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Lone Player #1
Lone Player
“You can lie all you want, but every lie will come back to bite you someday. They always do.”
To manage overpopulation, citizens are marked with playing card tattoos—and an annual draw from a deck determines who the Chaser Corps exterminates.
Eddie resents her pro-Chaser father for expecting her to join the Corps. Her true desire is to become an illegal healer to save her best friend Margot, who hides her chronic illness to avoid a death sentence. Determined to follow her heart, Eddie defies her father by secretly dodging the Chaser Corps Entrance Exam and aligning herself with the rebels, where one wrong move could have dire consequences.
Margot’s twin brother Ren longs to become a Chaser, despite his hatred for the inhumane organization. Playing a role in population control as a member of the Corps would secure his immediate family Immunity and protect Margot’s life. His secret decision to take the entrance exam challenges his family’s anti-Chaser principles, and receiving his acceptance letter plunges him deeper into a moral crisis.
Although Eddie and Ren despise each other, their shared love for Margot compels them to strike a deal—Ren will devote his life to the Corps, while Eddie will risk her life with the rebels. Together, they weave an intricate web of falsities to keep their families in the dark.
But as they dive deeper into opposing sides, doubt threatens their fragile alliance. Will their bond prove strong enough to shatter the system, or will the weight of their lies turn them against each other?
With beautiful prose and witty characters, debut author Julia Rosemary Turk delivers an epic tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth in a society built on deception.
To manage overpopulation, citizens are marked with playing card tattoos—and an annual draw from a deck determines who the Chaser Corps exterminates.
Eddie resents her pro-Chaser father for expecting her to join the Corps. Her true desire is to become an illegal healer to save her best friend Margot, who hides her chronic illness to avoid a death sentence. Determined to follow her heart, Eddie defies her father by secretly dodging the Chaser Corps Entrance Exam and aligning herself with the rebels, where one wrong move could have dire consequences.
Margot’s twin brother Ren longs to become a Chaser, despite his hatred for the inhumane organization. Playing a role in population control as a member of the Corps would secure his immediate family Immunity and protect Margot’s life. His secret decision to take the entrance exam challenges his family’s anti-Chaser principles, and receiving his acceptance letter plunges him deeper into a moral crisis.
Although Eddie and Ren despise each other, their shared love for Margot compels them to strike a deal—Ren will devote his life to the Corps, while Eddie will risk her life with the rebels. Together, they weave an intricate web of falsities to keep their families in the dark.
But as they dive deeper into opposing sides, doubt threatens their fragile alliance. Will their bond prove strong enough to shatter the system, or will the weight of their lies turn them against each other?
With beautiful prose and witty characters, debut author Julia Rosemary Turk delivers an epic tale of sacrifice, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth in a society built on deception.
861 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2023
43 people are currently reading
3853 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 23, 2024
I received a free ARC from Lost Island Press in exchange for an honest review of Lone Player. The characters in this book are well developed and have interesting dynamics. I really think the author did well for a debut, especially since she tackled the dystopian genre (which I really haven’t seen done in a while). The use of the flash forward scene in the prologue got my attention from the start. I would have enjoyed it more if the plot hadn’t been as dragged out as it was/and if the dialogue felt more genuine. I also thought Ren and Eddie’s voices were too similar and the book would have benefited from additional POVs. I am grateful to have gotten the opportunity to read this early and I will be reading the second book (whenever it comes out).
2.5
2.5
July 10, 2023
In the society where Eddie (Lavender Voclain) & best friend Margot live, resources are scarce & to ensure overpopulation is not a problem, everyone is inked with two playing cards when they are born - one on each wrist. Every New Years Day the Pick happens, two playing cards are drawn & any citizen who has the two matching cards as their tattoo are executed. Chasers are those who work as government-sanctioned executioners who inject the marked person with NightJade - a plant which is supposed to produce a merciful death. To run puts your family in danger. Being chronically ill or disabled is a death sentence if anyone finds out. Anyone & everyone is supposed to be vulnerable but of course, the rich & powerful can buy immunity from the executions.
Eddie is in the midst of the final weeks of school, where afterwards she has to make a choice: to become a Chaser & by extension give her parents & younger brother immunity from the Pick, or pursue her real vocation & become a Healer with those who live on the outside of society, which would mean disappointing her family but saving her best friend. Margot has had Lyme Disease for years & her father buys medicines on the black market to help hide her symptoms from the government, but Eddie wants to heal her completely. Meanwhile Margot's brother, Ren, is also wrestling with the decision of becoming a Chaser against his father's wishes. He knows that this may be the only way to save his sister's life.
The narrative is told by alternating between Eddie & Ren's points of view & I must say that, although both were interesting in their own way, I preferred Ren's story. This is quite a lengthy book at around 860 pages for the Kindle version, & although the first third was rather slow & Ren & Eddie's bickering became a little annoying, once Ren starts his training, the pace picks up & you can't put it down. I became invested in finding out what happened to the various characters & I thought the concept was excellent. It appears that this is the author's first published book, which if that is the case, makes this even more impressive. Verdict: great concept, slow to start & a little overegging the pudding at times when it came to Ren & Eddie's love/hate relationship, but overall I really liked it. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
TWs: animal death, death of a parent, executions, violence.
My thanks to the author & publishers, Lost Island Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Eddie is in the midst of the final weeks of school, where afterwards she has to make a choice: to become a Chaser & by extension give her parents & younger brother immunity from the Pick, or pursue her real vocation & become a Healer with those who live on the outside of society, which would mean disappointing her family but saving her best friend. Margot has had Lyme Disease for years & her father buys medicines on the black market to help hide her symptoms from the government, but Eddie wants to heal her completely. Meanwhile Margot's brother, Ren, is also wrestling with the decision of becoming a Chaser against his father's wishes. He knows that this may be the only way to save his sister's life.
The narrative is told by alternating between Eddie & Ren's points of view & I must say that, although both were interesting in their own way, I preferred Ren's story. This is quite a lengthy book at around 860 pages for the Kindle version, & although the first third was rather slow & Ren & Eddie's bickering became a little annoying, once Ren starts his training, the pace picks up & you can't put it down. I became invested in finding out what happened to the various characters & I thought the concept was excellent. It appears that this is the author's first published book, which if that is the case, makes this even more impressive. Verdict: great concept, slow to start & a little overegging the pudding at times when it came to Ren & Eddie's love/hate relationship, but overall I really liked it. 4.5 stars (rounded down)
TWs: animal death, death of a parent, executions, violence.
My thanks to the author & publishers, Lost Island Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
July 15, 2024
Thank you to Lost Island Press and the author for giving me an eARC copy to read and review!
I'm not sure where to even begin with this review. This book was a combination of so many things that I enjoy in my books and it made for a fantastic reading experience.
Spoilers Ahead Beware!!
Let's start with the characters, shall we?
Eddie- Eddie is a whirlwind of a human. She is filled with so much depth and character and has a passion for healing. She knows exactly what she wants and she will stop at nothing to make sure that she is able to get it. She is faithful and brave and so intelligent. I know for one thing if I was in her position that I don't think I would be half as brave and courageous as she was. The choices that she had to make were beyond challenging and soul-crushing. I'm so so proud of her. She does everything in her power to protect the ones that she loves and I applaud that. She had me on the edge of my seat when reading, hoping that everything was going to turn out okay in the end.
Ren- What an absolute sweetheart. I adore him. Again, like Eddie, such a fierce protector. Everything that he did was to protect- in one way or another- the people that he loved. Even if his methods were questionable at times, he had the best intentions at heart. I thought he was funny and charming, and all things that a good person should be, even if he did have to do some pretty horrible things at times.
Margot- God I feel for Margot so so much. Talk about a strong character. In a world where everything is set against her, I don't understand how she survived. She had to work so so hard to make sure that she didn't make her own pain go onto other people, make sure that no one realized that she was the definition of what the society didn't want in its population. So amazing. I hated the way she went out, but I understand why she had to do it. I loved that she and Eddie were such good friends, it's what they both needed.
Cedar- This man knows how to make a joke. I laughed a good few times at some of the things he would say, and even more at the reactions of Eddie, who simply couldn't understand what was going on. I admire how dedicated he is to all the things that he does. The care he puts into making sure that people stay safe. His relationship with his family. The way that he cared for Eddie (I really thought he was a strong contender for a love interest for a while and I wouldn't have minded if he was).
Plot/World next I think.
As taken from the author's website (VeryRosemaryreads.com) Lone Player is "Lone Player is about a society where population control is determined by an annual draw from a deck of playing cards. Citizens with a corresponding pair of tattoos are hunted down and killed by an elite group of soldiers known as Chasers."
I found this concept to be so intriguing. It was almost like The Hunger Games and Divergent and The Maze Runner all combined to birth this book. I found the Pick to be so cool. I already think a deck of cards is cool- especially when you see all different kinds of renditions of a classic playing card- and to have two tattoed on your wrists that literally hold your entire life is kinda (very) terrifying. The double Joker aspect for both Eddie and Margot really added to the punch of the yearly Pick as shown in this book. Double jokers already being so rare and for two best friends to both have them it's like fate. I found Chasing to be really cool even though they have to do such dark work (I guess because I have always had a strange fantasy of being able to go to a school where you were taught how to fight and shoot and do magic lol). The idea that no one was forced to go into this profession, was a voluntary thing- yet it felt so forced to some people. Ren, for example, thinks the only way to protect Margot was to do the one thing that he hated. And Eddie for choosing not to Chase, because her whole life her father was pressuring her to do so.
The Unseen was so so cool. I've said that about pretty much everything but I really thought this book was really well done in a lot of aspects. A dystopian world always comes with a rebel group, and I think that this was a really well-organized rebel group for what they were. They had a full greenhouse so that gives them an automatic bonus in my book. Ren's mother takes the cake for taking one for the team- cutting of her own hand and blinding herself in one eye to get rid of that tracker, good for you. I'm still a little confused about where this tracker was located in the eye and how Aaron (Cedar) was able to learn how to cut it out without the person being blinded, but good for them for learning and adapting.
I should mention Running as well. The chapters where Eddie was Running and thinking that her entire world was crumbling all around her (because it really was, losing everything that she had ever known and loved basically all at once) and having to try and survive in a world that was trying to kill her. I loved that even though she was starving and on the brink of death, she still buried the rabbit instead of eating it- it was a very Eddie move even if I hated her for doing it in the moment.
My only downfall of this book and why it didn't quite get five stars was the pacing and the worldbuilding. I found that at times I was very engaged and going very quickly through everything that was happening and other times I was bored because things were moving very slowly. There was a shift in the way things were written I feel that slightly threw the more "boring" scenes to be read a lot slower whereas the action scenes went by very fast. I wish that there was a bit more description about the world and how this government was run because there were only a few snippets here and there about the inner workings of it all (yes this is a trilogy so hopefully there will be more in the later books).
