Unfortunately, I DNF'd (did not finish) this book. I was not able to fully connect with the characters the way that I like to do. I felt as though Enne was very annoying to follow as the main character. I would have loved Levi to be the sole main character rather than switching back and forth between their perspectives. Also, the magic system felt out of place in the world that was created. I was confused through most of it and felt as though while I was reading that I was lost the whole time and eagerly waiting for more description and explanation regarding the magic system.
However, I enjoyed the diversity in the book and the world (beside the magic system). I really like the idea of gangs and government that was built.
Hopefully in some point in the future I will pick it up again and enjoy it because I really wanted to.
Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2199514427?book_show_action=false

This was such an excellent way to start off a series! It was very entertaining and captivating. And quite frankly, unlike anything I’ve ever read.

I found Foody’s world-building fascinating and so unique. I’ve heard some people had a hard time following her magical aspects at first, but I didn’t. You just have to make sure you give the book your undivided attention and you’ll follow her creative world easily!

Her characters are fantastic! Seeing Enne’s character development happen didn’t feel rushed or unrealistic. It was beautifully handled.

Levi. Just. Levi. The guy leans against stuff. And smirks constantly. And has the coolest hair ever (that was honestly my favourite idea of Foody’s, it was so clever!) He’s a man after my own heart. But in all seriousness, his POVs always left me feeling emotionally ravaged. He’s such a sympathetic soul! My heart cries for Levi. I just want him to have a nice and easy and safe and happy life!

Obviously this being book one, there are a handful of plot points that didn’t get summed up, because the story needs to continue. But I love how this series has started.

This book has definitely left me wanting more! I’m anxiously awaiting book 2!

4 stars

This book was so awesome y'all! I actually finished it really late last night (this morning) because I'm a procrastinator (and then I had to go and write this whole review before sleeping), but I binged the last 250 pages while lying in bed and whoa was it fantastic!

I've had a pretty bad year with fantasies so far and everything just feels so mediocre to me. I look at Six of Crows and An Ember in the Ashes and I think "Wow, I wish I had more amazing books like these."

But now I finally found a fantasy worth its salt. The hype wasn't a lie (to me) this time and ooh am I so thankful! I would have been distraught if I had skipped over this one, but I had such an amazing time reading.

The plot was super engaging and I sped through the whole book really quickly and all the layers (the different mysterious aspects with Enne's mother and also Levi's debt problems and the Shadow Game and handling a gang and all that romantic tension--gah!) really helped make this a super entertaining novel.

I've read entertaining novels in the past that have just ended up being really disappointing (i.e. Everless), but this definitely didn't let me down!

Enne starts out as a naïve, innocent sort of character (she literally cries like, twice, on her first day in New Reynes) but then things start to change and she enjoys some of the places that she goes to (though, not Sweetie Street) and I really liked seeing her character arc. I definitely wasn't too fond of her at first because it felt like a lot of other YA novels with innocent MCs, but that soon changed. Enne emerges at the end as badass and yet she remains sensitive and feminine while also being strong, which I really loved

And did I mention that the other MC, Levi, is a black bi boy? No? Well, HE'S A BLACK BI BOY!!! This was just so epic and I love the diversity. He's also got a lot on his plate and even though I didn't connect as well with him as I did with Enne just because Enne was new to the whole experience like I, the reader, was. It also felt a little unrealistic that he was a seventeen year old street lord, especially because he wasn't too great at street-lording, which I hope will change.

I did think there were a few parts that could have used a little polishing up, like the magic system ended up being a little fuzzy for me and I wanted more to it. I also wanted more for the history embedded naturally in the book. There's still a lot of information potential in the sequel with the Mizers and other political groups, and I hope we have a lot of spicy things happening with this! Other places just felt like the plot needed a little cleaning or clearing up.

Foody is a great writer and after reading this, I definitely want to check out her debut! I think the highlight of the novel was just how cinematic and engaging it was, plus some of the twists were totally epic! It all had this really interesting and gang-y (without being cringey) atmosphere.

