I cannot praise this book highly enough. After the first few chapters I thought that it was going the route of “pretty little liars”, but then it turned out it took more of a “when no one is watching” direction and I LOVED it.

Devon and Chiamaka were both excellently written, their voices were so distinct and they not only behaved and spoke and thought like teenagers do but both had an ongoing trait that was really delved into (chi’s desire to be “on top”, understanding what it took to get there but realizing it was 2x as much work for her as her peers because of her race and Devon’s desire to be loved and have someone actually stick around for him), that were really fantastically explored. My heart utterly broke for Devon time and time again in this story.

I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Ace of Spades follows our two main protagonists Devon and Chiamaka as they try to figure out who from their school is trying to tear them down. The only thing they have in common is the color of their skin, and when they uncover generations of racism at their school they are tasked with how to stop them.

I decided to request Ace of Spades because it was pitched as a black gossip girl. This book was definitely that and so much more! It's been a couple hours since i've finished Ace of Spades and I still can't stop thinking about all the twists and turns.

This is definitely now one of my favorite books of all time and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is now one of my instant buy authors. I knew about 40 percent in that this was going to be a 5 star rating and i immediately went to pre-order. It has been a long time since i couldn't put a book down because i needed to see what was going to happen next.

Some of my favorite parts of the novel were the conversations about race. One line in particular is one that keeps popping up in my mind over and over: "Growing up, I realized quite quickly that people hate being called racist more than they hate racism itself." I feel like this is something I am seeing more and more as people are being called out for microaggressions or stereotypical things that they say in passing.

Thriller is not usually a genre I gravitate towards at all, but I feel like the suspense and twists in Ace of Spades were well written. I will say that some minor plot twists were easy to guess, but I liked that I wasn't shown one way and then thrown another.

I have had about 4 people go and pre-order this book because of how much I raved about it to them, and I'm probably going to do a reread with them when it comes out!

Gossip Girl meets Get Out--I was sold immediately. I 100% could not put this book down once I got a few chapters in! It is twisty, dark, and it's impossible to know who to trust. I loved it and I know my students will too! Beyond the evil fun, it also spurs reflection and conversation about the insidious nature of racism in our country. This is a book with a great deal of depth and I look forward to reading more by this author. Phenomenal debut!

4.25 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Fierce Reads for the arc of this book!

At the start of their senior year at a private school, Chiamaka and Devon begin being targeted by anonymous texts to the student body airing their secrets. But what do they have in common? They don't want to connect the obvious dots (that they are the only two Black students at the school), but as things escalate and more pieces fall into place, it becomes clear that this harassment is racially motivated, and even more people are in on it than Chi and Von might think.

This YA Dark Academia had me on the edge of my seat! If you are a fan of Get Out you should definitely read this one. I loved watching the relationships in this book build up and crumble down and slowly finding out with the protagonists what was happening and who was in on it.

I also was a huge fan in the queer representation with one main character being gay and the other m-spec.

This book gave me a lot of feelings and a lot to think about. I couldn't stop talking about it for days after reading, and it kept me up at night!

Pub Date: June 1, 2021.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Bullying, Car accident, Death of parent, Violence, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Racism, Homophobia, and Hate crime

Moderate: Grief and Sexual assault

I love the prompts for this book. It was fun, quick fast-paced read with a lot of different twists along the way. I love the thriller genre and I was excited to see one with diverse protagonists. It's a great summer read

***ARC provided through NetGalley***

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is one of my most anticipated releases this year and I couldn't wait to dive into this YA dark academia novel, debut. I was immediately drawn to the characters in this story. Readers follow two points of view, the only two Black students at Niveus, as their secrets are slowly revealed to the school and in the first half, there's this unease that slowly builds until the second half where the tension really starts to pick up. Then, there's a constant feeling of dread and hopelessness as Devon and Chiamaka try to figure out what's happening and why. I've never read a young adult dark academia before and wasn't sure what to expect and I was nervous there would be a lot of high school drama. I was wrong. There are elements of drama that happens in high schools but with the stakes getting higher and higher as the story continues, it's so much more than that.