I am very impressed and I am hopeful for the rest of the series! Once again, thank you to Lost Island Press and the author for letting me have access to this book early and I can't wait to read more!
Reread July 2024
7.00 on CAWPILE
I still really enjoyed this book, took me a while to get through but thats just because i was pretty busy these last couple weeks.
I'm not sure where to even begin with this review. This book was a combination of so many things that I enjoy in my books and it made for a fantastic reading experience.
Spoilers Ahead Beware!!
Let's start with the characters, shall we?
Eddie- Eddie is a whirlwind of a human. She is filled with so much depth and character and has a passion for healing. She knows exactly what she wants and she will stop at nothing to make sure that she is able to get it. She is faithful and brave and so intelligent. I know for one thing if I was in her position that I don't think I would be half as brave and courageous as she was. The choices that she had to make were beyond challenging and soul-crushing. I'm so so proud of her. She does everything in her power to protect the ones that she loves and I applaud that. She had me on the edge of my seat when reading, hoping that everything was going to turn out okay in the end.
Ren- What an absolute sweetheart. I adore him. Again, like Eddie, such a fierce protector. Everything that he did was to protect- in one way or another- the people that he loved. Even if his methods were questionable at times, he had the best intentions at heart. I thought he was funny and charming, and all things that a good person should be, even if he did have to do some pretty horrible things at times.
Margot- God I feel for Margot so so much. Talk about a strong character. In a world where everything is set against her, I don't understand how she survived. She had to work so so hard to make sure that she didn't make her own pain go onto other people, make sure that no one realized that she was the definition of what the society didn't want in its population. So amazing. I hated the way she went out, but I understand why she had to do it. I loved that she and Eddie were such good friends, it's what they both needed.
Cedar- This man knows how to make a joke. I laughed a good few times at some of the things he would say, and even more at the reactions of Eddie, who simply couldn't understand what was going on. I admire how dedicated he is to all the things that he does. The care he puts into making sure that people stay safe. His relationship with his family. The way that he cared for Eddie (I really thought he was a strong contender for a love interest for a while and I wouldn't have minded if he was).
Plot/World next I think.
As taken from the author's website (VeryRosemaryreads.com) Lone Player is "Lone Player is about a society where population control is determined by an annual draw from a deck of playing cards. Citizens with a corresponding pair of tattoos are hunted down and killed by an elite group of soldiers known as Chasers."
I found this concept to be so intriguing. It was almost like The Hunger Games and Divergent and The Maze Runner all combined to birth this book. I found the Pick to be so cool. I already think a deck of cards is cool- especially when you see all different kinds of renditions of a classic playing card- and to have two tattoed on your wrists that literally hold your entire life is kinda (very) terrifying. The double Joker aspect for both Eddie and Margot really added to the punch of the yearly Pick as shown in this book. Double jokers already being so rare and for two best friends to both have them it's like fate. I found Chasing to be really cool even though they have to do such dark work (I guess because I have always had a strange fantasy of being able to go to a school where you were taught how to fight and shoot and do magic lol). The idea that no one was forced to go into this profession, was a voluntary thing- yet it felt so forced to some people. Ren, for example, thinks the only way to protect Margot was to do the one thing that he hated. And Eddie for choosing not to Chase, because her whole life her father was pressuring her to do so.
The Unseen was so so cool. I've said that about pretty much everything but I really thought this book was really well done in a lot of aspects. A dystopian world always comes with a rebel group, and I think that this was a really well-organized rebel group for what they were. They had a full greenhouse so that gives them an automatic bonus in my book. Ren's mother takes the cake for taking one for the team- cutting of her own hand and blinding herself in one eye to get rid of that tracker, good for you. I'm still a little confused about where this tracker was located in the eye and how Aaron (Cedar) was able to learn how to cut it out without the person being blinded, but good for them for learning and adapting.
I should mention Running as well. The chapters where Eddie was Running and thinking that her entire world was crumbling all around her (because it really was, losing everything that she had ever known and loved basically all at once) and having to try and survive in a world that was trying to kill her. I loved that even though she was starving and on the brink of death, she still buried the rabbit instead of eating it- it was a very Eddie move even if I hated her for doing it in the moment.
My only downfall of this book and why it didn't quite get five stars was the pacing and the worldbuilding. I found that at times I was very engaged and going very quickly through everything that was happening and other times I was bored because things were moving very slowly. There was a shift in the way things were written I feel that slightly threw the more "boring" scenes to be read a lot slower whereas the action scenes went by very fast. I wish that there was a bit more description about the world and how this government was run because there were only a few snippets here and there about the inner workings of it all (yes this is a trilogy so hopefully there will be more in the later books).
I am very impressed and I am hopeful for the rest of the series! Once again, thank you to Lost Island Press and the author for letting me have access to this book early and I can't wait to read more!
Reread July 2024
7.00 on CAWPILE
I still really enjoyed this book, took me a while to get through but thats just because i was pretty busy these last couple weeks.
July 2, 2023
So I know this is kind of a late review but I just got my phone back for the holiday so you can't blame me. Now time for the review.
First I'll start with the author.
Julia's writing style is a beautiful one and let me tell you this, I kind of regret being an ARC reader because I won't be able to experience reading this book afresh. The way Julia explains the emotions in this book makes you feel like you're in it and you can feel whatever the characters are feeling. I almost forgot that the author was a teenager that's just how good it was.
CHARACTERS
Eddie ( Lavender Voclain), the Fmc, from the beginning became my favourite character and she's just very relatable and very human. She isn't perfect which makes me love characters like her.
Ren,is the Mmc and all I can say is I couldn't feel any sparks between me and him when I was reading this book and his character development is kind of um Wild I guess but I love the way he protects Eddie so I guess some people will love him.
Margot, I love her but her life is very sad and it feels like everything is against her.
WARNING: This book will break you, there were some instances where I had to read this book in public and my face expression were something like this 😃😭😄😭, my parents thought I was crazy.
The romance In this book isn't a lot but the plot makes up for it.
Cedar, is like me, he is very relatable and I can say neutral. I loved him a lot going into this book.Hes very funny by the way, and I love the way he makes jokes.
The premise of this book is hooking. Not many books nowadays have interesting premises but this book's premise will get you addicted. This book is a masterpiece but remember this is book 1 so it ends in a cliffhanger.
Julia is so talented and amazing I can't wait for book 2. I really recommend this book to anyone and it releases July 8th so don't miss out.
First I'll start with the author.
Julia's writing style is a beautiful one and let me tell you this, I kind of regret being an ARC reader because I won't be able to experience reading this book afresh. The way Julia explains the emotions in this book makes you feel like you're in it and you can feel whatever the characters are feeling. I almost forgot that the author was a teenager that's just how good it was.
CHARACTERS
Eddie ( Lavender Voclain), the Fmc, from the beginning became my favourite character and she's just very relatable and very human. She isn't perfect which makes me love characters like her.
Ren,is the Mmc and all I can say is I couldn't feel any sparks between me and him when I was reading this book and his character development is kind of um Wild I guess but I love the way he protects Eddie so I guess some people will love him.
Margot, I love her but her life is very sad and it feels like everything is against her.
WARNING: This book will break you, there were some instances where I had to read this book in public and my face expression were something like this 😃😭😄😭, my parents thought I was crazy.
The romance In this book isn't a lot but the plot makes up for it.
Cedar, is like me, he is very relatable and I can say neutral. I loved him a lot going into this book.Hes very funny by the way, and I love the way he makes jokes.
The premise of this book is hooking. Not many books nowadays have interesting premises but this book's premise will get you addicted. This book is a masterpiece but remember this is book 1 so it ends in a cliffhanger.
Julia is so talented and amazing I can't wait for book 2. I really recommend this book to anyone and it releases July 8th so don't miss out.
Read
July 8, 2023Hey there! Lone Player is officially out in the world and I couldn't be happier! This story has such a special place in my heart and I'm thrilled to finally be able to share it with you all 🃏🥀
You can purchase copies on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly on Lost Island's website 🖤
Thank you so much for being here! xoxo
You can purchase copies on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and directly on Lost Island's website 🖤
Thank you so much for being here! xoxo
Want to read
December 26, 2022Can't wait to read the final book! I was a beta reader of it and the draft was simply spectacular!
July 24, 2025
This book made me cry, giggle while kicking my feet, cry again, laugh and stare at the page in utter horror and disbelief.
So naturally 5 stars.
As a person that has been obsessed with dystopian fiction since they’ve been 6 years old, I can confirm that this book is a great example and deserves to be mentioned among works like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner and Divergent. It is the type of book that has everything you love, but still manages to surprise you with the most insane plot twists and action scenes.
Another thing I absolutely loved about it is how complex and real the characters felt. They really acted and thought like humans, which a lot of fiction books are missing, by allowing the main characters to act heartless and nonchalant, when a normal person would probably crumble under the pressure of the situation.
The love subplot had an amazing buildup and I loved the constant tension that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story.
I can’t wait to read the second book, because after that ending I’m not sure if I can wait without going insane.
So naturally 5 stars.
As a person that has been obsessed with dystopian fiction since they’ve been 6 years old, I can confirm that this book is a great example and deserves to be mentioned among works like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner and Divergent. It is the type of book that has everything you love, but still manages to surprise you with the most insane plot twists and action scenes.
Another thing I absolutely loved about it is how complex and real the characters felt. They really acted and thought like humans, which a lot of fiction books are missing, by allowing the main characters to act heartless and nonchalant, when a normal person would probably crumble under the pressure of the situation.
The love subplot had an amazing buildup and I loved the constant tension that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story.
I can’t wait to read the second book, because after that ending I’m not sure if I can wait without going insane.
June 18, 2023
First of all, I would like to thank Julia Turk and Lost Island Press for sending me an Advanced Reader's Copy of Lone Player. Immemedietly on page one, we are thrown into a dystopian world where the government has taken population control to another level in the form of drawing two playing cards and exterminating the people with those cards tattoed on their wrists. Julia Turk does an amazing job of looking at real-world problems and escalating them to fit the dystopian standard. Luckily I don't think we, as a society, are close to Lone Player's brutal and twisted society. The entire plot was genius and I loved learning about the history of the chasers and how the Night-jade injections came to be. Lone Player had an interesting concept and I think it was executed well!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story has a perfect mix of dialogue and description, character relationships and plot, and somber and humor. I laughed several times throughout Lone Player and enjoyed how realistic and relatable all the characters were. No two characters were similar, which is very hard to do as a writer, but each one had a different look, tone of voice, and backstory, just like people do in real life.
