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Ace of Spades Sneak Peek
Download a FREE sneak peek of Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully.
All you need to know is . . . I’m here to divide and conquer. Like all great tyrants do. —Aces
When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, are selected to be part of the elite school’s senior class prefects, it looks like their year is off to an amazing start. After all, not only does it look great on college applications, but it officially puts each of them in the running for valedictorian, too.
Shortly after the announcement is made, though, someone who goes by Aces begins using anonymous text messages to reveal secrets about the two of them that turn their lives upside down and threaten every aspect of their carefully planned futures.
As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?
With heart-pounding suspense and relevant social commentary comes a high-octane thriller from debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully.
All you need to know is . . . I’m here to divide and conquer. Like all great tyrants do. —Aces
When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, are selected to be part of the elite school’s senior class prefects, it looks like their year is off to an amazing start. After all, not only does it look great on college applications, but it officially puts each of them in the running for valedictorian, too.
Shortly after the announcement is made, though, someone who goes by Aces begins using anonymous text messages to reveal secrets about the two of them that turn their lives upside down and threaten every aspect of their carefully planned futures.
As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?
With heart-pounding suspense and relevant social commentary comes a high-octane thriller from debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.
Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2021
About the author
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
16 books5,323 followersFaridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is the instant New York Times, International bestselling, & Award-winning author of ACE OF SPADES and WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE. In 2024 she was a world book day author with her title THE DOOMSDAY DATE and she also has a Marvel Spider-Verse story coming out this year where she writes a new Spider-Verse character known as Spider-UK/Zarina Zahari. Faridah is an avid tea drinker, a collector of strange mugs, and a graduate from a university in Scotland where she received a BA in English Literature. She also has an MA in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London. When she isn’t spinning dark tales, Faridah can be found examining the deeper meanings in Disney channel original movies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
February 23, 2022
BRUH THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD
LIKE I LITERALLY FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY
but I’m lowkey sorta scared of white people now… like some of that stuff was seriously messed up bro
LIKE I LITERALLY FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY
but I’m lowkey sorta scared of white people now… like some of that stuff was seriously messed up bro
November 1, 2021
THIS BOOK, friends! Holy cow, this book. I read it in one day, cover-to-cover, because it was absolutely unputdownable. I HAD to know what was going on at Niveus Private Academy, and let me tell you: things are not at all as they seem.
This brilliant debut, written by Àbíké-Íyímídé during her time as an undergraduate student at university (published her senior year) is everything I need in a book. It had elements of a thriller (heart-pounding, terrifying scenes), mystery, current events, romance, and everything in between.
I cannot go into detail because the magic of this book is walking in cold. You need these surprises to unravel for you without spoilers, believe me. I wasn’t prepared.
I can promise you, this will be on the “best of” lists for 2021, and if it’s not, it’s a damned shame. This book is perfection.
Beautifully done. Five huge stars. Vibes of Gossip Girl, dark academia, and I’ve seen comparisons to Get Out- but this one stands alone.
This brilliant debut, written by Àbíké-Íyímídé during her time as an undergraduate student at university (published her senior year) is everything I need in a book. It had elements of a thriller (heart-pounding, terrifying scenes), mystery, current events, romance, and everything in between.
I cannot go into detail because the magic of this book is walking in cold. You need these surprises to unravel for you without spoilers, believe me. I wasn’t prepared.
I can promise you, this will be on the “best of” lists for 2021, and if it’s not, it’s a damned shame. This book is perfection.
Beautifully done. Five huge stars. Vibes of Gossip Girl, dark academia, and I’ve seen comparisons to Get Out- but this one stands alone.
January 3, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Perfect way to kick off 2022–really good. While on the surface it reads like a propulsive thriller, it’s actually an astute dissection of systematic racism and white supremacy.
Perfect way to kick off 2022–really good. While on the surface it reads like a propulsive thriller, it’s actually an astute dissection of systematic racism and white supremacy.
August 21, 2022
It reminded me a bit of og gossip girl. Definetly A-
Read
May 13, 2022This book has a lot of good reviews and receives a lot of praise, so I was very excited to read it. In the end I gave it 3/5 stars. It not that didn’t enjoy the book, I actually couldn’t put it down and read it through very quickly. The author hooked me into her story and I was interested in finding out what happens next. Overall, a fun and quick read.
