*This review and other bookish stuff can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **

Brynn has had a lot to deal with in her life, and if running a few simple cons is all it takes to save some money and get out of her run down neighborhood as soon as she graduates high school, then she is all for it. But when her abusive stepfather finds her "savings" and accuses Brynn of stealing from his illegal drug operation, Brynn needs another option for her life- and fast. When she follows a mysterious boy to party that offers a spot at an elite school as a prize for winning what seems to be a con, Brynn knows this is her chance to get out of her life.

I am sure this says a lot about me as a person, but I love con-artist stories. There is just something so compelling about a con-artist and their attention to detail and the way they read people so perfectly- it is basically like magic (evil, evil dark magic, bust still!). I was lucky enough to have Kristen chat with my book club about the story and her reasons for writing it and her research into conartists was fascinating, making me like the world she created even more since there was realism and research backing all the behaviors and cons. (The fact their was a con-class was the best part of the book to me!)

Kristen was able to create a book that was entertaining and engaging the entire duration, never once did my attention stray or did I want to put the book down. The added touch of mixing mythology in with modern day life helped to create something of a backstory that I had no idea what direction it would take next. Keep in mind that this is not a paranormal book at all, but a YA contemporary mystery/suspense/drama with framework similar to the mythology of Norse culture. I was also really surprised (and super appreciative) that Kristen was able to keep such a light tone with her story even while dealing with dark, heavy subject matters such as abuse, drugs, blackmail, conspiracy and even death.

I loved watching Brynn battle her personal demons in such a fantastic of ways, using her smarts and charm to manipulate the system. No matter the situation, I rooted her on and connected to her as a person. I can't wait to see what Brynn will do next with all the information she uncovered and some potentially hard choices coming up. The story ended well, no cliff hanger, but with me wanting the next installment asap. In case you were uncertain, I am 100% fangirling over this story and think everyone should get their hands on this book to read!

This book was just not the book for me unfortunately. I really liked the premise, but I could not connect with the characters. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity for review.

This book is marketed as Pretty Little Liars meets Ocean’s 11 and I agree. It sets in Vale Hall, a school for con artists and this is what made me requested this book from Netgalley. I was really intrigued. And it features Brynn Hilder, a teen who wants to escape her miserable life and thinks Vale Hall is her chance with a promise from Vale Hall’s Owner/Director, Dr. David Odin of a great future. But still Brynn has to do her best to survive in a place filled with cons and aspiring cons.

This book is totally unexpected. It started mediocre but as I read, it got more and more interesting until I was totally hooked. The writing didn’t even interest me. What made me keep reading is the plot itself. I was really interested how things would go, who are the other deceivers, what really happens in a school of cons, who is David Odin (really he is the best character), and who’s telling lies or truths. I wanna know what happens in the end, I want the reveals so I kept reading. And I was not disappointed.

The reveals are fine and this book has some underlying themes I’m really fascinated at. Like Odin’s principle on why he founded Vale Hall.

I didn’t really find Brynn that interesting at first few chapters. I couldn’t even relate or give sympathy to her because I just don’t feel her. But she grew on me eventually. On the other hand, I love Caleb. He’s so sweet and thoughtful and I just wanna grab him and take him out of Vale Hall. He needs to be in a real University and be an architect someday. The other students, are okay, some of them are pretty well-rounded while others, I think, need more character arcs. But they’re found family so I’m contented. My favorite would be Odin. He got these layers of himself going on and he made me question things, of the things I believe in. He’s a bad influence. Haha.

Overall, this is a fine read but still can be more. This is my first from this author but won’t be the last.

In book 1 of Kristen Simmons' new Vale Hall trilogy, The Deceivers, introduces Brynn Hilder, a teenager from the wrong side of the tracks trying to save up for college by conning money out of people uptown. Recruited to Vale Hall, she's given a chance to use her con artist skills to secure whatever future she could possibly dream. I was provided an advanced ark of this book by Macmillan-Tor/Forge via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Deceivers is a great start to the Vale Hall series, introducing a character and ensemble that will appeal to readers who liked Heist Society or Embassy Row. Much like both of these, the writing style is accessible to all reading levels in the young adult range, however, it does edge on some slightly mature topics without fully. It's a fun and quirky read, especially in the context of Simmons' desire to recreate Odin and his Valkyries with con artists and secrets instead of fallen soldiers.

Brynn is a strong lead character. She's grown up in a moral grey area, but knows the difference of what it means to be a good person. While she's been strong in the face of adverse situations, she's also not a perfect person. She has failures and is good enough to recognize them rather than lying to herself.