At the beginning of the book, I was not a fan of Lavender, who prefers to be called Eddie. I found her annoying and whiny, and I thought she was way over her head on what she was trying to accomplish, but as the book continued, I learned to love her and understand why Eddie is the way she is. Ren, on the other hand, I loved him from day one. He was such a complex character, and Julia emphasized how far he would go to keep his sister, Margrot, safe. As someone very close with her sibling, I understood where Ren came from and why he was so protective. I enjoyed reading about the sibling dynamic between the twins. However, as the book continued, Ren was so fueled with rage that it was difficult to love him, but knowing what I know about sibling love, I still understood him. I would do anything to protect my brother. In the end, though, he went back on top at being one of my favorite characters. Being able to make a character have flaws and not be likable is a skill that not all authors are able to accomplish. And despite Lone Player not being heavily coated in romance, the sexual tension was amazing.
Now there are a few reasons why I didn't give this book five stars. First, Lone Player is classified as dark fiction, but the darkness was not there for me. Going in, I expected it to be so dark that I shuddered and cringed at all the gory details and brutality of the story, but I didn't. Julia Turk touched on topics such as suicide, torture, death, starvation, anxiety, and depression, but very little of it affected me as those topics should. I would have liked to see more descriptions as Eddie endured so much pain and suffering. I want the sequel to hurt me so much that it's like a knife to the heart. To me, that's dark fiction.
Second of all, the first few chapters were agonizingly slow. Many unnecessary scenes and details could have been summed up in a few sentences and not 2,000 words. In the first few chapters, I struggled getting through them and I was afraid the whole book was slow. Luckily it wasn't, and I'm glad I pushed through the first few chapters.
Third, I was very confused throughout the entire book on whether or not it was a standalone or if it was going to be a sequel. It got to the point where I was 98% finished, and I still wasn't sure since it was classified as dark fiction; I expected the villains to win and execute everyone. Even the last sentence had me unsure simply because of the wording. It wasn't until I went onto Goodreads that I realized there would be a sequel. I don't know how much more can be done in a second book, but then again, I'm not the author.
And lastly, I caught quite a few grammatical mistakes. It's mindblowing to me how an editor didn't catch them when reading through the final copy. I am in no way, shape, or form a grammar expert, but I know enough to know when it's wrong. There was one point toward the end of the book where can spelled "cna." There were also spacing issues where a space was left out, two words were mashed together, and also places where there was double spacing. I tried to be lenient when writing the review on grammar, but I think the mistakes were too prominent not to point out. I know that Julia Turk wrote Lone Player for a competition and was on a deadline to finish it, so I understand rushing through and not catching all the grammar mistakes. And I don't know if Lost Island Press even has an editorial team, but I hope the mistakes were fixed after the ARC copies were sent out and will be fixed by July 8th for the final copies.
Despite the things I disliked, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to dystopian lovers. Once again, a huge congratulations to Julia Turk for all her hard work and for creating such a beautiful story! I look forward to reading the sequel.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story has a perfect mix of dialogue and description, character relationships and plot, and somber and humor. I laughed several times throughout Lone Player and enjoyed how realistic and relatable all the characters were. No two characters were similar, which is very hard to do as a writer, but each one had a different look, tone of voice, and backstory, just like people do in real life.
At the beginning of the book, I was not a fan of Lavender, who prefers to be called Eddie. I found her annoying and whiny, and I thought she was way over her head on what she was trying to accomplish, but as the book continued, I learned to love her and understand why Eddie is the way she is. Ren, on the other hand, I loved him from day one. He was such a complex character, and Julia emphasized how far he would go to keep his sister, Margrot, safe. As someone very close with her sibling, I understood where Ren came from and why he was so protective. I enjoyed reading about the sibling dynamic between the twins. However, as the book continued, Ren was so fueled with rage that it was difficult to love him, but knowing what I know about sibling love, I still understood him. I would do anything to protect my brother. In the end, though, he went back on top at being one of my favorite characters. Being able to make a character have flaws and not be likable is a skill that not all authors are able to accomplish. And despite Lone Player not being heavily coated in romance, the sexual tension was amazing.
Now there are a few reasons why I didn't give this book five stars. First, Lone Player is classified as dark fiction, but the darkness was not there for me. Going in, I expected it to be so dark that I shuddered and cringed at all the gory details and brutality of the story, but I didn't. Julia Turk touched on topics such as suicide, torture, death, starvation, anxiety, and depression, but very little of it affected me as those topics should. I would have liked to see more descriptions as Eddie endured so much pain and suffering. I want the sequel to hurt me so much that it's like a knife to the heart. To me, that's dark fiction.
Second of all, the first few chapters were agonizingly slow. Many unnecessary scenes and details could have been summed up in a few sentences and not 2,000 words. In the first few chapters, I struggled getting through them and I was afraid the whole book was slow. Luckily it wasn't, and I'm glad I pushed through the first few chapters.
Third, I was very confused throughout the entire book on whether or not it was a standalone or if it was going to be a sequel. It got to the point where I was 98% finished, and I still wasn't sure since it was classified as dark fiction; I expected the villains to win and execute everyone. Even the last sentence had me unsure simply because of the wording. It wasn't until I went onto Goodreads that I realized there would be a sequel. I don't know how much more can be done in a second book, but then again, I'm not the author.
And lastly, I caught quite a few grammatical mistakes. It's mindblowing to me how an editor didn't catch them when reading through the final copy. I am in no way, shape, or form a grammar expert, but I know enough to know when it's wrong. There was one point toward the end of the book where can spelled "cna." There were also spacing issues where a space was left out, two words were mashed together, and also places where there was double spacing. I tried to be lenient when writing the review on grammar, but I think the mistakes were too prominent not to point out. I know that Julia Turk wrote Lone Player for a competition and was on a deadline to finish it, so I understand rushing through and not catching all the grammar mistakes. And I don't know if Lost Island Press even has an editorial team, but I hope the mistakes were fixed after the ARC copies were sent out and will be fixed by July 8th for the final copies.
Despite the things I disliked, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to dystopian lovers. Once again, a huge congratulations to Julia Turk for all her hard work and for creating such a beautiful story! I look forward to reading the sequel.
July 8, 2023
I'd like to thank Lost Island Press and Julia Rosemary Turk for the opportunity to ARC read Lone Player in exchange for an honest review. As a fellow writer, I would like to commend the author for her craftsmanship! Truly, the book was so well set and thought out within all its intricacies and that is a feat to be proud of!
The plot is so well crafted and it pans out wonderfully as the book progresses. I admit in the beginning I thought the book was going to be a DNF because of the first 100* pages or so (*read on phone). The book gave too much weight to the beginning set-up before the expansion of the main plot and I felt myself losing interest often. The transition of the slow pacing in the beginning to the sudden fast pace of the latter chapters was a bit jarring but other than that, the story became more immersive and action packed leading to and throughout the second part of the book. Though I do wish more time could've been spent slowing down the pace of the latter chapters instead of some of the beginning chapters.
The writing was a great mixture of dialogue and description and I seldom felt bored of switching between Ren and Eddie's perspectives- they were both well written with distinct personalities. It was also easy to get immersed in the setting and truly understand what the characters felt at any given moment. One thing that the book could've gone without is some explanations of things that don't contribute to the plot or are otherwise irrelevant to the full story. I sometimes felt confused on what aspects the author wanted me to focus on and whether they were important to take note of.
But overall, I am truly blown away by the scale of book especially since it is a debut. The characters never felt stagnant or stereotypical but real with personal struggles that were conveyed well. The story didn't sugarcoat any of the harder topics either and that added a depth to the story that increased the impactfulness it set out to acheive.
Congratulations to Julia Rosemary Turk for the publication and thanks again to Lost Island Press for the ARC read!
The plot is so well crafted and it pans out wonderfully as the book progresses. I admit in the beginning I thought the book was going to be a DNF because of the first 100* pages or so (*read on phone). The book gave too much weight to the beginning set-up before the expansion of the main plot and I felt myself losing interest often. The transition of the slow pacing in the beginning to the sudden fast pace of the latter chapters was a bit jarring but other than that, the story became more immersive and action packed leading to and throughout the second part of the book. Though I do wish more time could've been spent slowing down the pace of the latter chapters instead of some of the beginning chapters.
The writing was a great mixture of dialogue and description and I seldom felt bored of switching between Ren and Eddie's perspectives- they were both well written with distinct personalities. It was also easy to get immersed in the setting and truly understand what the characters felt at any given moment. One thing that the book could've gone without is some explanations of things that don't contribute to the plot or are otherwise irrelevant to the full story. I sometimes felt confused on what aspects the author wanted me to focus on and whether they were important to take note of.
But overall, I am truly blown away by the scale of book especially since it is a debut. The characters never felt stagnant or stereotypical but real with personal struggles that were conveyed well. The story didn't sugarcoat any of the harder topics either and that added a depth to the story that increased the impactfulness it set out to acheive.
Congratulations to Julia Rosemary Turk for the publication and thanks again to Lost Island Press for the ARC read!
July 30, 2025
4.5 stars
This is the book 1 in a dystopian trilogy set in a world where people are tattooed with 2 playing cards at birth. The Chasers exist to maintain population control and order by exterminating anyone the Presidency doesn’t determine to be contributing to the new world. This includes traitors, the chronically ill, the unhoused, and once a year, every citizen with the same cards tattooed on them that are drawn for The Pick.
Margot suffers from Lyme disease which must remain hidden to stay safe. Her twin brother Ren and her best friend Eddie will do anything to protect her, which quickly spirals into a web of secrets they can only share with each other. Ren decides to join the Chasers who murdered his own mother, granting his immediate family immunity from extermination except in cases of treason. Eddie hates that Ren has chosen to play a role in the corruption that runs their lives, and wants to pursue a life as an illegal healer with the Underground so she can continue to treat and possibly find a cure for Margot’s illness. As they each fall deeper into their respective paths, their alliance becomes more fragile than ever, and the lines between reality and the lies they’ve weaved blur.
This story is PHENOMENAL! The characters are strong, complex and tied together really well. The author does a fantastic job of exploring humanity and how such a massive shift in society brings out the best and worst of those adversely affected. I experienced the whole range of emotions the cast battled from desperation, fear, anxiety, hopelessness and perseverance. I’ve always loved dystopians and this series promises to deliver a fresh spin on a favourite genre. Where there is oppression there will always be resistance, and Eddie is the MC I need for that.
At times I struggled with pacing (I wished more time was spent in some sequences & less in others) but a slower start ensured I was invested enough for maximum devastation and I’m all for it.
I can’t wait to see how bonds are tested and rules are broken in book 2.
This is the book 1 in a dystopian trilogy set in a world where people are tattooed with 2 playing cards at birth. The Chasers exist to maintain population control and order by exterminating anyone the Presidency doesn’t determine to be contributing to the new world. This includes traitors, the chronically ill, the unhoused, and once a year, every citizen with the same cards tattooed on them that are drawn for The Pick.
