The sequel to Ace of Shades ups the stakes with a plot that focuses on the political aspects of New Reynes. After Levi and Enne kill the Chancellor and Sedric Torren during the Shadow Game in the last book, the government has put them on a most-wanted list, along with declaring war on the gangs of the North Side. While the city is preparing for an election for the new representative, Vianca Augustine directs Enne to take up the legend of Seance that was created, and build on a gang, along with Levi's help. Levi, meanwhile, wants to rebuild the Irons, and for that purpose, he takes on more risks and more dangerous plays, including sending Jac undercover in the Torren empire. Jac, whose story takes on a more prominent spot in this sequel, has his own demons to contend with, as he looks on what brought him to this point.

The story has many moving parts, and individual plotlines for the characters, creating a layered narrative that intersects and causes conflicts when the motives and paths of three POV characters come at odds. While Enne and Levi are supposed to be partners in the business under Vianca's orders, they are each doing their own thing. Levi's quite selfish in the first half of the book, making decisions and expecting others to follow through, but he has to learn to realize when his ambition is ruining things. Enne has a pretty significant development in that she lets go of the past version of her, and embraces the her that she is now, and doesn't apologize for her femininity, even when it seems like weakness to the other gang leaders. She goes from being mostly ignorant of how to run a gang, to making a successful one with all girls, and her dynamic with Vianca also reflects how she learns to be comfortable with being both a street Lord and a lady. Jac's storyline is fraught with tension, as he is made to go back into the drug dens of the Torren empire; he has to fight the urges that come with it, and he finds a way to help get closure over his past.

Aside from the main characters, the book also has a big set of secondary characters, as the gangs play quite a role in this one. From Levi's new boyfriend Narinder, to the counter Grace, they all contribute well to this character-driven enterprise. The small snippets of street legends sprinkled throughout the book add to the world-building, as well as set up things for the climax. The ending is quite chaotic, but it works well with the build up in the book; the only caveat being that there were unnecessary and distracting plotlines in the book (like Levi being told to stay away from Enne, or the addition of Sophia's associates at that first fight) that only served to manufacture tension between the characters, and didn't have much bearing on the ending. Granted there was a need for fractured relationships to help the plot play out, but I felt the book would have been a better-paced and tighter plot (and shorter, too!) if they had been trimmed to necessity.

Overall, though, it is a well-written and entertaining sequel that thoroughly fleshes out its characters.

I decided to split up the positive and negative aspects of the book.
What I Liked
Good character development: You see Enne grow a lot as she transforms into a notorious gang leader, building her gang of women from the ground up.
New Reynes is much more fleshed out. It’s an interesting society, probably akin to early to mid 1900s London or New York. In the first book, the city seems really exciting with similar vibes to Ketterdam from Six of Crows (city with an underworld, crime, gang rivalry, casinos, policemen, violence, vice, etc) but more modern.
Impressive range of new characters introduced with equally cool names: Narinder Basra, Sophia Caro, Bryce and Ivory and Scavenger and Scythe
Amanda Foody does and amazing job with the writing and action scenes; The plot always keeps you in suspense
I loved how the story is told in small snippets and not a long dragging plot where every small consecutive event is covered. This maintained a fast-paced rhythm that was in sync with the plot.

What I Didn’t Like
Many questions remain unanswered from Ace of shades ending: Who are Mizers? Enne’s history and background? Who is Lourdes? And what about her money?
The story splits into 3 separate side stories which gets a bit confusing at times since the politics of New Reynes are also introduced. Especially since many of the characters actions and plot decisions become dependent on certain things happening and those things are also dependent on other events happening so there are so many layers and layers which is a little dizzying to comprehend at times.
(ie. Levi’s bet to further Enne’s scheme to fulfill Vianca while Levi is simultaneously helping Harrison not telling Anne this and Anne not telling Levi that and keeping it a secret from Vianca and what???)
In addition, there are too many characters and alliances. We have to remember the candidates’ names and which side they belong to and who’s helping them and which of those people are double crossing them/ have separate agendas and which gangs are behind these people and the people they interact with in other gangs who happen to support other candidates
Throughout the read, I wanted more Levi-Enne romance but they kinda grew apart for majority of the beginning, only to come back finally at the end.