What I liked:
The characters:
Chiamaka
I’ve seen critic saying that Chiamaka was shallow and unlikeable but I disagree. She’s not a perfect character at all but that makes he more likable to me. To me, she was unapologetically herself and I liked her the other didn’t strive to strip her of her what she truly was.
Devon
Devon was an angel, loved Devon.
Plot
The big reveal of Ace
I didn’t expect Ace to be everyone at the school, I was anticipating the reveal of one person. Although I would have preferred Ace to one person I think the entire school being in on it and the social eugenics idea was great. Especially as it was a historical tradition and the multiple black people they had done it to. Very interesting.
What I didn’t like:
Characters
Devon
The writer did too much with Devon. The author did not let up on Devon for the entirety of the book and the fact that he had so many issues like the intense homophobia he was experiencing in his neighborhood, he was pushing drugs, his father was in jail, his mum was working three jobs, he was experiencing extreme poverty, and he lost the only two constant “friends?” He had in his life. At some points through his story, his characterization felt overwhelming and really had nothing to do with the plot of them being exposed by Ace. Ace was exposing extremely personal details about Devon’s life and putting him actual danger, but Chiamaka was not getting the same treatment. The treatment of Devon and Chiamaka by Ace eventually became incomparable.
Unnecessary parts of the plot
There were scenes in the book that had no place in the plot of the story and felt completely unnecessary. For example, when Chiamaka and Devon get pulled over by the police. At the point, what was the point of that happening, after the intense racism they were already experiencing at school it felt overkill. But I can also see that if it was meant to show that the system doesn’t let up on Black kids and that racism is everywhere, I can see what the author was trying to do.
Another example of this is Devon finding about the death of his father while visiting Dre in prison. This is also and example of the writing doing too much with the story because it had nothing to do with the story of them being exposed by Ace. Just more trauma to pile on Devon.
The Pacing
The end of the book felt rushed, felt like the author didn’t know what else to do or how to end the story. Really give it up in the end
I definitely have more thoughts about this book, but this is all I can articulate. Again 3/5
What I liked:
The characters:
Chiamaka
I’ve seen critic saying that Chiamaka was shallow and unlikeable but I disagree. She’s not a perfect character at all but that makes he more likable to me. To me, she was unapologetically herself and I liked her the other didn’t strive to strip her of her what she truly was.
Devon
Devon was an angel, loved Devon.
Plot
The big reveal of Ace
I didn’t expect Ace to be everyone at the school, I was anticipating the reveal of one person. Although I would have preferred Ace to one person I think the entire school being in on it and the social eugenics idea was great. Especially as it was a historical tradition and the multiple black people they had done it to. Very interesting.
What I didn’t like:
Characters
Devon
The writer did too much with Devon. The author did not let up on Devon for the entirety of the book and the fact that he had so many issues like the intense homophobia he was experiencing in his neighborhood, he was pushing drugs, his father was in jail, his mum was working three jobs, he was experiencing extreme poverty, and he lost the only two constant “friends?” He had in his life. At some points through his story, his characterization felt overwhelming and really had nothing to do with the plot of them being exposed by Ace. Ace was exposing extremely personal details about Devon’s life and putting him actual danger, but Chiamaka was not getting the same treatment. The treatment of Devon and Chiamaka by Ace eventually became incomparable.
Unnecessary parts of the plot
There were scenes in the book that had no place in the plot of the story and felt completely unnecessary. For example, when Chiamaka and Devon get pulled over by the police. At the point, what was the point of that happening, after the intense racism they were already experiencing at school it felt overkill. But I can also see that if it was meant to show that the system doesn’t let up on Black kids and that racism is everywhere, I can see what the author was trying to do.
Another example of this is Devon finding about the death of his father while visiting Dre in prison. This is also and example of the writing doing too much with the story because it had nothing to do with the story of them being exposed by Ace. Just more trauma to pile on Devon.
The Pacing
The end of the book felt rushed, felt like the author didn’t know what else to do or how to end the story. Really give it up in the end
I definitely have more thoughts about this book, but this is all I can articulate. Again 3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2024
Sorry in advance this is long
Sigh, wanted to like this book but was thoroughly unimpressed.
Firstly, what I did like.
It was an easy read and engaging in a “one more chapter” type of way. The back and forth POV was interesting and allowed for the creation of different personas and mental narratives in the book.