Margot suffers from Lyme disease which must remain hidden to stay safe. Her twin brother Ren and her best friend Eddie will do anything to protect her, which quickly spirals into a web of secrets they can only share with each other. Ren decides to join the Chasers who murdered his own mother, granting his immediate family immunity from extermination except in cases of treason. Eddie hates that Ren has chosen to play a role in the corruption that runs their lives, and wants to pursue a life as an illegal healer with the Underground so she can continue to treat and possibly find a cure for Margot’s illness. As they each fall deeper into their respective paths, their alliance becomes more fragile than ever, and the lines between reality and the lies they’ve weaved blur.
This story is PHENOMENAL! The characters are strong, complex and tied together really well. The author does a fantastic job of exploring humanity and how such a massive shift in society brings out the best and worst of those adversely affected. I experienced the whole range of emotions the cast battled from desperation, fear, anxiety, hopelessness and perseverance. I’ve always loved dystopians and this series promises to deliver a fresh spin on a favourite genre. Where there is oppression there will always be resistance, and Eddie is the MC I need for that.
At times I struggled with pacing (I wished more time was spent in some sequences & less in others) but a slower start ensured I was invested enough for maximum devastation and I’m all for it.
I can’t wait to see how bonds are tested and rules are broken in book 2.
August 8, 2025
Set in a dystopian world where people are tattooed with two playing cards at birth, the Chaser Corps exists to manage overpopulation by exterminating anyone deemed ‘unworthy’. This includes those who are chronically ill, homeless and have committed even the pettiest of crimes, as well as those whose cards are picked in the annual draw.
Margot lives with chronic Lyme Disease which has to be kept secret to avoid extermination. Her twin brother Ren, and her best friend Eddie, would do anything to keep her safe, leading them to strike a deal - Ren will join the Chaser Corps, while Eddie will risk of her life to become an illegal healer, aligning herself with the rebels. But as they dive deeper into their opposing roles and intricate web of lies, their fragile alliance is threatened.
The world building and morally grey characters were phenomenal! I loved the concept of the regime of this world - it was such a breath of fresh air and reminded me so much of my 2010s YA dystopian era ✌🏽The character arcs were just chefs kiss and I particularly enjoyed how the brother/sister sibling relationships were portrayed (anyone with this sibling relationship will know how much she nailed it 😅). I thought the dual POV was executed extremely well, and allowed for all the mysteries to be unravelled perfectly 👌🏽
My only criticism was that I had some issues with the pacing. Some of the sequences felt like they were dragging a bit, while others flew by way too quickly. There were also a few plot holes and typos, but these were all relatively minor (I’m essentially nitpicking).
There needs to be much more hype for this 4.25⭐️ indie YA dystopian! It’s such a hidden gem, and I cannot wait to devour the rest of this trilogy 😩
Thank you, Lost Island Press, for my digital copy 💌
Margot lives with chronic Lyme Disease which has to be kept secret to avoid extermination. Her twin brother Ren, and her best friend Eddie, would do anything to keep her safe, leading them to strike a deal - Ren will join the Chaser Corps, while Eddie will risk of her life to become an illegal healer, aligning herself with the rebels. But as they dive deeper into their opposing roles and intricate web of lies, their fragile alliance is threatened.
The world building and morally grey characters were phenomenal! I loved the concept of the regime of this world - it was such a breath of fresh air and reminded me so much of my 2010s YA dystopian era ✌🏽The character arcs were just chefs kiss and I particularly enjoyed how the brother/sister sibling relationships were portrayed (anyone with this sibling relationship will know how much she nailed it 😅). I thought the dual POV was executed extremely well, and allowed for all the mysteries to be unravelled perfectly 👌🏽
My only criticism was that I had some issues with the pacing. Some of the sequences felt like they were dragging a bit, while others flew by way too quickly. There were also a few plot holes and typos, but these were all relatively minor (I’m essentially nitpicking).
There needs to be much more hype for this 4.25⭐️ indie YA dystopian! It’s such a hidden gem, and I cannot wait to devour the rest of this trilogy 😩
Thank you, Lost Island Press, for my digital copy 💌
April 4, 2025
so refreshing to read some good quality writing. also team ren
July 10, 2023
Lone Player is a great read. The premise is engaging and the tension between characters kept me coming back for more.
There were some things that I wish we got more of, and some dots that weren’t connected. These things took me out of the story when I came across them, but they didn’t detract from the overall book.
Some of these included:
If there are mics in the house, how can Cedar mention the Undergrounders during one of his visits to Eddie?
How did Eddie and Cedar whisper to each other while hiding from someone who was feet away?
What, precisely, are the Nightjade laws, like let me read the actual laws
How did the Presidency come to be this group of people, how do they get into office? I just want a more detailed history lesson, a la Hunger Games, so I’m more immersed in the world.
In the end, though, the pacing was perfect, the characters were engaging, and I just really enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to more. Thank you to Lost Island for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
There were some things that I wish we got more of, and some dots that weren’t connected. These things took me out of the story when I came across them, but they didn’t detract from the overall book.
Some of these included:
If there are mics in the house, how can Cedar mention the Undergrounders during one of his visits to Eddie?
How did Eddie and Cedar whisper to each other while hiding from someone who was feet away?
What, precisely, are the Nightjade laws, like let me read the actual laws
How did the Presidency come to be this group of people, how do they get into office? I just want a more detailed history lesson, a la Hunger Games, so I’m more immersed in the world.
In the end, though, the pacing was perfect, the characters were engaging, and I just really enjoyed the book. I’m looking forward to more. Thank you to Lost Island for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and wow, what a ride!!
Right from the get-go, this book had me hooked. I think it was a mix of the writing style - which was extremely absorbing - and the characters, who felt so real that I genuinely found myself getting anxious whenever they got into danger - a sort of attatchement that I haven't felt for fictional characters for a long, long time!!!
I loved the dynamic of Ren, Margot, and Eddie. I loved that they constantly made mistakes and had plenty of flaws, while still being likeable... Sadly another thing I do not see very often in new books anymore.
The plot keeped me hooked and there were plenty of twists throughtout it. The ending was satasfying. Probably the only thing I would tweak was that the plot took a little too long for me to set the scene before the real action started.
Apart from that, I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly reccomened!!
Right from the get-go, this book had me hooked. I think it was a mix of the writing style - which was extremely absorbing - and the characters, who felt so real that I genuinely found myself getting anxious whenever they got into danger - a sort of attatchement that I haven't felt for fictional characters for a long, long time!!!
I loved the dynamic of Ren, Margot, and Eddie. I loved that they constantly made mistakes and had plenty of flaws, while still being likeable... Sadly another thing I do not see very often in new books anymore.
The plot keeped me hooked and there were plenty of twists throughtout it. The ending was satasfying. Probably the only thing I would tweak was that the plot took a little too long for me to set the scene before the real action started.
Apart from that, I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly reccomened!!
February 15, 2025
Lone Player had me at the edge of my seat the entire time, fully immersed in the unique dystopian world Julia Rosemary Turk has created. The book caught my interest from its witty banter and layered emotional themes. The main characters, Ren and Eddie, are full of depth and rich internal monologue. I enjoyed (and perhaps spent more than a few late nights) reading about the rollercoaster full of twists and turns that is their relationship. And the ending line! It hit even harder after the hope and love that was built up in the previous chapters. It was very well done, and it's emotional impact will no doubt to be addressed in book 2.
The dual POV was incredibly interesting. Sometimes I feel like having a dual POV doesn't add anything to the book, but Lone Player is the complete opposite. I don't think I would've connected with the story as much without being able to read both Ren and Eddie's thoughts and motivations as they each faced very different paths with the same goal of protecting Margot. I also liked the important representation of chronic Lyme disease through Margot's struggles and how far her friends and family were willing to go in order to protect her.
I liked everything about this book, from the dialogue, to descriptions of the setting and government, to how Eddie and Ren's emotions are described with such raw energy in each word. Eddie's fierceness and Ren's quiet strength made it even harder to watch them fall apart.
And the heartfelt scene in the cow field? It was so atmospheric and beautiful, the air filled with Ren and Eddie's shared secrets and the lies that hold them together. I need more moments like this!!
I also loved Eddie's connection and friendship with Cedar, and I'm excited to see how that is expanded upon in the second book. Their moments of sarcasm provided levity during tense scenes. And hello? Cedar's heartfelt speech to Eddie about making choices and saying that she can choose to play her own game literally filled me with so much warmth and hope, not only for Eddie and their world, but for ours as well.
I'm so glad I decided to read Lone Player, it's messages and writing style will stay with me long past its final pages and I'm incredibly exciting to read more books by Julia Rosemary Turk!
The dual POV was incredibly interesting. Sometimes I feel like having a dual POV doesn't add anything to the book, but Lone Player is the complete opposite. I don't think I would've connected with the story as much without being able to read both Ren and Eddie's thoughts and motivations as they each faced very different paths with the same goal of protecting Margot. I also liked the important representation of chronic Lyme disease through Margot's struggles and how far her friends and family were willing to go in order to protect her.
I liked everything about this book, from the dialogue, to descriptions of the setting and government, to how Eddie and Ren's emotions are described with such raw energy in each word. Eddie's fierceness and Ren's quiet strength made it even harder to watch them fall apart.
And the heartfelt scene in the cow field? It was so atmospheric and beautiful, the air filled with Ren and Eddie's shared secrets and the lies that hold them together. I need more moments like this!!
I also loved Eddie's connection and friendship with Cedar, and I'm excited to see how that is expanded upon in the second book. Their moments of sarcasm provided levity during tense scenes. And hello? Cedar's heartfelt speech to Eddie about making choices and saying that she can choose to play her own game literally filled me with so much warmth and hope, not only for Eddie and their world, but for ours as well.
"You can choose to play your own game," he says. "You don't have to play by their rules. Even if it feels like you're playing all by yourself."
I'm so glad I decided to read Lone Player, it's messages and writing style will stay with me long past its final pages and I'm incredibly exciting to read more books by Julia Rosemary Turk!
May 4, 2023
4.5/5 stars— thank you to Lost Island Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I went into Lone Player knowing close to nothing. I really hoped I’d love it, and this book did not disappoint! I truly adore this novel, and I’m already dying for the next book in this trilogy.
I’ll start with this: Lone Player is definitely a debut novel, but it’s one of the best debuts I’ve read.
The plot is intriguing, and immediately hooked me with the focus on sibling bonds and platonic relationships instead of romance. While romance is still prevalent, it doesn’t take away from the main bonds that are intended to be highlighted, which I really appreciated. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or the Scythe trilogy, you’ll love this book.
The writing is very fluid and reads well! There are some minor grammatical errors when it comes to dialogue (I’m aware I received an ARC so these may be changed!) but honestly I don’t think those take away from a book, as I’m reading for the story, not the punctuation. At times it felt very poetic, which I’m a huge fan of. The writing was also very sensual; there were several scenes that made me really feel what was going on and it immersed me into the story.