I'm also kind of shook at how she wrote this when she was underage to go to a casino--this is honestly the most shocking part of this whole book. I saw Foody mention this in a tweet and it just goes to show that writing has no age limits, especially when an 18 year old can write something as awesome as this!

I'm as surprised as you are that I'm able to write a review this late at night, but it just goes to show how fantastic this book is! I definitely recommend this to fans of Six of Crows, and even though it may not be the same beloved series, it's definitely got a similar vibe and appeal to the readers! It's definitely not your average, mediocre, cringey fantasy, that's for sure! I'm going to click request so fast for when the second book is on Netgalley, hopefully.

I’ve had Ace of Shades on my TBR list since Katie started ranting about how excited she was to read it. I was so excited to be able to read a digital galley of the book for this tour! I’m also glad that I decided to wait a few days before thinking about how to write this review after having read it because I made the mistake of reading reviews on Goodreads before formulating my own review. Now that I’ve had a few days to process both the book and their reviews of it, I feel like I’m more capable of fully expressing my thoughts and opinions on it. Here’s hoping I’m right!

The characters were all relatively well developed. I’m not quite sure how I feel about Enne and her thought processes, but they were all laid out well enough that she was quite three-dimensional and easy enough to imagine as a real person. I liked the occasional switch to other character points of view while still maintaining Enne as the main point of view character. It allowed for a greater development of some of the characters that we might not have gotten from only her perspective.

Ace of Shades is set in the North side of the City of Sin, where street gangs and mafia families rule. The world was built up really well to the point of being immersive. Amanda Foody obviously took great care in building up the rules of the world without being blatantly obvious about it because I was able to fully understand them without realizing I had learned them.

The plot itself was interesting, though it did start off slightly slower than I was anticipating. I was having trouble wanting to read a digital book when I picked it up, so the fact that it took about two chapters to pick up was irritating to me at the time. In retrospect, that seems a bit unreasonable but there you have it.

The story kept me hooked from that point on though and I ended up staying awake and finished reading it around 1:30AM, which was horrible when I was at work the next day. There were beautiful plot twists and the ending wrapped up at least most of the loose ends while leaving enough room for the next book in the series to start from. Not quite a cliffhanger but not fully satisfying either.

One thing I saw a lot of in other people’s reviews was that the cast and world were too similar to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and I feel like I should address that here. I can say that while there are definite similarities, I feel like Ace of Shades stands on its own very well. While I don’t feel like seeing the similarities between the two novels is a reach, I can say that it’s likely just genre similarities. It’s a perfect example of “If you liked this, read that.” So, honestly, if you enjoyed Six of Crows, Ace of Shades is definitely a series you’ll want to pick up.

I really did enjoy reading this novel though. I definitely understand the hype surrounding Amanda Foody’s writing because her style flows really well. If I’m being completely honest, I’m already ready to preorder the next book in the series. I can’t wait to read more of this world and these characters!

The gave me some "The Last Magician" vibes. If you want a strong female lead with a host of strong supporting characters this is a book for you.

The word building was paced very well. A few chapters in I could easily imagine what everything looked like and the magic system was also easy and quick to understand. Nothing kills a story like a overly heavy world building, no worried of that here.

The writing style felt very honest. It didn't feel like the author was trying to hit a word count or be someone else. This allowed me to become invested in the story and not think about the writing style as much witch us the goal of every author.

The plot was great. We have a young woman thrust into a new world trying to save someone and in the end she finds out so much about herself and trusting in others.

There were times when I felt and little bored but the pacing was spot on most of the time. I did find myself questioning the logic of what was happening but it is a YA Fantasy so...... it is expected.

I did really enjoy this book and it lived up to my expectation.

Honestly, this book confused the hell out of me.
Not plot wise, or anything, but I wasn't super into it while I was reading it, but when I wasn't reading it, all I could think about was reading it. It doesn't make sense!

