I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I could not finish this book. I gave it a try, but the story did not grab me. The characters fell flat, and I wasn't able to really get pulled in to the world Foody was building.

I'm new to Amanda Foody and this book did not disappoint! I loved her writing and amazing characters, the story is fantastic, and I cannot wait for book 2! 5 Stars!

Thank you to netgalley for the review of this book.

This is book one of a series. I am not sure of how many books will be so I am just saying series. I know book 2 has been already introduced to us.

I do love the world building and characters in this book but there are was still something lacking about the story to me.

This story starts out with a girl and her guidebook and a city filled with sin and mystery. We get to follow her during the span of ten days, while also seeing if this new town will ultimately make or break her. Enne Salta was forced to come to New Reynes, because her adoptive mother went missing, but not before she was able to send a letter to Enne letting her know where to go and who to trust.

The only name on the letter is Levi Glaisyer, a boy who has only been hardened by this unforgiving city. Enne’s missing mother, Lourdes, is gender-fluid, which was such an amazing addition! But Enne and Levi quickly realize that Lourdes was living a very dangerous secret life, and they are quickly trying to unravel the secrets. Even though, Levi is not the easiest person to like at first, we soon find out he is a leader of one of the three gangs in New Reynes!

In this world, all humans have a special ability or two that are inherited from their lineage. If you have one, you’re considered pure, but most people in this story have two. And there is a vast array of powers, in a varying scale of strengths! From specializing in dance, to being able to make the currency in this world, to be able to read people’s minds, there are so many different magical talents! And one of my favorite things about this book was learning what everyone inherited.

I found this book good but I loved Amanda Foody's first release a lot better! Daughter of the Burning City.

I will continue with the series because sometimes it gets better as the series goes on.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well formed, the story was intriguing and new, and the setting was intriguing. I'm hoping for a sequel sometime in the near future!

This book was both good and not so good. It really started off as a SOC rip-off and I was frustrated. Thankfully, character development took our MC's on a completely different path, even if that took awhile.

It was a super interesting premise and the world building was excellent in places. The pacing was off though and I found myself skimming places to get to something interesting again. On the flip side, there were times when I couldn't put it down.

I loved our casually bi black boy MC, especially after he became his own character for me. Our female MC is super annoying at the beginning but I loved watching her growth most of all.

I wanted a bit more clarification on the magic and when it was happening. Sometimes a vision would happen and it would take me rereading the page a few times over to really understand what was happening. I understand they're supposed to be jarring for the MC's, but they were too hard to follow as a reader.

Overall, I'm intrigued enough to pick up the second one. It definitely got a lot better at the end and I'm hoping that momentum carries over to the second book. I'd be lying if I said the outcome of the romance wasn't like 80% of why I'm continuing the story.

*Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy*

This book was a fun read! I like city that it's based in, New Reynes, the building of it was well done and it drew me in, making me want to know more. One of my favorite parts about this book, is that we are toasted right into the world and action. The two main characters, Enne Salta and Levi Glaisyer who, for me, made this book wonderful. I liked how they played of each other, grew and changes within these pages. Enne goes into the city searching for her mother, Lourdes. When she meets Levi, who agrees to help her. That's the basic of this book, and feel that going into this book knowing hardly anything (That's what I did) was perfect. I like that are side characters who come in and out of the book, I also like, that every character brought something to the story as well most of the scenes. I gave this book 4 starts!

I was given a copy of this book, this book is 100% honest review.

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody is one of those books that grabbed me the second I read the summary and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I am so glad I picked this one up because I really enjoyed every second of the story and can’t wait to see where Foody goes with the rest of the story.

Enne Salta is definitely out of her element the second she steps foot into New Reynes…the City of Sin. As a young lady who is more familiar with finishing school, Enne is in trouble the second she gets to town, but she has no choice. She needs to find her mother and the only clue she has is a name; Levi Glaiyser.

Enne is an interesting character. There are things she clearly has no idea about and the second she decides she is going to take charge of her fate and figure out what is really going on, she becomes more than the proper young lady she was when she entered the City of Sin. She was willing to do whatever she had to in order to find her mother and she truly does. She shows a lot of growth throughout this story and while she knew that not everything was what it might have seemed, she definitely did not expect to find out what she did.

