Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy of this to review! I know Ace of Spades is getting a lot of buzz, and definitely for good reason. I was on the edge of my seat for the last half of this book, desperate to know what happens next!

If thrillers are what you like to read in the summer, this is definitely the one for you. This book gives me a little bit of One of Us I Lying vibes with the rumors swirling around the school. However, it gets a lot darker towards the end, especially since Àbíké-Íyímídé deals specifically with racism. This may be a fictional book, but it’s scary that it’s something you could likely see happening in the real world.

Àbíké-Íyímídé is skilled at pacing her book so that just when you think it’s over, it’s not. Something else happens. While there were elements of the mystery that I guessed, the way it unfolds makes up for it. Devon and Chiamaka both had unique voices, and even if they might not be the most likeable in the beginning, you’re rooting for them to uncover who’s been putting them in danger. 

There are also some great side characters here that act as foils for our two main narrators. I think my only complaint would really be that I don’t think the epilogue was necessary. It could have ended before that, and I still would have been happy as a reader.

All in all, if you’re looking for your next thriller, definitely pick this one up June 1st! 

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This was tense, twisty, and definitely gave me those <i>Get Out</i> vibes that were promised in the blurb. Stay tuned for a full review next week!