Reviews with content warning for Violence - Ace of Spades

I enjoyed this read! It’s a fast and interesting read with no real deep dives into content. I have the rating I did because I personally would have liked to know more about how the characters ended up where they did and how, but I can maybe understand the author’s choice in the epilogue. I felt like there were opportunities to develop more plot lines.

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cupcake8's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

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elleogovna's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This book was definitely a great read. I grew to really empathize with the characters and loved their development but yet they stayed true to their established personalities. I love a book where black people win in spite of the people and institutions against them.

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cripcor's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

reading slump is OVER!!!!! THANK GOD!!!

I'm so glad I finally read this book it's fucking WILD. I don't think I have read a book in a Long time with such well done twists.

I'm trying to think of what I can say without spoilers but just,,,wowie. Private school drama???? Incredible. The way the author instills this sense of fear and in paranoia in both readers and characters is like, seriously insane. I never knew what was going to happen next. I was absolutely going BONKERS. Dark academia with black queer leads and mysteries and secrets!!! Incredible!!

I listened to this on audio while reading it because it is dual pov and the narration was Fantastic. Dual narrators really made me feel connected to these characters and their families like they were real people going through real events. Definitely listen to it if you can.

One thing to note is this book deals very heavily, and openly with antiblack racism. It is central to the story. It also covers many instances of homophobia and classism as well, so I would encourage readers to check trigger warnings (which are listed in the front of the book, and author's website) before reading.

All in all Faridah Àbíké Íyímídé is a wonderfully talented storyteller, I cannot wait to read more of her work!

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twentysomethinggirl's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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sadie_g's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

One of the most addictive and unique books I’ve read. The concept was so interesting and frightening. I loved the influence of Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars and Get Out in this. I kept thinking I knew what the twists were gonna be and I was wrong so many times. Would definitely recommend to read this, it’s so thrilling and handles many heavy topics that are important to discuss and learn about.

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