First published on 7th November 2023, Check & Mate is a young adult novel written by Ali Hazelwood. The novel delves into themes of resilience, love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of personal passions.
The story revolves around the life of Mallory Greenleaf—an eighteen-year-old whose family was shattered by the fallout from an incident during a chess tournament. Mallory's passion for chess waned after witnessing her father's betrayal during the tournament, which led to the dissolution of her family. Following her father's unexpected death, Mallory takes on the role of caregiver for her chronically ill mother and her two younger sisters. She shoulders immense responsibilities while working as a car mechanic to support her family. The story takes an unexpected turn when Mallory agrees to participate in a charity chess tournament and astounds everyone by defeating Nolan Sawyer, the current world champion. Nolan, taken aback by Mallory's talent, becomes intrigued by her skills and seeks more matches against her. As Mallory grapples with her complex emotions towards chess, her rekindled passion for the game clashes with her familial responsibilities.
Ali Hazelwood's storytelling unveils a poignant tale that examines the intricacies of life and love. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Filled with the author’s signature humor, well-developed characters, and realistic conflicts, plus the fully realized setting of competitive chess, this captivating romance will delight teen readers as well as Hazelwood’s adult fans.”
