The Sunshine Court (All for the Game) Paperback – April 27, 2024

When I found out that a new AFTG book was going to be coming out, I was so intrigued by what Jean’s story would entail, and looking forward to seeing this universe from a new set of eyes. Any expectation I had for this book were blown out of the water for me.I know for many people, Jean being the main protagonist of this new book was a major let-down. I didn’t feel the same, and I think that having Jean as a new protagonist was an amazing decision. While I would love more from the Foxes, I think the original trilogy gives plenty to chew on, and I don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed new content from them after so long the way I did the original books. By having a side character now become the protagonist, we get someone who’s close to the Foxes while at the same time being able to take the story in a new direction and see the feelings of other people in this world, which I feel makes this world feel richer than another Fox book would have. I don’t personally understand the argument that, because Jean and Jeremy were just side characters in the original book there’s nothing interesting to do with these characters, but to each their own on that front I suppose.Jean’s story was absolutely heartwrenching to read, and seeing his slow growth throughout this book was beautiful. His journey is far from over (considering there is at least one more book in this new series, potentially two though I don’t know for sure) so this book was inevitably going to be setting up a lot of things and not a lot of satisfying conclusions. Despite this, I never found myself feeling bored. Nora’s writing is both simple and captivating. She has the ability to drop the most gut wrenching lines in the most mundane of places, and personally I think this is a real strength of her writing. Her more simple wording makes the text easy to speed through, while also being able to have a lot of emotional punch at the same time. Jean’s inner dialogue was written in a different way compared to Neil in the first book, and the way his anxiety/flashbacks/dissociative moments were conveyed was very well executed.The new characters were a wonderful addition. The main trio who bond with Jean are all wonderful and I’m really looking forward to see more of their dynamic in future books, as well as how Jean will eventually fit into this once he allows himself to truly trust and be vulnerable with them. I’m especially excited to see more of Jeremy! This book was truly JEAN’s book but there’s a lot of hints to Jeremy’s backstory throughout this book and I’m very intrigued by him and who he is beneath the mask he puts on as captain of the sunshine court (ha book title!). I also thought the further revelations into the Ravens’ and their psyches was interesting. We’ve learned about the Ravens from both Neil and Kevin previously, but Jean adds another layer to the Nest through the depravity he suffered there, as well as insights from other characters. Seeing what the consequences of their loss to the Foxes in TKM was cool (?) to see.I have small gripes with the ending, as the last chapter happens quite fast and its events feel a tad bit out of place in a book that was so focused on Jean’s internal struggles, but because this is the first book in a series I anticipate my lingering questions from this will be answered going forward and it will make more sense once the series continues. I wish it had been a bit better integrated in the last few chapters, but I’m not going to elaborate more as I don’t want to include spoilers! Just something I feel the new to mention as it did stick out to me and linger in my mind once I finished as something that left me not entirely satisfied.TLDR this book was an incredible addition to the original books that I’m very much looking for to continuing as the series is finished. It’s a beautiful tale of appreciating the small things in the everyday that make life worth surviving, and growing into your own person even through horrible circumstances. I’m glad this is the version of these books where Jean survives, and I hope that people who loved the original books (especially those who were really hoping for andreil content in particular) will still give this book a chance even though it’s not the series extension they originally wanted. I think they will be pleasantly surprised.

I read this whole thing so fast.Some highlights of what I loved (spoilers):1) The difference in narration between Jeremy and Jean is so cool. Seeing what the other looks like from the outside... Incredible.2) Seeing Jean's struggle with his trauma, unlearning everything, coming to terms with his mistreatment and then also what that's doing to him. I don't think I ever had a real opinion about Jean from the other books, but seeing his whole thought process really makes him make sense.3) Cat and Laila. Omg fantastic couple. Also, the protectiveness that they feel for Jean? The lengths they would be willing to go to to help him???4) Jean counting small miracles like Renee told him to, and the things he adds to that list.5) A new perspective about Kevin... Very interesting to see the many facets of his character.6) Always nice to see Neil. Very fun to see him from the outside. Also, the fact that Jean started referring to Neil as Neil once he promised him that Riko was dead? Very interesting.6.5) Speaking of Neil, the kindness he showed Jean was incredible. I really like this platonic thing they've got going on. The only ones to truly understand each other.7) Learning about the extent of abuse inside the Nest... Wack.8) I really like that Jeremy is trying to help Jean and is using the only tactics he knows to work (that he got from Kevin). We gotta ease Jean through this.9) More info about Jeremy... And interesting guy with some secrets. Can't wait to see where that goes too10) LOVE the queer rep in the Trojans and how all the coaches are cool. V nice11) It is SO interesting to see what Jean cares about and doesn't. Interesting parallel, I think, with how Neil didn't want anyone to see his scars and required complete privacy and then Jean out here shirt off, no concern. "Don't worry, they won't affect my playing." Wowza.11.5) idk to me, Jean and Neil seem like two sides of the same coin. How interesting now to see Jean's perspective.12) How both the Trojans and Ravens are physically close as teams, but the contrast between the physicality of interactions... How the Ravens were harsh and unrelenting and angry vs the Trojans' softer affection and respect for privacy.13) Learning more about the paradox of how the close proximity of the Ravens all the time chafed yet how the Ravens don't know how to function alone. Jean being alone and not knowing what to do with it. How when both Kevin and Jean left the Nest, they immediately found someone to be their partner because they NEED one.I'm mostly rambling here, but I think this book is so cool and the character interactions are phenomenal. I'm very excited to see where Nora goes from here.