Behind Brynn is an interesting ensemble, however, many of them have more potential than was shown in this first book. Dr. Odin and his fellow teachers clearly have more to them than we get to know, and likely Brynn's future relies heavily on being prepared for what they might throw at her. Additionally, the other students are for the most part still very two dimensional. As invested as we are in Brynn, I couldn't feel quite as invested in her fellow classmates, including love interested Caleb.

Just a quick thank you to Simmons for not dumping us into the middle of a painful romantic triangle. With all the con work that these kids have, clearly real romantic triangle will be her, him, and the job itself for any of the romances happening.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I saw someone recommend this book to fans of Veronica Mars and when I saw it dealt with teens learning how to con people I had to try it out. I've been trying to stay away from books with high schoolers in board school, since I seem to not be liking those lately, but this wasn't bad. There is none of the usual high school drama, because this is so much more than high school.

This book is about conning people and understanding at what point is it too much and how to remain on top when the cards are all against you. It is a journey to be sure. I will admit to not seeing the ending coming at all. Throughout the book I wasn't sure who to trust nor how things would end up. In fact, I'm not even sure if this won't have a love triangle eventually or that Brynn won't leave and decide to take down Vale Hall -- I honestly have no idea how this series will turn out and it is somewhat refreshing.

Now this isn't to say I was always a fan of this book. I think if I was perhaps even 5 years younger I might totally love this book. I'm not the target audience and that makes sense. That being said, I think the target audience won't have a problem with it. There were times I was just too concerned with the practicalities that youths might not think about, such as labor laws and legal issues.

I will totally recommend this one to people who like Ocean's 11, people looking for clever teens fighting with wit and words rather than swords, and not swamped in the romance. Yes there is a romance and kissing, but it isn't overdone.
Will I read the next book? Probably not, but if this ever becomes a TV show, I might watch it.

I absolutely adore Kristen Simmons! I always enjoy everything she writes and this book was no different. Well, it was very different for Kristen, but I enjoyed it all the same! This is her first contemporary – everything else has been sci-fi. And she rocked it! I loved the idea of the book – a school for con artists! It was oh so fun and unlike any other contemp I’ve ever read.

Brynn was such a relatable character. She comes from nothing, basically, and has to scrape and steal to get by. I felt that on a cellular level (the scraping, not the stealing lol). The opportunity to be handed a full scholarship and everything you’ve ever wanted is probably a dream that all of us lower class people can relate to. How amazing would it be to have room and board paid for?! I got a bit dreamy over Brynn’s acceptance into Vale Hall. (I totally want to go to Vale Hall mwahahaha.)

Speaking of Vale Hall – I love Kristen’s inspiration from Norse mythology! She was inspired by Valhalla and the valkyries that collect souls – instead of collecting souls, the students collect secrets! Awesome, right?! The director’s name is Dr. Odin (like the Allfather!) and the main character, Brynn Hilder, is named after the famous valkyrie Brynhildr. There’s also a lot of other references in the character’s names and their roles. I thought it was awesome how Kristen hid those little easter eggs throughout the book!

"I know how to play the game and get out. But I’ve never been in this deep before."

Like I said, this book is so fun! It’s full of secrets, lies, and betrayal (oh my!) and has a few nice little twists in there to keep you on your toes. You never know what will happen next, I love how unexpected this book was!

I also want to add in a little side note: I went to the launch for the book (Kristen is local so I get to go to all of her events!) and she talked a lot about her inspiration for the book and some famous con artists that inspired her and it was so fun to hear her talk about it! She gets so excited when she talks about con artists, it’s adorable!

Full review at Novel Heartbeat.

I received a copy of The Deceivers from the publisher via Jean Book Nerd for an honest review. What follows is my opinion and mine alone. There was no compensation made in the making of this review.The idea of a good con-artist/heist fiction is what originally drew me to this book. I haven't had much experience in this type of fiction but I love suspense, intrigue, and a good heist movie. So, fiction was the inevitable leap I would make in this genre of entertainment.That said, I was a bit hesitant about a school of con-artistry. I mean, come on, there are a ton of school settings in YA fiction. You have your modern contemporary high schools, your magical high schools, the high schools for royalty, and the schools for the more criminal in mind. Most follow the similar formula of the new kid being brought into school (can we say: "You're a wizard, Harry.") and being thrust into a world of the school's special parameters and... well... school education.It can be a bit boring depending on how the story begins, the characters, and the world it is set in.For The Deceivers, this interaction of the formula is a bit different. We aren't even brought into the school until about 25% in and the whole set up of the main story is closer to the 50% mark. It is like how one character states,"The long con is about rapport"- Mr. Moore, The Deceivers Kristen Simmons. About 40% into the Kindle book.This book is written like a long con. It pulls you in with the lead role and sucks you in piece by piece with each of the following characters. Your hunger for more information is only satisfied in increments. All the while, you are presented with the main plot that is slowly unweaving but yet tightening as the story progresses.I think you can guess that I like this book. I do. I like the characters and how there is only a subtle reveal of a little bit of information, making you suspect some characters but still unsure if you can dislike them. And really, I can't. I actually like all the characters and how the story unfolded.All in all, this is a good beginning to a series and I look forward to reading more. I love the snark between the teens and they each have their own personality that makes the story more interesting.Final rating: 3/5

