Sam Khoo’s ultimate dream is to make cool indie games for a living. And she is going to make that dream a reality. But first, she needs to get her hands on a super-rare ticket to a game-design workshop. But Jerky McJerkface, aka Jaysen Chua, plays dirty and nabs the last ticket. Sam will not go down without a fight, and threatens Jaysen with the ‘Asian Gossip Network’. He must either accept her challenge of a one-to-one competition of classic video games or she’ll broadcast just how conniving he is to the Australian-Malaysian community.

Despite not having much interest in games other than The Sims, I was drawn into Sam’s world and was captivated by her passion. (I did skim over some of the game play descriptions though!) Sam’s constant battle between the desire to chase her passions and the parental and societal pressures to go to university then get a good job is incredibly relatable.

As much as I adored Sam, I related a lot more to Eva – the younger sister who is always in the shadow of the over-achieving older sibling. Through the two sisters, Leanne Yong brings to life a memorable combination of sibling rivalry mixed with fierce love and the need to protect each other at all costs. I absolutely loved Sam and Eva’s relationship.

This incredible Australian debut is a hilarious, heartwarming story of family, Australian-Malaysian culture, friendship and first love. You will not be able to put this book down. The best part? It’s an enemies to friends to lovers tale – my favourite trope! This book is perfect for fans for The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling and Tiger Daughter. I cannot wait to read more from Yong. For ages 15+.