THE CHARACTERS. UGHH I LOVE THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK SO MUCH. The characters and their dynamics are SO GOOD, from the complicated enemies to lovers romance to the platonic bonds that made me grin. I’ll start with the fmc, Lavender Voclain, who goes by Eddie. Eddie isn’t your typical badass warrior, but she’s also not one of the weak, cowardly female protagonists I see (and don’t really enjoy). She’s a solid mix of both fear and inner strength, and her struggles with her own mind are very real and relatable. Eddie was a breath of fresh air after reading so many fmcs that are so one-dimensional, because that girl has LAYERS. I was proud of her journey and I’m rooting for her always. As for the mmc, Ren, I admit I did have a harder time connecting with him. His development felt a little wild and sporadic, but I did understand his motives and I felt for him throughout the course of the novel. He’s a fighter, that’s for sure, and has a burning desire to help the people he cares for, which is very admirable.
…and then there’s Cedar. I. Love. Cedar. I need more characters like Cedar in books. He’s such a natural character with dialogue that feels so simply human. His personality is unique, that blend that readers love—a harsh, unforgiving exterior, but with the softest side hidden within once you study him closer. His sarcasm is the best form of comedy in this dark dystopian world, and he helped bring the mood up as well as enforce the serious mood in crucial moments. Cedar is the PERFECT character in Lone Player because he adds so much to the story. His friendship with Eddie is so fun; their banter made me giggle several times. There are several more characters who I know I’ll love in the future, and I hope I get to see more of everyone further in the trilogy. I could talk about Cedar for hours but I’ll move on.
Minor spoilers ahead for the romance <3
The romance! It wasn’t bad but it was my least favorite part of the book. Eddie and Ren’s romantic development felt more based on their traumatic experiences together instead of their actual feelings, so more like a trauma bond—which was hinted at throughout the story, so when the slow burn finally caught on fire I was a little surprised. I’m not sure if their romantic relationship will be discussed in more length in the next two books, but I really hope so, because right now I don’t feel enough of a true love between them to root for them :( I love both of their characters individually, but them as a romantic pair is still something I’m a little on the fence about.
I felt that some things were a little repetitive, like some scenes, recurring thoughts, and phrases. Again, not anything that takes a lot away from the story, but just little critiques.
Overall, Lone Player is a great debut novel from a promising young author. Julia shows her budding talent in this novel, and I can’t wait to follow and support her on her writing journey!
I went into Lone Player knowing close to nothing. I really hoped I’d love it, and this book did not disappoint! I truly adore this novel, and I’m already dying for the next book in this trilogy.
I’ll start with this: Lone Player is definitely a debut novel, but it’s one of the best debuts I’ve read.
The plot is intriguing, and immediately hooked me with the focus on sibling bonds and platonic relationships instead of romance. While romance is still prevalent, it doesn’t take away from the main bonds that are intended to be highlighted, which I really appreciated. If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or the Scythe trilogy, you’ll love this book.
The writing is very fluid and reads well! There are some minor grammatical errors when it comes to dialogue (I’m aware I received an ARC so these may be changed!) but honestly I don’t think those take away from a book, as I’m reading for the story, not the punctuation. At times it felt very poetic, which I’m a huge fan of. The writing was also very sensual; there were several scenes that made me really feel what was going on and it immersed me into the story.
THE CHARACTERS. UGHH I LOVE THE CHARACTERS IN THIS BOOK SO MUCH. The characters and their dynamics are SO GOOD, from the complicated enemies to lovers romance to the platonic bonds that made me grin. I’ll start with the fmc, Lavender Voclain, who goes by Eddie. Eddie isn’t your typical badass warrior, but she’s also not one of the weak, cowardly female protagonists I see (and don’t really enjoy). She’s a solid mix of both fear and inner strength, and her struggles with her own mind are very real and relatable. Eddie was a breath of fresh air after reading so many fmcs that are so one-dimensional, because that girl has LAYERS. I was proud of her journey and I’m rooting for her always. As for the mmc, Ren, I admit I did have a harder time connecting with him. His development felt a little wild and sporadic, but I did understand his motives and I felt for him throughout the course of the novel. He’s a fighter, that’s for sure, and has a burning desire to help the people he cares for, which is very admirable.
…and then there’s Cedar. I. Love. Cedar. I need more characters like Cedar in books. He’s such a natural character with dialogue that feels so simply human. His personality is unique, that blend that readers love—a harsh, unforgiving exterior, but with the softest side hidden within once you study him closer. His sarcasm is the best form of comedy in this dark dystopian world, and he helped bring the mood up as well as enforce the serious mood in crucial moments. Cedar is the PERFECT character in Lone Player because he adds so much to the story. His friendship with Eddie is so fun; their banter made me giggle several times. There are several more characters who I know I’ll love in the future, and I hope I get to see more of everyone further in the trilogy. I could talk about Cedar for hours but I’ll move on.
Minor spoilers ahead for the romance <3
The romance! It wasn’t bad but it was my least favorite part of the book. Eddie and Ren’s romantic development felt more based on their traumatic experiences together instead of their actual feelings, so more like a trauma bond—which was hinted at throughout the story, so when the slow burn finally caught on fire I was a little surprised. I’m not sure if their romantic relationship will be discussed in more length in the next two books, but I really hope so, because right now I don’t feel enough of a true love between them to root for them :( I love both of their characters individually, but them as a romantic pair is still something I’m a little on the fence about.
I felt that some things were a little repetitive, like some scenes, recurring thoughts, and phrases. Again, not anything that takes a lot away from the story, but just little critiques.
Overall, Lone Player is a great debut novel from a promising young author. Julia shows her budding talent in this novel, and I can’t wait to follow and support her on her writing journey!
October 19, 2023
First of all, I would like to thank Julia Rosemary Turk and Lost Island Press for letting me read and review an ARC version of Lone Player.
The story takes place in a futuristic, dystopian world suffering from overpopulation and a major lack of resources. By enforcing the Nightjade Order, the US is the only country in which people have access to everything they need. Regretfully, this comes at a great cost; many people have to die, and because of this most of the country’s population lives in a constant state of fear.
At the beginning of the book we get to know Lavender “Eddie” Voclain and Ren McLellan; the story’s main characters. Despite their differences and mutual hatred towards the other, they’re forced to work together to achieve their common goal; protecting their beloved Margot. Ren’s sister - and Eddie’s best friend - is chronically ill, which is against the laws of the Nightjade Order, and therefore threatening her life. By following the system, Ren and Eddie can protect Margot from the laws, but by defying it they can try to improve her health. What will they choose to do, and will their cooperation work out?
I like the story, it’s really good. It’s intriguing and nerve wracking right from the start and never gets boring. The characters are rounded and explored to the fullest, plot twists were good, peaks in action were amazing and details were well planned.
The only thing I can think of addressing is the internal dialogue, which sometimes became a little excessive and repetitive, in my opinion. It wasn’t bad, and probably something most people won’t mind, but I thought I’d mention it. Other than that, the book is really good, and I give it 4.5-5 stars. I can’t wait to read the finished versions of the next books in the trilogy.
The story takes place in a futuristic, dystopian world suffering from overpopulation and a major lack of resources. By enforcing the Nightjade Order, the US is the only country in which people have access to everything they need. Regretfully, this comes at a great cost; many people have to die, and because of this most of the country’s population lives in a constant state of fear.
At the beginning of the book we get to know Lavender “Eddie” Voclain and Ren McLellan; the story’s main characters. Despite their differences and mutual hatred towards the other, they’re forced to work together to achieve their common goal; protecting their beloved Margot. Ren’s sister - and Eddie’s best friend - is chronically ill, which is against the laws of the Nightjade Order, and therefore threatening her life. By following the system, Ren and Eddie can protect Margot from the laws, but by defying it they can try to improve her health. What will they choose to do, and will their cooperation work out?
I like the story, it’s really good. It’s intriguing and nerve wracking right from the start and never gets boring. The characters are rounded and explored to the fullest, plot twists were good, peaks in action were amazing and details were well planned.
The only thing I can think of addressing is the internal dialogue, which sometimes became a little excessive and repetitive, in my opinion. It wasn’t bad, and probably something most people won’t mind, but I thought I’d mention it. Other than that, the book is really good, and I give it 4.5-5 stars. I can’t wait to read the finished versions of the next books in the trilogy.
December 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Can I add more than 5 stars?? Because 5 doesn't come close enough
________________________________________________
I have so many thoughts, not enough time, too little words to string together to try to speak.
This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE. From the very beginning I was hooked, and it kept a tight hold on me down to the very last sentence. Julia has brought me back from a reading slump with this book and reminded me of why I write my own books, and why I can't leave my current novel unfinished. So I thank her and Lone Player for pulling me out and keeping me afloat. I looked forward to every day getting to read this and gave me a reason to be excited to make it through another day. Because come nighttime, I would get to return to a world of words I now call a home. In the late hours it kept me company, and in rough spots it held me close. Now I'll say I just about broke my back from sitting for so long in the strangest positions because I tend to become a contortionist when I'm fully into a book, pulling out the wildest positions to sit in, and I was thoroughly beaten to bits by some parts of the book (devastation in the purest most beautiful of ways) but I loved every single part of it. And the back pain is one hundred percent worth it. The characters felt real and raw in a way I hadn't felt with another author's writing in quite some time aside from the Arc of a Scythe series. Speaking of which, is probably why I enjoyed this so much for it to rival a close second to said series. If you enjoyed AOAS, you'd love Lone Player too.
I have plenty more to say that I will return to finish expressing, however it is far too late for me to say much more.
To sum it up, this book was one of the best I've read. I'm not one to reread often, but I will come back to this and read it over and over until the words are burned into my eyelids. Characters, incredible. Story, just as amazing. Plot? Perfectly done in a way you can piece things together but it doesn't ruin it like other books have the tendency to do. Lone Player has become a book I will recommend to anyone and everyone, and likely be the first I mention when giving recommendations.
So with that, I highly recommend you pick this masterpiece up <3
________________________________________________
I have so many thoughts, not enough time, too little words to string together to try to speak.
This book was absolutely INCREDIBLE. From the very beginning I was hooked, and it kept a tight hold on me down to the very last sentence. Julia has brought me back from a reading slump with this book and reminded me of why I write my own books, and why I can't leave my current novel unfinished. So I thank her and Lone Player for pulling me out and keeping me afloat. I looked forward to every day getting to read this and gave me a reason to be excited to make it through another day. Because come nighttime, I would get to return to a world of words I now call a home. In the late hours it kept me company, and in rough spots it held me close. Now I'll say I just about broke my back from sitting for so long in the strangest positions because I tend to become a contortionist when I'm fully into a book, pulling out the wildest positions to sit in, and I was thoroughly beaten to bits by some parts of the book (devastation in the purest most beautiful of ways) but I loved every single part of it. And the back pain is one hundred percent worth it. The characters felt real and raw in a way I hadn't felt with another author's writing in quite some time aside from the Arc of a Scythe series. Speaking of which, is probably why I enjoyed this so much for it to rival a close second to said series. If you enjoyed AOAS, you'd love Lone Player too.