The plot itself read as both something I have read before, but twisted in a way that I hadn't thought it could go. In the book we follow Enne, who goes to the Sin City on a quest to find her mother, who has disappeared, and barters with a local Lord in the hopes he can help her.
As always is true in YA, this Lord is put off by her, but this also intrigues him, because how can a girl be both rude and cute?? And how can she, a proper, educated girl, find this Lord appealing? Blasphemy! ...but is it, really?
The romance read as both a slow-burn but also insta-love, and that confuses the heck out of me to.
Nothing makes sense.
But all in all, I enjoyed it... I think!

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

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 Netgalley and Amanda Foody for both generously sending me arcs of this book. My views are entirely my own.

Though I don't see the Six of Crows comparisons that everyone keeps making (sorrynotsorry), this book isn't any less for it. I was wholly immersed in the world of Ace of Shades, written deftly by Amanda Foody. Foody has managed to create a world wholly unique and has proved that a woman doesn't need to be an all-star fighter to be badass and strong. At once political and magical, this is a world you will want to dive into again and again, an addiction as heady as gambling, which is the perfect feeling to have when reading about the City of Sin.

I'll start with what I loved the most (and was surprised to love the most), the MC Enne. Though I was a bit indifferent to her in the beginning (again, sorrynotsorry I'm typically not a fan of prissy characters), Enne was a character both easy to love and easier to root for. She unfolded throughout the novel, shedding layers like the burlesque dancers of New Reynes, and grew into the strongest character of the entire novel, which is saying something because the cast of characters is fantastic. Levi is also a delight, a little cinnamon roll you want nothing more than to protect (and maybe kiss. Don't judge me.)

Another welcome surprise: the world-building. I loved New Reynes, and while I can't wait to learn more about the City of Sin in future books, I loved the small, underlying political sub-thread that painted the entire world Foody has created in a new light. I was getting lots of Anastasia vibes throughout the whole thing - you'll get it when you read it. (Also, Levi = Demitri. Fight me) And though I didn't necessarily ship Levi and Enne, per se, I definitely love them as a pairing and am excited to see where they go from here.

Overall, I loved this book, from the world to the multi-dimensional characters, and I can't wait to see where Foody goes next! I'm guessing lots of angst...

This book was incredible from start to finish and the worldbuilding was some of the most impressive I’ve read in a long time. Enne is truly a force to be reckoned with, and Levi has an irrefutable charm and undeniable charisma. The strong ensemble of characters was one of my favorite parts, but the story is what left me absolutely enamored with this book. This is one you’re definitely going to want to add to your shelves ASAP.

Well. Ace of Shades. I've officially decided to visit New Reynes, the City of Sin!

I was a bit skeptical about this book. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for fantasy worlds with an almost 1920's feel and unusual magic is a definite bonus, but there's a lot that could go wrong too. But then I met Enne Salta.

Naive and sheltered, it was almost cringe-worthy watching her attempt to navigate the infamous den of sinners, a city ruled by three gangs and two families akin to the world's mafia. Yet she did it and grew into who she really was, which wasn't the proper lady she claimed at the beginning. I'll admit that I didn't think she was going to make it as a character. Not in the survival sense, but character development. It seemed a recipe for instant superheroine who finally took off her glasses. Thankfully she did grow as a character, much in the way I expected but better than no growth at all. I liked her. . . by the end. She took some warming up to, though.

Now I hate to say it but the rest of the cast was, well, lackluster. And I hate saying it because there was potential. We have gangs of talented individuals with various talents such as blood gazing and orb-making, yet that magic wasn't explained well enough for me to grasp it and they didn't use it enough to make them interesting.

Levi Glaisyer is the other PoV character in Ace of Shades and he felt like a watered down Kaz Brekker. I've seen the comparisons between Six of Crows and this book, and I'll just say they're on two different levels. Levi wasn't a bad character but I was constantly reminded how young he was which contradicted his gang lord persona. BUT I will say that Levi is identified as bisexual in the story and is also a person of color for those looking for the rep, and it was nice seeing that rep included (especially in a protagonist!).