The main issue was the plot. Like the first book, it takes a while to get going. However, because Foody is trying to flesh out more of Enne’s world while advancing the character development of everyone else, she juggles too many things at the same time. As a result, the book left me a little bit confused at the end. I’m hopeful that Foody will be able to wrap everything up in her final book.

Ace of Shades was a book that took me completely by surprise when I read it, and so I was really looking forward to the next installment in the series. I have to admit that it started out a bit slow, but once the story starts rolling King of Fools is a book that will likely have the reader flying through the pages.

It took me longer than I had anticipated to get back into the world of King of Fools and to remember everything that had happened previously. However, once the plot started to pick up, I found myself once again really enjoying the characters and the story! One of the best aspects of the book was the character growth present throughout. While there was not much action-wise until later on, the story was full of astounding character developments. In particular, I absolutely loved how Enne finally embraced her upbringing and used her unique personality to her advantage.

Amanda Foody has repeatedly referred to King of Fools as her #GirlGang book and after reading this I could totally see why! Enna fully assumes the Seance facade and creates her own gang. I loved watching the growth of the Spirits and Enne’s relationships with the other girls.

Although there was a lot less action present in King of Fools, there was plenty of intrigue and character development to keep the plot interesting and moving forward. From heartbreaking twists to a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, I’m really looking forward to the conclusion of this series!

The sequel of the Shadow Game was one hell of an amazing plot with kick-ass moments unforgettable quotes and ENNE! Strong, beautiful Enne who got her own girl-group of friends! But also the big difference between this book and Ace of Shades is that all characters grow and evolve and the surprises keep coming. I'll not spoil but you have to read this beauty!

Ace of Shades was one of my favorite reads of 2018, so I had way high expectations of King of Fools.And it was amazing. It wasn’t as good as the first book, but then again, it would be hard to beat Ace of Shades, so that’s not saying a lot. I loved this one, I really did. I might’ve wished for a little more action, but I loved everything else.

The characters were great. In this book, a new point of view is introduced: Jac, Levi’s second and best friend. I have to say, I really loved Jac from the beginning. And he really grew throughout the book, and I loved following his thoughts. And then we keep following Enne and Levi. Enne has really grown into herself since the first book, which I loved to see. And she kept growing throughout this book, so I honestly can’t wait to see where her character will go in the next book. And Levi… I loved him even more in this book. Honestly, I really loved all the characters, both the old ones and the new ones. 

The characters were also what made this book utterly heartbreaking. I just couldn’t help but care about them, but everything in this story was uncertain. There wasn’t a moment when I felt certain the main characters would survive to the end. And it added so much tension to the story that it was hard to breathe.

The romance was a slow-burn, and in my opinion, it really doesn’t get much better than that. It makes it so much sweeter and irresistible. And speaking of romance, there was so much LGBTQ+ in the book, and I love how it’s such a big and important part of the book. YA literature really need more books like this. 

The plot wasn’t exactly action-filled, and normally, that would bother me, but this book honestly didn’t need it all that much. To be honest, I’m not even sure more action would’ve worked for this story. Because of all the political intrigue and all the tension, it felt more fast-paced than it actually was, so more action would’ve likely made it feel too fast-paced. 

In the first book, the reader got to know New Reynes, the City of Sin. In the second book, we get to know the legends of the City of Sin. The entire book feels like it’s centered around the legends, and the Great Street War, and the history the reader is introduced to really added to the plot, and made it more interesting. This is a world I really want to know more about, and I can’t wait to read more about it. 

While I didn’t love King of Foolsas much as the first book, I still really enjoyed it. The magic is incredible, and I loved learning more about the world, and the characters really made it incredible, and utterly heartbreaking. If you haven’t started this series yet, I have only one more thing to say: Read it.

