our24oclock's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.75
caitlyncloud's review against another edition
4.0
This was a good change of pace for me since I’ve been reading lots of rom com type books.
It makes me wonder if there is something like Niveous in existence. I wouldn’t put it past this society. Reading the author’s note was sad, that she felt so othered by her classmates that it drove her to write this book.
The book itself was equal parts suspenseful and predictable for me. We kind of learn about Chiamaka and Devon as we go, so for awhile the texts are surprising and it’s suspenseful waiting to see what will come out. Once we get more concrete in the proof of racism it becomes more predictable. Like the teachers and headmaster being in on it. Jamie being a huge part of it. The second the news person said it’s an interesting story I knew she was part of it too. That’s really the only reason it’s 4 instead of 5 stars for me, is because I could predict what was happening.
Really good and worthwhile read though. The twist of Aces being a whole society was great.
It makes me wonder if there is something like Niveous in existence. I wouldn’t put it past this society. Reading the author’s note was sad, that she felt so othered by her classmates that it drove her to write this book.
The book itself was equal parts suspenseful and predictable for me. We kind of learn about Chiamaka and Devon as we go, so for awhile the texts are surprising and it’s suspenseful waiting to see what will come out. Once we get more concrete in the proof of racism it becomes more predictable. Like the teachers and headmaster being in on it. Jamie being a huge part of it. The second the news person said it’s an interesting story I knew she was part of it too. That’s really the only reason it’s 4 instead of 5 stars for me, is because I could predict what was happening.
Really good and worthwhile read though. The twist of Aces being a whole society was great.
emilysmoser's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
calllmekali_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amaia92's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
daisy_boi's review against another edition
5.0
Looking back at my notes during the two days I read this, I realized how much this book showed me that this world is not ideal. The fight against racism towards black people is forever.
The book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters all feel so real to me. (Devon is my favorite). Chiamaka is gosh, I understand her. That girl deserves anything good in her life.
The epilogue is just bittersweet. The fight is never really over.
(I wonder how Andre is.)
In conclusion, this book is my absolute favorite in this year. 5 stars. No questions asked.
The book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The characters all feel so real to me. (Devon is my favorite). Chiamaka is gosh, I understand her. That girl deserves anything good in her life.
The epilogue is just bittersweet. The fight is never really over.
(I wonder how Andre is.)
In conclusion, this book is my absolute favorite in this year. 5 stars. No questions asked.
notloreee's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.25
natwrite's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
anniehayez's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a great book. The author (who wrote this in college 🤯) says she was inspired by gossip girl and that’s obvious. Any fans of the show would love this. It’s really well written. I love the Blair Waldorf esque main female character. The story tackles a ton of issues and points out both blantant and passive examples of racism. It took a little bit for me to get invested but I think that was because of the high school setting. I’m a grown adult so this was slightly less relatable. If I read this in high school it probably would have been 5 stars. Just a great social thriller. I’d recommend this to any gossip girl lovers, cult enthusiasts, or people who love a non conventional mystery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Stalking, Homophobia, Violence, and Hate crime