Title: Game
Author: Barry Lyga
First published April 16, 2013
520 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316125871 (ISBN10: 0316125873)
Rating: 4.23
Overview
In Game, the thrilling sequel to I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, Jazz Dent returns to solve another deadly case. When a detective from New York City seeks his help in catching a notorious killer known as the Hat-Dog Killer, Jazz can’t resist.
Together with his girlfriend Connie, they travel to the city that never sleeps to take on the challenge. But as they delve deeper into the killer’s twisted game, Jazz realizes that the stakes are higher than ever before.
With the police force on edge and the killer always one step ahead, can Jazz and Connie catch the culprit before it’s too late?
About the Author
Barry Lyga used to be obsessed with comic books but has since moved on. Despite being called a “YA rebel-author” by Kirkus, he doesn’t see the connection between the two.
As a child, people warned him that comics were bad for him, but he ignored them and ended up working in the industry for a decade. Now, he’s a full-time writer, which seems like the logical next step.
Lyga has written several books, with his first being published a while ago, and his latest just recently. His works cover a wide range of topics such as the consequences of child abuse, kids with superhuman abilities, and even serial killers.
It’s clear that he doesn’t like to stick to one theme.
Editoral Review
Barry Lyga’s Game is a thrilling and intense young adult novel that explores the twisted mind of a teenage serial killer. With a mix of suspense, horror, and psychological drama, the book is both captivating and disturbing, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Lyga is a skilled storyteller, well-known for his ability to craft dark and twisted tales that push the boundaries of traditional YA fiction. Game is no exception, as the book tackles the difficult subject of adolescent violence with unflinching honesty and brutal authenticity.
Set in modern-day New York City, the story follows seventeen-year-old Jazz Dent, the son of a notorious serial killer who is trying to live a normal life despite the darkness that runs in his family. When a new killer starts targeting his classmates, Jazz becomes obsessed with the case, using his knowledge of his father’s crimes to help the police track down the perpetrator.
As the game of cat and mouse intensifies, Jazz realizes that he may be more like his father than he ever imagined. Lyga’s writing is sharp and compelling, with a strong sense of pacing that keeps the story moving at a steady clip.
The characters are well-drawn and complex, with Jazz in particular standing out as a fascinating protagonist. His struggles with his own identity and his family’s legacy add depth and nuance to the story, making him a compelling and sympathetic figure despite his disturbing thoughts and actions.
While Game certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature is both thought-provoking and relevant. In a world where school shootings and other acts of senseless violence seem to be on the rise, the book is a timely reminder of the complexity of the issues at hand.
Lyga doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths that come with such a dark subject matter, but he also manages to infuse the story with moments of hope and humanity that prevent it from becoming too overwhelming. Overall, Game is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will appeal to readers who enjoy dark, psychological thrillers.
While it may not be appropriate for all audiences, it is a book that deserves to be taken seriously and discussed in a wider cultural context. Highly recommended.
