**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**YA ReviewMy ThoughtsHave you ever picked up a book and by the time you were finished, you were convinced that the author crafted the book just for you? That was what happened to be with The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall. It was like the author poked around in my head, and pulled out a bunch of winning elements for me, mashed them all together and popped out a story that was sure to make me fall in love with it. Everyone is comparing The Conspiracy of Us to The DaVinci Code, and I get that comparison, but I feel like it was even more than that. It felt like The DaVinci Code mixed with Tomb Raider mixed with the biggest international secret society of all. Plus the focus was on Alexander the Great, who I think is a fascinating historical figure. (and yes, I do know that a ton of "facts" surrounding Alexander have been fictionalized and sensationalized throughout history, but that just makes him all the more interesting in my opinion.) The Conspiracy of Us will leave you wanting more.

I was immediately swept up in the Circle of Twelve and everything that has to do with them. Personally, I really enjoyed a majority of the characters in this book. I know some readers biggest complaint was that they didn't feel a connection to Avery, but I did. I got that she so badly wanted to know more about her father, because she thought it would fill something in her. She was constantly on the move, and constantly stuck in surface level relationships. She wanted something more, something deeper. I think that was her driving motivation throughout the whole story. Avery's mom was my only annoyance in The Conspiracy of Us. I don't like the whole Parents keeping their kids in the dark about some huge part of them or their lives. (but it does happen a lot.) However, as Avery was brought into the mystery and intrigue of the Circle of Twelve, I soon forgot about that roadblock, and I was quickly swept up in the Mandate. I couldn't read this book fast enough. I kept wanting to get to more clues.

There is a dash of romance thrown in, to satisfy that romantic sweet tooth, and I think there will be even more to come. Honestly, I just can't wait to get my hands on the next book. Maggie Hall does such a great job making you want more, that while I am kicking myself for waiting so long to read The Conspiracy of Us, I am also happy that I did wait, because book two- The Map of Fates comes out in only 2 months. The Conspiracy of Us ends on a cliffhanger, so if you are smart, you will grab books 1 and 2 at the same time and start on a wonderful binge read. You will thank me.

Bottom line: If you are a fan of The Davinci Code, of secret societies, of history and of tomb raider this book is a match made in heaven for you. There isn't much to NOT love. I loved this book so much. It is a favorite of mine for sure.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs