in pursuing a career in video game developing, then Two Can Play That Game is definitely right up your alley. And while I may not be too familiar with the world of video games, you can certainly see how passionate and knowledgeable Leanne Yong is about it. h, And yes, I definitely want to try out an escape room in the future!
I could also tell how personal this book is to her, as we are introduced to Sam Khoo, a young developer on the cusp of deciding whether her dream of designing video games is something she can have a future in. All whilst discovering this newly unveiled feelings for Jaysen, another gamer who challenges her in a "friendly" competition to win a ticket to a gaming convention.
I did enjoy reading it, even if often times the video game jargon would be a bit too much for my taste. And as a Pakistani myself, the family moments were spot-on exactly how they are and earned a chuckle here and there - especially how very realistically gossip spreads through the aunties express, no arguments there. 🤣🤣🤣 And all the feelings that Sam experienced through the course of one month were very much relatable and believable.
From her hesitancy to sharing her future decisions with her parents, her struggle to mask her sadness at seeing a friend's success shine over her own, her inner denial over realizing that a male friend can be more than a friend, everything was well-rounded, well-written and spoke with a fresh heart and voice that definitely made a worthwhile read, for sure. 👍👍
March 5, 2023
I absolutely adored everything about this book. As someone who wishes she was a gamer, but super is not, I got drawn right in to the descriptions and excitement around all the games included in this book. Yong's knowledge of/passion for games is obvious, and she describes them with such a light but enthusiastic touch, that even total non-gamers like me will be sucked right in to the thrill of it all.
And that's just the gaming stuff! The core relationships in this story - Sam and her rival, Jay, Sam and her parents, Sam and her sister, and Sam and her best friend - are all written with such heart, and such empathy for everyone involved. It's SO rare to find a book that delivers realistic conflict between characters that doesn't rely on one of the characters actually just being a terrible person and/or unrealistic miscommunication. But Two Can Play That Game beautifully delivers genuine conflicts that exist through no real malice or negligence of any of the characters.
One of the absolute standout relationship dynamics was between Sam and her best friend, Aneeshka. Sam and Aneeshka are both young women of colour trying to break into the world of video game development. Their mutual support for each other is a joy, a joy which isn't negated by the undercurrents of envy that are so, so real.
Then there's the central romance, between Sam and Jay, which is a major focus of the book. While I tend to like romances with a fair bit of steaminess, the slow clashing of personalities-turned-meeting of hearts, driven by ambition and playfulness rather than lust, was refreshing and so very enjoyable! Their non-toxic rivalry was such good fun to witness, and it's impossible not to root for them to get together. Yong writes gorgeously about the sense of ease that comes from being with someone from a shared culture, which made for a particularly tender component of their budding relationship (even if things start to get a little claustrophobic, with the threat of the auntie network always hanging over them!).
Finally, there's Sam's relationship with her own ambitions and dreams for the future. She's got all the grand ambition of a teenager who's always been one of the best and brightest in the room, but who knows she's going to have to keep working harder than she ever has to prove herself. And if things maybe stop coming so easily to her... That's enough to shake her entire sense of self, and concept of the future. Sam's process of coming to terms with what she wants from life, and what she's willing to compromise on, was so relatable, and absolutely heartaching in the best way possible to read about.
Plus, on top of all that, this book is chock full of Malaysian-Australian rep, and features a demisexual main character, and an excellent autistic secondary character. You will want to eat all the food described in this book, and also play all the games (for which there's a handy guide in the back!!)
Truly, I could go on and on, but I'll stop with a piece of advice: read this book!
And that's just the gaming stuff! The core relationships in this story - Sam and her rival, Jay, Sam and her parents, Sam and her sister, and Sam and her best friend - are all written with such heart, and such empathy for everyone involved. It's SO rare to find a book that delivers realistic conflict between characters that doesn't rely on one of the characters actually just being a terrible person and/or unrealistic miscommunication. But Two Can Play That Game beautifully delivers genuine conflicts that exist through no real malice or negligence of any of the characters.
One of the absolute standout relationship dynamics was between Sam and her best friend, Aneeshka. Sam and Aneeshka are both young women of colour trying to break into the world of video game development. Their mutual support for each other is a joy, a joy which isn't negated by the undercurrents of envy that are so, so real.