GoodReads Summary:
On the quest to find her missing mother, prim and proper Enne Salta became reluctant allies with Levi Glaisyer, the city’s most famous con man. Saving his life in the Shadow Game forced Enne to assume the identity of Seance, a mysterious underworld figure. Now, with the Chancellor of the Republic dead and bounties on both their heads, she and Levi must play a dangerous game of crime and politics…with the very fate of New Reynes at stake.
Thirsting for his freedom and the chance to build an empire, Levi enters an unlikely partnership with Vianca Augustine’s estranged son. Meanwhile, Enne remains trapped by the mafia donna’s binding oath, playing the roles of both darling lady and cunning street lord, unsure which side of herself reflects the truth.
As Enne and Levi walk a path of unimaginable wealth and opportunity, new relationships and deadly secrets could quickly lead them into ruin. And when unforeseen players enter the game, they must each make an impossible choice: To sacrifice everything they’ve earned in order to survive...
Or die as legends.
Review:
I have to start off by thanking NetGalley and Harlequin Teen for this ARC inn exchange for an honest review. I had been interested in reading Ace of Shades for some time and getting this ARC was the perfect opportunity. Read my review HERE. I’m also meeting Amanda Foody as one of her signing events when she tours for King of Fools. So, I’m very happy to have been able to read this book early.
I had so much fun reading King of Fools. I found that I enjoyed it more than the first book in the series. Already knowing the characters and a bit about the world helped. Though we did get to learn more about both, I think already knowing a bit helped me get into the story quicker and really enjoy the chaos and antics that ensued.
I think my favorite thing about this book was getting more into the world. This place that Amanda Foody has created is compelling and dark and captivating. I absolutely adored the legends we got to read that separated each part of the story. I also really liked how much more time we got to spend in the world. Ace of Shades happened over the time period of a week or so but King of Fools happens over a period of months and I think that was good because so much happened. We learned so much about the world and the politics, things that needed to take time. It was paced nicely, though some of the time jumps were a little awkward.
The characters were something else that I think were done well. They really developed in this book. They are all dealing with change and chaos and it really helps show each character’s true colors. Levi is complicated. Can’t have what he really wants, always seems to be disappointing his friends, taking risks at the expense of others. He says he learns from his mistakes but doesn’t hesitate to repeat them. I loved him anyway. He’s confident and clever. I’m very interested to see what’s going to happen with him in the final book. His best friend Jac was probably my favorite. He’s off on his own little side mission most of the book and I really related to him. He’s doing his part to help Levi while also doing his best to fight his own demons. Then there’s Enne. I didn’t love her in the first book but I do now. I feel bad for the way things ended for her, but I really grew to love her. She’s smart and (mostly) unapologetic. She took New Reynes by storm, her and her girl gang. The girl gang was absolutely my favorite. Lola was totally relatable in the sense that I talk a big game and wear a big bad face but really, I’m a cinnamon roll on the inside. And Grace, who has a counting ability but would rather be out killing someone. She’s brilliant and fierce and I totally adored her. There are so many more I could mention; we get quite the cast of character but I’ll stop here.
I do want to mention the villain or villains. I thought it was very interesting that there was one big bad villain, but the whole time we’re left wondering if she’s the one we really should be worries about or if there’s another big bad.
Finally, the freaking ending. I was devastated. I almost threw my phone across the room because of certain things that happened toward the end of the book. I am hoping for some sort of explanation that makes it all go away in the third book, but I’m not confident that I’ll get it. Amanda Foody really hit me where it hurt in King of Fools.
I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait until the third book is out. Sadly, I have a long wait. But I know it will be worth it. I cannot wait to meet Amanda Foody in May and tell her just how much I loved this story.
Keep on reading lovelies, Amanda.

This was a wonderful read. I was hooked from the first chapter and I fell in love with Levi from the very start. I haven’t read Ace of Shades, but Foody does a good job at keeping newbies in the loop. While I don’t think I’ve lost anything by reading this first, I do feel I’ve got everything to gain in terms of my connection to the characters.
Whether intended or not, I got a very steampunk vibe from the world building which added a richness to what developed over the 600 pages. This story-verse would work well on film; whether is be in a live action or animated form.
It ends with enough of the plot resolved to be satisfied, but if the final chapter doesn’t pull a gasp from you; you’ve been reading it wrong.
I can’t wait to read the final instalment, but I guess I can distract myself with the first outing in the meantime.

*Insert frustrated scream here*

Ok, I have been sitting on trying to come up with a review for this book for weeks. WEEKS! Have I come up with anything that will do this book justice? Nope. Nothing can prepare you for the frustrating, action-packed, emotional rollercoaster that is King of Fools. NOTHING.