I also enjoyed Chiamaka as a character because of her determination and consistency in personality. It was nice to read about an affluent black character who didn’t diminish themselves, or was made to feel guilty about their standards, and experiences regardless of how they differ from literally all the other black characters. Was there a touch a haughtiness, absolutely, however, she grew in her understanding and appreciation for people instead of status as the book progressed, while maintaining who she was.
For my dislikes . . . I’ll try to be brief.
I was reading a lot of details as opposed to a story. A lot of the contrasts between characters were spelled out like that of a caption instead of being a part of the storyline. When referencing physical differences it was blatant and direct, though intentional to highlight the characters differences, it almost distracted from the story, in a oh BTW in case you forgot Devon is poor and Chi is arrogant.
The plot was too outlandish to feel real. It felt like its goal was introducing the concept of racism by being so obtuse about it. These ideas are important and relevant to see in literature and media, it just felt too obvious, It felt like Scooby-Doo racism and it used a lot of stereotypes to characterize Devon, his family and especially Dre. To me that was disappointing because there was a lack of depth, the stereotypes didn’t do much to develop the characters’s identity.
All in all, it’s a good read in terms of the organization and flow of the story. It was easy to keep track of characters and timelines. I wish there had been more character development all around, and more creativity in how oppression presented itself in the narrative.
Sigh, wanted to like this book but was thoroughly unimpressed.
Firstly, what I did like.
It was an easy read and engaging in a “one more chapter” type of way. The back and forth POV was interesting and allowed for the creation of different personas and mental narratives in the book.
I also enjoyed Chiamaka as a character because of her determination and consistency in personality. It was nice to read about an affluent black character who didn’t diminish themselves, or was made to feel guilty about their standards, and experiences regardless of how they differ from literally all the other black characters. Was there a touch a haughtiness, absolutely, however, she grew in her understanding and appreciation for people instead of status as the book progressed, while maintaining who she was.
For my dislikes . . . I’ll try to be brief.
I was reading a lot of details as opposed to a story. A lot of the contrasts between characters were spelled out like that of a caption instead of being a part of the storyline. When referencing physical differences it was blatant and direct, though intentional to highlight the characters differences, it almost distracted from the story, in a oh BTW in case you forgot Devon is poor and Chi is arrogant.
The plot was too outlandish to feel real. It felt like its goal was introducing the concept of racism by being so obtuse about it. These ideas are important and relevant to see in literature and media, it just felt too obvious, It felt like Scooby-Doo racism and it used a lot of stereotypes to characterize Devon, his family and especially Dre. To me that was disappointing because there was a lack of depth, the stereotypes didn’t do much to develop the characters’s identity.
All in all, it’s a good read in terms of the organization and flow of the story. It was easy to keep track of characters and timelines. I wish there had been more character development all around, and more creativity in how oppression presented itself in the narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2021
Wow I loved this book! YA thriller -think Get Out mixed with Gossip Girl. It deals with a lot of important topics and themes including classism, racism and homophobia. Can’t share too much because I don’t want to ruin the experience. It’s a good one!
Favorite quotes:
“ The silence is a lot louder and more suffocating than their little voices.”
“I can fix the “kinks” in my hair, but not the kinks in this whole system that hates me and Devon and everyone who looks like us.”
“I feel like I’m gonna die from an overreactive heart. It beats fast, ringing in my ears and in my mind, throat vibrating, hard to swallow, fingers moving like I had too much coffee again.”
“ This world isn’t ideal. This world, our world, the one with house is as crooked as the people in them. Broken people, broken by the way the world works. No jobs, no money; sell drugs, get money. That’s what this world is, that’s how it works. “
Favorite quotes:
“ The silence is a lot louder and more suffocating than their little voices.”
“I can fix the “kinks” in my hair, but not the kinks in this whole system that hates me and Devon and everyone who looks like us.”
“I feel like I’m gonna die from an overreactive heart. It beats fast, ringing in my ears and in my mind, throat vibrating, hard to swallow, fingers moving like I had too much coffee again.”
“ This world isn’t ideal. This world, our world, the one with house is as crooked as the people in them. Broken people, broken by the way the world works. No jobs, no money; sell drugs, get money. That’s what this world is, that’s how it works. “
April 28, 2021
3 stars *may change
I'm not sure how to rate a 23-page sneak peek of a full-length novel? I mean, I'm interested, but also it didn't give me a lot to work with lol. The peek reads a lot like middle grade to me, which isn't necessarily bad since I really enjoy middle grade, but I really wasn't expecting it. Ah, well, I'm still excited to read the full thing.