Then there's the central romance, between Sam and Jay, which is a major focus of the book. While I tend to like romances with a fair bit of steaminess, the slow clashing of personalities-turned-meeting of hearts, driven by ambition and playfulness rather than lust, was refreshing and so very enjoyable! Their non-toxic rivalry was such good fun to witness, and it's impossible not to root for them to get together. Yong writes gorgeously about the sense of ease that comes from being with someone from a shared culture, which made for a particularly tender component of their budding relationship (even if things start to get a little claustrophobic, with the threat of the auntie network always hanging over them!).
Finally, there's Sam's relationship with her own ambitions and dreams for the future. She's got all the grand ambition of a teenager who's always been one of the best and brightest in the room, but who knows she's going to have to keep working harder than she ever has to prove herself. And if things maybe stop coming so easily to her... That's enough to shake her entire sense of self, and concept of the future. Sam's process of coming to terms with what she wants from life, and what she's willing to compromise on, was so relatable, and absolutely heartaching in the best way possible to read about.
Plus, on top of all that, this book is chock full of Malaysian-Australian rep, and features a demisexual main character, and an excellent autistic secondary character. You will want to eat all the food described in this book, and also play all the games (for which there's a handy guide in the back!!)
Truly, I could go on and on, but I'll stop with a piece of advice: read this book!
March 2, 2023
As an Asian girl who was born and raised out of Asia I felt seen and understood.
Being scared to not be enough, not allow any failure, leaving in the shadow of my sister who fit the “gwai lui” status, having to explain again and again why science wasn’t for me etc. I found all these thoughts in Sam and it’s good to see that we are not alone.
Although now that I think about it, all the characters act and talk like full grown adults. But it didn’t really bother me.
It’s my first time reading a YA book with Cantonese words and I loved to see my mother tongue 🥹
Definitely a great Asian rep book I’d recommend !
Being scared to not be enough, not allow any failure, leaving in the shadow of my sister who fit the “gwai lui” status, having to explain again and again why science wasn’t for me etc. I found all these thoughts in Sam and it’s good to see that we are not alone.
Although now that I think about it, all the characters act and talk like full grown adults. But it didn’t really bother me.
It’s my first time reading a YA book with Cantonese words and I loved to see my mother tongue 🥹
Definitely a great Asian rep book I’d recommend !
March 30, 2024
I know nothing about games or playing games, so from that point it was interesting - but Sam acted like a spoiled brat the whole way through the book, (i.e the name for Jay 'Jerky McJerkface' on her phone really grated on my nerves, so disrespectful and immature), yet wanting respect as an independent woman. So hypocritical.
The book was way too long, needed some serious editing, especially with Sam's thoughts, and the dialogue and SMS texts in places was very childish, not something thought or said by an older teenager (almost an adult).
NOT a young adult romance like we are led to believe, more about Sam who did nothing but complain, about her situation, about her parents, about her game, about winning a scholarship, about her life... you get the picture!
Good writing for a first novel. Picked up the book because I absolutely loved the design and colour of the cover. One star because I couldn't stand Sam and gave it an extra star for the brilliant cover.
The book was way too long, needed some serious editing, especially with Sam's thoughts, and the dialogue and SMS texts in places was very childish, not something thought or said by an older teenager (almost an adult).
NOT a young adult romance like we are led to believe, more about Sam who did nothing but complain, about her situation, about her parents, about her game, about winning a scholarship, about her life... you get the picture!
Good writing for a first novel. Picked up the book because I absolutely loved the design and colour of the cover. One star because I couldn't stand Sam and gave it an extra star for the brilliant cover.
May 6, 2024
even though i'm asian from singapore, even though i've lived in australia, even though i'm a massive gamer, i just couldn't with the stereotypes and lack of understanding about games in this book. i'm sorry
August 14, 2023
An absolutely brilliant rom-com that has plenty of heart. I loved the characters, the emotion, and the journey they went through. With a great supporting cast and fast paced plot this novel sets the scene of growth and finding oneself in the world. This novel will have you up all night and downloading Steam.
Rep: Sam is demisexual. Autism rep.
Rep: Sam is demisexual. Autism rep.
