Ace Of Shades

"I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review"

Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city where no one survives uncorrupted.
Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems.

This is my first Amanda Foody book I have read and I had no idea what this book was about going into it. I was quite surprised that it was like nothing I have ever read before in a world that left me guessing. I am really excited that this is a new series due to the fact this world is so fascinating as well as the characters.

Levi was not like I expected him to be. I expected him to be harder and meaner but instead, he was just a teenager that was a card shark. I really liked how his character played out in the first book and I think the fact this is a book series gives him a chance to grow as a character and I am excited to see what happens with him next.

Enne I wasn't sure what to make of her first, but I began to like that she has a lot of layers to her and I like she is still finding herself as the story goes. It has me wondering where she will end up as a character by the end of the series. I have to say I like the fact that there was no instant romance in this book between Enne and Levi (not that I don't want anything to happen between them) I just don't think it would have been realistic in this setting.

The world in this story had me really fascinated and I am interested in learning more about it so I hope the following books has more about the world itself.

I ended up giving this series 4 out of 5 stars and I can say for sure that I will be reading the rest of the books in this series. I am also excited to read Amanda Foody's other book which I have also.

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.