(Arc read)
I'm not sure how to rate a 23-page sneak peek of a full-length novel? I mean, I'm interested, but also it didn't give me a lot to work with lol. The peek reads a lot like middle grade to me, which isn't necessarily bad since I really enjoy middle grade, but I really wasn't expecting it. Ah, well, I'm still excited to read the full thing.
(Arc read)
Want to read
September 2, 20224.75 ⭐️ woah. literally loved everything about this book, except that the writing felt amateurish for the first 75 pages, but then it got better!!
March 26, 2022
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! This book brings attention to. Modern day issues that have been going on forever!! Perfect Book!!!
November 24, 2023
DNF at abt 70% wasn’t my cup of tea to negative.
March 28, 2024
Let’s just say… I was sucked in
September 28, 2024
3.5. This one started slow for me. By the end I needed to know what happened. Definitely not the strongest book I’ve ever read, but getting to the end to see the author began the book at 18, I was most definitely impressed. She has a bright future in storytelling and writing.
February 9, 2024
4.5 stars! This was a good YA thriller as it highlighted systemic racism, classism and white supremacy. In addition highlights the LGBTQ community, which may not be for all.
March 22, 2024
this was phenomenal. like many of the reviews said, it was very hard to put down. also the comparison in the description to Get Out is so accurate. after I explained the plot to Viv they said “that’s just institutionalized racism” and I think that very nicely summarized what makes this book terrifying: it’s real in so many ways.
oh I also forgot to add that I love the queer characters in the book and that they made me happy
oh I also forgot to add that I love the queer characters in the book and that they made me happy
June 1, 2022
I was initially attracted to pick up Ace of Spades by Faridah Ábíké-Íyímídé due to its bold and creative cover, resembling a two-faced card. After reading the introduction and finding out that a suspenseful mystery was included into the plot, I was hooked on to reading the book. Not to mention, it is realistic fiction and intended towards teen/young adult audiences, which is usually my area of interest.
Ace of Spades is about two teenagers, Chiamaka Adebayo and Devon Richards, who both attend a rich private school, Niveus Private Academy. It’s their senior year and both are looking forward to graduating and attending big-time colleges. That’s when an anonymous cyberbully named Aces sends messages to the entire school, revealing their darkest secrets, and leaving their chances of achieving their dreams at stake.
When I first started reading the book, it was hard to keep continuing. I felt that nothing interesting was happening, so I had to take several breaks. However, I now realize that the first few chapters were meant to set up the background for both the characters. Spoiler alert! There is a major twist in the middle of the book that changes everything. After reading the plot twist, I was captivated for several hours, waiting for what was going to happen next. Even though I felt like the book was boring at some points, I’m glad I continued reading and even finished the book. Ace of Spades hits really important topics like classism, racism, and homophobia. Overall, this was an interesting read and it really made me wonder what I would do if I were targeted by Aces.
Faridah Ábíké-Íyímídé writes in the perspective of both the characters, alternating after every chapter. This was interesting because it allows the reader to really connect with both the characters and see things from their perspectives. This was important because Chiamaka and Devon come from entirely different backgrounds. However, I found this to be annoying at some points because I wanted to continue one person’s chapter rather than moving on to the next (ultimately, I found that I was more interested in Chiamaka’s character than Devon’s). This book would be good for teens because Ábíké-Íyímídé’s writing is in a casual style that is easy to understand, and she also uses common slang. If you’re stuck on what to read, I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about interesting highschool experiences.
Ace of Spades Sneak Peek
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Ace of Spades is about two teenagers, Chiamaka Adebayo and Devon Richards, who both attend a rich private school, Niveus Private Academy. It’s their senior year and both are looking forward to graduating and attending big-time colleges. That’s when an anonymous cyberbully named Aces sends messages to the entire school, revealing their darkest secrets, and leaving their chances of achieving their dreams at stake.