I have plenty more to say that I will return to finish expressing, however it is far too late for me to say much more.
To sum it up, this book was one of the best I've read. I'm not one to reread often, but I will come back to this and read it over and over until the words are burned into my eyelids. Characters, incredible. Story, just as amazing. Plot? Perfectly done in a way you can piece things together but it doesn't ruin it like other books have the tendency to do. Lone Player has become a book I will recommend to anyone and everyone, and likely be the first I mention when giving recommendations.
So with that, I highly recommend you pick this masterpiece up <3
May 25, 2024
Your game or theirs?
Very brutal, almost sickening at some points, "Lone Player" will leave you with a lot of questions about morality.
In a world where people are left with the bare minimum and constantly surveilled, Julia walks us in the shoes of its characters, their past, hardships, traumas and how they respond to the cruelty of the world they live in.
The philosophy of the people in charge is that who are not physically fit, are not worthy of consuming resources, because they are not useful to the society.
The story follows two main characters, Ren and Eddie, that have to survive in a dystopian world where overpopulation and scarcity of resources are dealt with The Pick.
Their paths are woven together in a journey of growth and confrontation, even when they choose opposite directions to rebel against their fate and save the people they love.
The first part was slower than the rest of the book and it could have used more world building, because the dynamics of this dystopian world are not very clear in the book.
Aside from that, the second half of the book was not only brutal and soul crushing but was also quick phased with a lot of action, which I enjoyed a lot.
For a debut novel, I believe this has a lot of potential, reminding me of a mix between the 1984 novel by Orwell and the Hunger Games.
I really enjoyed the prologue because it leaves you with a bitter taste of blood, and builds up tension that is gradually reached later in the novel. The book ends in a cliffhanger but gives enough satisfaction to the reader plot wise.
I can’t imagine what awaits in the next books but Lone Player was a very exciting read with a nice enemies to lovers plot that grows with the unfolding of the story. Will leave you questioning moral themes about life, death and what it means to survive, even when you have lost every reason to live.
Very brutal, almost sickening at some points, "Lone Player" will leave you with a lot of questions about morality.
In a world where people are left with the bare minimum and constantly surveilled, Julia walks us in the shoes of its characters, their past, hardships, traumas and how they respond to the cruelty of the world they live in.
The philosophy of the people in charge is that who are not physically fit, are not worthy of consuming resources, because they are not useful to the society.
The story follows two main characters, Ren and Eddie, that have to survive in a dystopian world where overpopulation and scarcity of resources are dealt with The Pick.
Their paths are woven together in a journey of growth and confrontation, even when they choose opposite directions to rebel against their fate and save the people they love.
The first part was slower than the rest of the book and it could have used more world building, because the dynamics of this dystopian world are not very clear in the book.
Aside from that, the second half of the book was not only brutal and soul crushing but was also quick phased with a lot of action, which I enjoyed a lot.
For a debut novel, I believe this has a lot of potential, reminding me of a mix between the 1984 novel by Orwell and the Hunger Games.
I really enjoyed the prologue because it leaves you with a bitter taste of blood, and builds up tension that is gradually reached later in the novel. The book ends in a cliffhanger but gives enough satisfaction to the reader plot wise.
I can’t imagine what awaits in the next books but Lone Player was a very exciting read with a nice enemies to lovers plot that grows with the unfolding of the story. Will leave you questioning moral themes about life, death and what it means to survive, even when you have lost every reason to live.
September 21, 2024
If you're looking for a dystopian vibe, check this out. I'm extremely impressed that this is her debut novel and I'm heading straight for book #2. There was a few "slower" moments but it was really well done and left me interested the whole time.
October 11, 2025
Thank you for the copy of this book!
The first chapter had me hooked! I absolutely loved the premise, it pulled me in right away.
The story switches between two POVs, which I found really refreshing. Ren’s chapters were my favorite; I could literally feel my heartbeat rise every time I read from his perspective. Eddie’s POV was fun too, a bit more relaxed, even though her stakes were just as high.
I did find the whole “microphones and cameras in the houses” aspect a bit off, especially since it felt like the characters got away with too much considering the surveillance. I imagined that maybe the microphones only picked up on certain words, but it still felt suspicious. I think it would’ve made more sense if the story explained that only outdoor spaces or official buildings were bugged.
The world itself is beautifully crafted, very dystopian, giving off definite Hunger Games vibes. I wouldn’t compare the two books directly, since they’re quite different, but they evoke a similar atmosphere.
The stakes are high, and I loved that. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
The first chapter had me hooked! I absolutely loved the premise, it pulled me in right away.
The story switches between two POVs, which I found really refreshing. Ren’s chapters were my favorite; I could literally feel my heartbeat rise every time I read from his perspective. Eddie’s POV was fun too, a bit more relaxed, even though her stakes were just as high.
I did find the whole “microphones and cameras in the houses” aspect a bit off, especially since it felt like the characters got away with too much considering the surveillance. I imagined that maybe the microphones only picked up on certain words, but it still felt suspicious. I think it would’ve made more sense if the story explained that only outdoor spaces or official buildings were bugged.
The world itself is beautifully crafted, very dystopian, giving off definite Hunger Games vibes. I wouldn’t compare the two books directly, since they’re quite different, but they evoke a similar atmosphere.
The stakes are high, and I loved that. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
July 17, 2025
This was a rather unique dystopian in its setting, which feels eerily contemporary by starting in a quiet suburban neighborhood. It makes the dystopian elements all the more frightening. The population control may seem extreme, but the ideology behind it and how the characters are conditioned to accept everything blindly certainly doesn’t feel too far fetched. I loved the disability rage.
I can tell the author put so much of herself into the story and I love that. However, this book is very long and I felt like a lot of the detail could have been pared down. The plot is also very twisty and there seems to be some sort of emotional breakdown or revelation at the end of every chapter. This certainly keeps things suspenseful, however I did get a little confused trying to remember all the motivations and information. Some things felt a little repetitive. But to be fair, I did read this complex book over a several month long period, so my memory wasn’t the greatest.
If you like YA dystopian, twisty plots, and moral ambiguity/questioning, this might be an interesting read for you.
I can tell the author put so much of herself into the story and I love that. However, this book is very long and I felt like a lot of the detail could have been pared down. The plot is also very twisty and there seems to be some sort of emotional breakdown or revelation at the end of every chapter. This certainly keeps things suspenseful, however I did get a little confused trying to remember all the motivations and information. Some things felt a little repetitive. But to be fair, I did read this complex book over a several month long period, so my memory wasn’t the greatest.
If you like YA dystopian, twisty plots, and moral ambiguity/questioning, this might be an interesting read for you.
January 21, 2024
|| *some spoilers ||
*I received a free copy from Lost Island Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a writer/aspiring author, I never like it when I have to give a 3-star review to a novel. Of course, reviews are rightfully subjective to a reader, but I always really want to cheer an author on in their work.
So, first up:
THIS BOOK'S STRENGTHS:
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Eddie, Ren, and Aaron's dialogue was very entertaining to read, and I always like it when conversations are fun and snappy. Oh, and Margot- wow, that midpoint was intense!
Another note about the midpoint, I thought it was cool and unique that The Pick took place during the middle instead of pulling a Hunger Games and putting it at the beginning. The playing cards element was also neat, and I liked how Turk included all the Yesterday objects. It gave the worldbuilding an intriguing feel.
Also, that cover is GORGEOUS. I absolutely love it. The graphics and shiny gold is just perfection.
PERSONAL CRITIQUES
When receiving my copy, BookFunnel showed that this novel was 200,000 words. That is MASSIVE for a YA book. For a book in general. I really, really think this story could've been so much stronger if the author had cut 80-100K. A lot of the cutting would probably be in line edits, too- just snipping extra sentences and overt description. The characters had a pretty strong basis, the worldbuilding elements were unique, and the storyline wasn't bad. It's just all that extra prose was too much for me.
I'm a sucker for writing emotions and thoughts. It's one of my FAVORITE parts of drafting. Diving into their internal character is just so much fun and really enjoyable. But I think Lone Player had too much angst. Yes, they were going through some pretty horrible things, but Ren's logic after The Pick didn't fully make sense to me. He hated Eddie so much, but it more made me think, "You'd really turn on her this easily?"
Towards the beginning of LP, Eddie loathed Ren. This was also kinda nonsensical. It made me wonder, "Why do you hate him so much? Just because he annoys you?" Honestly, Ren had a lot stronger reason to hate Eddie (before The Pick) because of what she did to Margot when they were little.
Ren's romantic POV was kind of cringy to me. But that could be because I might be morphing out of YA romance storylines. I read another YA romance the other day and thought the guy's romantic thoughts were cringy there, too.
SUMMARY OF THOUGHTS
Lone Player had a good basis, but it just needed additional editing and reworking- more on a prose/writing level than story development. It'll be interesting to see what else happens in the trilogy, and I'm also looking forward to seeing the sequel's cover!
Thank you Lost Island Press for my review copy!
*I received a free copy from Lost Island Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As a writer/aspiring author, I never like it when I have to give a 3-star review to a novel. Of course, reviews are rightfully subjective to a reader, but I always really want to cheer an author on in their work.
So, first up:
THIS BOOK'S STRENGTHS:
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Eddie, Ren, and Aaron's dialogue was very entertaining to read, and I always like it when conversations are fun and snappy. Oh, and Margot- wow, that midpoint was intense!
Another note about the midpoint, I thought it was cool and unique that The Pick took place during the middle instead of pulling a Hunger Games and putting it at the beginning. The playing cards element was also neat, and I liked how Turk included all the Yesterday objects. It gave the worldbuilding an intriguing feel.
Also, that cover is GORGEOUS. I absolutely love it. The graphics and shiny gold is just perfection.
PERSONAL CRITIQUES
When receiving my copy, BookFunnel showed that this novel was 200,000 words. That is MASSIVE for a YA book. For a book in general. I really, really think this story could've been so much stronger if the author had cut 80-100K. A lot of the cutting would probably be in line edits, too- just snipping extra sentences and overt description. The characters had a pretty strong basis, the worldbuilding elements were unique, and the storyline wasn't bad. It's just all that extra prose was too much for me.
I'm a sucker for writing emotions and thoughts. It's one of my FAVORITE parts of drafting. Diving into their internal character is just so much fun and really enjoyable. But I think Lone Player had too much angst. Yes, they were going through some pretty horrible things, but Ren's logic after The Pick didn't fully make sense to me. He hated Eddie so much, but it more made me think, "You'd really turn on her this easily?"
