“Because the hero of one story is the villain of someone else’s. It’s all just a matter of who wins.”

King of Fools by Amanda Foody is the second book in her The Shadow Game trilogy. Second books in trilogies often tend to suffer from second-book-syndrome but this one felt like a totally different book compared to the first book. The first book felt more like its own original story and the second book just expands on the story and the consequences of the events of the first book.

At the end of Ace of Shades, Enne and Levi both survive the shadow game and as a result, they are both wanted for murder. They both must survive not getting caught and they need to build up successful gangs on the north side of New Reynes. They’re gambling with everything they have which could either cause their downfall or gain them the freedom they desire from the one who practically owns them.

The world of New Reynes is reintroduced to us through this story and the folklore surrounding the city of New Reynes is brought in. We get to see more of the darker parts of the city and the people who live in it. We also get to see a lot more of the South side and learn more about the political goings on.

The story moves from a hunt for someone and more to the survival and becoming who you are. We get to see more about the power dynamic and how the power shifts between characters as they move in a game without any real rules. It keeps you on the edge of your seat to see who is going to pull through to the very end. The book is so full of events and complicated plot points and even if you aren’t completely hooked onto the plot, the characters are so interesting that you have to keep reading.

Speaking of the characters, we get three POVs in this book (Enne, Levi, and Jac). In Ace of Shades, we get to see Enne grow a lot over the ten days that she is in the City of Sin, and we see the results of that. Enne gets to form her own girl gang filled with a variety of girls who all show amazing girl power.

Whilst Enne changed a lot in the first book, Levi’s character development is a lot slower and becomes clearer in this book. His development is often the result of something that happens and he learns after he regrets doing something that had consequences he didn’t like. It’s realistic even if it is frustrating at times.

Jac’s POV was an interesting addition to the story as we get to see an outside perspective to show us Levi’s flaws and developments as well as Enne’s. Jac also got his own storyline and his own agenda which were very enjoyable as well as sometimes terrifying to read about.

All the relationships between the characters in the first book and the new ones, fully evolve in this one and are more front and center in this book. Getting three POVs really helped with the character development and we get to see how all their individual plots and plans come together. Amanda Foody really expanded the story and the world of New Reynes in this book and she shows how you can create characters that almost seem real.

King of Fools is a book about ambition, loss and vengeance. It’s about luck, games, gambling, murder, manipulation and death. It’s painful, ruthless, complicated and extravagant. It’s a great sequel with an intense plot filled with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.

This sequel to Ace of Shades was fast paced and intense. There were many new characters as well as new subplots.

This story added a political scene to New Reynes, on top of the many gangs. It was another layer to the story, where the politicians were competing for their seat alongside the gang fights.

There were so many new characters and relationships that it was difficult to keep track of sometimes. Everyone seemed to think one way but act another, so you couldn’t really tell who was being honest. Each person also has a talent, which sometimes had to be kept a secret. It was a little confusing at times, but I had figured it out by the end.

The ending of the book dropped a bunch of bombshells. Even when I thought it was over, there were still more revelations to come. I’m curious to see what happens next.

Thank you Inkyard Press for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love the world of New Reynes and the creativity of the characters, gangs, and traits. Levi and Enne are so different, yet fit each other perfectly. The characters growth and regression in this book was astounding. You as the reader get to experience love, heartbreak, hardships, and struggles with mental health and "being enough." You want to dislike characters for their faults and back stabbing, but Amanda provides so much insight you understand why they did what they did. It tips your moral scale. Jac's perspective spread so much light on his struggles and identity which was not apparent in Ace of Shades. To see him grow and become one of my favorite characters was interesting -- and heart wrenching.

Anything telling of the plot would spoil the book, as so much is happening in this story line. The story is packed with twists and turns one would not expect throughout the novel with a explosive ending, which leave the reader on the edge. Like really Amanda Foody? You had to leave us hanging? King of Fools is about luck, love, lust, murder, and good and bad.

However, the advanced readers arc did have some formatting issues that took away from my reading experience a little. I plan to pick this up on audio and re-read it soon to re-mediate this, Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it, amazing plot, storyline, and characters! The tension between the characters was epic! Can't wait to read more in this series!

4/5 stars.the politics of this world is SO fascinating and the magic is always intriguing. However I have the same problem with this one as book 1 - nothing is quite explained enough for me in regards to both of those things.

I LOVE THE CHARACTERS and that one death had my heart hurting so bad.

