Review: Ace of Spades

Title- Ace of Spades

Author- Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Pages- 470

Genre- Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, LGBT, Contemporary

Rating- 5/5

ISBN 13- 9781474967532

Review No.- 59

Synopsis- 

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...

Review-

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a gripping and thought-provoking young adult thriller that explores issues of race, class, and power in a prestigious private school. The story follows two main characters, Devon and Chiamaka, as they navigate their way through a series of unsettling events that threaten to upend their lives and expose the dark secrets of the school they attend.

The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, with short chapters and shifting perspectives that keep the reader on their toes. The characters are well-developed and complex, with Devon and Chiamaka both struggling to balance their personal lives with the pressures and expectations of their school environment.

One of the strengths of this book is the way it explores the nuances of racism and privilege. The story highlights how systemic inequalities can be perpetuated even in seemingly liberal and progressive spaces, and how people can be complicit in their own oppression. The plot also touches on issues of mental health and LGBTQ+ identity, adding further depth and complexity to the story.

The suspenseful plot and unexpected twists make for a thrilling reading experience, with the tension building steadily as the mystery deepens. The ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the reader with much to reflect on long after finishing the book.

Overall, Ace of Spades is an important and timely novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. With its strong characters, gripping plot, and powerful social commentary, it is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race and privilege in modern society.

Review: Once Upon A Broken Heart

Title- Once Upon A Broken Heart

Author- Stephanie Garber

Pages- 384

Genre- High Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Magic

Rating- 5/5

ISBN 13- 9781529380903

Review No.- 58

Synopsis-

From Stephanie Garber, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Caraval, Once Upon a Broken Heart is the first book in a new series about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox was raised in her beloved father’s curiosity shop, where she grew up on legends about immortals, like the tragic Prince of Hearts. She knows his powers are mythic, his kiss is worth dying for, and that bargains with him rarely end well.

But when Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry another, she becomes desperate enough to offer the Prince of Hearts whatever he wants in exchange for his help to stop the wedding. The prince only asks for three kisses. But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’s pledged. And he has plans for Evangeline that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy…

Review- 

"Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber is a magical and enchanting YA fantasy novel that explores the power of love, heartbreak, and the importance of self-discovery. The story follows Evangeline Fox, a girl who has had her heart broken and turned to a mysterious, otherworldly figure named the Prince of Hearts to mend it. However, as she navigates through the magical and dangerous world of the Prince, she realizes that not everything is as it seems.

Garber's writing is beautiful and lyrical, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a world full of magic and wonder. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with enough action, romance, and character development to keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is the characters. Evangeline is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery and growth is both empowering and inspiring. The Prince of Hearts, although initially mysterious and alluring, is a complex character whose motivations and intentions are slowly revealed as the story unfolds. The supporting characters, including the charming and enigmatic Julian and the fierce and loyal Belle, add depth and nuance to the story.

The romance in the novel is also well-handled. Garber avoids the usual tropes and cliches of YA romance and instead focuses on the development of a deep and meaningful connection between Evangeline and the Prince of Hearts. The exploration of the different types of love, including platonic and familial love, adds an extra layer of depth to the story.

The world-building in the novel is also impressive. Garber creates a rich and intricate world full of magic, monsters, and mystery, that is both fascinating and immersive. The use of fairy tale elements, such as the Prince of Hearts and the magical creatures that inhabit the world, adds an extra layer of whimsy and enchantment to the story.

Overall, "Once Upon a Broken Heart" is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will appeal to fans of YA fantasy, romance, and fairy tales. Garber's unique and imaginative storytelling, combined with her well-developed characters and world-building, makes for a truly magical reading experience

I thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

Review: Daughters of Sparta

Title- Daughters of Sparta

Author- Claire Heywood

Pages- 370

Genre- Mythology, Historical Fiction

Rating- 4/5

ISBN 13- 9781529349931

Review No.- 57

Synopsis-

For millennia, two women have been blamed for the fall of a mighty civilisation - but now it's time to hear their side of the story...

As princesses of Sparta, Helen and Klytemnestra have known nothing but luxury and plenty. With their high birth and unrivalled beauty, they are the envy of all of Greece.

Such privilege comes at a high price, though, and their destinies are not theirs to command. While still only girls they are separated and married off to legendary foreign kings Agamemnon and Menelaos, never to meet again. Their duty is now to give birth to the heirs society demands and be the meek, submissive queens their men expect.