Okay, so what did I like? Well. Enne was great at the end but I've already covered her. The world-building wasn't executed all that well (lots of gaps, lots of confusion for me as the reader), but I'm really intrigued by the different talents. Each person has two, one as more of a primary and another secondary. I didn't quite understand how those worked but I'm interested enough that I'll definitely check out the sequel to see if they're explained further.

I also liked the general setting of New Reynes. A "City of Sin" isn't exactly original but I liked that it wasn't the typical fantasy world, reminded me more of Iron Cast by Destiny Soria.

And the writing, while nothing memorable, engaged me. I read Ace of Shades almost entirely in one sitting and could easily pick up another of Foody's books right now (like Daughter of the Burning City. . . which I will read at some point!).

So ultimately this was a good book. A few things weren't working for me but they weren't enough to deter me from an enjoyable reading experience which is what matters in the end!

I would give this book a solid "meh."

It's not bad or unpleasant in any notable way. The writing is fine, the action is there, and Enne particularly held my interest as a character. It just never really stopped being a chore to get through. <i>Ace of Shades</i> lost me somewhere in the first 20%, and I put it down without any real desire to ever go back and finish it. I DID go back, though. It's a matter of honor. I finished it, and the later half of the book does pick up speed.

I was interested in Enne's unknown identity, and in her character development from the terrified girl at the beginning to who she became by the end. Everything else, though, wasn't worth it for me. I feel like I SHOULD be invested in Levi, because in general teenage street gang lords are a very interesting topic to me. But we never really got to see him in his capacity as a street lord, and as a character he was a disappointing. Some of the worldbuilding was intriguing, such as the fact that bloodlines determine people's talents; most of it, though, was chaotic and unexplained, leaving me with questions that I didn't really care enough to wonder about.

There is not much here to specifically indict, nothing that was done terribly, but there is also not much here to get excited about. It's fine -- just, forgettable. The way the book ended was abrupt, leaving nine out of ten plot mysteries unanswered and providing little closure, obviously paving the way for a further series. Unfortunately, I think I'll pass on the sequels.

I enjoyed the book. The writing wasn't spectacular but I did like the characters and the unpredictability. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

4.5/5 Stars

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody is almost here folks and I'm happy to report that it's pretty freaking great! Early this year I was lucky enough to be chosen as a member of Foody's street team for this book and I'm so glad I got the chance to read an ARC. Now I can say for certain this one's not to be missed. So, prepare yourself for mystery, magic, and much more.

From lush casinos to teeming streets of tourists, the City of Sin is ready to lure the reader into its winding alleys and back room deals.  The author certainly knows how to paint a picture with all the detail that went into these locales. Even the history of this place held so much importance. Plus the magic concept was incredibly cool with people having two talents (Blood and Split) which are passed down through families.

Enne Salta begins as an uptight society girl thrust into a terrible situation and a city she's never been to. Being in New Reynes brings her into her own; testing her limits, challenging her preconceived notions. Levi Glaisyer, on the other hand, is a black, bisexual crime lord with mighty skill when it comes to cards. He's got a lot on his plate; being pulled in multiple directions and just trying to stay alive. These two compliment each other well and I loved their dynamic.

Amanda Foody's writing makes for an enjoyable quick read and I felt the same about her first book. The plot was fast paced leaving enough time for the reader to soak in the world and characters. Plus the search and mystery were gripping, reeling me in. Honestly I was so enthralled with all the pieces to this tale and the author does a wonderful job of tying it all together.

Overall Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody was an awesome start to a new series. With rich worldbuilding, endearing characters, and a fast paced plot, this book delivered a thrilling story that sinks it's teeth into the reader. I absolutely recommend picking this one up! And as The Shadow Game has just begun I cannot wait to see what's in store with the next book.

The writing was kind of dull, but the characters had good arcs and evolutions over the course of the book. This is the second time I've been underwhelmed by the author's work, which I wished could be more. It's like they need a bit of spice.