King Of Fools by Amanda foody
5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin teen for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

From the minute I started reading Enne And Levis story I’ve been hooked, it’s a story that had me feeling like I NEEDED to know what happens next. From the first page to the last I was so focused on their story, that I can’t wait for book 3! The relationship between all the characters was so well written and the world building is tremendously amazing! If I could climb into a book I think this would be one of them. If anyone’s looking for a book with badass female leads, this is the one for you; I promise you that!

King of Fools is the second in a series, but unlike most series where the second book feels like plot filler to get you through to the pivotal book three, King of Fools kept me hooked with every word.

I loved how Amanda Foody wove new character details in with every chapter. The book is still full of the original characters that we know and love, but we get so much more backstory on each of them. They all have a wonderful development throughout the story, and it’s really intriguing to see how the events of book one have had an effect on the characters and how they react to different things.

I think that one of my favorite things about this book was getting to know more about the inner workings of the world that Foody created. We get to meet more of the members of the “Families,” as well as several other notable gangsters that rule the North Side. The end of Ace of Shades left us, and the characters, reeling, so we also were able to see how those events impacted the world around the characters. So much has changed in this world because of their actions, and I love how everything comes spiraling out of the pages of this book!

I also loved that we were introduced to some new characters! Enne starts to make friends, and acquaintances in the City of Sin, and trust me when I say that each of them is utterly unique and interesting!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! Every twist and turn dragged me along at a breakneck speed that left me unable to put this book down! Every element the author added served to further the characters and plot, and that ending…whoa. Let’s just say that I can’t WAIT to get my hands on book number three!

I’m an avid reader, and I have read a lot of 5 star books, but I have felt this way only three times in my life: while reading Harry Potter, while reading The Lunar Chronicles and now reading The Shadow Game series.

Let me say this: if you haven’t read these books (Ace of Shades and King of Fools) and you aren’t even planning to read them, I feel sorry for you. Truly sorry. Because you’re missing one of the most amazing worlds ever created, populated with some of the most complex and fascinating characters ever written, and one of the most unique and intriguing magic systems EVER.

The best part: Ace of Shades was magnificent, but King of Fools is in a whole new level. The world gets bigger, the stakes and risks higher, and the character cast grows significantly. The best part? Every character is so greatly crafted and memorable that I cared for all of them and I never felt confused. (P.S.- Morally gray characters around the world, bow down to the wicked heroes of King of Fools!!!)

Will the Shadow Game become my all time favorite series, topping Harry Potter and The Lunar Chronicles? The jury is still out on that one, because I have one more book to read, but I will say that, yes, it is a possibility.

Now, you may say I’m obsessed with this book and this series. And you’d be totally right. But that’s because II’m obsessed with great storytelling, and this is storytelling as it best.

Five mucking stars out of five mucking stars.

***Review posted to Goodreads, Instagram (@books_and_libros)and Amazon.***

[To be published on The Nerd Daily on June 9th]

“Because the hero of one story is the villain of someone else’s. It’s all just a matter of who wins.”

King of Fools by Amanda Foody is the second book in her The Shadow Game trilogy. A sequel often tends to suffer from second-book-syndrome, but this one felt like a totally different book in comparison to the first book, Ace of Shades. The first book felt more like its own original story while the second successfully expands on the story and the consequences of the events of the first book.

At the end of Ace of Shades, Enne and Levi both survive the shadow game and as a result, they are both wanted for murder. Now, they must avoid getting caught and they need to build up successful gangs on the north side of New Reynes. They’re gambling with everything they have, which could either cause their downfall or gain them the freedom they desire from the one who practically owns them.

The world of New Reynes is reintroduced to us through this story and the folklore surrounding the city of New Reynes is brought in. We get to see more of the darker parts of the city and the people who live in it. We also get to see a lot more of the south side and learn more about the political goings on.

The story moves from a hunt for someone and more to surviving and becoming who you are. We get to see more about the power dynamic and how the power shifts between characters as they move in a game without any real rules. It keeps you on the edge of your seat to see who is going to pull through to the very end. The book is so full of events and complicated plot points and even if you aren’t completely hooked onto the plot, the characters are so interesting that you have to keep reading.

Speaking of the characters, we get three perspectives in this book (Enne, Levi, and Jac). In Ace of Shades, we get to see Enne grow a lot over the ten days that she is in the City of Sin, and we see the results of that. Enne gets to form her own girl gang filled with a variety of girls who all show amazing girl power.