March 4, 2023
3.5 stars
Review to come.
Review to come.
May 27, 2024
An entertaining, humorous, cleverly plotted and fast paced story focusing on gaming that is accessible to a wide teen readership - no gaming experience necessary!
Sam constantly battles the gaming community to establish her credibility as a female gamer and desperately needs one of a limited number of tickets to a special gaming workshop. Beaten/tricked out of the last ticket by Jay she is set to be disappointed. However, the Asian heritage of both and the tight knit community in Brisbane gives her leverage to shame Jay and the challenge each other to a five game duel - one a week. over the course of this personal competition both Sam's and Jay's family dynamics and circumstances unfold, the importance of the ticket for jay to give to his younger brother and Sam's isolation as her gaming buddy is now in Sydney making new friends and going in new directions with her own game building.
There is a lovely vibe about this story with no real surprises as the competitive and critical start to the Sam and Jay's relationship shifts as they each develop new found respect for the other. Divided into sections via an introduction to each game in the challenge, this type of game also alludes to the type of personal challenges the two will face. The gaming world, language, and obsessive characteristics are well handled and the multicultural dynamics and social pressures in the high achieving Asian community add interesting depth to the story and provide strong underpinnings for the behavior of the two antagonists.
Notes at the end align the fictional games with real life equivalents - this adds authenticity to the story and will also capture interest in young gamers. The virtual reality puzzle rooms ensure that the story is contemporary and relevant as well as extending the storyline to provide a pathway for Sam to start to rethink her priorities and future. 2024 CBCA Young Adult Book of the Year awards.
Sam constantly battles the gaming community to establish her credibility as a female gamer and desperately needs one of a limited number of tickets to a special gaming workshop. Beaten/tricked out of the last ticket by Jay she is set to be disappointed. However, the Asian heritage of both and the tight knit community in Brisbane gives her leverage to shame Jay and the challenge each other to a five game duel - one a week. over the course of this personal competition both Sam's and Jay's family dynamics and circumstances unfold, the importance of the ticket for jay to give to his younger brother and Sam's isolation as her gaming buddy is now in Sydney making new friends and going in new directions with her own game building.
There is a lovely vibe about this story with no real surprises as the competitive and critical start to the Sam and Jay's relationship shifts as they each develop new found respect for the other. Divided into sections via an introduction to each game in the challenge, this type of game also alludes to the type of personal challenges the two will face. The gaming world, language, and obsessive characteristics are well handled and the multicultural dynamics and social pressures in the high achieving Asian community add interesting depth to the story and provide strong underpinnings for the behavior of the two antagonists.
Notes at the end align the fictional games with real life equivalents - this adds authenticity to the story and will also capture interest in young gamers. The virtual reality puzzle rooms ensure that the story is contemporary and relevant as well as extending the storyline to provide a pathway for Sam to start to rethink her priorities and future. 2024 CBCA Young Adult Book of the Year awards.
February 20, 2023
I completely adore this book. When I originally saw the cover, I was immediately ready to preorder it and I am SO glad I did.
This is the gaming book I have wanted for YEARS. I’m a video gamer / board gamer. And I have never felt like any author truly understood what it means to be a gamer, especially a female one. And when I saw Love Letter and the other amazing board games mentioned, I was like “YES. Someone GETS it.” Because god, nowadays? There are SO many more board games than Monopoly and I hate when a strategy board game automatically means Catan.
What I also loved was the video game talk - every single moment of their actual playing made me so excited. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat right there playing with them.
I also want to add that I loved Sam. She was…. This brilliant lovable girl who worked so hard for everyone and everything. A truly empathetic person who cared about others’ feelings. When she put other people’s happiness before her own, I just wanted to cry because I understand. And her stubbornness and not wanting to lose? Me. Her terrible skill with fast actions in games? Me. Sore loser? Me. Like even demisexuality 😂 I’m over here like “how does Leanne Yong know me?”
Jay was adorable. I enjoyed their teasing so much and I enjoyed him so much. I loved his whole personality - how he wanted to take care of his little brother and how he was full of himself but also totally not. It was so adorable to see his obnoxious side.
I really really want to be bffs with both of them. They’re so cute and wholesome.