Further, I was also invested in the relationships the main characters had throughout the story whether it was with friends or family. As the story progresses, these relationships are challenged and things start to change. Devon and Chiamaka feel that they can't trust anyone outside of their family and that feeling is passed on to the reader. I was questioning EVERYONE. When it comes to their families, they have to decide how much to tell them about what's going on and how anything they tell them will impact them in the long run. I can't spoil anything but the stakes are MUCH higher than you might think at the beginning of this story and I was racing to the end because I needed to have answers. And that ending... *chef's kiss*.

I really appreciate what this book does thematically; the dark academia genre is incredibly white and sometimes fails to really critique the issues within academia. This story centers Black characters and deals with themes of institutional racism and how that racism is something that is passed down over generations. I was terrified for Devon and Chiamaka as they navigated this horrific situation and I think Àbíké-Íyímídé leaves readers with so much to think about. I highly recommend pre-ordering this book if you can, or just checking it out next month when it comes out.

Just finished #AceofSpades by @faridahlikestea

What a ride this book was. The premise is that two students with seemingly no connection except that they are the only two black students at a prestigious predominantly white school are suddenly being targeted. Their secrets are being spilled and their lives are being turned upside down. Whoever describes this as a Mix between Gossip Girl and Get Out was correct.

This book did not did not disappoint. This is the author’s debut novel but you wouldn’t guess it from how wonderful the writing is.

The story is told from multiple points of view. It switches between Devon and Chiamaka. I loved how it also showed the different ways that they tried to fit in at their school. Chiamaka was trying to make it though high school but being in the popular crew and Devon was trying to make it by being invisible. However, when they become targeted, they both realize that someone has been watching their every move. Anyway, you’re have to read it when it comes out in June. Another 5 ⭐️

Thanks @netgalley for this eArc, as well as @feiwelandfriends for this opportunity . And thank you @faridahlikestea for writing stories about people like us.

#weneeddiversebooks
#weneeddiverseauthors

5/5 stars

This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it did not dissapoint. The story was so incredibly crafted, the plot twists were surprising, the characters were complex and dynamic, and most of all, this story talked heavily about societal problems, like racism.

I finished this in a few hours, if that says anything about the pacing. I was 100% hooked by the story.

The characters in this story felt so real, from their aspirations to their faults.

The plot was so twisty and turny, and I kept making guesses as to who Aces was.

The romances were great, I feel like they really added to the plot while not fully taking over it.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book. It was an amazing read overall!

*thank you so much to the publisher and netgalley for the arc*

Ace of spades really felt like an ace of my 2021 reads. This book is everything is and more. It follows the story of the only two Black students- Devon and Chiamaka, attending Niveus Private Academy. Im in awe with how well and subtly the author brought in the stark difference between the characters and how the unapologetically the complexities and situations were handled. Authors generally tend to shy away from addressing the reality but not Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. They gave it to us clear as glass, no bullshit and that was very interesting to read. Even though Chiamaka and Devon have different backgrounds the experiences they share with racism and bullying was the same.

There are so many instances where this book truly touched me. The experiences Devon goes through being gay and Black, and how he handles it were very inspiring. Even reading about Chi's experience with her sexuality, her hair and the life she comes from and the life she wants to fit in was very awe-inspiring.

With the serious tone of the book Faridah manages to sprinkle in some lighthearted funny moments and this made the book a total package.

I can't and won't stop recommending this book to everyone around me.

This book was interesting, to say the least. I read it without reading the book cover synopsis, which left me completely unprepared for the type of story it was. I was not expecting such heavy-hitting topics that I have such little experience with in my life, which is part of why I’m glad that I read this book. I’m happy to have even gotten a glance into the struggles that different people face growing up in America.

Given that Ace of Spades is pitched as a thriller, the major twist of this book was delivered too softly for my taste—the split perspective took away some of the punch of having both main characters’ reactions happen at the same time. I felt as though the twist was big enough and dark enough that there should have been a greater reaction from both main characters. Even in the little twists and turns, I never felt scared for the characters or worried about the outcome. Perhaps this was just due to my inability to relate to either character very much.

My favorite parts of this book were Devon’s mom, the epilogue (I love flash-forwards), and some good, old-fashioned confrontations. One thing that I wish we got to see more of was Chiamaka and Devon’s friendship developing.

Thank you netgalley for the e-arc

This is one of the best debut novels I have ever read. I genuinely couldn’t put it down, I read it in one day and ignored everything else.