Whilst Enne changed a lot in the first book, Levi’s character development is a lot slower and becomes clearer in this book. His development is often the result of something that happens and he learns after he regrets doing something that had consequences he didn’t like. It’s realistic even if it is frustrating at times.

Jac’s perspective was an interesting addition to the story as we get to see an outsider perspective to show us Levi’s flaws and developments as well as Enne’s. Jac also got his own storyline and his own agenda which were very enjoyable as well as sometimes terrifying to read about.

All the relationships between the characters in the first book and the new ones, fully evolve tp become more front and center in this book. Getting three perspectives really helped with the character development and we get to see how all their individual plots and plans come together.  Amanda Foody really expanded the story and the world of New Reynes in this book and she shows how you can create characters that almost seem real.

King of Fools is a book about ambition, loss, and vengeance. It’s about luck, games, gambling, murder, manipulation and death while being painful, ruthless, complicated, and extravagant. It’s a great sequel with an intense plot filled with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.

When I read Ace of Shades, I liked it, but didn’t love it and I did not know if I wanted to continue with the series. But, man I am so glad that I stuck with this series.
King of Fools starts right off just a few weeks after the events of Ace of Shades and spans over several months. There is blood spilled, drama, politics, betrayal, guilt, love, and heartache sprinkled deliciously throughout this book.

4.5 Stars

'King of Fools' is the fantastic second book in the Shadow Game series and fans of the first book won't be disappointed. The author does a spectacular job with the world building in the novel. I immediately felt like I was back inside the "City of Sin" and was experiencing everything right along with our main characters. The author uses detailed descriptions and lots of vivid imagery to bring this shady world to life right before our eyes. I could lose myself inside this world and never come back out because I think there's so much more to be explored and discovered.

Our main characters have all changed in different ways since the first book's events. What I really enjoyed was the alternating chapters told from three perspectives - Levi, Enne, and Jaq. I loved getting to know each of them on a more personal level and watching them change in order to survive this crazy world. The only issue I personally had was that the author used the third person point of view to tell the story. I completely understand why she chose to do this - it could get confusing with more than one or two main characters and writing in the first person would only make things worse. I personally prefer the first person POV in almost every situation and that holds with this as well. Even though I get why the author used this writing style, I still feel we could've been more connected to the main characters if the first person POV was used. I did enjoy the alternating chapters and viewpoints because it showed different perspectives of the story and allowed us to identify with each character separately.

The plot was amazing, just as I had hoped. The first book was wonderful and I was afraid that this one might fall short, but it couldn't have been further from the truth. You could feel the tension each character felt during the story and how the adrenaline was almost always pumping with the action. It was definitely a solid second book in the series and I can't wait for the next book to release. I highly recommend this book and series to fans of YA, fantasy, and even dystopia, as well as fans of the first book.

King of Fools was one of my most anticipated sequels this year and I was not disappointed. Am I mad a this book and at Amanda Foody? Oh, hell yes. But I loved every second of it.

I believe that, in trilogies, second books should feel completely different from book one, and then book three should be an expansion of book two. We'll see what book three has in store for us, but for now I can say that this book had a totally different feeling from Ace of Shades, and it was great.

Different were the themes, the stakes, the pacing, the POVs. We saw old and new characters in a different light, and the city of New Reynes took its own rightful place as almost a character of its own, with its rich history and legends, even more so than in the first installment.

This book is so rich and full of events, each leading to new and more complicated plot points, that it's impossible to put it down. Even if you somehow weren't hooked to the plot, the characters are so interesting and you love them so much that you can't not keep reading.

Structurally speaking, KoF has two main differences: three POVs (Enne, Levi, Jac) and a both faster and slower pace. Faster because a lot more happens than in Ace, but spread out over several months instead of the ten days of Ace. I think that was necessary, although if we were to analyze it, some time skips were a little too convenient maybe, but I don't care too much about that. It all flowed well and came together nicely (OR SHOULD I SAY NOT NICELY) for the grand finale.

If you've read Ace, you know how much Enne grew in those pages, and here we see the lovely results of that. Mainly we get to see Enne form her own girl gang and it's everything you've ever needed in your life. I really appreciated the variety of girls there, even though obviously there needed to be a focus on only a few of them. Also, there was a lovely side f/f relationship and I'm ready to see more of it in the sequel.

