A review by avacole2005
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood

challenging mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

I was a little disappointed because I love Ali Hazelwood’s other books. I thought that the main character was poorly written honestly. It was giving very much “ I’m not like other girls” for a huge part of the beginning. It also felt like a complete copy of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix. I like that she made it to showcase the gender gap in chess but I don’t think she focused on it enough.