Like so many books Ace of Spades caught my attention from the cover.

The story did the rest.

This is about two main characters: Devon and Chiamaka, who are the only two black students at Niveus Private Academy. They're in their senior year, ready to take on the world, and suddenly Ace is spewing out secrets (and lies) about them and many others. The mysterious "Ace" could be anyone, and yet seems to be no one. Is this more than just someone out to upset them or are they trying to ruin their lives?

Wow.

I started this slowly late one night and then suddenly couldn't put it down.

Not at all what you think it is, and you'll second guess the truth behind 'Ace' again and again.

Really, really loved this one.

I'm really looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The idea was interesting, but the writing style didn't quite work for me. The pace was a bit too slow for a suspense story. I sporadically connected with the characters. The ending felt rushed. Strangely enough, the middle seemed to be the best part, as the pace was spot-on. Sadly, it didn't last for the latter portion of the book. I did like the epilogue.

NOTE: The book does contain explicit language and a LGBTQ storyline.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this. Get Out is not one of my favorite movies, so I was a little iffy going in. However, this was very well written and there were a lot of decent twists. I loved the overall plot and sinister vibe it gave off, and that not only were the two main characters Black, but also LGBTQ. The ending made my stomach churn and it was so awful that it’ll stick with me for quite a while. So for all of these reasons, it was a definite win in my book. Overall, this was absolutely enjoyable and the reasons behind everything will down right disgust you, but it’s certainly one of those book that everyone needs to read because of that reason. Put it on your list. (less)

Holy W OW.

Simply put, once you start this book, you are NOT going to be able to put it down. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé's debut is a brutal, intense, and gripping thriller that packs a powerful, social punch. It will leave you breathless.

It's dark and uncomfortable and terrifying, but in such a crucially important and powerful way. It grapples with heavy topics, (as other reviewers have mentioned): institutionalized racism, educational gatekeeping, LGBTQ identities in POC communities, socioeconomic status (especially as it relates to POC) and it's truly a story that everyone -- EVERYONE -- needs to read.

A big thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

What an interesting concept for a story. The idea was intriguing and kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen, but the writing sometimes seemed a little slow for me to really feel it should be considered a thriller/suspense. There were times when I really liked the main characters, Devon and Chaimaka, and there were times I really didn't care for either of them. There were so many other things that I wanted to know about that didn't have anything to do with the main plot of the book. However, when you start to realize what is happening at Niveus, there were some gasp worthy moments. The ending seemed a little rushed and I still felt like there were things I had questions about, but overall I think this was a good book. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s/Feiwel and Friends for providing me with a digitial arc.

A taut, face-paced debut that keeps you turning the pages right up to the very end.

Devon and Chiamaka face challenges that many readers will relate to and Faridah skillfully weaves issues of real life into this thriller packed with twists and jaw-drop moments. A heart-racing ride full of powerful messages.

Aces of Spades by Faridah Abike-lyimide is a great story. The pace is fast and kept me on my toes, while constantly keeping my interest. The story of a private school with all white students, other than the two main characters, showing the oppression, racial struggles and fear of all the peers around them. The QPOC representation was well written and relevant. Aces Of Spades is my favorite book of 2021, with the best outcome. I will definitely be buying the physical copy of this story once released June 2021.

Please everyone read this book. It’s so fun and so good and a PERFECT “burn it all down” story. I loved it.

Great book for anyone who loved One of Us is Lying or other mystery/thrillers!

Chiamika and Devon go to an elite private academy. Chiamika's parents are doctors while Devon lives on the other side of town. As the two black kids in their entire school they don't interact much until Aces begins to spread their secrets to the entire school. Can Chi and Devon find out who Aces is before he ruins their futures?

Loved the characters and plot for this book. Has a group of diverse characters and shows the struggles that many students of color may be going through when they are in a school they don't feel they belong in. The plot is somewhat predictable at times but most mystery and thriller books have similar tropes. 100% would recommend this to my students.

