“It’s not the world that’s cruel. It’s the people in it.”

Summary

Neil Josten is the newest addition to the Palmetto State University Exy team. He’s short, he’s fast, he’s got a ton of potential—and he’s the runaway son of the murderous crime lord known as The Butcher.

Signing a contract with the PSU Foxes is the last thing a guy like Neil should do. The team is high profile and he doesn’t need sports crews broadcasting pictures of his face around the nation. His lies will hold up only so long under this kind of scrutiny and the truth will get him killed.

But Neil’s not the only one with secrets on the team. One of Neil’s new teammates is a friend from his old life, and Neil can’t walk away from him a second time. Neil has survived the last eight years by running. Maybe he’s finally found someone and something worth fighting for.

Review

4/5 stars

I found this book when I saw some epically beautiful fanart on Instagram (I would honestly not do that for this book because there are some EPIC spoilers). It was rich and vibrant and immediately caught my eye. I remember thinking to myself even if that book sucks it will be worth it to know who those characters are.

This book did not suck.

There were definitely some drawbacks and problems which I will mention later in the review, but ultimately it was a good book.

Plot: 4/5

Characters: 3.5/5

Writing: 2/5

“It’s about second chances, Neil. Second, third, fourth, whatever, as long as you get at least one more than what anyone else wanted to give you.”

I fell in love with Neil Josten the moment I felt his hands tremble in fear of his lies unraveling. He was unrefined and relatable and scared and so lovely. He was someone so changed by fear and I could understand that and I desperately wanted more for him. He had been kicked and beaten down till he felt worthless, and yet he could still feel hope.

And that gave me hope.

“Don’t look back, don’t slow down, and don’t trust anyone. Be anyone but himself, and never be anyone for too long.”

I have to address one thing though:

Sakavic’s writing is unpolished and could really really use a final edit. The storyline is lovely, the plot beautiful, the twists and turns unexpected. But Sakavic’s writing is very middle-school-ery. I feel almost detached from the story and characters sometimes. I wish the writing was more polished and refined, really putting me in the head of the reader.