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillian-Tor/Forge for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

I rarely (if ever)would state this in a book review, but the whole concept of a group of teenagers at an elite con artist school would be electric on television,but failed to initiate any type of feeling during my reading experience. I am putting this at a 2 star because I felt as if I was wading through mud to reach the end of the book. However as I am way below the average rating of the book, it's possible it's "me not them" type of feeling.

This was really interesting. I liked the concept (special kids and special schools, am I right?) and the story was intriguing, so I jumped in. I had some trouble getting into it from the beginning—it often feels like the main character is monologuing a lot, so the first fifth, when there’s a lot of information dumping, was kind of hard to get through. It was just a ton of information and emotional explanation that was hard to be interested in. BUT, oh boy does it pick up. There were multiple twists that I did NOT see coming, and I got invested in the characters and plot after we meet the other main characters.

I guess I don’t really know what else to say. The characters and story are interesting, but I can’t really talk about them without giving a ton away. It’s the sort of story that you just have to read. I don’t love the writing (it’s a bit dramatic in the beginning, when it doesn’t necessarily feel warranted), but I got used to it and certainly don’t think it’s the worst writing I’ve ever encountered.

In all, a more than decent story about weird and special kids who do weird and crazy things.

4 stars

I really enjoyed The Deceivers, just as I enjoyed reading Pacifica last year! Kristen Simmons is wonderful at creating enjoyable, unputdownable YA that’s entertaining and well-plotted enough that it keeps you on your toes!

This book was just a really great book at keeping you entertained and engaged and invested, while also keeping things real. I mean, Kristen Simmons is a wonderful author for getting really great mixed race rep (and it’s not for diversity points) and she also touches on some of the socioeconomic barriers that exist, especially as the main character, Brynn, has to catch up with her school work at Vale Hall.

I was just sucked into the story–not only do I enjoy reading a good boarding-school sort of story, but the con artist part of the plot was so much fun and something I think Simmons did so well with! Some of Brynn’s cons had me holding my breath, and Brynn gets into a lot of spicy situations.

And besides what was happening in the moment, I also really enjoyed how it still had a big, overarching plot for the series. So even though this book had its plot resolved pretty well, there are still a lot of things going on with Brynn and Vale Hall that have me itching for book 2.

Plus, I loved the romance, which is really unlike me? Simmons did a great job of building the chemistry (also, the slipped in “Is this okay?” was top notch and super smooth) and I love love loved the relationship between Brynn and Caleb!

I think one of the best parts of this book was just how Simmons balanced out all of Brynn’s life–what she had going on with her mother and her past, what her assignment at Vale Hall is, dealing with new friends–and also how Simmons somehow made it all connect in a sorta mind-blowing way? The ending had me gaping, that’s for sure.

I guess the reason that this is a 4 and not higher (I’d honestly rate it 4.25 if I believed in quarter stars) is just because I was looking for just a little bit more mischief? Just a couple scenes felt wrapped up a little too neatly and when they had me holding my breath at the start of the scene, had me not holding it by the end and the excitement dropped a little bit where I think Simmons could have built up the heart-poundingness.

But overall, I definitely enjoyed reading and would not let this dissuade you from picking The Deceivers up! Seriously, it’s a lot of fun and really entertaining, yet with enough substance that it’s a book you enjoy and feel good reading, if that makes sense?

If you like boarding school novels, books about cons, and lots of fun and action, I would suggest you check The Deceivers out! It was really enjoyable to read and something I think a lot of people won’t realize is a wonderful book, but actually is.

This book surprised me. I had hoped that I would enjoy it, as I adore this author, but I was not expecting to love it. Which I ended up doing. And I am beyond happy about it. As this book was so very good and I loved every moment of it. Contemporary books are most often not my thing, which is why I was nervous about starting this one. Yet it sounded interesting. And I'm so glad I gave it a try. I could not stop reading. And there was not a single part of this book that I did not like. So happy about it. Everything was so good.