I’ll admit, Ace of Shades was not one of my top books. I found it enjoyable but I didn’t get the same overwhelming adoration for the book or the characters that the rest of the community has had. I could see the potential for more, but I did have my reservations. Fortunately, for me, I am not a quitter and needed to give Foody’s world another chance. I am SO happy I did because I would have kicked myself in the face if I had passed up reading this sequel. I’m not a bendy person so that would be quite the trick…but I would have deserved it.

For me, King of Fools had everything that Ace of Shades was missing. Sure, they both have great action, unbelievable plot twists and just enough (ok, maybe a little much) slow burn romance but where Ace of Shades seemed to be more focused on world building, King of Fools was all about the characters and this character development was something I didn’t even know I desperately needed.

In the first book, a large part of my hesitation was that I wasn’t really feeling the characters. Enne and Levi just didn’t mix for me and they each irritated me, in their own special way. Now, I feel like the reader really gets to know them. We get to see their true colors and I have a whole new appreciation for each of them. Levi still annoys me, for multiple reasons and none of which have anything to do with something that rhymes with “douche”. Oops, I guess nothing rhymes properly. Oh well.

I loved seeing Enne take on this whole new world. I never even knew how badly I needed a girl gang until this book and I am completely obsessed. Kicking ass and taking names! Mind you, she is still a little too vulnerable but I’m hoping that she completely comes into her own in the next book. I have high hopes for this girl and her badass gang. Don’t disappoint me!

My favorite part of the whole book, though, was my little muffin…Jac. *sigh* I was instantly drawn to Jac in the first book but I fell completely in love with him here. Out of all the characters he is the one that, I felt, had the most important story to tell and I couldn’t get to his POV fast enough.

Enough about the characters….I’ll get spoiler-y if I continue.

King of Fools is a fast paced, action packed sequel that had me white knuckling the pages all night. ALL 600 OF THEM!! I couldn’t put this book down…I didn’t want to put it down. When I finally did….shook. Completely and utterly shook. I don’t think I have ever used that word in my life but there’s no other way to describe it. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to feel about that.

Obviously, King of Fools is an amazing sequel but be warned….THIS BOOK WILL BREAK YOU!!! Into a million pieces. I was not ready and it was all I could do to not go back and immediately reread the whole damn book because, obviously I had misread something. I didn’t. I’m still not ok.

Amanda….you’re an evil, evil woman.

Every part of me needs the next book now. Like, right now. The wait is going to kill me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin TEEN for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give my honest opinion.

King of Fools is a remarkable follow-up to Amanda Foody's imaginative The Shadow Game series. I enjoyed the first book, Ace of Shades, and thought it had a lot of great potential for future books. I still wasn't entirely sure where Foody would take this trilogy, however, but the places she ended up going in this book were even better than I could have imagined and I'm thrilled to be able to say that the sequel is a huge improvement on the first book. It clocks in at 608 pages, but I promise they flew by far faster than I could have imagined. I was fully engrossed throughout the entire novel and fell even more in love with all of the characters, including all of the new additions.



The most notable aspect of this book is how much growth and development each and every character has. Enne in particular continues to learn the ways of her new life in New Reynes in this book and I loved seeing her slowly adapt to her new way of life in ways that were surprising to both the reader and herself. Enne maintains her somewhat proper background, but she also realizes that she must succumb to new traits and lifestyles in order to survive, something that she doesn't find herself hating as much as she expected to. I was impressed with the ways in which Foody allowed Enne to evolve in this book and can't wait to see how things end up for her in the next book--this ending leaves a lot to be anticipated.



Levi and Jac are the other two main characters from the first book that we follow, Jac's being a new POV addition, and I also enjoyed seeing their own growth throughout the story. Jac really took me by surprise in this book with his newfound independence and strength, and Levi had to battle a lot of his own demons at many points in this book that I thought Foody handled really well. I look forward to seeing what befalls them in the next book. In addition to the old characters are some new additions, such as Grace and Tock, as well as others, and I thought these new characters were fantastic. They added even more color and depth to the story and also brought in some new perspectives about life in New Reynes and in the current situations, which in turn made the entire story more vibrant.



The villains in this trilogy so far are also ones that I really appreciate for being multi-dimensional and not strictly the black and white Bad Guy. In this book, we get to see so many new sides to Vianca that reveal a lot about her personality, her motives, and her actions in both this book and the Ace of Shades. A lot of the 'villains' in this book are actually rather grey and can be both bad and, well, not as bad; they can help the main characters, but they can also wreak extreme havoc. And when the villains are bad, they're pretty evil.



