Special thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books | Bloomsbury YA for the ARC copy they provided.
It’s Only a Game has the power to pull you in and make you want to stay. That is the first thing I need to note about this book. I immediately felt at home with the characters and in the setting. I wanted to build a nest in the story and just linger, even after the last word.
Despite being a thrillride from beginning to end, It’s Only a Game has the absolute best of found family and warmth, and once you experience that, you don’t want to leave. I can’t praise that sense of security hidden in these pages enough. Kelsea Yu did a marvelous job crafting a book that is at once homey and intensely gripping. I loved every moment of this read.
What else can I say about It’s Only a Game? The queer representation made my heart happy, and the sweet fur baby made me want to cuddle an animal that doesn’t even exist, while the main character’s backstory remains at once identifiable and terrifying.
All of that said, there is still the fact I learned more tidbits of game mechanics and interplay then what was already in my mental store, and enjoyed feeling like I was stepping into the world of Darkitect with the characters. Every part of It’s Only a Game fascinated and drew me in and drew me back. I had to take several breaks reading this book, due to life being life, but even during those pauses in mt read, I kept thinking about this book and wondering how it would end. I might be a bit late to the review party, given It’s Only a Game came out several days ago, but I don’t regret a single moment I spent reading this book.
I highly recommend for anyone who needs to see themself in a character gathering the courage to just be themself and be brave. I’m looking forward to whatever Kelsea Yu comes out with next.
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