Also that third act conflict wrecked my heart. I thought it was BRILLIANT. 🥺 I teared up and I am not ashamed. Especially her reaction with her friend. I want to hug Sam just thinking about it.
If you love video games, please read this book. If you love reading about Asian culture, read this book. If you want a good rivals to lovers tale, read this book. It’s so wholesome and cute.
This is the gaming book I have wanted for YEARS. I’m a video gamer / board gamer. And I have never felt like any author truly understood what it means to be a gamer, especially a female one. And when I saw Love Letter and the other amazing board games mentioned, I was like “YES. Someone GETS it.” Because god, nowadays? There are SO many more board games than Monopoly and I hate when a strategy board game automatically means Catan.
What I also loved was the video game talk - every single moment of their actual playing made me so excited. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat right there playing with them.
I also want to add that I loved Sam. She was…. This brilliant lovable girl who worked so hard for everyone and everything. A truly empathetic person who cared about others’ feelings. When she put other people’s happiness before her own, I just wanted to cry because I understand. And her stubbornness and not wanting to lose? Me. Her terrible skill with fast actions in games? Me. Sore loser? Me. Like even demisexuality 😂 I’m over here like “how does Leanne Yong know me?”
Jay was adorable. I enjoyed their teasing so much and I enjoyed him so much. I loved his whole personality - how he wanted to take care of his little brother and how he was full of himself but also totally not. It was so adorable to see his obnoxious side.
I really really want to be bffs with both of them. They’re so cute and wholesome.
Also that third act conflict wrecked my heart. I thought it was BRILLIANT. 🥺 I teared up and I am not ashamed. Especially her reaction with her friend. I want to hug Sam just thinking about it.
If you love video games, please read this book. If you love reading about Asian culture, read this book. If you want a good rivals to lovers tale, read this book. It’s so wholesome and cute.
March 25, 2023
While YA fiction is low on my list of genres to read, this book surprised me.
As the eldest child of 1st generation immigrant parents, the Asian Australian growing up experience resonated deeply with me, bringing up scenes, stories, and events not so dissimilar to my own.
Helped by my understanding of Cantonese and the cultural themes, I felt proud to see it on the page.
The main character is very mature in this sense and quite attuned to her perceived role in her family and seeing the internal battle and struggles was comforting and interesting.
I enjoyed the use of text screenshots.
While I may attribute this to adjusting to YA fiction again, the first third of the book was slower-paced and difficult to get through, with cringe-worthy banter between the characters. But the final third picked up and was paced a lot better.
Overall, a great debut novel. I am proud to see Asian Australian representation in this space!
As the eldest child of 1st generation immigrant parents, the Asian Australian growing up experience resonated deeply with me, bringing up scenes, stories, and events not so dissimilar to my own.
Helped by my understanding of Cantonese and the cultural themes, I felt proud to see it on the page.
The main character is very mature in this sense and quite attuned to her perceived role in her family and seeing the internal battle and struggles was comforting and interesting.
I enjoyed the use of text screenshots.
While I may attribute this to adjusting to YA fiction again, the first third of the book was slower-paced and difficult to get through, with cringe-worthy banter between the characters. But the final third picked up and was paced a lot better.
Overall, a great debut novel. I am proud to see Asian Australian representation in this space!
December 13, 2023
2.5 realistically but the negatives skewed it a little more towards a 2 than 3.
The first half was a slog to get through. I think normally I'd DNF but I persevered anyway. The characters are a bit shallow and didn't seem to have to have lives beyond the page, and the prose often told me things rather than let me experience them. Still I felt the emotions I was meant to, at least in the latter half.
In terms of plot, both sides needed more nuance and build up. The resolution to the game dev side and Sam's future employment felt like it was vastly underdeveloped, and I wish they spent more time on the actual puzzles she enjoyed rather than just telling us she liked them and was good at them. I wish more was done with the romance as well. It was sweet and nice enough but I wanted more interactions between the two characters.
Overall, it was an easy read that left me a little unsatisfied.
The first half was a slog to get through. I think normally I'd DNF but I persevered anyway. The characters are a bit shallow and didn't seem to have to have lives beyond the page, and the prose often told me things rather than let me experience them. Still I felt the emotions I was meant to, at least in the latter half.