In addition to the characters, the world-building also had a lot more development that allowed me to become more invested in the world and understand various events. The world was developed well in the first book, but things still felt somewhat fuzzy and not fully explained at times, so this book really did a great job of expanding and cementing various ideas and parts of the world. I also thought the way the magic system worked was delved into more, which I really appreciated, though there are still a few things that I find confusing about it. I would love if the final book fully explained things for me, but at this point I'm not sure if it will. Still, this never really detracted much from my enjoyment or overall understanding of the world itself and I still think Foody's magic system has a lot of creative elements that keep things interesting.



King of Fools is dark, captivating, and impossible to put down. If you enjoyed Ace of Shades--or even if you were on the fence--I highly recommend you still give King of Fools a try, as I found it even better than the first book. There's no sophomore slump here! Overall, I've given King of Fools 4.5 stars!

I think it's about time I realized this series just might not be for me. Because when I think dark, when I think gangsters, I do not think this book AT ALL. It's like my main issue with the first book became even more apparent to me here. That these aren't gangsters. These are kids in way over their head.

The writing itself is not bad, but I just could not bring myself to care much about anything that was happening.

The only thing that kept me reading was Levi and Enne. Both of who I liked, though did not love, as individuals and together. But by the end, their relationship is a huge blown up mess. So I think this might be the end of the road for me.

[Review will be posted on Reader Voracious Blog on 4.28.19.]

"Oaths, omertas, Chainers - there's a reason so many in the North Side favor such weapons. New Reynes killed the queen the very day she hoped to negotiate peace. The City of Sin was built on duplicity."
Friends, this was one of my most highly anticipated sequels of 2019 and Foody did not disappoint! There is a lot going on in this sequel and there is never a dull moment, but the narrative is easy to follow and infectious. Guard your hearts because if you were emotionally destroyed during Ace of Shades... uh... yea. I yelled HOW COULD YOU when I finished this one. This book is action-packed with character development galore and intensely feminist.

I was scared that this book would suffer from Middle Book Syndrome: there'd be a lot of waiting, a lot of preparing and very little action until the end, and the characters wouldn't really develop. I was so happy that these fears were unfounded because in all of these regards, KING OF FOOLS really shines. This is a more character development focused installment that sets a lot up for book 3. We learn more about the history and politics of New Reynes, building up to an intense ending - I can't wait for the third book!

With the Chancellor of the Republic dead, New Reynes is thrust into campaign season and there are two parties vying for power. New Reynes is in a bit of chaos not unlike all those years prior during the revolution, and history has a dangerous way of repeating itself. A street war is brewing beneath the surface, and it is a dangerous time to be vying for power on the North Side.
"Vianca wanted righteousness. Levi wanted glory. And she, Enne realized, wanted revenge."
Every character in this book is searching for something, vying for power of their very own. Vianca Augustine particularly is disturbingly interesting, and if you pre-order this book you will learn a bit more of her backstory in the free short story that is the pre-order incentive.

King of Fools is told in three points of view: Enne, Levi, and Jac. And as a person that often struggles with multiple POV narratives, it completely worked for me here. Each of them have their own goal and main focus/partnership, and it was really interesting to see the inside perspective from each and see how everything connects at the end. The story is intricately and impressively plotted.
"Despite his many recent and frightening brushes with death, the thought of failure scared him more. He would rather die a legend than end his life in anonymity."
Levi's ambitions were definitely prevalent in Ace of Shades; however, they come to the fore in King of Fools as he will do anything to become a legend himself. He is determined to claim his destiny and freedom, and it is painful to watch his dogged pursuit for me as he is willing to sacrifice those he loves to get what he wants. Levi's dogged pursuit of becoming a legend and securing his freedom pits his aspirations with those he holds most dear. My heart hurts just thinking about it. I do think that the whole "forbidden love" aspect for Levi and Enne was a little heavy handed with the "will-they-won't-they" being dragged out, especially because they are my OTP. I really loved learning more of Lola and Jac's backstories, especially more about Levi and Jac's friendship. This little found family of Levi, Jac, and Enne is tested in King of Fools as each of them enter into unlikely partnerships.
"If Enne was about to become a street lord, then she could make her own rules. The City of Sin would learn that a pistol painted pink was just as lethal."
Amanda's long referred to this installment as "the girl gang book," and that definitely describes this book. After the events of Ace of Shades, she has taken on the Seance persona to create her own gang (the Spirits), and the relationships that she builds with Lola and new additions to the cast are precious. I am so happy that we get to see more of Lola in this book, she provides levity and witty asides throughout.
"'Fine,' Lola huffed. 'But you better not be in trouble, because I really don't have time today to say you."
The fact that she is a "rule-abiding, knife collecting fraud" cracks me up: she has no qualms with so much of what happens but won't jaywalk honestly would be me. Every character was fleshed out in this book as we learn more about their pasts, inner conflicts, and desires.

