I really respect books that tackle racial identity and those difficult to face questions of reality. In that sense, its hard to find books that touch on it in a sensitive, thought provoking way. This book definitely did what it was trying to do and im so glad it achieved it in a nuanced way that really makes you sit back and think. One thing I will say is, go into it blind. The conflict will hit you so much stronger. Other than that, please do pick this book up.

This was one of my top reads of 2021! Faraday's debut is powerful and packs a hell of a punch. It's like Gossip Girl but mixed with horror and Get Out vibes. I will read everything she writes! I read this in one straight sitting.

I really enjoyed the fast pace of this book. I am astounded that this was the author’s debut book. While I wasn’t the target audience for this book, I can definitely see teens loving this book. The description of the book being like Gossip Girl meets Get Out was extremely accurate.

It was interesting. I read this a while ago, and found myself very curious.
But i felt like it could`ve been more.

The amazing book loved it thoroughly. I know the feedback is a few years too late but the I tried sending it multiple times and it is just stuck on my Net Galley page now.

I could kick myself for taking so long to read this book. I’ve had the ARC for well over a year and my physical copy for nearly a year, and yet last week I read the entire book in a few days over audiobook (thanks Libby). I was immediately sucked in. I usually go for more romance-heavy books but this book knocked me on my ass with how amazing it was. I was texting my friend live updates as everything was happening. I wanted to hug Chi and Devon throughout this entire book.

Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for giving me access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A gorgeously written novel about racism, nepitism and the dangers of social media. I read it in 2 days and plan to read it again soon. I would reccomend this book to anyone and everyone!

Although this was only a sneak peak, I did enjoy what I got to read. I later bought a finished copy and sped through it. I enjoyed every second. Chiamaka was a riveting character. I loved her perspective on being a popular girl in high school. I do wish her queerness was explored a bit more but I understand as to why that wasn’t exactly possible. Devon was an interesting character who was the total opposite of Chiamaka in every way that mattered. I felt like his character had the depth and complexity required to pull off a story of this magnitude. However, I was left wondering quite how a society like the Aces could have gone undiscovered for so long, but I suppose that must have just been the work of racism. All in all, this was a great book and I can’t wait to see what Faridah Àbiké-Íyimidé writes next.

There's no right way to review this book; everyone needs to read it. it's so important that non-BIPOC read this, to really see how they genuinely affect us from school to work and real life

Absolutely incredible, the book was outstanding and really pushed across some important social commentary. This book was like Pretty Little Liars meets Get Out - brilliant!

This book was amazing, but extremely haunting. It is a very good read. I thought that the premise, that it was a mix of get out meets gossip girl was extremely accurate, and i think that everyone should read this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the chance to sample Ace of Spades.

This novel had me on the edge of my seat with suspense and mystery. I loved the contrast between the characters, Devon and Chiamaka; while both are complete opposites, they share a common enemy/hater in the anonymous Aces, a shadow in the halls of the prestigious Niveus Private Academy who leaks dark secrets. This book was inspired by the cult classic Gossip Girl and a hint of Pretty Little Liar, the elements from both books mixed with the prejudice and racial social/class issues really brings the story to life in a frightening way.

To be in an environment set on pressuring one to fail is a heavy load to carry and an unsettling revelation that circumstances like this happen everyday. The idea of Aces and the haunting presence of someone leaking secrets for fun is a different kind of macob.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and everything it had to offer. If you haven't had the chance to read this novel yet, then I highly suggest you do so; definitely won't be one you regret.

5/5 stars!

this sneak peak gave a good insight in what the book is about and made me interested in reading the full novel

Overall, I loved the pace and concept of this debut novel; however, the ending left me underwhelmed, given all of the build-up in the pages prior. That being said, given how invested I grew in reading up to the climax, I will still read future works by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé. Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC from this promising author, and thank you, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé for having the courage to share your talents.

Not a fan. This book dragged a lot and didn't work for me. I tried to enjoy it but the story and plot were lacking. I will still check out this author's future work. But this one wasn't great.

MUST READ FOR EVERYONE HIGHLY RECOMMEND EASILY HOOKED, FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS, ALL AROUND WILD AF. No seriously, you gotta read this it is so intense and just completely unbelievable but also I 100% that this would happen in real life which is absolutely depressing but this book is so readable and well written and engaging PLEASE READ IT DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

While the writing style felt a bit off to me I’m intrigued to continue the story. I love stories that take place in a preppy rich school with mystery and this has that.

Although this is only a preview, I ended up completing the entire book. It is a great narrative with a commentary on society. The statement of "Gossip Girl meets Get Out" really hit the mark. Overall, the book is good- the main characters were great and the storyline was easy to follow- I was constantly creating theories in my mind to solve who "Aces" was. I thought the first 100 pages or so were a bit slow and the end was rushed, but overall it did not affect my overall enjoyment.

I am still in awe of how beautiful this story was. This was everything! Definitely Gossip Girl feels. The plot was stunning. Talk of social eugenics, sexuality, homophobia and so much more. This book gave me all the feels that I needed and actually had me freaked out at some points for Chiamaka and Devon.

Chiamaka reminded me of Blair from Gossip Girl. As much as I enjoyed her, I also couldn't stand her. She was prissy, a know-it-all and downright rude to people. I couldn't stand the way she thought. The home scenes were amazing, but in school she pissed me off. She was aggravating.

Devon was my favorite of the two characters. He was sweet and hardworking. His backstory broke my heart. I loved how bold he was with his sexuality. He was amazing. I wanted so much more from him. His heart was everything to me. His innocence was pure. I enjoyed my time inside Devon's head more than I did Chiamaka's.

The romances were pretty interesting, especially Devon's with Dre and T. I honestly loved the purity of them both, but I couldn't stand Dre with how he ended things. The romances were a good addition to the plot of the story on all ends.

Dre was a good guy, but he was living in such a harsh world. I wanted to take a belt and beat him at some points, but with his lifestyle I understood his situation. I didn't like how he handled things, but I understood it. I did not like what happened to him in the end. I cried for him.

Terrell was interesting. I liked him a lot even in spite of what he did. I enjoyed his sincerity and adoration. He was sweet, attentive, caring, loving and took his time breaking down walls. I loved seeing him in the end.

Jamie was a dick! I could not stand him, especially as the story progressed on. He is an egoistical ass. I couldn't stand him and his end was PERFECT to me. Belle seemed nice. I didn't know whether to like her or slap her. She seemed to be genuine towards the end, but with the damage done it was hard to root for her. Jack was a terrible friend and person, I disliked his attitude and mindset.

Headmaster Ward was a villain to me along with Mr. Taylor. I wanted a good ending for Mr. Taylor, but that epilogue gave me EVERYTHING I needed for Mr. Ward. Aces was a shock to me. They were a savage all together. The things they did were just too much. I wanted to beat the mess out of them, but finding out the plot twists to Aces was INSANE!!! No words can explain my thoughts on Aces.

The epilogue was A M A Z I N G! The best ever!!!!

Overall, this was an amazing debut and I can't wait to read from Faridah. I hope this gets pulled as a TV show because this was epic.

This book had it all told like gossip girl it had you guessing who was really behind it all. What a great story of racism, high school age and the battles of growing up. Great book and very well written.