Ace of Spades is a masterful book, elegantly yet seriously dealing with important topics such as racism and sexuality all while providing a delightfully captivating setting. Marketed as Gossip Girl meets Get Out, it truly does encapsulate both of those, relaying the author's love for Gossip Girl in the best possible way. As one of the best debuts I have ever read, it is sure to be applauded as a brilliant thriller for years to come.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Ace of Spades is fun, exciting, sad, heavy, comedic, infuriating, and thrilling all at once. To be honest, I missed the Gossip Girl hype train and never saw the show so I feel like this was me getting to experience that excitement a little.

One of my favorite things in a book is when you connect with a character so hard that their pain feels personal and their triumphs fill you with pride, and I absolutely felt that way with Devon. Both main characters are well written and fleshed out and all the side characters felt like they really needed to be there. No one felt extraneous.

The pacing and storytelling is wonderful for 99% of the book. It kept me going for more page after page and getting annoyed when I’d inevitably have to put it down to go to work or sleep. Who needs either of those things anyway?
The only time things felt rushed in my opinion was at the end, and I would have loved to see more...well no spoilers so I just would have liked to have seen more from the ending.

My only other complaint is that the book leans a little too hard into cliche sometimes for my taste and big things become predictable when you actively think about the pieces of media that inspired it. That said, it still managed to shock me and thrill me and I had a really good time with this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy in June!

As usual I have to start by saying I am not own voices so please seek out those reviews first.
This was so much more than I was expecting! I knew this book tackled some tough subjects but this was so good! It took the thriller genre to a whole new level! I would be genuinely shocked if this book doesn't make its way onto several award list this year. This was absolutely stunning!

This was such a wonderful book. The characters had depth and the characterization they went through was expertly done, and the writing style itself was one of my favorites. The pacing was a little slow in the beginning but it picked up in the middle, and I was easily able to devour it. Very unnerving even if slightly predictable at times, and I can't wait to read more from this author.

This was an absolutely beautifully written book! I have not read a five star book in a while and do not have many five star reads. That being said I don't think I have ever read something quite like this. Ace of Spades is about two black students who go to a private high school and suddenly become the victims to an anonymous bully. This book falls into the YA, thriller, mystery categories.
First off, the way the author portrays racism in America today and the daily and hierarching struggles that black men and women face is astounding. I have read many books focusing on racial injustice in today's society but this one hit the hardest. It was a very emotional read and had many jaw dropping moments throughout the book. I have never faced discrimination for the color of my skin, but this book shows the horrors and injustices of today's system.
There are also themes of discrimination and bullying because of sexuality. The author also does such a wonderful job handling these issues as well.
This book had its fun and more lighthearted moments but it also had some very powerful messages throughout. I have no doubt in my mind that when this book hits the shelves it will be an instant bestseller. The tension, suspense, writing style, and twists all combined with the powerful messages this book centers around are sure to make it an instant success!
Go check out my Instagram for sneak peaks at character art before the book comes out! Thank you to Macmillan publishing for giving me an ARC of this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ace of Spades is a dark academia tale told in alternating POC point of views. Devon and Chiamaka attend Niveus Academy, but suddenly and unexpectedly, someone begins sharing intimate details about both of their lives with the entire school population. The twists and turns of this plot are woven masterfully together, and Faridah Abike-Iyimide made me want to scream out loud a few times. The message of this novel is certainly one that has stayed with me long after finishing the reading of this dark but needed tale. This is a book one won't soon forget.