One of the things that I love about this series, and this book in particular, is the girl power. Our female characters are tough and strong, but do not fall into the typical YA stereotype of being hard. They like nice things, dresses, and romance books; and Enne's gang wears white gloves. They are ladies that also happen to be a part of the seedy underbelly of the North Side. They are strong and not in need of being saved by men, and their struggles are more than their relationship with men. And they want to achieve their own glory.
"Enne didn't want a savior. She wanted a partner."
The leaders of the other street gangs and their seconds make random appearances, and I will admit that I had a difficult time keeping the many side characters straight. I do love how Enne and Levi are forced to grapple with the events of the first book, and how everything came back around by the end of this book. The last 35-40% of the book had me in an anxiety spiral and the ending broke me.

Overall, I really enjoyed King of Fools! It didn't feel like a fluffy connector book in the trilogy, but rather took a lot of time to expand out knowledge of the intricate world and develop the characters we know and love even further. Be warned that the book builds up the action steadily and the end of the book is both heartbreaking and a cliffhanger. Fans of found families and girl power definitely need to pick up this series!

REPRESENTATION: bisexual rep, characters of color, diverse characters, f/f romance, m/m romance, PTSD rep
CONTENT WARNINGS: drug abuse and recovery, murder, violence

Many thanks to Inkyard Press for sending me an eARC via NetGalley for my honest review! Quotes are taken from an unfinished ARC and may not match final publication.

This was... underwhelming. At just over 600 pages I was bored and could not wait to get to the end. I think the author dragged the story out way too much and I lost interest.

4.5 stars
Oh my goodness. King of Fools is another book that doesnèt suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump. KoF is just as good as Ace of Shades if not better. KoF leaves off where Ace of Shades ends with Enne and Levi being wanted for murder. Ace of Shades takes place within a week. Where as KoF event take place within a few months. I found King of Fools expanded on the amazing world building Ms. Foody built in the first book. KoF focused more on the political side of New Reynes. I found it to be so interesting. The powerful families full of backstabbing and bribery, yes please.. I also loved the girl gang Ms. Foody promised. A++ to positive and healthy female relationships/friendships. Feminism for the win. Oh and I still can't get enough of Enne and Levi.

Overall King of Fools is an amazing book filled with action, suspense unabashed feminism and great representation. I cannot wait for book three. . .

This book had romance and twists and turns I wasn't expecting. I loved this new direction and new game and I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.

Oh my god I loved this book. I couldn't wait to delve into it and pick up where I left off in Ace of Shades.
I actually went back and re-read Ace of Shades so I could pick up any information I may have lost in the wait time, which was a lot.
This book is just as good as the first, something I do not say often since the sequel usually falls flat for me.
I loved getting back in touch with my favorite characters and wondering what the riff raff would get into next.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC. I absolutely loved this book. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me interested the whole way through.

"Maybe your soul didn't break like a bone.

Maybe it broke like a promise."

4.5 STARS

TW: death (including murder), violence (including gun violence), addiction, smoking, drinking, gambling, overdose, medical scenes and abuses, graphic injury, gore, implied child abuse

A long while back, I read Aces of Shades, and I loved it.

It was loaded up with cons and danger and characters in far, far over their heads, among other things. The tension was high, as were the stakes, and the characters transformed so much by the end of the novel. I couldn't help but be invested.

AND NOW WE'RE BACK FOR ROUND TWO.

