Dangerous Play by Emma Kress

Release: August 3, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

A fierce team of girls takes back the night in this propulsive, electrifying, and high-stakes YA debut from Emma Kress

Zoe Alamandar has one goal: win the State Field Hockey Championships and earn a scholarship that will get her the hell out of Central New York. She and her co-captain Ava Cervantes have assembled a fierce team of dedicated girls who will work hard and play by the rules.

But after Zoe is sexually assaulted at a party, she finds a new goal: make sure no girl feels unsafe again. Zoe and her teammates decide to stop playing by the rules and take justice into their own hands. Soon, their suburban town has a team of superheroes meting out punishments, but one night of vigilantism may cost Zoe her team, the championship, her scholarship, and her future.

Perfect for fans who loved the female friendships of Jennifer Mathieu’s Moxie and the bite of Courtney Summer’s Sadie.

About the Author:

Emma Kress is a graduate of Vassar College, Columbia University’s Teachers College, and the Vermont College of Fine Arts’ Writing for Children and Young Adults MFA program. An educator of over 20 years,

Emma was a finalist for New York State Teacher of the Year in 2014. Before teaching, Emma worked in social services helping survivors of sexual assault. Now, she lives with her family in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Dangerous Play Review:

“Dangerous Play” is an exciting Young adult debut about a group of women who take matters into their own hands.

To begin with, I enjoyed the tale’s theme, on how at times, you need to be empowered and take a stand. Even though the story focuses on a strong female cast and encourages women to be strong and take action, I think this tale would resonate amongst anyone (irrespective of their gender) who is pushed to a corner and harassed.

I liked Zoe in the role and thought the author wrote her in many layers. I enjoyed her conflicting relation with Ava and Dylan and how she reacts to the situation. The entire team, whether it be Liv, Ava, or Nikki, are lovely together. I loved the scenes where they plan on getting back at people like Kups, Jamison, and Reilly. Moreover, the author wrote the romance between Zoe and Grove nicely, without making it sidetrack from the plot.

Secondly, I thought the author did a fabulous job in this book being her debut novel. She writes perfectly for the young adult genre and includes a bit of everything. We have some thrilling moments like when they go to the cemetery or action-packed scenes when they decide to get a gun.

Moreover, the author also portrays both sides by showing the repercussions the protagonist faces when they realize they might have gone too far. The subject matter makes you ponder how far is too far before you start abusing your power.

Overall, I enjoyed “Dangerous Play” and look forward to reading many more books by the author in the future.

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of DANGEROUS PLAY, US ONLY.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dangerous Play by Emma Kress Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!