While Enne changed a lot in a short time, Levi's character development in Ace had more to do with our perception of him the longer we stayed in his head. In KoF, I think it's fair to say that Levi does quite a bit of character development in the way that usually male characters (and men in general) do: his development is always the result of something that happens, usually something he regrets doing after seeing the consequences it had. I found this both realistic and frustrating at times, but in a way that was always consistent with who he was since the beginning of Ace.

Levi's development was also integrated by an outside perspective, mainly Jac's POV, into his flaws, but that's not all Jac was there for, which was something I was afraid of at the beginning. I'm glad we saw Jac have his own story line and his own agenda, and I loved his POV so much. Jac's POV also had one of the most terrifying scenes I've ever read, that literally had me forget to breathe while I was reading and I won't easily forget. I just want to say: Jac Mardlin, I am so fucking proud of you.

I think the writing also did improve, and there were a couple of scenes like the one I just talked about that proved it, as well as certain........decisions that Amanda Foody took. I am now equally excited and terrified for the sequel, because King of Fools was already a lot in terms of emotional wreckage.

In case it wasn't clear, I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK AND I NEED BOOK 3 ASAP.

TWs: mention of drug abuse and addiction, character deaths, violence, blood, explosions, murder, torture, executions.

I have awaited King of Fools on pins and needles, and I was so grateful to receive an ARC of this book!!! Ace of Shades was one of my absolute favorite reads last year. It was fun and adventurous and different and I tore through it.

Unfortunately, I had to make myself pick up King of Fools and keep reading. It wasn’t that it was badly written. I would never blaspheme Ms. Foody in such a way! It was just that this volume was so much heavier. The playfulness was gone. As a reader, I spent a lot of time going “oh, no! That’s not going to go well!” And cringing for the characters I loved. It’s not that I expected sunshine and roses, just a little more savvy and triumph for my friends in this book.

I was also a bit put off by Enne’s whole, “I won’t apologize for who I am!” Thing as far as it applied to her being a killer and gang leader. I felt like the girl had a few things to apologize for. I will read the next, but I missed the fun of the first.

The Story-
I was so happy to be in this world! I love how the story has become so much more than just a hunt for someone. It has become a story of becoming someone and survival, and what each person is willing to do, sacrifice or gamble for their goals. As the story continues we get a glimpse on the power dynamic as it unfolds. I really enjoy seeing the power shift as each character makes their move in this game that has no real rules. You are sort of left at the edge of your seat trying to figure out if someone is gong to stab you in the back or if someone is going to pull through.

There is a little bit more romance in this book, and at times I was rooting for the characters, and other times I was shouting at them that they can do so much better and just. get. over. it! But what can you do? The heart wants what it wants.

I think it should be stated as a trigger warning for drug addiction and physical abuse/trauma, as it does play a role throughout the story. Along with obviously gambling.

The World building-
As the story continues, Amanda brings us into the darker world and folklore surrounding the city of New Reynes. I loved how each chapter opened up with a bit of story that helps develop the city and how the story is driven. There was one bit at the end that I was confused about the magic that was happening, and I think maybe I probably missed something? Like who is this person..and what is this power? Maybe it's explained in the next book.

I loved how we got to see a little bit more of the South side of the city as well as the North. A little bit more on how the gangs operate and the political goings on and how they intertwine.

The Characters-
So many new great characters in this book! Along with the return of some of our faves from the first book there is quite a bit of shuffling between the POV's. I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and getting more of his story unfolding, and knowing his dark history. He is such a precious character and I just love him to pieces. As much as I loved the idea of a girl gang, I honestly thought I would see a little bit more from them. The most we heard of the girl gang was when they were sitting around their house, not actually getting anything done. It was merely an idea that was planted, and stuck through the story, yet didn't have a lot going on for the story. I really hope they get a little more action going in the next book.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story is about Enne Salta, who is on a quest to find her missing mother. She pairs up with Levi Glaisyer, who is the city's most famous con man.

I really liked the dynamics of Enne and Levi. Their interactions were really witty and funny. The characters were all really intriguing. The story is told using multiple points of views, which allow the reader to get an insight into the different characters' perspectives.

The plot is also really fascinating. Nobody can be trusted and that makes for an engaging story. You're always trying to figure out which characters to trust.

This story is action packed and fast paced. I would recommend it to readers who enjoyed Ace of Shades.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in The Shadow Game series by Amanda Foody. This book picks up where the first book, Ace of Shadows, ended.