Though King of Fools is not quite as action-based as Ace of Shades was, it takes on a dangerous political cast as Levi and Enne deal with the omertas placed on them by Vianca Augustine, and the dangers those omertas create in their lives as criminals. Enne has to confront new responsibilities under the guise of Séance, fashioning her own gang from the ground up, while Levi teeters on the edge of total freedom or complete loss. The stakes have climbed higher since we last saw everyone, and the strain is beginning to show in divides between them all.

Excitingly, new characters were introduced, so many of them queer (this book is RELENTLESSLY QUEER, GUYS; so many characters are just casually queer and it makes me extremely happy), and the POV cast welcomes Jac into the fold, finally giving Levi's second a full voice in the series. I especially liked getting into Jac's head because he's both level-headed and extremely high-strung. Part of it is because he so often has to chase after Levi's impulses and fix everything, but there's an element of heaviness on his shoulders that stems from a long and strained past. It's possible, actually, his his POVs were my favorite because they were the most action-packed of all the POVs, especially in the later escapades he gets into with a new character who is equal parts delightful and concerning. 

That's not to say Levi and Enne's POVs were less interesting, though. Both of them had new relationships to sort out, romantic and non-romantic alike, and I liked the challenges set on them now that they had to act independently of one another so often. They make an amazing team when they're on the same side, but their relationship is on the rocks for so many reasons, and I felt like the tensions unfurled incredibly well.

Honestly, I think the only thing that kept this from being 5 full stars is that I sometimes got so swept up in trying to untangle the consequences of all the political maneuvering going on that I had to go back and reread passages a lot. I ultimately got my head around things, but it was a little frustrating to do that so often, especially when it was a matter of untangling exactly what was said rather than inferring consequences left to subtext. 

But at the end of the day, I'm thrilled with the direction that King of Fools has taken, and absolutely dying to learn more about anything to do with the third book. I'm guessing it'll be Queen of Something, but who knows? Maybe we'll get surprised with something else. Either way, this book has closed so many chapters and opened up so many concerning new ones, and the conclusion of the trilogy promises to be explosive. Just the way it should be, if you ask me...

[This review will be published on The Words Gremlin around 10 am EST on 4/29/19.]

The first book in this series was fast paced and interesting, and I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, this sequel was not for me. The characters I had grown to love became unrecognizable, and the plot dragged. It was well written (great descriptions and sense of place) but the plot felt all over the place. Amanda Foody, I love you, but I'll try your next series instead of continuing this one.

If you're a regular at this blog, you know the first book in this series, Ace of Shades, was one of my top reads last year - so I've waited what seems like a lifetime (I may be exaggerating just a bit) to find out the fates of these characters.  I was kind of nervous - occasionally second books are 'fillers', or a let down after an explosive first novel.  But King of Fools is everything I hoped it would be.

New Reynes is still the City of Sin, and the dangers haven't lessened.  With a street war on the verge of erupting, and Enne's and Levi's faces plastered on wanted posters, they're constantly on guard, and always about five minutes away from being caught.  The character development continues to be outstanding, and the author puts both Enne and Levi in tense, impossible situations, where any decision they make hurts themselves or someone they care about.  Several new characters are introduced, and really add to the story - especially Tock and Grace.  

As much as I love Levi and Enne, Jac is my heart in this book.  His POV is added this time around, and with his tragic past, his loyalty to Levi, and determination to write his own story, Jac's character arc is incredible.  

King of Fools is full of political intrigue, manipulation, backstabbing, and twists, and it left rips in my soul that won't heal until the last book of the series is in my hands.  It also features a quirky girl gang and memorable characters that will stay with you long after finishing the book.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Everything I adored about Ace of Shades only deepens in color, intensity, and danger in King of Fools. My precious Levi and my beloved Enne. But prepare for King of Fools to wrench your heart throughout your reading progress because it's truly a roller coaster I haven't gotten over yet. Have tissues ready. These characters will wring the tears from your eyes whether you cry in compassion or in angst.

Beginning right where Ace of Shades left off, Enne and Levi are thrown headfirst into a new life - one where they have to hide who they are, and where bullets are coming from both sides now. But it's more than that. As we quickly find out, their actions may have just set off an even bigger avalanche - the promise of a war between the North and South side - and the stakes will be even higher than before.