Devon is absolutely my favorite character, his relationship with Andre made me cry. Devon deserves the world, he’s so passionate about his music and he has so much on his plate but he still strives to do well in every aspect he can and make sure that his mom is okay.

Chiamaka is definitely an acquired taste. I started liking her around halfway through the book, but damn her view of the world is clouded. I felt like I was watching a horror movie as I watched her trust people and refuse to think badly of them even after the evidence all pointed to their wrongdoing.

This book is just amazing in every single way. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart and it’s extremely disturbing at times, but it’s so well written and the plot is more compelling than anything else I’ve ever read.

If Gossip Girl were remade in the spirit of Get Out, this would likely be the result. Keep in mind I haven't seen Get Out, nor do I intend to, but i think I'm aware of the general idea.

While I was given an arc of this, as always the thoughts to follow are all mine.

I just need you to know that this is hands down required reading for all those looking for a good book. In fact on some levels simply calling this a good book doesn’t really convey just how great my reading experience was and how I didn’t want to start. The story picks up immediately and doesn’t let up until the last sentence of the book, all while slowly ratcheting up the tension. It’s mastery on a level that I could only ever hope to attain.

Devon and Chiamaka are the only Black students at their private school and as their senior year commences they are thrown together as a mysterious force starts to expose things about their lives that they’d definitely like to keep under wraps. What follows was a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of institutional racism, coming out, breakups, and new relationships. The book manages to tackle so much ground. I was a little impressed at how everything still managed to weave together and not feel as thought it was lagging behind at any point.

If for some reason this book wasn’t on your radar I’m happy I was able to get you to at least look into it because again, this is required reading. I don’t have a bad thing to say about this book, I enjoyed the wild ride it took me on and I am going to be slightly envious of others who get to experience the twists and turns for the first time.

On the surface, Ace of Spades seems to center on the mystery behind who is bullying and intimidating two Black students at a prestigious white prep school in such an aggressive and egregious manner that their academic careers are jeopardized, their safety is in question, and the stress from social ostracism becomes debilitating. The “who’s behind this and why” aspect of the novel alone carries the book well into the shocking revelation but what elevates the novel are the additional issues these teen characters are dealing with: sexual identity, social acceptance, first loves (and losses), peer pressure, systemic racism, and institutionalized discrimination.

While Chiamaka is an only child raised in an affluent, two-parent household with highly successful and professional parents, Devon is on scholarship, lives in a single-parent home in an economically depressed community headed by his mother who works three jobs to support him and his siblings. Chiamaka has suppressed her “realness” and reinvented herself into the mean but desirable “It Girl.” Devon, with an absentee father, feels obligated to earn money as “man” of the house and resorts to questionable activities to ease his mother’s financial burdens. Despite their opposing positions on the socio-economic spectrum, both are victims of Aces, the unknown nefarious tormentor, who targets the duo with acts of increasing maliciousness.

Devon and Chiamaka join forces to identify Aces and attempt to salvage their academic careers and social destinies, however, they are initially met with defeat because it seems as if Aces is always a step ahead of them. Through the narrative, we know these two are gifted, resourceful, and determined teens, so it is no surprise that with a little help from a few faithful friends, they discover the truth and put their own plan in action.

This is a timely and insightful novel for young adults and is sure to encourage essential discussions on sensitive topics.

5 stars

This is the perfect combination of serious social issues, disturbing thrills, sinister moments, and fast-paced excitement. I loved it!

The two main characters share perspectives, and they are both fantastic: Black, queer, high achieving, and rightfully suspicious of the truly wild activities they think just MAY be going on around them and are - in fact - focused on them. While the novel has more of a teen drama set in a fancy school vibe at first, the chills start and then do not stop. What works especially well here is the way in which the author reveals information. So much needed info is right there in readers' faces, but like the characters, we may be a little slower to see the bigger picture. When that bigger picture is revealed, it is so sinister and smart, and it is unquestionably worth the wait.

This is one of the vaguest reviews I've ever written, but I'm too scared of inadvertently revealing details that are better left discovered by individual readers to get more specific. What I can say is that I loved this novel and cannot wait to read more from this author. I'll be recommending this highly to students, friends and family, and readers of this review. Enjoy!

A gripping, terrifying, complicated thriller about the only two Black students at the sinister Niveus Academy. I can't think of better comps than the ones already given in the description: Gossip Girl and Get Out.