So as you guys know I am part of the street team for Ace of Shades. When I saw there was a Blog Tour for the book I jumped at the opportunity. I have been dying to read this book from the moment I read it. Well did I end up enjoying it as much as I'd like? Let's find out.

This book ended up being super enjoyable. So enjoyable I found myself getting so upset at the times when I'd have to put it down. There were even times when I was reading another book but I couldn't put this one down.

The story is about Enne, who travels to New Reynes to find her missing mother. Once she gets there the truth begins to unravel. Enne begins to discover secrets about her life. Enne learns she needs to be careful about what she does and who she trusts because there's a game that's about to begin.

Right away I was blown away by the descriptions of New Reynes. Even though it's the city of sin and you need always have your wits about you I really wanted to go there. There is something so enchanting about it. Amanda does a create job with descriptions and imagery. I could picture everything that was going on. I also felt like there were never any dull moments in the book. I felt each scene kept me engaged and I never felt like I was bored. This is a very action packed book.

Another thing I really enjoyed were the two different perspectives. You get the perspective of Enne and Levi. They both are very different characters. Enne is a proper young lady who just stepped foot into New Reynes. Her mother told her if she needed to go to New Reynes she should ask for the help of Levi. Levi is the leader of the Irons. The Irons are one of the three gangs of New Reynes. It was interesting seeing their perspectives. I liked how one minute you were getting a look into Enne's day and the next you were getting a look into Levi's day. For some of the situations they weren't too far from which I really enjoyed. There are also a lot of side characters that you meet that are very unique. They all are different from each other. I loved getting to know each of them as the story progressed.

Another thing that was very interesting was that each person had two different talents. These are talents that inherited from their parents at birth. The strong one was the blood talent and the weaker one of the split talent. Enne's blood talent was dancing and her split talent was arithmetic. Every time a new character was introduced I always hoped we found out about their blood talents. It was fun seeing what talents you could have inherited during birth.

There was only one thing I didn't end up liking about this book was how they didn't curse. The characters would always say the word muck instead of fuck and that really irked me. I understand not wanting to curse but it ended up happening a good amount of times I just replaced it myself. I just felt since the book takes place in The City of Sin cursing is expected. This ended up being a minor thing I disliked about the book.

Overall I thought this was a super fun and enjoyable read. I loved the story, the world, and the characters. The ending had me dying for more. I don't know what I'm going to do while I wait for the second book to come out. I do know I already want to reread this book. I hopefully will be able to on audio when that comes out.

Ok so when I first read the summary for this book I was completely and utterly hooked!! I thought OMG I want this book and I want it now!! Casinos, street lords, all in the devious city of sin... yes please!! Which is why I was so excited when I got approved a copy of this book. Ace of Shades is one hell of a ride! I knew right after I finished the first chapter that I was going to love it (and low and behold my instincts were right..)

First off the story in itself was an amazing concept (I absolutely and utterly adore street lords in books and Levi is no exception)! I loved the way the story flowed easily as I read it but wasn’t boring and had some very good twists that I frankly did not see coming in the least but what really won me over was this book AMAZING characters!!

I loved Enne and I think I just grew to love her even more as the book went on? In the beginning she was a bit of a shy dainty thing (which is to be expected considering she lived a sheltered life and all) and Levi just saw her as this pretty girl who was in over her head but she was actually pretty badass towards the end! Like you go girl ain’t nobody gonna tell you how to live your life. In fact the book got a tad dark towards the end... I’m just going to leave it at that because *ahem* spoilers! This book is dark and gritty and not afraid to push the limits or to get violent which is what I thought made this story not only good but great. They weren’t afraid to go deep and to explore the characters greatest weaknesses and even exploit them in the worst ways imaginable. I couldn’t stop reading this (no seriously this came before homework. Its so bad how skewed my priories are... yet SO worth it because this book people!)

