Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:
Synopsis for Ace of Spades (from Libby):
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.
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller, LGBT
Heat Rating: cool
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
I was in a bit of a book series slump so I wanted to change things up and try a standalone. I found this on a whim–the cover drew me in–and the academy setting is one I often enjoy, so I grabbed the audiobook and dove in.
The Concept / The World:
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good psychological thriller that is so grounded in reality it makes things even tenser. I really enjoyed how difficult topics were tackled with a realistic lens. While some of the events seem melodramatic or perhaps sensationalized, you could easily see the root of this story’s themes happening in real life. Which is quite frankly a sad reflection of today’s society.
The Plot:
The synopsis I initially read (which is the one I used for this review above) makes the plot sound as if you are reading about petty, high school drama. The one on Goodreads, which I’ve put below, does a better job of summarizing the plot themes because it’s a little more than petty, “I don’t like” you drama. So I was a little shocked when the plot turns into what it does but it did draw me in with its many layers. I liked that I had no idea what was going to happen, who to trust or how this was all going to wrap up.
Synopsis from Goodreads:
An incendiary and utterly compelling thriller with a shocking twist that delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism, from an exceptional new YA voice.
Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students’ dark secrets to light.
Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can’t escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn’t afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power.
Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they’re planning much more than a high-school game…
The Characters:
One of the biggest struggles I had with this book though was that I didn’t like any of the leads. I just thought they were vain and I didn’t always like some of their rationale. So it makes them hard to root for in a book where literally everyone is against them. Regardless, I will say that I appreciated that they had some character growth but I wasn’t joining their fan clubs by the end.
The Romance:
It plays an important element in the story but nothing special.
My Audiobook Experience:
I think in a thriller like this it helps to hear the voices of the characters as there are some emotionally heart-wrenching scenes. It was a great audiobook production!
My Rating: 4/5
If you want a good psychological YA thriller along the veins of Get Out, this is the perfect one to grab! Otherwise, if you just want melodrama, I would look elsewhere.
Read if You Like: thrillers, realistic fiction, Get Out
Avoid if You: want more romance, dislike YA based stories
- Cold Calls by Charles Benoit
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