There is so much I loved about this book that I do not know where to begin. And writing reviews for books I love is always the hardest. It is almost impossible to find words, other than I loved it, haha. But I will try. Because I do have a whole lot to say about this precious thing and I wish to share all my feelings about it. A big thing that made me love this book so much was the writing. It was perfection. I felt connected right away and it was just written so well. Reading this book was easy and fun and I adored all the characters.

This book tells the story of Brynn. She lives in a poorer part of the city with her mom and her boyfriend. I loved her mother a whole bunch. She was adorable. I wish she had made better choices with her life, yet I understood her too, somewhat, and I liked her. She and Brynn was close, and I loved that. But gosh, the stepdad, Pete, was not a good person. He sells drugs. And is violent. Brynn is trying her hardest to save up enough money so that she can get away, so she can go to college and finally be free of this bad man.

And oh, the way she goes about making money was all kinds of interesting. She scams rich teenagers out of their money. I liked the way she did it. Okay, it was a little cruel, but interesting and I loved that it worked. Getting to know Brynn was amazing. Because I loved this girl. From beginning to end. She was always precious to me and that means the most. I loved how she grew in this book, that she grew more confident. Though she was always brave and awesome And fierce and loving. And a good friend, mostly.

This book is about her life. About someone finding her, and offering her the chance of going to a special school. A school where she will live at the place and get everything she needs. Where she will have the chance to get a scholarship to college. And it will not cost her a single dollar. Yet it is not free. Because this is a school for con artists. Where the principal, the man giving all these twenty teenagers a home, is making them do things for him. Learn secrets. Steal personal things. It was pretty intriguing to read about.

This man is also keeping secrets. Not everything is as safe as it seems. Yet this new place where Brynn now lives is an amazing place as well. She gets to meet some new people and makes real friends. It was so great to read about. And I adored the friends she made. Charlotte was so cute and just awesome. And Henry was the very best. I loved how good of a friend he was. Sam was cute as well. And then there was Caleb. Sigh. Loved him so. He and Brynn starts talking right away. And they are very cute together. Eee.

Okay, they do talk right away, then spend some time ignoring each other, before they finally starts getting close again. I loved their friendship beyond words. And their growing romance. It was the cutest thing and I adored them to pieces. There was no drama. There was no mid-book-break-up. This romance was real and honest and they fit together so well. I loved how they talked to each other. And how they grew to trust each other. It was not such a huge part of the book, and I always wanted more, but it was also so perfect.

There is much going on in this book. And I feel like I have already written so much yet not nearly enough. I will not be sharing much more. Only that I adored these characters to pieces. And the story was so very interesting too and I always wanted to know what would happen next. Brynn is tasked with getting closer to this boy, learning all his secrets. It could have been romantic. But it was not. Not even a little bit. And I loved that the very most. Sigh. No triangle. No drama. Her target was a little creepy and little interesting.

So much happens with the plot. There is more about Brynn's past. We get to know Caleb a lot, and get to know his family, and that just ruined my heart a little. I loved every moment of it. There was just so much I loved about this book. And I'm unable to find more words for it. The ending was so good. Okay, I so wish there was an epilogue, as I need to know everything that happened after, but I loved it too. But yes. I very much wish to read more about Brynn and Caleb and all their friends too. Loved them so. And want more.

The Deceivers was everything I wanted in a book. Okay, it wasn't fantasy, but it had everything else. This book was fun and exciting and a bit creepy as well. It had the cutest romance and such great friendships. The writing was incredible. The ending was amazing. This book was so good and I need you all to read it too. Right away. Huge thank you to Tor Teen for accepting my request to read this one early via Netgalley. And to Jean for letting me take part in the blog tour for this. And to Kristen for writing this truly lovely story.

when brynn hilder is invited to study at vale hall, she sees a chance to escape her not-great home life. little does she know that she's being recruited to the school for her talents at long cons. the school claims to be righting wrongs, and brynn is only to happy to help eliminate corrupt public figures.

but as her con progresses and she gets closer to her mark, and also finds herself growing closer to her peers, the lines between wrong and right start getting confusing. and knowing what the correct thing to do isn't a straightforward choice.

part caper, part teen high school drama, the deceivers is a fun story and well-worth the read.

**the deceivers will publish on february 5, 2019. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/macmillan-tor (tor teen) in exchange for my honest review.

The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons is the kind of book I knew I would enjoy the second I read the summary. For starters, the story is about a school for con artists and is filled with secrecy. I especially the unique and twisty plot and the strong main character. Fans of Ally Carter will definitely enjoy this suspenseful drama.