ACE OF SPADES by Faridah Abike-lyimide is a YA thriller about two students, Devon and Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. Described as Get Out meets Gossip Girl, this book was one wild, messed up ride.

I think a lot of readers will really enjoy this one, but as an avid thriller-reader, it fell a little short for me in some instances. The slow-build was arduous and rather repetitive and, despite having an epilogue (which I loved!), I felt that there wasn’t much closure.

However, I’ve rounded my review up to 4 stars because the second half was fast-paced and had me turning pages, and the story had a lot of great aspects to it and characters that I was constantly rooting for!

With this being Faridah’s debut novel, I’m very excited to see what she comes up with next!

Publication Date: June 01, 2021

*** special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review ***

Posted to Goodreads and The StoryGraph: 04/02/21
Posted to Instagram (Bookstagram): 04/09/21

thank you usborne for providing this ARC for me!

5/5 stars

let me start this off by saying, never in my life has a book ever moved me or affected me the way this one has. i was living in the worst nightmare i’ve ever been in vicariously through these characters. and i think that’s a very special thing to be able to feel, i felt the story in my bones. throughout my entire life i have always gone to predominantly white schools, i vividly remember being the only black girl in my elementary school for years.

i was originally going to make this review a spoiler free review, but i don’t think i can hold it all in. jamie is the epitome me of every black person‘s fear, somebody you can trust somebody who gets close to you only to use your secrets and your emotions against you in the worst way possible. the fact that he engaged with chiamaka romantically and sexually, filling her head with these false narratives only to stab her in the back and literally tried to kill her is sickening. everything that devon went through from being outed to the constant physical abuse and being backstab by one of the people he considered his best friend was hard to read but so engaging and it drew me in every second. this book had my heart racing, and i cried and so many times!

i never expected this book to have it’s constant twist and turns like bella being related to the girl that they hit with the car, and even the car accident being staged, that’s insane. i will say that i did have a little inkling that bella was related to the girl or was the girl! i also felt like the news people were evil, so i was right on that. but i originally thought that jamie was aces from day one and i am glad i got some of it right, but the fact that it was an entire secret society and organization is in sane and beyond anything i could’ve ever imagined. and i had a feeling that headmaster word was in on something that i did not expect it to be aces.

chiamaka is very personal to me, because she is me to fault. i relate with her so much in the sense of being nigerian, and the fact that my middle name is chiamaka and sometimes people address me as that. and constantly trying to fit in with white people but having to keep your circle small because you can’t really trust many people. recently with all the racial tensions i’ve build some walls and installed in my head the narrative that all people are racist until they prove that they’re not. and i feel like reading the story really almost proved that to me. you can’t trust everyone around you and not everyone wants you to be safe. but back to chiamaka, the elements of her mom braiding her hair, and the nigerian food, and not being ashamed about being nigerian but not wanting to show it to the world either because people just don’t understand.

overall this book really affected me in ways i didn’t know a book could and i will be reflecting on it for a long time. It was the perfect thriller that hit so close to home. and for that it gets five stars for me.

this book was absolutely FANTASTIC! fast-paced, thrilling and so, so engaging. i loved the characters so much—devon in particular, who i could relate to greatly. i think the ending was wickedly poetic and this SCREAMS netflix series or movie, so i hope someone picks it up. PHENOMENAL book! i can’t wait until it releases, so i can support it.

Ace of Spades is a gripping, dark academia, ya novel that follows devon and chiamaka: the only two black students who attend niveus, a highly prestigious and elite private school. This impressive debut novel was exciting and full of suspense!

Ace of Spades also tackles heavy topics surrounding racism, homophobia, and mental health. It approaches these topics in a refreshing and powerful way, fully capturing the experiences of two very different black characters.

I did not feel like this book was scary, but it definitely captures your attention, and the mystery keeps you invested.

My only critiques:
1. I wish the antagonists were a little more complex because as the plot goes on, I couldn't help but feel like the story was becoming more predictable.
2. The story builds up suspense for almost the entire novel, but the climax felt a little rushed. I felt like everything was resolved a little too quickly. (it kinda just felt like 'and then this and this suddenly happen and then the end') But I did like the epilogue!

Overall, I did really enjoy this debut novel, and I highly recommend it!