In terms of plot, both sides needed more nuance and build up. The resolution to the game dev side and Sam's future employment felt like it was vastly underdeveloped, and I wish they spent more time on the actual puzzles she enjoyed rather than just telling us she liked them and was good at them. I wish more was done with the romance as well. It was sweet and nice enough but I wanted more interactions between the two characters.
Overall, it was an easy read that left me a little unsatisfied.
April 20, 2024
Content warnings: misogyny, bullying, ableism, alcohol, vomit
I read this cover-to-cover in the space of three English lessons and had a fabulous time. I borrowed this in December and then promptly put off reading it for the better part of six months for literally no reason. So I was kind of surprised when this turned out to be an absolute page turner.
Anyway, I really liked the characters and the competition between them, although I DID find it a little suss that they're taking up a table in a cafe for 3+ hours without buying anything more than a single coffee each and also they've got the game music blasting out of their laptop speakers the entire time???
Ultimately, I *do* wish this had been a split narration, and I do wish the romance aspect of the story had been more prevalent than it is. But on the whole? Delightful.
I read this cover-to-cover in the space of three English lessons and had a fabulous time. I borrowed this in December and then promptly put off reading it for the better part of six months for literally no reason. So I was kind of surprised when this turned out to be an absolute page turner.
Anyway, I really liked the characters and the competition between them, although I DID find it a little suss that they're taking up a table in a cafe for 3+ hours without buying anything more than a single coffee each and also they've got the game music blasting out of their laptop speakers the entire time???
Ultimately, I *do* wish this had been a split narration, and I do wish the romance aspect of the story had been more prevalent than it is. But on the whole? Delightful.
June 26, 2023
I don’t read a lot of YA books but this was something I genuinely enjoyed!
We have Sam and jay who have a battle of puzzles whits brains and gaming skills to win an elusive ticket, we see true friendship grows while seeing how they are handling life after year 12 ( last year of highschool for those not in Australia)
I utterly adored that this was set in brisbane and I felt like I was home as I have been to many of the areas and streets this book takes place in.
We see Sam and Jay battle it out of their friendship and yes a cute little romance aka crushing hard on the other
It’s a solid 3/5 for me!
We have Sam and jay who have a battle of puzzles whits brains and gaming skills to win an elusive ticket, we see true friendship grows while seeing how they are handling life after year 12 ( last year of highschool for those not in Australia)
I utterly adored that this was set in brisbane and I felt like I was home as I have been to many of the areas and streets this book takes place in.
We see Sam and Jay battle it out of their friendship and yes a cute little romance aka crushing hard on the other
It’s a solid 3/5 for me!
June 6, 2023
I loved this book and I loved the characters a lot but in the end there was something missing. I definitely would like to read more about Sam and Jay because I feel like I haven't had enough of them.
also I really liked the demisexual rep (and i found out the author identify as demi too) but I would have love it more if the word demisexual was actually in the book
also I really liked the demisexual rep (and i found out the author identify as demi too) but I would have love it more if the word demisexual was actually in the book
January 31, 2023
This was such a great book. It was charming and funny, it was also a super easy read.
I loved the writing style, and can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to @allenandunwin for sending me a copy of this one.
I loved the writing style, and can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to @allenandunwin for sending me a copy of this one.
March 13, 2023
I really liked this book for two main reasons; the dynamic and the representation.
While there aren't any obvious acts of romance between the two characters, the chemistry there is undeniable. The way the emotional connection was formed was sweet and extremely satisfying.
I also appreciated how the author took time to do research about the characters and I think it really shows throughout the plot.
All in all, this is a really great book and will now be one of my comfort reads.
While there aren't any obvious acts of romance between the two characters, the chemistry there is undeniable. The way the emotional connection was formed was sweet and extremely satisfying.
I also appreciated how the author took time to do research about the characters and I think it really shows throughout the plot.
All in all, this is a really great book and will now be one of my comfort reads.
August 18, 2024
I’m ashamed to say I was expecting just a fun book, instead I laughed, I cried, and I remembered why I love YA lit and just how layered they can be. This novel, while predictable, was so incredibly heartfelt. One of my favourites in a long time.
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