❀ SUSPENSEFUL AND COMPLEX

This book tells the story of a mysterious school of elites which is actually grounds for creating young con artists. For Brynn, acceptance into Vale Hall is a dream come true and the chance to escape her mom’s drug dealer boyfriend. I enjoyed reading about the assignments given to Brynn and the students and the plot twists throughout the book. There is so much action as secrets are uncovered and obstacles from Brynn’s old life arise. Ultimately, this is a suspenseful and complex book that raises the question of morality.

❀ WELL-DEVELOPED CHARACTERS

I enjoyed Brynn’s character and her strength. She is intelligent and has the sense to weigh the pros and cons of her assignments at Vale Hall. She also doesn’t back down from a challenge and commits to her tasks 100%. I enjoyed how she has some street smarts as well thanks to her mom’s boyfriend, but also how she doesn’t complain about her life before the school. The side characters and Brynn’s acquaintances at the school are also well-developed and have their own skills.

❀ FAST-PACED

The Deceivers is a fast-paced novel filled with secrecy. I loved the original school for con artists and the clever main character. I am excited to see what other deceptions will be occur in the sequel.

I needed a series to fill the gap of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls books, and The Deceivers came pretty darn close! Interested in seeing where the story leads.

The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons is the 1st book in The Vale Hall series. Brynn Hilder is a very smart teenage girl who is an expert at conning people. Brynn lives in a high crime area with her mom and her mom's drug selling boyfriend. When Brynn is recruited to attend the elite Vale Hall, a school for con artists, she jumps at the chance. At Vale everything is provided for, education, food, clothing, etc, as long as you do your assigned job. I loved this book! It had me hooked from page one, it was so exciting. At one point I told myself that things can't possibly turn out ok, but they do. I can not wait for the next book in the series. I strongly recommend this book.

I was given a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!! One of my favorite reads of last month. What a fun story!! A kickass heroine that was strong, both mentally and physically. I absolutely loved this crew and I'm so excited that it's a series so I can see more of these guys!

This was my first book by Kristen Simmons and I could not put it down. I've just slightly gotten into the mystery/suspense genre and this is exactly what I currently like in those types of books. As I read the story, I honestly had no clue who did anything or why things were happening so the reveal at the end definitely shocked me.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters. I feel like they worked well together and all felt very different. I'm very intrigued to see how the series progresses and what happens next.

If half stars were available, I would be giving this 4.5, but it leans more towards a 5 star than a 4 star for me. Really enjoyed The Deceivers and look forward to reading more from Kristen Simmons.

I loved everything about this book. The kids at Vale Hall were interesting and unexpected, and the plot was fresh and intriguing. I already put books two and three on my To Read list. Brynn's family made me crazy, her stubbornness and grit made me like her, and her smarts were admirable.

The Deceivers was a fun, fast-paced adventure with a cast of enjoyable characters.  With just the right amount of tension and suspense, I flew through the story quickly as Brynn's life evolved from being trapped by circumstance to being wonderfully uplifted to a better, but more high-risk situation. Simmon's storytelling somehow managed to capture and humanize the good in those whose job it is deceive, and it was thrilling in its own unique way to see the good size of evil.  

Simmon's depiction of the influence that a harmful and stifling situation can have on a person was wonderfully done with Brynn, as I felt the cloying sense of destruction she battled at every moment. As a skilled con artist, she was oddly redeemable and empowering with the conscience that her life could never beat out of her. I adored the sweetly subtle connection she grew with a fellow student and how they found a safe place in each other that eventually led to more. The school was fascinating as were the other students that enveloped her into their con-living ways, and I wish we had gotten more of that school side of the story. And even though I guessed the twists early on, I still found the journey to have worth and excitement.

The Deceivers was a great first start to a new series, and I look forward to exploring the stories of the other characters we've seen. As a character-driven story the first half ran a bit slower in its build-up, but once it gained momentum I couldn't put it down, and I cannot wait for what's to come.

I've been on a contemporary romance kick for awhile now but with this one coming up for release I decided to jump in and I'm so glad I did! If it wasn't for having all sorts of obligations I would have finished this book in two days max. It's a compelling, fast paced read, with a few twists and turns thrown in. It's very hard to know who to trust, so basically, don't trust anyone.

Brynn comes from a crappy family situation, her mom is attached to a drug dealer and while Brynn tries to stay away it's a challenge. She then gets a try out for Vale Hall, and that's her ticket out of where she lives. It's a long con, on multiple sides. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and can't wait for the next installment.