This was a fast paced, dark YA fantasy with a hint of horror that follows two friends desperate to change their lives, no matter the cost. They enter a devious and potentially deadly game with the hope to be kissed by fortune, knowing one (or both of them) might lose it all.

This is described as Mexican squid games, and it takes place in a sentient house that meddles in the games and messed with the players. The staff running the game know all of the secrets, but they can't share them even if they want to.

The world building was well-done and easy to understand. The tension continues to build as you head towards what you think is the inevitable conclusion, but the book really keeps you guessing about what that actually is. I read it in 24 hours, didn't want to put it down!

I absolutely love the cover, it's stunning!

Thank you Union Square and Co. and NetGalley for the ARC

My review in School Library Journal: Gr 8 Up–Besties Mayté Robles and ­Lorena (Lo) de León have made a pact to escape their fathers’ unsavory legacies. Formerly a member of the mighty Las Cinco ­Familias of Ciudad Milagro, ­Mayté’s father has disgraced their family with his drinking, ­gambling, and unpaid debts. Meanwhile, Lo’s mother has disappeared, and her abusive father wants to pawn her off to a suitor who benefits his agenda. When the renowned Fortune’s Kiss comes to town, the girls take a chance on this ­elusive ­magical ­gambling haunt that offers ­winners their heart’s desire. However, the glamorously dark atmosphere is not all fun and games, as the twisted Lotería is ghastlier than ­either of them envisioned. The real life Lotería game is a unique framing for this sinister fantasy. The aptly named ­gamemaker, Misterioso, seems to viciously ­enjoy when participants are precipitously defeated and their dreams are sacrificed. Friendships, families, and love interests take abrupt, fast-paced turns as reality is distorted during gameplay. The ominous tone includes startlingly gruesome ­components that will thrill body horror aficionados. It’s enigmatic and sadistic, and readers will find themselves shocked and elated as secrets are revealed. Some Hispanic/Latinx culture is intriguingly infused, and readers may be compelled to play the much less disturbing board game version of Lotería.VERDICT An ardently macabre and unique horror-fantasy mashup with strong appeal for the rabid and eager fans of V.E. Schwab and Stephanie Garber who are ready to go darker.Reviewed by Lisa Krok , Oct 31, 2024

This was an engaging and entertaining dark YA fantasy. The plot was well done. I really enjoyed the tale of getting trapped in a game and doing what it takes to get out. The characters in this one were great. I loved the dual point of view between Mayté and Lo. Both were wonderfully done, and I emphasized with them. The friendship that the two had was wonderful and I think will appeal to a lot of readers as it did me. I loved how we explored each of their reasons for wanting to play the game, and then what they learned from the experience. Their growth over the story was well done. I also found the side characters well developed and they helped move the story along nicely. I loved the fantasy element of being part of a game. I found the world building to be well done and one that I didn’t get lost trying to understand. That alone is an accomplishment for me and the reason I don’t read a lot of fantasy.

If you are looking for a good YA fantasy with dark undertones, check this one out. I put this one at the upper end of the YA spectrum due to some darker elements and themes throughout.

What a spectacular debut! Fortune's Kiss truly pulled me in for the ride of my life. I was completely GAGGED. This book had me on the edge of my seat and was literally in tears once I turned the last page.

This YA Fantasy story felt like Caraval meets the Hunger Games with some horror and a Latinx twist!

I loved the two female main characters, Mayte and Lo, and really enjoyed following their characters arcs throughout the book. We have Latinx characters, y'all!! I loved the magic and the mystery and the Mexican culture that was interwoven, especially the implementation of the Lotería game! It was so fun to read and experience, and maybe a bit scary... There were also bits of dark elements in the story that I was not expecting, but I felt added to such a compelling plot.

Amber Clement has a knack for writing and story-telling, and I'm so looking forward to reading more from her. Fortune's Kiss hits shelves on November 12, so make sure to pre-order, grab your copy, or request from your library! ✨

DNFed at 53%

The story started off somewhat intriguing but quite slow. I struggled to connect with the characters and also found it hard to differentiate between them. It was often easy to forget who’s perspective I was reading. Even once the game officially started I found myself bored while reading.

i am so upset. i didn’t care for this… at all! i can see the caraval comps, and much like that book, this just kind of left me frustrated and unconnected to any character. full disclosure— i am latinx! i should have been connected in some form! but i felt absolutely nothing except a drag as the book went on.

2.5 stars rounded up.