Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rating: DNF @ 67%

In "Play" by Jess Taylor, the author crafts a haunting narrative that delves into the complexities of trauma and imagination. One of the standout aspects of the book is the portrayal of PTSD, which resonated deeply with me as a reader with cPTSD myself. Paul's journey through her healing process felt raw and authentic, offering a poignant exploration of the impact of childhood trauma. Taylor's prose has a haunting quality that draws readers into the narrative, creating an atmosphere that is both beautiful and eerie. Additionally, the concept of The Lighted City as an escape from the harsh realities of life adds an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the power of imagination as both a refuge and a source of danger.

However, despite its strengths, "Play" falls short in several key areas. One of the most glaring issues is the lack of character development, particularly regarding Paul. Despite being the protagonist, Paul's character never fully comes into focus, leaving her feeling underdeveloped and elusive. The exploration of Paul's gender fluidity is intriguing but ultimately feels underutilized, failing to add depth to her character. As a result, it becomes challenging for readers to fully invest in Paul's journey, hindering the emotional impact of the narrative.

Additionally, "Play" suffers from an abundance of timelines that contribute to a disjointed narrative structure. With three alternating timelines, the story becomes convoluted, making it challenging for readers to maintain a cohesive understanding of the plot. While the concept of multiple timelines can add complexity to a narrative, in this case, it overwhelms the storytelling, causing readers to lose the thread of the plot. The 2016 timeline felt especially out of place, and I was too interested in unlocking the secrets of the Lighted City to appreciate the scenes that took place in the present timeline. The constant shifting between timelines disrupts the flow of the story, detracting from the overall readability and coherence of the narrative.

Moreover, I did not feel that “Play” appropriately handled its triggering content. While an opening note warns of "childhood trauma," this fails to adequately prepare readers for the disturbing revelations that unfold within the narrative. Throughout the first half of the book, it is heavily implied that there was some kind of romantic relationship between Adrian and Paul, who are first cousins. In fact, Paul seems to still be struggling with some of those feelings for Adrian. I forced myself through my discomfort with these plot points because I didn’t know for sure if something inappropriate had ever happened between Paul and Adrian; I didn’t want to jump the gun. However, at 67%, it is finally revealed that Adrian was sexually assaulting Paul. As a mental health clinician, I realize there is something to be said about the way abused children often end up abusing other children. However, as a survivor myself, without an adequate trigger warning, I was not prepared when this disclosure occurred and had to choose, for my safety, to stop reading. For those who are triggered by it, incestual CSA is extremely difficult to interact with. In my opinion, that must be explicitly named in the trigger warnings to protect readers. “Childhood trauma” is not sufficient to warn readers about the content of this book.

In conclusion, "Play" offers a haunting exploration of trauma and imagination, but its flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the portrayal of PTSD is commendable, the lack of character development and the mishandling of triggering content detract from the overall impact of the narrative. Readers should approach this book with caution, especially those who may be sensitive to themes of childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Ultimately, "Play" is a novel with promise, but its execution leaves much to be desired.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Self-harm (moderate), death by suicide (severe), murder (minor), death of a child (minor), emotional abuse (moderate), child neglect (moderate), kidnapping (moderate), death of a parent (minor), sexual content (severe), gun violence (severe), drug use (minor), pandemic (moderate)