Favorite characters are back (Enne, Levi, Jac) and new characters are introduced. The characters in this series are so intriguing. This novel is told using multiple points of view, which gives insight into several characters. I especially love the strong female characters.

The fun thing about this series is the politics in New Reynes. With so many people trying to be in power, nobody can be trusted. That's made very clear in this book.

This YA fantasy series is action-packed and fun to read. I can't wait for the next book... especially after that ending.

I received a free eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Amanda Foody's first book Daughter of the Burning City and enjoyed Ace of Shade and really didn't care for this one. It felt incredibly too long. 200 pages could have been easily removed and it would not have taken anything away from the storyline and would have kept the pacing more consistent. We do learn more about each of the characters and the storyline progresses a little further.

I would recommend this book to those that loved Ace of Shades as it continues on in the world and would give you are the things that you loved and then more. It just wasn't what I was anticipating.

*I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
I finally finished this book and loved it!! I was devastated that I never had time to read, so I got behind on this book, but I'm so happy I was able to finish it!
It was such a great book, just like Ace of Shades. It's definitely different and I love that there are so many strong female characters!
It was definitely more confusing than book one. Time passes much faster in this book, which made it difficult to read at first, but I got the hang of it as I kept going. I liked that the change in POV was actually noted instead of me trying to guess, which is something I like when there are several POVs in a book.
That ending also had me wishing that book three was already out. Not just the ending in general, but that epilogue. It's going to be interesting to see what happens with Sophie. So many twists (and a death I am not going to get over for a long time) have left me wanting more!!

4.5/5 Stars

Amanda Foody is back with the second book in The Shadow Game series and she's ready to wreck you. King of Fools is a heavy hitting maze of politics, gangs, and lots of betrayal that will leave the reader bereft and yet clamoring for more. No one is safe and that means every single crafty character that the author has created is in some serious peril. *Cue heavy sobbing and wailing in the street.*

Enne takes on the mantle of Seance and starts her own street gang seeking wealth and vengeance. She's learning to handle herself in the North Side while also holding onto the soft things she enjoys. Levi's determination and ambition is on full display as he puts the people he cares about in the crossfire but he's self aware enough to rue every poor choice and worry himself to sickness. And Jac, the best boy now with his own POV, is still a great friend while taking his own stand.

This book delves deeper into the streets of New Reynes exploring more of the underbelly of the city and the prominent players in society. From brutal casino owners to the rampant drug trade as well as upcoming elections and the lengths people will go to for power, the author truly weaves a wicked web of traps and tricks that ultimately keeps the reader guessing and turning pages at a rapid pace.

Overall Amanda Foody's King of Fools was the best kind of gut punch there is even though I'm still emotionally compromised. The characters' growth is tremendous especially where Levi, Enne, and Jac are concerned and I fell even more in love with all of them. With a riveting plot and a whole bunch of politics, this book takes the series to the next level and I totally recommend taking part in The Shadow Game.

TL;DR – While this book contains much intrigue and action, most of the “why” was unclear.

I had a really hard time getting into this book in the beginning. I just felt like the story took a while to get going and I couldn’t remember why I liked any of the characters from the first book. They all seemed annoying and there were plot points that were confusing to me. Vianca wants Levi and Enne to set up profitable gangs…why? I mean, I know she takes money from them, but was that the only reason? And then I’m not sure about Harrison’s deal either. Why does he need to know who the next don is? It’s all just kind of confusing.

As far as characters go, again, in the beginning I found everyone annoying. Over time, Enne grew on me–I think the same thing happened for me in the first book too. I really liked who she ended up being, but I don’t think her developmental arc made a ton of sense. I wasn’t super convinced. I don’t like Levi very much at all and I can’t quite put my finger on why. I don’t really buy him and Enne together, so that might be part of it. Neither character gives a convincing reason why they want to be together. Their relationship has no base, no foundation. What do they even like about each other aside from looks? I’m just not a fan of their relationship. There are a ton of secondary characters too who are all fine. I thought character diversity was done pretty well and authentically.

Overall, this book was just LONG and kind of confusing to me. Plot points and character reactions didn’t always seem logical. There were also all these excerpts from the legends of the North Side scattered throughout and I couldn’t see how they related to the story at all. The ending was intriguing and confusing and while it does make me want to read the third book, I’ll probably feel the same way about it as I do this one.

Overall Rating: 3.5
Language: Moderate
Violence: Heavy
Smoking/Drinking: Heavy
Sexual Content: Moderate

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