I haven't blinked in hours. I don't think I've breathed in hours either. I have work to do but oh my god. This book is pure adrenaline & glittery screams and I will never be the same.

This is what every dark academia novel wants to be. This is what every "death games" novel wants to be. It's SO vicious. It's SO heartpounding. It's also SO well-written, dripping with unflinching social commentary and characters you will love to hate.

There is nothing I can say to do this book justice. Joelle Wellington is a force. Just read it. Read it. Read it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for this read, Their Vicious Games. This book was quite good. It read mature for me as the cast of characters are on their way to college/university but in my eyes, the writing seem to be even a bit older than that which I enjoyed. The only issue I had with the book that some areas had way too much details and time spent in some areas. I think it was done to describe what is going on and the atmosphere but I just wanted to skim in those areas because it seemed way too detailed for me. I still found it good to read and I would read more from this author when Joelle comes out with more to read. Thanks!!

I just finished this book and I can't even relax. I AM SO HYPED UP. And the craziest part is that I almost gave up on this book at the beginning. I AM EXTREMELY IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK. I'm not a person who likes to like books, for this book to have won me over so completely and totally . . . I'm in awe.

The first 10% of this book were hard for me to understand because the story jumped back and forth in time, I felt confused about what was going on. But all that quickly righted itself and the plot grabbed me and didn't let me go! I didn't want to put the book down, not even to eat.

Adina's an extremely likable character and it wasn't hard for me to root for her. Her intelligence and genuine kindness stood out to me. I loved watching Adina grow more and more perceptive as the novel wore on. Her romantic relationships made me very concerned LOL but she kept her head screwed on and I absolutely love that.

I loved the friendship between Adina and Saint. And the strange relationship Adina had with Penthesilea was neat too(Pen was such an intriguing contrast of her appearance vs. her underlying motives). Also Pierce? He was an . . . "interesting" character to watch.

The writing in this book once the finish popped off was excellent. Descriptive, evocative, with some searing critiques of society that hit just right. I can't wait to have my own copy of this book that I can read, re-read, and mark up at leisure.

Joelle Wellington, I am waiting for more books from you. Cause this was masterful!

NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada, thank you so much for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.