I really liked Levi and love that he isn’t perfect. He is a con-man and a street lord, and he is in a lot of trouble. He is governed by a magic noose put on him and it has put him in a bad place…both with investors of a scheme his boss started as well as with his gang. When he meets Enne, he sees a way out of the trouble he is in and leaps at the opportunity to get what he needs. He also puts Enne in a position he never thought of which creates some issues. It was hard not to root for Levi and want to see him succeed and no matter what hits he took, he would always get up and do what he needed to protect his people.

I loved how Foody built up the friendship between these two unlikely partners. Their first interaction doesn’t really start them out on the right foot but as they both realize they need each other to get what they want/need, their relationship begins to change. I thought she wove the secondary characters into the story really well too. Jac, Lola, Vianca…they all play key roles in the story and I can’t wait to see what happens with all of them next right along with Levi and Enne.

Foody built up an interesting world within this book. Through her writing I could easily imagine these characters wandering the gritty streets of the city and facing the dangers of the environment head on. Foody combines magic, gangs, friendship, and a whole lot more in this book and does it all very well. The only reason I had to put the book down was because I had to be an adult and actually go to work.

Definitely consider checking this book out. I have seen some comparisons to the Six of Crows series which I don’t disagree with on the surface. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in the series and can’t wait to get the finished copy on my bookshelves.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

City of Sin, where casino families are like mafia families? I love this idea! Enne Salta was raised to want better; she's even in finishing school and on an upward move until her mother goes missing. And just like that, Enne leaves school, and puts her reputation at risk, to head to New Reynes - the City of Sin - and find her mother.

Good novel, quick-paced reading, strong characters. This will be a good one for booktalks.

This book was so fun! Enne Salta, who is studying to be a lady, travels to the capital city of New Reynes in search of her missing mother. She has a plan to find Levi Glaisyer, who her mother said would help her. She envisions staying in the nicer part of town, keeping out of trouble, and enlisting the assistance of Mr. Glaisyer to track down her mother. As soon as she sets foot in New Reynes, however, things start to go very wrong. Sucked into a world of crime and sin, Enne has to come to terms with who she really is at heart in order to save her new friends and herself.
I absolutely loved the magic system in this book. It is so unique and fascinating. I actually wish that we could have seen a bit more of it. I would have liked more world-building and background information on the history and politics of New Reynes. I'm hoping there will be more of that in the sequel.
The diversity in this book was great. I love seeing bisexual main characters who don't have to struggle with their sexuality as a plot point.
My only other criticism was how often Enne commented on how she used to be so innocent and wasn't anymore. Like okay Enne, we've all accepted that you're a badass now, could you please come to terms with it too? But I guess I can allow for a little inner-turmoil. She has gone through a lot after all.
I am super excited for the sequel! I can't wait to see what happens with these characters!

When Enne's mother doesn't return home, Enne travels to the City of Sin and she's desperate to find her. It's the only reason she follows a stranger down dark and unfamiliar alleys. Here, she is led to the one called Levi Glaisyer, but he's no gentlemen like she assumed him to be. However, he owes her mother a favor and is desperate for volts, which is why he's first drawn to Enne's story.

The more time Enne spends in the City of Sin, the harder it'll be for her to leave. The city has a way of ensnaring you with street lords and gangs. She holds on to her mother's rules about being a lady, but even Enne isn't impervious to the change New Reynes forces upon you.

Secrets about Enne's true identity start popping up and Levi finds himself being pulled towards her. She's a mystery and that intrigues him more than anything, but there's more to it than that. When the legendary (and believed to be only a myth) Shadow Games reveals itself, Enne and Levi realize how much they're going to need each other.

ACE OF SHADES is up there as one of the best of 2018. I really enjoyed the mysteriousness of everything and that it also alternates between Levi and Enne's POV. I love the innocence that Enne represents and how it doesn't make her weak. Instead, it makes her stronger. I really enjoyed watching Enne and Levi get closer and was intrigued at the day-by-day parts.