When I first started reading the book, it was hard to keep continuing. I felt that nothing interesting was happening, so I had to take several breaks. However, I now realize that the first few chapters were meant to set up the background for both the characters. Spoiler alert! There is a major twist in the middle of the book that changes everything. After reading the plot twist, I was captivated for several hours, waiting for what was going to happen next. Even though I felt like the book was boring at some points, I’m glad I continued reading and even finished the book. Ace of Spades hits really important topics like classism, racism, and homophobia. Overall, this was an interesting read and it really made me wonder what I would do if I were targeted by Aces.
Faridah Ábíké-Íyímídé writes in the perspective of both the characters, alternating after every chapter. This was interesting because it allows the reader to really connect with both the characters and see things from their perspectives. This was important because Chiamaka and Devon come from entirely different backgrounds. However, I found this to be annoying at some points because I wanted to continue one person’s chapter rather than moving on to the next (ultimately, I found that I was more interested in Chiamaka’s character than Devon’s). This book would be good for teens because Ábíké-Íyímídé’s writing is in a casual style that is easy to understand, and she also uses common slang. If you’re stuck on what to read, I would recommend this book if you enjoy reading about interesting highschool experiences.
Ace of Spades Sneak Peek
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
March 14, 2024
This book is great…it touches on ALOT of racism and injustices within the Black communities, and also how Black kids are treated in PWI’s…. (( So MY EMOTIONS are high ))… which I like because it reminds me to stay aware of my surroundings and to keep my guards up. The events that happened in this book could very well still be happening today and WE NEED TO BE AWARE to protect ourselves and Our BIPOC children ❤️
However the main Characters WORKED MY NERVES. Both of them did and said things that PISSED ME OFF! At the end of the day, this was high school, with high school emotions. So I understand WHY they worked my nerves, and that’s honestly the only “bad” thing I have to say.
Otherwise I feel EVERYONE should have this book on their TBRs. It’s definitely worth your time… also the ending made me CACKLE out loud. It was beyond Bitter sweet, it was Devine Fate 😂😂🤣🤣
However the main Characters WORKED MY NERVES. Both of them did and said things that PISSED ME OFF! At the end of the day, this was high school, with high school emotions. So I understand WHY they worked my nerves, and that’s honestly the only “bad” thing I have to say.
Otherwise I feel EVERYONE should have this book on their TBRs. It’s definitely worth your time… also the ending made me CACKLE out loud. It was beyond Bitter sweet, it was Devine Fate 😂😂🤣🤣
April 27, 2023
“I hope that in reading this story, you see despite the darkness we are plagued with, which often feels inescapable, that not only are happy endings possible for Black people, but that we deserve them.”- Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This is a great book. It moves smoothly and the story is intense and dark. It’s written so well and you get totally lost in the story, it’s easy to read for that reason. You can’t help but fly through it to see what happens.
Subject matter is not as easy to read, as it’s intended. It’s a hell of a debut novel and the ending is powerful, as it the quote I started this review with (which can be found in the authors note of this book). I was having anxiety for the characters throughout the book lol. I definitely recommend this book!
This is a great book. It moves smoothly and the story is intense and dark. It’s written so well and you get totally lost in the story, it’s easy to read for that reason. You can’t help but fly through it to see what happens.
Subject matter is not as easy to read, as it’s intended. It’s a hell of a debut novel and the ending is powerful, as it the quote I started this review with (which can be found in the authors note of this book). I was having anxiety for the characters throughout the book lol. I definitely recommend this book!
July 18, 2022
The author's writing style, the story itself, and the plot twist are the three things that I admire about this book. I detest the beginning of this book since it is very rushed and rapid, which bothers me. I also dislike how quickly things happen following the party in the first chapter or second chapter (?) of the book between Chiamaka and Jamie. But overall, I gave this book a total of 5 stars because of its amazing story and the plot twist was unexpected that leaves me feel speechles.
November 17, 2022
I might be too critical of this book, but I felt like it was predictible and the author was trying to hard. I love that she wanted to highlight the social injustices that we see, but I think if she just focused on one, like just racism, it would have been better. Instead, she tried to cram them all into one book and it seemed forced, especially at the end. I know this was her debut novel, and I think she has potential, I just never felt that connected to the characters in this book.
March 27, 2022
Idk what to expect when i started the book.
I maybe wanted to finally relate to a character (probably to the girl) but I honestly ended crying so much about how I related to both and honestly I don’t cry often so this shit had me fucked up.
anyways …
One of the first times reading the switch between 2 POV’s each chapter but it honestly went very smoothly.