Look, if you’re gonna give me a fantasy world that’s based on Las Vegas and involves crime families, gangs, missing mothers and magic then I am definitely going to read it. And luckily this one managed to pull off all of those elements and keep me flipping the pages.

The thing that really made this book for me were the chracters, all of them were so well rounded and presented so well that I loved them (or hated them) and just couldn’t get enough of the growth that some of them went through. First let’s talk about the main character Enne. !!!!! I loved her so much! She showed up to New Reynes and was shocked by everything that the city had to offer but she quickly adapted and did what she needed to do to try and save her mother. Reading her journey was honestly the high point of this book for me, it’s such a natural and believable growth that I loved watching her adapt. And Levi! What an angel, an angel that’s just trying to do what’s best for his family. I loved reading his chapters, he’s going through so much but still manages to have a smile on his face. I just love him. A lot.

Another thing that I liked was the romance in this book, it was just enough to be believeable and to keep you interested but also definitely wasn’t too much. The friendships and family bonds in this book were so well done as well, I loved that it was a major point that just because you don’t share the same genetics as someone that it doesn’t mean you’re not family.

The worldbuilding was also great, I could really picture different settings and loved getting to explore the city. Also the differences between regions in the book was really neat, especially the differences between Enne’s hometown and New Reynes.

The story itself was also so well done, the stakes are high, the twists keep coming and it’s a bit darker, which makes sense for the story. And then the ending! It’s so good and I can’t wait for the sequel.

Overall I did really enjoy this book, it was fast paced and easy to read. It also gave us some amazing character growth and a well thought out story with some darker themes. I’d definitely recommend this one, especially if you’re a fan of fantasy and are looking for something that’s just a little bit different.

I received an Arc of this book from netgalley for an honest review.

this is the description of ace of shades by amada foody coming out april 10th

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, Enne has only one lead: the name Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is  the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn’t have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne’s offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems. 

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless Mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi’s enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

A little about the magic system in this book and the history of this world.
We learn in this world there are two types of talents, talents of aptitude(basic skills like dance and arithmetic) and talents of mystery(which are the magic powers).
Every person has 2 talents a blood talent and a split talent. So this world is filled with both the mundane and the magical. The mizers who were the overthrown monarcy of the past were highly powerful in the talent of mystery(magic) and anyone who even sympathizes with them is highly suspect.as the book starts Enne explains both of her talents were talents of aptitude, no magic here. but as we find out that isn't true and she finds out her mother lead a hidden life she was completely unaware of. So in this world is filled with both the mundane and the magical.

I really did enjoy this book. The world of New Reynes reminded me of a fantasy new orleans with it's own culture, rules and punishments. The character of enne starts out prime and proper but we learn she can play the game with the best of them. In fact one of the interesting things in this book is how both enne and levi's roles kinda switch as she becomes the hardened crimminal type and he become the proper person looking down on what she's doing. Enne goes to Levi to help find her mother Lordes. and the story gives you a wonderful introduction to the world of new reynes. In fact one really cool plot device is the mention of the travel guide to new reneys that Enne brought with her. with various quote from the book sprinkled through the book. We also have enne rules of conduct she learned from her mother that helps her navigate the dangerous town of new renyes that also help us see how she is able to survive this town so well. levi drags her through the various seedy parts of new reney and brings her up to speed on his associates and area of new renyes but when he introduces her to Vianca Augustine to land her a job. This is when her fate gets even more entwined with the dark underworld of the city and Enna learns to do things she never thought she would.

Full blog tour review to come on March 30th on my blog. The link will be updated when the post is live. But this was a 2.5 stars for me. I just don't find this to be very memorable. The magic system and the card games were really confusing; there was time to focus on what the magic system of the "talents" do. I also felt like Enne never actually collected her thoughts at all; it was go go go all the time. I also felt like this was 700 pages instead of the 400ish pages. Plus the final confrontation thing was dealt with way too fast so I didn't feel any of the "high stakes" and intensity the author wants you to feel. Not really for me...