Ali Hazelwood has written her best novel yet with her latest release, “Check and Mate.” 

As her first book in the young adult genre, this work is shorter than all her others; however, it holds all the same appeal. 

The book follows Mallory Greenleaf, a young woman who, scarred by the destructive force of chess in her family’s life, has sworn off the game. Her focus is on being the pillar of support for her mother and two sisters and navigating a mundane job that barely keeps the lights on. However, fate has other plans, thrusting her back into the chess world to face off against the notorious “Kingkiller” Nolan Sawyer, the reigning Bad Boy of chess and the current world champion. 

As Mallory’s victory opens doors to much-needed cash prizes, she grapples with her conflicting emotions and a growing attraction to the enigmatic Nolan. The story unfolds as Mallory navigates the competitive chess world, striving to shield her family from the turmoil it once caused, all while rediscovering her love for the game. 

Hazelwood’s strength lies in creating incredibly three dimensional, well-developed characters. Mallory is a shining example of this skill. Her kindness, hard work, and unwavering dedication to her family make her a character readers can root for. Witnessing her rediscover her love for chess and undergo significant growth is a gratifying journey that adds layers to the narrative. By the end of the book, readers find themselves intimately connected with Mallory, thoroughly understanding her struggles, fears, and the unyielding love she harbors for her family and friends.

Nolan is a compelling character with layers of depth and mystery. Hazelwood gradually unveils his personality, making him both intriguing and interesting. 

The romance between Mallory and Nolan is nothing short of addictive. The banter and interactions between them are adorable and endearing, leaving readers grinning and giggling while reading. Hazelwood skillfully navigates their journey from rivals to friends to lovers, injecting chemistry into every stage of their relationship.

Additionally, the sister dynamic in the novel is portrayed with authenticity and heart. Mallory’s relationship with her younger sisters, Darcy and Sabrina, reflects the complexities of siblinghood, capturing the nuances of growing up together.

Another of the novel’s highlights is its gradual immersion into the world of chess. Instead of throwing readers off the deep end, Hazelwood introduces chess moves and jargon seamlessly, making it accessible even to readers unfamiliar with the sport. The strategic elements of the game add intrigue to the story, creating a captivating backdrop for Mallory and Nolan’s evolving relationship while teaching readers about the game of chess at the same time.

While the novel maintains a well-rounded narrative, the ending feels somewhat abrupt. The book would have been stronger if it was a bit more gradual of an ending. However, the epilogue ties the story together nicely and leaves readers satisfied.

Hazelwood’s writing shines in the young adult genre. Her silly, overly modern writing style fits the tone of the novel perfectly, meshing well with the younger character. Rather than the dialogue seeming cheesy and out of place as it did in her adult novels, it smoothly fits into the narrative. 

This book transcends its young adult status, appealing to adult readers as well. The humor is skillfully woven into the narrative, delivering perfectly timed moments that enhance the overall charm of the story. Additionally, the emotional plots are balanced well with the more light hearted aspects. 

With a perfect blend of romance, humor, and a touch of strategy, Hazelwood has crafted a novel as intricate as a game of chess.