#aceofspades #netgalley

This book! What a wild ride! This book has a dark and twisty backdrop that deals with institutional racism in an in-your-face kind of way. I loved that this book tackled prevalent current societal issues with a no-holds-barred attitude. I could literally not put this book down. Despite the heaviness of the topics in the book, this is a fun read with a powerful message. Every time I thought I had everything figured out, this book shocked me again. If you like powerful storylines with strong QPOC main characters, you will LOVE Ace of Spades. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Excellent look at social eugenics and racism. Told in dual voices of two lack students at a otherwise all white elite prep school. Devon and Chiamaka led a pretty normal high school career until senior year when they began to get haressed, abused, and blackmailed. Once they realized they were the only two students that this was happening to and set out to stop it.
Relatable characters. Addresses many different issues

Ace of Spades is filled with twists and turns, and I was left with my mouth open on multiple occasions, whether that was from horror or shock. Àbíké-Íyímídé is truly a genius, and has woven topics such as generational wealth, social capital, incarceration, anti-Black racism, homophobia, and intersectionality into this phenomenal tale. Ace of Spades is what dark academia should be at it’s very core: an exploration of academia, and how much of a role white supremacy, microaggressions and systemic oppression play in our everyday life.

As Chiamaka struggles with maintaining her spot as Niveus’ most popular girl, talented musician Devon’s simply trying to stay under the radar, and make it out alive. After all, they’re in their senior year — how difficult could it be? Quite difficult, it turns out, when they suddenly find themselves targeted by Aces. Whoever Aces is, they’re trying to make Chiamaka and Devon’s lives a living hell by sharing some of their deepest secrets. It’s up to Chiamaka and Devon to team up, and figure out who is behind all of this, before it’s too late.

Ace of Spades is told in alternating POVs; one following Chiamaka, and one following Devon. In the realm of the high school social hierarchy, Chiamaka and Devon are as different as two people can be, making them the perfect foil for one another, and allowing us to truly see the true effect Aces has on their lives. First, we have seemingly perfect Chiamaka, whose parents are rich, and her only “flaw” is her best friend’s lack of interest in her, and can only truly lose two things — her perfect academic record and her social standing. Then, we have scholarship kid Devon, whose only friend is Jack and the music teacher at school. His one ticket to a better life for him and his family is dependent on his acceptance to Julliard. Àbíké-Íyímídé has crafted such fascinating characters, and I found myself really rooting for Chiamaka and Devon very early on.

If nothing else, Ace of Spades is gripping, powerful, terrifying, and intriguing. I was hooked from the first page, curious to know who was behind Aces, why they were doing so, why they were targeting Chiamaka and Devon specifically, and what would happen next. But what truly captivated me was the way Ace of Spades calls out white supremacy in academia. Every aspect of Chiamaka and Devon’s school lives were controlled by rules that supported their white peers, whether spoken or inferred. Rules about their hairstyle, social norms, what was - or wasn’t - acceptable, and conversations about how their rich white counterparts had it much easier.

There were moments where I had to put the book down, pace around my room, process, and then return. While I’m not much of a thriller reader, Ace of Spades may have changed that forever. Everything unraveled slowly, so slowly that you might not even realize it at the time, until the very end, where I was left staring at a mess and just being in shock.

Àbíké-Íyímídé’s writing is immersive, rich and descriptive, leaving readers hooked onto every page. I also must give a honorary shoutout to the epilogue, because I am still thinking about it, weeks later after finishing my ARC. Ace of Spades truly goes out with a bang, one last adrenaline rush, that ensures that you’ll be thinking about it forever.

Ace of Spades is one of the most clever, twisted, shocking and genius books I’ve ever read, and I cannot wait for its June release! Many thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s/Feiwel and Friends for providing me with an eARC.

I adored this book. This is what I desire in a mystery/thriller.
Where to even begin.
The pacing was phenomenal. Every chapter left me wanting more. With many mysteries I read it slows down or drags but this one only grew.
I loved our central characters and how they felt human and I was really rooting for them to find Aces.
At the moment. I'm still in awe of this book and don't know what to say. This is an amazing debut. I will be recommending this to many people.

Touted as Gossip Girl meets Get Out, this book is all that and more. It does give off a Pretty Little Liars vibe, especially in the beginning, and readers are taken on a thrilling ride. Issues like racism and white privilege and supremacy are presented. It's a book that will give its readers a lot of food for thought, and I can just imagine the discussions this will rightly inspire. Definitely a book worthy of a place in any collection.