Towards the beginning of LP, Eddie loathed Ren. This was also kinda nonsensical. It made me wonder, "Why do you hate him so much? Just because he annoys you?" Honestly, Ren had a lot stronger reason to hate Eddie (before The Pick) because of what she did to Margot when they were little.
Ren's romantic POV was kind of cringy to me. But that could be because I might be morphing out of YA romance storylines. I read another YA romance the other day and thought the guy's romantic thoughts were cringy there, too.
SUMMARY OF THOUGHTS
Lone Player had a good basis, but it just needed additional editing and reworking- more on a prose/writing level than story development. It'll be interesting to see what else happens in the trilogy, and I'm also looking forward to seeing the sequel's cover!
Thank you Lost Island Press for my review copy!
September 21, 2023
Lone Player is a solid debut by author Julia Rosemary Turk that follows two characters Ren and Eddie/Lavender and the morally gray choices they must make in order to survive in a world where the playing tattoos they are given at birth could mean life or death.
This book gave me the same feelings I got from the dystopians I read in high school. The characters were very well-developed considering this manuscript was drafted in 28 days, and then published. The world was very interesting and touched on aspects of morality and life/death and how we, as a society, determine worth of human life.
Eddie's sarcasm and humor was definitely one of my favorite aspects, and her banter with Aaron was top tier.
Although I personally felt that some of the fights/revenge plots were lower stakes, it works. Not everything has to be a giant explosion of action all the time.
I personally feel as though the Ren and Eddie love storyline was not the most compelling one I've read in YA books. I would've liked to have seen it explored on more/more fleshed out than just going under the assumption they were in love because they had known each other for so long, but still, it was fun to read about. It just kind of felt forced a little and I feel as though it either would've been better as them finding a way to be friends again OR if there was a love triangle aspect between her, Ren, and Aaron. Maybe this will be played upon or explored in book two.
I also wish the antagonist, Carmody had been explored more. Like his reasoning(s) for joining the Corps and his morality/emotions before he was killed off. That, and I felt as though his drive for revenge towards Eddie was kind of lackluster. Sure, sand in the eyes is painful, but it's not enough for me to want to kill somebody. He just came off as a Giga-Chad mostly, BUT I think he's also purposely written this way and it works for him.
The book was also kind of long, but that's just a personal preference. There were parts I felt could've been added in to a second book OR left out entirely, and there were instances of telling versus showing and repeating of characters pointing out things that had already been said or done in the paragraph before the dialogue.
All in all though, this is a solid debut, and I feel if Julia had had more time to write it/edit it/work with it, some things could've been expanded upon.
That being said, I am looking forward to the sequel!
This book gave me the same feelings I got from the dystopians I read in high school. The characters were very well-developed considering this manuscript was drafted in 28 days, and then published. The world was very interesting and touched on aspects of morality and life/death and how we, as a society, determine worth of human life.
Eddie's sarcasm and humor was definitely one of my favorite aspects, and her banter with Aaron was top tier.
Although I personally felt that some of the fights/revenge plots were lower stakes, it works. Not everything has to be a giant explosion of action all the time.
I personally feel as though the Ren and Eddie love storyline was not the most compelling one I've read in YA books. I would've liked to have seen it explored on more/more fleshed out than just going under the assumption they were in love because they had known each other for so long, but still, it was fun to read about. It just kind of felt forced a little and I feel as though it either would've been better as them finding a way to be friends again OR if there was a love triangle aspect between her, Ren, and Aaron. Maybe this will be played upon or explored in book two.
I also wish the antagonist, Carmody had been explored more. Like his reasoning(s) for joining the Corps and his morality/emotions before he was killed off. That, and I felt as though his drive for revenge towards Eddie was kind of lackluster. Sure, sand in the eyes is painful, but it's not enough for me to want to kill somebody. He just came off as a Giga-Chad mostly, BUT I think he's also purposely written this way and it works for him.
The book was also kind of long, but that's just a personal preference. There were parts I felt could've been added in to a second book OR left out entirely, and there were instances of telling versus showing and repeating of characters pointing out things that had already been said or done in the paragraph before the dialogue.
All in all though, this is a solid debut, and I feel if Julia had had more time to write it/edit it/work with it, some things could've been expanded upon.
That being said, I am looking forward to the sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2023
Lone Player" by Julia Rosemary Turk is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of a dystopian world governed by deception. Turk's skillful storytelling weaves an intricate web of lies, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth, leaving readers enthralled from beginning to end.
The characters in "Lone Player" are compelling and well-developed, each grappling with their own desires, fears, and moral dilemmas. Eddie's determination to become an illegal healer and her secret alliance with the rebels showcases her strength and resilience. Ren's conflicting emotions as he confronts his family's principles and embraces the Chaser Corps add depth to the story. The shared love for Margot forces Eddie and Ren to forge an unlikely alliance, leading them to confront their own doubts and question the world they inhabit.
Turk's prose is beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a society marked by playing card tattoos and an annual draw from a deck that determines life and death. The author's ability to balance emotional depth with a fast-paced plot keeps readers engaged, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth that lies at the heart of this gripping tale.
What sets "Lone Player" apart is its exploration of themes that resonate deeply. Sacrifice, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth are skillfully woven into the narrative, challenging readers to reflect on the cost of living in a world built on deception. As the story unfolds, tensions rise and unexpected twists keep readers guessing, ensuring that the book remains both thought-provoking and suspenseful until the very end.
As a debut novel, "Lone Player" showcases Julia Rosemary Turk's talent as a storyteller. Her ability to create relatable characters, deliver a compelling narrative, and challenge societal norms is commendable. Readers who appreciate dystopian fiction will find themselves captivated by the world Turk has crafted and eagerly anticipating her future works.
In conclusion, "Lone Player" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh take on dystopian fiction. Turk's masterful storytelling, well-developed characters, and exploration of themes make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. I highly recommend diving into this enthralling tale of lies, redemption, and the enduring power of truth
The characters in "Lone Player" are compelling and well-developed, each grappling with their own desires, fears, and moral dilemmas. Eddie's determination to become an illegal healer and her secret alliance with the rebels showcases her strength and resilience. Ren's conflicting emotions as he confronts his family's principles and embraces the Chaser Corps add depth to the story. The shared love for Margot forces Eddie and Ren to forge an unlikely alliance, leading them to confront their own doubts and question the world they inhabit.
Turk's prose is beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a society marked by playing card tattoos and an annual draw from a deck that determines life and death. The author's ability to balance emotional depth with a fast-paced plot keeps readers engaged, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth that lies at the heart of this gripping tale.
What sets "Lone Player" apart is its exploration of themes that resonate deeply. Sacrifice, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth are skillfully woven into the narrative, challenging readers to reflect on the cost of living in a world built on deception. As the story unfolds, tensions rise and unexpected twists keep readers guessing, ensuring that the book remains both thought-provoking and suspenseful until the very end.
As a debut novel, "Lone Player" showcases Julia Rosemary Turk's talent as a storyteller. Her ability to create relatable characters, deliver a compelling narrative, and challenge societal norms is commendable. Readers who appreciate dystopian fiction will find themselves captivated by the world Turk has crafted and eagerly anticipating her future works.
In conclusion, "Lone Player" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers a fresh take on dystopian fiction. Turk's masterful storytelling, well-developed characters, and exploration of themes make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. I highly recommend diving into this enthralling tale of lies, redemption, and the enduring power of truth
June 21, 2023
Thank you so much Julia Turk, Mel Torrefranca, and all of Lost Island Press for allowing to read this book not once - but twice! I was a beta reader for this novel and loved it so much that I applied to receive an ARC. It was so cool to see the changes and progress made within this book! And as expected, it did not disappoint!
The prologue drew me in and had me hooked from the very start! If you’re reading this Julia, I strive to write like you one day. The prose in Lone Player is not only beautiful but also fulfills its purpose. It gives the reader insight into each character’s thought process and depicts emotions thoughtfully.
There are a few typos or missing words that were in the ARC. Honestly for me it didn’t take away from the value of writing, seeing that it can be easily fixed, which is why I kept my rating at 5 stars.
I’ve seen some reviews say that the beginning of the novel was slow. I would agree, but I think these moments of peace and slowness were necessary for multiple reasons. Of course, it establishes relationships between characters, but it also works to establish a feeling of loss and grief later in the novel. Both the chaos and faster pace of events later on makes the characters grieve that time in their life where everything seemed slower and simpler.
Moving on to characters, I must say I absolutely loved the dynamic between all characters (For me, the dynamic between Eddie and Aaron will always triumph over all). Each character felt unique in their perspective and the relationships between all of them felt real and full of emotions. If you love books that pull on your heart strings, this is definitely for you!
As mentioned already, this book brought a lot of emotions. It brought happiness, grief, and page-turning anxiety. Lone Player largely deals with grief, which is made even more difficult by a government that treats death nonchalantly, claiming that murdering their citizens with a “fair” system is for the overall good of society.
In short, I adore this novel. I’ve read it twice and wouldn’t mind reading it again! I love the fact that Julia is bringing awareness and support to those with Lyme.
I can’t wait to see how the second installment has progressed! Thanks for reading! 💖
The prologue drew me in and had me hooked from the very start! If you’re reading this Julia, I strive to write like you one day. The prose in Lone Player is not only beautiful but also fulfills its purpose. It gives the reader insight into each character’s thought process and depicts emotions thoughtfully.
There are a few typos or missing words that were in the ARC. Honestly for me it didn’t take away from the value of writing, seeing that it can be easily fixed, which is why I kept my rating at 5 stars.
I’ve seen some reviews say that the beginning of the novel was slow. I would agree, but I think these moments of peace and slowness were necessary for multiple reasons. Of course, it establishes relationships between characters, but it also works to establish a feeling of loss and grief later in the novel. Both the chaos and faster pace of events later on makes the characters grieve that time in their life where everything seemed slower and simpler.
Moving on to characters, I must say I absolutely loved the dynamic between all characters (For me, the dynamic between Eddie and Aaron will always triumph over all). Each character felt unique in their perspective and the relationships between all of them felt real and full of emotions. If you love books that pull on your heart strings, this is definitely for you!
As mentioned already, this book brought a lot of emotions. It brought happiness, grief, and page-turning anxiety. Lone Player largely deals with grief, which is made even more difficult by a government that treats death nonchalantly, claiming that murdering their citizens with a “fair” system is for the overall good of society.
In short, I adore this novel. I’ve read it twice and wouldn’t mind reading it again! I love the fact that Julia is bringing awareness and support to those with Lyme.
I can’t wait to see how the second installment has progressed! Thanks for reading! 💖
December 27, 2024
Eddie and Ren both choose a different path in life to protect the one they love most. Their best friend and sister Margot, who suffers from chronic Lyme disease.
