Ace of Shades was an interesting book with an enthralling setting, following two polar opposite characters. The book takes place at a casino sort of place called ‘City of Sins’. I really loved the setting, it had an amazing atmosphere and felt bigger than what was shown. The setting really draws you in and you want to learn everything you can about it. It’s a dark setting, but you can’t help but be enthralled by its performers and its gangs.

I really loved the characters too. Enne is clearly unfamiliar with the kind of setting like City of Sins, making her out of place presence very clear. She was meant to attend her final year of finishing school but instead she is searching for adoptive mother, which leads her to Levi. Levi is a cunning, clever, and flirtatious character. He has a reputation in the City of Sins and clearly knows his way around.



The book keeps you second guessing, and you feel like you’ve full grasped the world but then more is revealed about it. In a good way, the world-building is done so well but also makes you want to learn more about it.

I will say what didn’t totally work about the book was that it was really slow at times. I took its time to really set out the setting and introduce elements of the world. It also did that thing where instead of using an actual swear word, it used the word ‘much’ for cursing. This is a pet peeve of mine as the book was meant to be an alternate 20th century setting. But that’s a more nit picky thing.

I overall really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see more in the sequel.