I maybe wanted to finally relate to a character (probably to the girl) but I honestly ended crying so much about how I related to both and honestly I don’t cry often so this shit had me fucked up.
anyways …
One of the first times reading the switch between 2 POV’s each chapter but it honestly went very smoothly.
April 9, 2022
I finished this book to the end in one day. The story was so good I literally couldn’t put it down. After suffering through the most boring books i’ve read in my life I finally feel a drop of heaven fall upon my face .
August 27, 2021
Definitely Get Out vibes...trust no one.
September 23, 2022
I almost DNF’d this book as it felt too Gossip Girl vibes for me. I liked the message/intent behind the book but the story fell flat for me.
May 13, 2022
super quirky loved it
September 13, 2024
2,5 cause it got me out of a slump.
December 30, 2023
Such a fab beginning and ending, byt the ending and wrap up was SO dissappointing.
In the authors note we hear that the story is inspirered by Gossip Girl, and i Also had association to Pretty little liers and One of us is lying - but up until tying the threads together, i thought that this was SO MUCH BETTER!
The premise of the book is that the two only Black students at a private School, suddenly in their senior year starts recieving anonymous messages, containing their deepest darkest secrets - that now everybody at their School knows. Its meant to portray the experience of being black (and lgbtq+) living among White people - not only at this School and Setting, but everywhere.
Problem is; this is where it fails. First part keeps it realistic and relatable (staying inside the thriller genre ofc) Where we get a sense of the characters struggles: financial problems at home, staying on top of the social chain, dating a drug-dealer, keeping up the facade - all that jazz, but then towards the end, the plot just sorta fall flat.
I think the problem was that the authors felt that they had to make up situations Where systemic rascism and white supremacy occur, taking it to its extremes, instead of adressing some of the examples that we see every day.
The beginning to middle is still very good.
In the authors note we hear that the story is inspirered by Gossip Girl, and i Also had association to Pretty little liers and One of us is lying - but up until tying the threads together, i thought that this was SO MUCH BETTER!
The premise of the book is that the two only Black students at a private School, suddenly in their senior year starts recieving anonymous messages, containing their deepest darkest secrets - that now everybody at their School knows. Its meant to portray the experience of being black (and lgbtq+) living among White people - not only at this School and Setting, but everywhere.
Problem is; this is where it fails. First part keeps it realistic and relatable (staying inside the thriller genre ofc) Where we get a sense of the characters struggles: financial problems at home, staying on top of the social chain, dating a drug-dealer, keeping up the facade - all that jazz, but then towards the end, the plot just sorta fall flat.
I think the problem was that the authors felt that they had to make up situations Where systemic rascism and white supremacy occur, taking it to its extremes, instead of adressing some of the examples that we see every day.
The beginning to middle is still very good.
December 1, 2024
What was that. That was so messed up.
Okay first, was very entertaining and I liked the character development. I felt connected to these fictional characters that I don't really know. The mystery aspect was super cool and different. I spend the whole book guessing who "Aces" was before it was revealed near the end.
Secondly, the messages that were sent were something else. Very powerful.
I will say it was very dramatic. It got the message across but was very obviously something that didn't happen (hopefully at least). The ending also felt really rushed, like it was good, but the ending happened in about 30 pages, which was not enough for that much of a change.
Okay first, was very entertaining and I liked the character development. I felt connected to these fictional characters that I don't really know. The mystery aspect was super cool and different. I spend the whole book guessing who "Aces" was before it was revealed near the end.
Secondly, the messages that were sent were something else. Very powerful.
I will say it was very dramatic. It got the message across but was very obviously something that didn't happen (hopefully at least). The ending also felt really rushed, like it was good, but the ending happened in about 30 pages, which was not enough for that much of a change.
September 6, 2024
This book was so good and I’m surprised I hadn’t heard of it before. I’m definitely going to recommend it for others. I’m sure anyone who liked Gossip Girl or Pretty Little Liars would like this book but it’s also so much better in my opinion because it has subsistence. This is a genre I dub as real life horror, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me this was based on a true story or is actually something happening right now
March 26, 2024
this book helped my get out of a reading slump. i could not put it down & one of the very rare times where i actually read the authors note at the end(for closure 😖) i haven’t read many books depicting the experience of being a poc attending a pwi and the author did it so completely & perfectly.
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