This a very engrossing story. I was intrigued by the premise months before it was published.
The thing is, I've never watched Gossip Girl.
I tend to hate preppy kids. Even having attended Catholic school, I had a cross section of friends - popular, not so popular, and outcasts. I was able to move between them rather easily. I knew girls like Chiamaka, and I never really liked them.
I didn't care for Chiamaka, either. Nor Devon, for that matter. But I don't think it matters, really. What matters is I cared greatly about what was happening to them. And why.
I understand the trauma they were going through, and yet...I felt that they both brought a bunch of it on themselves. Of course, I have the benefit of outsider looking in. I felt that Chi was so wrapped up in her perfect life that she couldn't fathom anyone wanting to hurt her, even as she treated people like gum on her Jimmy Choo's. And Devon, well...he was just oblivious. That, I think, is why the story worked.
High school is hard enough. Private school is its own hell. And when everyone is out to get you, you are no longer paranoid. You're scared. Aces, the bad entity of the story, is clever, devious, and quite psychotic. I don't want to reveal any secrets, but, if you're reading an ebook version, play this game: see how many clues you pick up. I got most of mine right.
The real antagonist of the story is racism. Subtle, overt, in your face - it's all there. Systemic racism is like a cancer: slow-acting, seemingly undetectable, no real symptoms at first. By the time you detect it, it's already eaten a hole in the world. It is, I feel, our biggest threat. One we can actually do something about...but it will take time and bold action. Our main characters realize this late in the story, and, as that realization sinks in, the anger kicks in, giving them what they truly need to fight back.
The best thing about reading mysteries is trying to figure them out. The author is particularly good at teasing the hints out, while seeming to lead you elsewhere. I can't wait to see what she does next.
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From the Publisher
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Author Q&A
This is a very thought-provoking and timely novel. What inspired you to write this story?
I grew up in South London in an area known for its diversity. My high school was made up of mostly Black students, with a minority of white students. I had never experienced the feeling of being the only Black face in a white space until I moved to a small town in Scotland for university. I had a huge culture shock as I found myself in situations I had never been in before – such as going days without seeing another person of colour while also being stared at by everyone as I walked through campus – as well as new microaggressions. I felt so isolated, and started to watch Gossip Girl for the first time and instantly fell in love with the characters and the story. I really wished there was more diversity on the show and so I thought to myself, how cool would it be to write something like Gossip Girl, but with Black main characters? I’m also a huge fan of puzzles and stories that have deeper meanings, and before I knew it I had this whole wild idea for a story called Ace of Spades.
Characters Chiamaka and Devon are both complex yet relatable characters. What was your favorite part about writing them?
I am obsessed with the psychology behind the ‘mean girl’ and with Chiamaka, I really loved being able to challenge the idea that mean girls are one dimensional. Chiamaka’s ruthlessness is the result of her experience growing up as a Black girl in a very anti-Black world. With Devon I find writing his dry humour a lot of fun, and my favorite scenes are the ones where two personalities collide.
Aces is an anonymous figure shrouded in mystery who wreaks havoc throughout Niveus Academy. What do you want readers to walk away with about the effects of bullying?
I used to get bullied pretty badly when I was younger and even more than a decade later, it still affects the way I interact with others and how I perceive myself. I want people to know that bullying has long-lasting effects and can stay with someone for the rest of their life.
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| Ace of Spades | Where Sleeping Girls Lie | Four Eids and a Funeral | |
| Customer Reviews |
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| Price | $12.75 | $14.98 | $17.99 |
| Must-read books by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé | Gossip Girl meets Get Out in this YA contemporary thriller about two students and their struggles against an anonymous bully. | At a prestigious boarding school, a new girl discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears. | Ex-best friends must work together to save their Islamic Center from demolition, in Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé & Adiba Jaigirdar's romantic story of rekindling and rebuilding. |
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Reviews with images
Very twisty and relevant!
Ace of Spades has been described as a cross between Gossip Girl and Get Out and I think that sums it up perfectly. This is one that is best when you go into it completely blind so I’m not going to give an in depth review or synopsis, just read it!! I will admit, I was able to guess some of the ending but it was still thoroughly entertaining and I was on the edge of my seat to see how it all came together.What makes this book even more impressive, is the author wrote it while she was in college but the plot and writing are so brilliant that it’s hard to believe this is her debut.If you like YA, need a book to get you out of a reading slump, and are in for a fast paced thriller, I highly recommend this one!
Top reviews from other countries
10/11
A dark, nail-biting thriller that leaves you amazed (NO SPOILERS)
Reviewed in India on October 5, 2022