In a world where people get tattooed two playing cards on their wrists at birth. They all fear the Pick. Every year two cards get drawn and if your cards match those, you get exterminated. To avoid that destiny you can buy Immunity. The rulers are called the Presidency and they are determines their way in the right way to keep the population in check. The ones executing are the Chasers and becoming a Chaser means Immunity for you and your family. But there is a grouping that does not believe in this system, the Undergrounders. They distribute Yesterday medicine and want to overthrow the Presidency.
I am absolutely obsessed with this book!! The characters please😫 Cedar is probably everything to me and he deserves the entire world and more! I absolutely loved how both Ren and Eddie want to protect Margot that much that they both give up their entire lives in order to give her the life she deserves. And Margot is an absolute sweetheart and the chronic Lyme disease representation! There was a lot of character growth and character changes. I enjoyed seeing both Eddie and Ren grow in their personalities (or completely change up lol).
There was not a lot of romance, but to me it was the perfect amount! The plot was plotting and that is something I really enjoy over romance. At one point I just couldn’t stop reading because it was so exciting!!
Sadly, the book was a tad too long in my opinion. The beginning dragged a little bit, but that was completely made up for in the last 70% of the book. Also Ren and Eddie were a bit too similar making me have to check sometimes whose chapter I’m on.
But negative points aside, I immediately bought the second book and I cannot wait to start that one:) I’m really excited to see where it is going. Especially with how the book ended. Because HOW can you end a book like that and expect me to not immediately start the next one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
In a world where people get tattooed two playing cards on their wrists at birth. They all fear the Pick. Every year two cards get drawn and if your cards match those, you get exterminated. To avoid that destiny you can buy Immunity. The rulers are called the Presidency and they are determines their way in the right way to keep the population in check. The ones executing are the Chasers and becoming a Chaser means Immunity for you and your family. But there is a grouping that does not believe in this system, the Undergrounders. They distribute Yesterday medicine and want to overthrow the Presidency.
I am absolutely obsessed with this book!! The characters please😫 Cedar is probably everything to me and he deserves the entire world and more! I absolutely loved how both Ren and Eddie want to protect Margot that much that they both give up their entire lives in order to give her the life she deserves. And Margot is an absolute sweetheart and the chronic Lyme disease representation! There was a lot of character growth and character changes. I enjoyed seeing both Eddie and Ren grow in their personalities (or completely change up lol).
There was not a lot of romance, but to me it was the perfect amount! The plot was plotting and that is something I really enjoy over romance. At one point I just couldn’t stop reading because it was so exciting!!
Sadly, the book was a tad too long in my opinion. The beginning dragged a little bit, but that was completely made up for in the last 70% of the book. Also Ren and Eddie were a bit too similar making me have to check sometimes whose chapter I’m on.
But negative points aside, I immediately bought the second book and I cannot wait to start that one:) I’m really excited to see where it is going. Especially with how the book ended. Because HOW can you end a book like that and expect me to not immediately start the next one!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
May 10, 2023
I’ve been waiting for this book for months and I was beyond excited when I received an Advance Readers Copy of Lone Player. The book takes an impossible premise and makes me want to suspend my disbelief: population control in the form of a random draw, taking place once a year, from a deck of playing cards. I feel like someone has turned my middle school dystopian dream into an incredibly eloquent, nuanced novel.
Everyone in America has two playing cards tattooed on their arms, and if both of their cards are drawn by the government on New Year’s, they are exterminated. That’s about .03% of the population per year, which is crazy odds. You’d think it would be hard to make this seem plausible, but Julia Rosemary Turk genuinely wove such a compelling background and justification for the story that I found myself completely setting aside my skepticism and falling right into the story. The world-building is so much more complex than just the playing cards, as well. So much has changed in this dystopian America, and Turk slowly builds our understanding over the course of the novel, until I felt like I was living it myself.
Lavender (Eddie) and Ren are the two main characters, and I was shocked by how vivid they felt to me. Their personalities— and, frankly, all of the characters’ personalities— are well thought out and nuanced. Eddie and Ren both feel guilt and a sense of responsibility toward Margot, simultaneously blaming themselves for her struggles while also doing everything they can to make things easier. They live their lives walking on eggshells, and everything they do reflects that. There were a few moments where I wanted to yell at them for being so obtuse, but I couldn’t even blame them, because even their worst decisions were realistic for the characters they were.
Read more of my review on my blog, https://calculatedliterature.wordpres...
Everyone in America has two playing cards tattooed on their arms, and if both of their cards are drawn by the government on New Year’s, they are exterminated. That’s about .03% of the population per year, which is crazy odds. You’d think it would be hard to make this seem plausible, but Julia Rosemary Turk genuinely wove such a compelling background and justification for the story that I found myself completely setting aside my skepticism and falling right into the story. The world-building is so much more complex than just the playing cards, as well. So much has changed in this dystopian America, and Turk slowly builds our understanding over the course of the novel, until I felt like I was living it myself.
Lavender (Eddie) and Ren are the two main characters, and I was shocked by how vivid they felt to me. Their personalities— and, frankly, all of the characters’ personalities— are well thought out and nuanced. Eddie and Ren both feel guilt and a sense of responsibility toward Margot, simultaneously blaming themselves for her struggles while also doing everything they can to make things easier. They live their lives walking on eggshells, and everything they do reflects that. There were a few moments where I wanted to yell at them for being so obtuse, but I couldn’t even blame them, because even their worst decisions were realistic for the characters they were.
Read more of my review on my blog, https://calculatedliterature.wordpres...
May 31, 2023
Firstly, thank you to Julia & Lost Island Press for allowing me to be an ARC reader! I'll try to keep my review spoiler free!
Within the first few pages, this debut novel had me hooked. Julia's writing style flowed with so many different flavors. She managed to create a captivating dystopian world ― and not the ones that feel regurgitated, instead it had some nice twists that kept it fresh and original. The main character Eddie, or Lavender Voclain was my favorite. She wasn't just your normal badass female lead. She showed both fear and strength, and had moments where her struggles felt relatable. Its easy for female characters to become one-dimensional, but she was beautifully portrayed and at times poetic, in a good way. Ren took some time, but he's a fighter at heart and his desire to help the people he loves is the most notable trait of his character. The dynamic of Eddie, Ren and Margot was also a very relatable trio, full of mistakes all while still being entertaining ― they never felt forced or out of place. And there is romance, but the bonds between siblings and the platonic relationships brought on the most intriguing parts of the story.
Also shoutout to Cedar.
The story is mostly built on intertwining lies which make the characters more absorbing, because they play off of each other. It makes trust a commodity. It creates good tension and frustration for honesty. There are even points where this realization becomes part of certain characters.
This story delivered. It felt slow at some parts, and quick at others, but there are moments where my heart was ripped out, chewed, spit out and stepped on ― which is just a testament as to how easily you become invested in the characters.
Lone Player overall was an impressive debut novel. Julia definitely shined and I have no doubt she will continue to shine. With this just being the start of the trilogy, I am here for all of it and I can't wait to read more!
Within the first few pages, this debut novel had me hooked. Julia's writing style flowed with so many different flavors. She managed to create a captivating dystopian world ― and not the ones that feel regurgitated, instead it had some nice twists that kept it fresh and original. The main character Eddie, or Lavender Voclain was my favorite. She wasn't just your normal badass female lead. She showed both fear and strength, and had moments where her struggles felt relatable. Its easy for female characters to become one-dimensional, but she was beautifully portrayed and at times poetic, in a good way. Ren took some time, but he's a fighter at heart and his desire to help the people he loves is the most notable trait of his character. The dynamic of Eddie, Ren and Margot was also a very relatable trio, full of mistakes all while still being entertaining ― they never felt forced or out of place. And there is romance, but the bonds between siblings and the platonic relationships brought on the most intriguing parts of the story.
Also shoutout to Cedar.
The story is mostly built on intertwining lies which make the characters more absorbing, because they play off of each other. It makes trust a commodity. It creates good tension and frustration for honesty. There are even points where this realization becomes part of certain characters.
This story delivered. It felt slow at some parts, and quick at others, but there are moments where my heart was ripped out, chewed, spit out and stepped on ― which is just a testament as to how easily you become invested in the characters.
Lone Player overall was an impressive debut novel. Julia definitely shined and I have no doubt she will continue to shine. With this just being the start of the trilogy, I am here for all of it and I can't wait to read more!
July 28, 2023
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
***
Alright.
Let's get into this.
This was a DNF for me. I tried to get into it, but something about it never quite clicked. The premise is genuinely intriguing and I was looking forward to see what Turk brought us, but what I was hoping for was never quite there.
It's awfully heavy on the cliches, which, while I'm not entirely opposed to them, they have to be written well enough for me to enjoy them. But the writing in this felt a little... off. Not quite there. A little mechanical, a little formulaic. There were a lot of lines that clicked as classic cliches, but they're so overused that they didn't have the same impact.
The main character, Eddie, irritated me, which is probably why I couldn't finish it. I know characters aren't supposed to be perfect, and I prefer them flawed, but her dialogue annoyed me. Her relationship with Ren bothered me a lot because while normally I love a good enemies to lovers arc, but this one felt forced. There was no big connection that I was looking forward to and it fell flat.
There were also a lot of scenes that I feel like could have been cut entirely, especially in the beginning. It was slow and a little painful to trudge through and I lost interest after a while..
But if you don't take it too seriously, there are parts that are quite enjoyable. I tend to nitpick little details because one wrong move can take me out of scene completely, but if you go in without too much expectation and without examining the parts that felt off too much, it's not a bad read. It's not the style of book that I'm into currently, but if I read it five or six years ago, I would probably be all over it.
Thank you to Lost Island Press for giving me the chance of being an ARC reader!
***
Alright.
Let's get into this.
This was a DNF for me. I tried to get into it, but something about it never quite clicked. The premise is genuinely intriguing and I was looking forward to see what Turk brought us, but what I was hoping for was never quite there.
It's awfully heavy on the cliches, which, while I'm not entirely opposed to them, they have to be written well enough for me to enjoy them. But the writing in this felt a little... off. Not quite there. A little mechanical, a little formulaic. There were a lot of lines that clicked as classic cliches, but they're so overused that they didn't have the same impact.
The main character, Eddie, irritated me, which is probably why I couldn't finish it. I know characters aren't supposed to be perfect, and I prefer them flawed, but her dialogue annoyed me. Her relationship with Ren bothered me a lot because while normally I love a good enemies to lovers arc, but this one felt forced. There was no big connection that I was looking forward to and it fell flat.
There were also a lot of scenes that I feel like could have been cut entirely, especially in the beginning. It was slow and a little painful to trudge through and I lost interest after a while..
But if you don't take it too seriously, there are parts that are quite enjoyable. I tend to nitpick little details because one wrong move can take me out of scene completely, but if you go in without too much expectation and without examining the parts that felt off too much, it's not a bad read. It's not the style of book that I'm into currently, but if I read it five or six years ago, I would probably be all over it.
Thank you to Lost Island Press for giving me the chance of being an ARC reader!
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