Final Verdict: This book is perfect for fans of fantasy, casinos, gangs, crime, and mystery. This is one to not miss out on.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of the best books I have read in a while. I was drawn to it right away when I saw it on Netgalley and the cover was awesome and plus I love Vegas and this sounded like a story set in a different time where a different Sin City existed. I was hooked from the beginning I wanted to know what was going to happen to Enne and Levi right away. You get a quick background of why Enne has come to the City of Sin and the mystery that she needs to solve in order to find her mom. You learn a lot of stuff quickly about Enne that she has no idea and you just keep learning all of these hidden things about herself she didn’t know.

I thought the plot was fun and somewhat new, I mean it still has the whole girl doesn’t know who she is and is going to save the world that has been divided into a better half and a poorer half and the government have taken over vibe but it is still unique and interesting and just really draws you in. I thought the story progressed really well you still got great descriptions of what was happening, but not overly much so that the story drags on. I was sitting there thinking how scenes would play out if this was turned into a TV show or a movie.

I really connected with the characters, I thought you got good background on them and the supporting characters so you know their story. I thought the characters played really well off each other. I always like the sarcastic banter that goes back and forth and this story had a lot of it. It still had some romance, but I must say I want more! I want to know what happens with Enne and Levi! I am totally invested in them. I also just want to see how this plays out because now Enne knows what she is and what she can do and they have angered some really big people and have to figure out where to go next.

I definitely recommend this book, and I am anxiously waiting for the next one to come out so I can find out what happens!

Enne is a boarding school girl searching for her missing mother, Lourdes. Levi is a young gang leader in over his head. Together they must uncover the secrets is Lourdes' past if they want to escape the clutches of ruthless mafia bosses. Ace of Shades has one of the most unique settings I have encountered recently. The gritty, crime riddled world combined with magical elements makes it a difficult novel to define. Enne and Levi and both fully fleshed out and multidimensional.

The book is very interesting in its appeal, most certainly graps your attention from the synopsis which gave rise to an intriguing eye on the world building.
I think this is one of the most different yet similar world of fantasy that I have ever came across. There was this old and new combination to it.

The writing was very direct and informative, kind of gets a lot in the starting but what is fantasy without a fascinating world.

The characters were very thoughtful and different from one anothor. I loved the whole talent thing that made them unique.

The themes are wide and full of thrill. From friendship to family to honesty and sin. This is very intriguing.

The book is fresh new tale in a while new world. I think this definitely is a book that one should give it a go.

This book was super engaging, and the world building was great. While the characters sometimes fell flat, the plot was fast paced and I cannot wait to read the sequel

I received this book via netgalley.com.

I wanted so much to love this book. I really did. And I mean, I really wanted to love it.
The premise is great. The characters sounded fascinating. I am a Pure T Sucker for someone who didn't know they were powerful to find their powers.

But after I was done reading Ace of Shades, I was left with more of a HUH? feeling. She is a _________, but that wasn't covered. I have no idea what it is, what the big deal is, and why someone wants to kill her because of it.

Levi is a fine character. But he is so far over his head and as a 17-year-old, unbelievable as a "street lord". I get that Ace of Shades has been compared to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, but the only things that are similar are that 1) There are gangs; 2) There is magic; and 3) There is a bad guy they are trying to out-con.

Ace of Shades could have been a great book with a little more world-building and more information. YA readers do not care about the length of a book. But they sure do care about being confused when they are reading.

The world that Amanda Foody takes us to in this novel is mesmerizing. If you are a fan of Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows Duology, then this series is for you. This story involves a proper girl thrown into a world of back alley deals, gambling, and crime on the search to find her missing mother. There is a lot of diversity in this book such as a gender-fluid character. With a little bit of a Las Vegas vibe to the story, Amanda leaves you wanting more and dying for the next book.

