Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates is a psychological thriller that revolves around six college friends who create a high-stakes game of consequences during their time at Oxford University. The narrative switches between the present day and their college days, exploring the escalating psychological challenges and consequences faced by the characters. The book delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the long-term impacts of youthful recklessness, all while keeping readers engaged with its intricate plot and alternating viewpoints.

Characters:

The characters are complex and relatable, but some feel flat or interchangeable, suffering from similar traits and a lack of development as the story progresses.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style effectively alternates between first and third person with a blend of elegant and abrupt prose, creating suspenseful twists.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a game of dares among friends that escalates into a serious and tragic situation, with a dual narrative structure that shifts between past and present.

Setting:

The setting is primarily at Oxford University, creating a collegiate atmosphere enriched by dark psychological undertones.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book can feel slow and drawn out at times, impacting the engagement, but it ultimately builds tension leading to critical moments.

I hold the phone to my chest for some time after the call has ended. And then, crossing the room, I open my curtains for the first time in three years. Because now he has found me, tracked me down, an...

Notes:

The novel is about six friends who play a game of dares at Oxford University.

The story alternates between past and present narratives, revealing the effects of the game over fourteen years.

The characters include Chad, Jolyon, Emilia, Dee, Mark, and Jack, each with distinct personalities.

The game starts innocent but escalates to dangerous and humiliating levels, leading to tragic consequences.

Jolyon is portrayed as an unreliable narrator due to his mental deterioration over time.

The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the psychological impact of competition.

The mysterious organization behind the game is called Game Soc, adding a layer of intrigue.

The cover art was a major factor in attracting readers to the book, described as mysterious and dark.

The writing style shifts between elegant prose and sharp, abrupt tones according to the story's mood.

Some readers found the characters relatable, while others felt they lacked depth and distinction.

The book employs an unreliable narrator that leads to twists and unexpected reveals throughout the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include psychological distress, mental health issues, themes of humiliation, and potential self-harm, making it suitable for a mature audience.

From The Publisher:

"This is the smart summer thriller you've been waiting for."-NPR's All Things Considered

NAMED A MUST READ BY THE BOSTON GLOBE, BBC.COM, AND NEW YORK POST

NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR

A compulsively readable psychological thriller set in New York and at Oxford University in which a group of six students play an elaborate game of dares and consequences with tragic result

It was only ever meant to be a game played by six best friends in their first year at Oxford University; a game of consequences, silly forfeits, and childish dares. But then the game changed: The stakes grew higher and the dares more personal and more humiliating, finally evolving into a vicious struggle with unpredictable and tragic results. Now, fourteen years later, the remaining players must meet again for the final round. Who knows better than your best friends what would break you?

A gripping psychological thriller partly inspired by the author's own time at Oxford University, Black Chalk is perfect for fans of the high tension and expert pacing of The Secret History and The Bellwether Revivals. Christopher J. Yates' background in puzzle writing and setting can clearly be seen in the plotting of this clever, tricky book that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Ratings (8)

Loved It (4)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (43):

Read It (9)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (26)
Not Interested (7)

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Black Chalk?

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About the Author:

CHRISTOPHER J. YATES was born and raised in Kent and studied law at Oxford University before working as a puzzle editor in London. He now lives in New York City with his wife and dog. 'Black Chalk' is his debut novel.

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