2022: Whew this book GOES there and I am here for it!

Okay so I really enjoyed the thrill ride that Àbíké-Íyímídé takes us on, but I was held back from giving this one a full 5 stars because of the absolute lack of credit given to the parents in this book! The plot holes that arose from these two students simply REFUSING to confide in their parents is astounding. I guess this is showing my age, how I spent the whole time just yelling at Devon and Chiamaka "OMG JUST TELL A TRUSTED GROWN UP WHAT IS GOING ON". And before you come for me and say "they did" puh-lease, I could tell that Ms. Donovan was white and was in on it from the moment she was introduced! They needed to go to their parents!

I will say, I did not see many of the twists coming in this book, and I was pleasantly shocked by a lot of them. There were several moments where I was listening to this audiobook and I audibly said NO FUCKING WAY out loud, eliciting several odd looks from people around me. The book opens up with a very slow, YA vibe that feels a little par for the course. But do not be fooled! I was kept constantly on my toes and was definitely lulled into a false sense of security.

I was extremely impressed by Àbíké-Íyímídé's author's note at the end of the book, especially finding out how young she is. I cannot wait for more of her work to come! If you're looking for a book that's Black, queer, and not afraid to look white supremacy and privilege in its ugly face, definitely check this one out.