But when the weight of their husbands' neglect, cruelty and ambition becomes too heavy to bear, they must push against the constraints of their sex to carve new lives for themselves - and in doing so make waves that will ripple throughout the next three thousand years.

Perfect for readers of Circe and Ariadne, Daughters of Sparta is a vivid and illuminating retelling of the Siege of Troy that tells the story of mythology's most vilified women from their own mouths at long last.

Review- 

"Daughters of Sparta" by Claire Heywood is a captivating and richly detailed historical fiction novel that explores the lives of two legendary women of ancient Greece: Helen of Troy and her sister, Klytemnestra. Heywood's writing style is evocative and immersive, transporting the reader to the world of Ancient Greece, with all its grandeur, beauty, and brutality. 

The story follows the sisters from childhood to adulthood, as they navigate their complex relationships with each other, their families, and the men who shape their lives. Heywood does an excellent job of bringing the two sisters to life, imbuing them with unique personalities, desires, and struggles. Helen is portrayed fiercely independent and intelligent woman, who longs for adventure and freedom. Klytemnestra, on the other hand, is more pragmatic and stoic, but equally determined to chart her own path in life. 

The novel's exploration of the sisters' relationship is one of its strongest aspects. Heywood delved into the complexities of their bond, highlighting the love, jealousy, rivalry, and betrayal that exists between them. The depiction of their sisterhood is realistic and nuanced, with both sisters portrayed as flawed and multidimensional characters.

Heywood's attention to historical detail is also impressive. The novel is steeped in ancient Greek mythology, culture, and politics, with the events and characters of the Trojan War serving as a backdrop to the sisters' story. The depictions of the settings, clothing, and customs of ancient Greece are vivid and well-researched, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with enough action, drama, and character development to keep the reader engaged throughout the story. The alternating perspectives between Helen and Klytemnestra also add an extra layer of depth to the narrative, allowing the reader to see events from both sisters' perspectives.

Overall, "Daughters of Sparta" is a beautifully written and compelling historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of Greek mythology and ancient history. Heywood's immersive writing style, well-developed characters, and attention to historical detail make for a captivating reading experience.

I thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

Review: The City We Became

 

Title- The City We Became

Author- N. K. Jemisin

Pages- 437

Genre- Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary

Rating- 3/5

ISBN 13- 9780356512679 

Review No.- 56

Synopsis- 

Five New Yorkers must come together in order to defend their city.

Every city has a soul. Some are as ancient as myths, and others are as new and destructive as children. New York City? She's got five.

But every city also has a dark side. A roiling, ancient evil stirs beneath the earth, threatening to destroy the city and her five protectors unless they can come together and stop it once and for all.

Review-

'The City We Became' is one of the most hyped and talked about sci-fi/fantasy book of 2020. It is the first installment of Great Cities series. The synopsis seemed pretty interesting, the cover design is cool too and I immediately clicked the request button on NetGalley. I really wanted to loved this book. It seriously hurts when I am not able to love some hyped book (there may be some legit reason for being hyped, right?). Did I enjoy reading it?? Why did I rate it 3/5??? Well...

The City We Became is set it New York. Sorry! It's a story about New York. Not just New York as a city, but New York as a person. And five other people who are the five boroughs of New York. New York is under attack by an evil, other-worldly force/spirit/creature/monster (still not sure what it was) referred to as 'the enemy'. Will the new born city and its five boroughs be able to hold the line against it?

The concept of people who truly represent the city and its borough being born as an avatar of the city itself on reaching maturity is a wonderful, highly potential concept. The writing is quite humorous at some point. The diverse characters from different kinds of backgrounds, BIPOC and LGBTQA (hell yes!!!). I was surprised and immensely happy to see an Indian girl, that too a Tamil girl represented in this book (high-five). Her family was totally relatable (seriously, her aunt said a proverb that MY grandma used the other day). In short, great research by the author! The other characters were pretty likeable too. The map helped a lot since I had no idea about New York's topography.

Now comes the bitter parts. The world building was very complex and I did not understand anything more than the basic concept. My brain was just too tiny to absorb all that info dump, I guess. The writing was confusing and I just didn't know wth-is-going-on at some places. It was really tedious and I just wanted to get over with the book (a week). The language had slangs that I had no idea of (my bad). And the only white mc is shown in bad light too (is it racist to portray every white person to be racist? I guess so).  

In short, I am not a big fan of The City We Became. But I do recommend you to give it a try and decide for yourself. I have met lots of people who have loved it and as I previously said, I feel that hyped books are hyped for a reason. 

I thank Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an advanced reader's copy. All opinions are my own.

Goodreads