You're listening to all the Backlist, a weekly show about books that are not new.

I'm your host Kelly Jensen and this is the March 17, 2023 edition.

Today I'm highlighting two YA books that published last year and didn't necessarily see the

kind of acclaim or attention that I think that they deserved.

Both have a games-related angle to them, as well as a bit of a cutthroat survival element.

And both will make you look a little bit differently at beloved board games.

And in honor of Women's History Month, both also feature well-developed, compelling and

sometimes challenging female lead characters.

Before launching into the show, I wanted to share it that we've launched a new subscription

newsletter, The Deep Dive.

If you're looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from

experts in the world of books and reading, you'll want to subscribe to Book Riot's newest

newsletter, The Deep Dive, and get that exclusive content delivered to your inbox.

You can choose your membership level today at bookriop.substac.com.

So for $5 a month, you get this deep dive edition of our newsletter in your inbox twice

a month.

But if you're on the fence or want some time before making a commitment, you can grab

a free subscription, and that will get you the splash pad which runs at some of our

experts recommended reading and bookish lifestyle goods every month.

Again, that's bookrat.substac.com.

And a word from our sponsor, then we'll dive into the show.

Today's episode is brought to you by Amazon Publishing.

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