daph pink ♡ 's Reviews > Ace of Spades

Ace of spades was interesting, to say the least. I usually don't read synopsis so I was completely unprepared for what was going to come. I am in awe of this book, and it is one of the most phenomenal debuts that I have ever read.

🃏Plot

[...]"The world isn’t ideal. This world, our world, the one with houses as crooked as the people in them. Broken people, broken by the way the world works.”[...]

 Two Black teens become the targets of an anonymous texter and they must work together to take them down.

I really appreciate how this book addressed a lot of heavy topics (racism, homophobia, elitism and white supremacy)in a short span of time all while staying within the interesting and dynamic plot line of a thriller. It doesn’t just discuss these themes but digs deeper and questions everything and it was compelling and downright chilling. And being an outsider I enjoyed reading about it, got to learn something new.

I also liked how the story explores how class adds another layer of privilege, and this is exemplified in how Chiamaka, who grew up and lives in a rich neighbourhood and how it insulates her, versus Devon, from a poorer neighbourhood, differently navigate and perceive society and the spaces that they occupy. It explores joy and beauty of being queer and as well as challenges which comes with it.

🃏Characters

♠ Chimaka :- Nigerian-Italian, bisexual, popular, confident, unapologetic, logical, goal oriented girl who will take whatever it is to stay at the top of everything. I really enjoyed reading her chapters. Definitely a character which will live with me for a long time. I absolutely adored her. And she is polyglot, I can only Stan.

[...]"Besides, regardless of whether it’s me or someone else, there will always be a kingdom, a throne, and a queen."

♠ Devon :- a black-american, gay, laid back , quiet student interested in music. He is like my precious baby who should be protected at all cost.

[...]"I’ve felt alone a lot in this world, filled with people and faces that don’t look like me."[...]

Apart from main characters all the other characters were perfectly crafted as a piece of puzzls that's fits perfectly in the story and give audience a perfect outcome.

🃏Thrill

The book is pitched as a thriller, though I figured out most of the book because it was advertised as gossip girls meets "GET OUT" so I figured out most of the things. But still the truth was major and dark enough for my liking.

🃏Writing

The author has a flair of creating an atmospheric and intriguing story, she has this certain way with her words which keeps you hooked. And this is her debut novel, I can't wait to read more of her work.

🃏Ending

We are gonna take some time and consider the epilogue - seriously that was my fav part of the book. I had tears after reading the epilogue. A perfect ending.

The combination of the haunting story and formidable characters make this book absolutely stunning.

Overall the book was good but why I didn't gave it 5 perfect stars :-

(✖) Pacing :- the book become somewhat slow towards the middle and then the ending was a bit rushed too. Despite me being totally in love with Chimaka I decided to put down the book in middle because it felt like I was forcing myself to read. I don't like it.

(✖) I wish to see more of Devon and Chimaka's friendship because honestly I was rooting for them platonically, but I get it because it wasn't the major theme.

Bottom line :- I’m happy to have gotten a glance into the struggles that different people face growing up in America. Highly recommend.

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pre review :-

We all knew this was gonna be a winner 🃏

4.25 stars ⭐/ review to come!

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currently reading updates :-

Honestly I can't tell you guys how excited I am to read this beauty.❤️
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tbr review :-

Is there a thing like cover porn? If yess then this book is one of the top contenders for it.