Oh my, oh my I think Amanda Foody is becoming and automatic buy author for me. I absolutely adored her first novel Daughter of The Burning City and was super excited about her new book with a hint of Gangs of New York and gambling. I was not disappointed I love how every character is morally ambiguous even our heroine who comes to New Reynes as an innocent flower ends up getting tainted and does some questionable things. I was all for that. I also really enjoyed the LGBQT representation and Levi Glaisyer he is just so sassy. There is one issue I have with this book I really don't see the comparison to Six of Crows at all I believe the only thing they have in common is there are gangs in both books. Overall this is a great addition to the dark YA fantasy genre, and cannot wait for book two.

Foody's second book, the first in the Shadow Game series is proof that advice given to all writers is sound:  Take your first book and stick it in a drawer.  One day when you sell your second or third book, someone will be interested in it.  What Foody's two books have in common are incredibly complicated world building, politics and power combined with extremely interesting characters including secondary characters and an abundance of kick butt female characters.  Add to that some healthy gender expression and (not explicit) sexuality and you've got a book that feels fresh and new and you hope for a series but kind of want more stand alones because where will Foody's mind go next?

Enne Salta leaves her prim and proper finishing school to search for her mother in the city of New Reynes, aka the City of Sin.  This is the city of casinos run by a mafia of sorts and gangs that guard their turf and police that may not be on the side of the right and innocent.  Card games can be fun and even profitable but here you might find yourself playing a game for your life instead of the game of your life.

Enne loses most of her belongings almost immediately after coming ashore but gang leader Levi takes her under his wing.  Little does she know the desparate straits Levi is in if he can't make good on a deal gone bad.  Levi bargains with Enne to pay for his help.  Little does Levi know how this girl will effect him or what his mistress plans for her when he takes her in to ask for a job.  Together they search for Enne's mother and uncover much more than they bargained for.

What really stands out to me is the fully realized setting Foody creates here.  It feels like a version of Las Vegas or an Old West town except twisted around.  There is a sense of everything being glamourous yes--lots of plush velvet and elaborate wall paper and costumes but everything is also old and dirty and worn.  There is a black market and a definite lower class living on the street.  This plays into the details in the plot too, Old West justice and revenge, betting more than just money and having to pay when your debts are cashed in.

I read this not long before I read Legendary by Stephanie Garber and I am struck by how they are similiar in some ways (strong female characters, intricate world building with lots of politics/power in play) and yet different.  New Reynes is nothing like the world of Legend's games.  I also enjoy that neither book has played into the (way too much overhyped) dystopia trend.  I suspect in some ways Ace of Shades might be the opposite of dystopia--everyone scrabbling for control, no one's position secure and the only illusions are in the performances by the acrobats.

Welcome to the city of sin...
Where there is magic, mob bosses, gambling and twists. If you like a dark tale, you'll love Ace of Shades.

I went back and forth on how to rate this one. I waffled between three and four stars, but ultimately gave it a four star rating because of the ending. There were points in this book where it dragged just a bit for me and didn’t fully keep my attention, but ultimately I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next installment.

If you’ve ever read one of my reviews, you know that I am all about characters, so that’s what I’m going to focus on here as well! We’ll start with the characters I love… Enne and Levi are both fantastic, flawed characters. I feel like their flaws are perfectly human and their interactions with each other are perfect. I am honestly shipping these two really hard and look forward to seeing where their relationship goes in future installments. I love that they have each other’s backs and look out for each other, even at their own expense.

I also really love their seconds, Jac and Lola and would like to see more of these characters and learn more about their backgrounds and motivations. They are both extremely loyal and open to whatever needs to be done to support Levi and Enne. And I really enjoyed the growth in Lola’s character throughout the story.

The villains of this piece were well written, though I would like to see a little deeper into Vianca’s twisted mind to see where she’s coming from.

One of characters that I had issues with is known only through other characters, and that’s Lourdes. I want to know the motivations behind her actions and am interested in learning more about her thought processes and personality. Perhaps we’ll get more in future installments of the series, perhaps not. It may just be that Lourdes is only meant to be known through Enne’s memories. The other character who gave me pause was Chez. While I could understand his dissatisfaction with Levi, I didn’t understand his total animosity and the anger and hatred that seemed to flow off him. {However his plot line really helped to showcase Jac’s character}.

As I said, I really enjoyed this story, even with the few dragging spots and look forward to reading more about The Shadow Game.