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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
I agree with others that this book is not on the same level as the fist book. However, I liked this more than the first book in some ways. I liked how I had less anxiety about the book and the twists. I also feel like this book cut out the long unnecessary scenes the other book had. This book held my attention, but a little less than the first book. I’m excited to see what happens in the final book!
adventurous
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A solid middle book in the trilogy, kept me guessing, and also intrigued! Can't wait for Payback (literally and figuratively!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Homophobia, Terminal illness
minor content warning: possible abortion not named but alluded to on page
1) The Deceivers: 4 stars
2) Scammed: 5 stars
Scammed is a deliciously twisty follow-up to The Deceivers and I read the second half of the book in one sitting! Could NOT put it down. The pacing is fantastic and in Vale Hall, you can never be sure who to trust. Set at a school for con artists, we continue to follow Brynn on her journey. Having been plucked out of the slums in book 1, she now discovers that everything may not be as it seems and she is becoming increasingly dependent on the mysterious founder of the school. There is also a wonderfully juicy love triangle. Love is always complicated, but when you add cons and marks, it can be hard to discern truth from lies.
I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I think this is a fun, smart YA thriller that interrogates complex moral questions and the corruption that can come with power and privilege. It kept me hooked right up to the ending and I will for sure be reading book 3. I liked that this feels like a complete story arc with some degree of resolution, but still having some big open questions for the next book. Definitely recommend! Do check content warnings below if you need them, because there are some things that may bother certain readers. This includes a queer character having a relationship that does not end well. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
CW include references to murder, physical fighting, manipulation, deception in romantic relationships, being on a semi relationship break and kissing someone else, step-parents wanting a gay character to go to conversion therapy, a gay character being romantically manipulated, possible link between mental health and violence, teen pregnancy and consideration of an abortion.
2) Scammed: 5 stars
Scammed is a deliciously twisty follow-up to The Deceivers and I read the second half of the book in one sitting! Could NOT put it down. The pacing is fantastic and in Vale Hall, you can never be sure who to trust. Set at a school for con artists, we continue to follow Brynn on her journey. Having been plucked out of the slums in book 1, she now discovers that everything may not be as it seems and she is becoming increasingly dependent on the mysterious founder of the school. There is also a wonderfully juicy love triangle. Love is always complicated, but when you add cons and marks, it can be hard to discern truth from lies.
I don't want to say too much because of spoilers, but I think this is a fun, smart YA thriller that interrogates complex moral questions and the corruption that can come with power and privilege. It kept me hooked right up to the ending and I will for sure be reading book 3. I liked that this feels like a complete story arc with some degree of resolution, but still having some big open questions for the next book. Definitely recommend! Do check content warnings below if you need them, because there are some things that may bother certain readers. This includes a queer character having a relationship that does not end well. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
CW include references to murder, physical fighting, manipulation, deception in romantic relationships, being on a semi relationship break and kissing someone else, step-parents wanting a gay character to go to conversion therapy, a gay character being romantically manipulated, possible link between mental health and violence, teen pregnancy and consideration of an abortion.
Holy crap that was quite the ride! I totally didn’t see those twists and is it too early to ask for book 3?!?
I love these characters and this story and I can’t wait to see where Kristen takes us in book 3!
I love these characters and this story and I can’t wait to see where Kristen takes us in book 3!
This book was certainly interesting from the first page. There was so many twists and turns in this book with plots that I didn’t even see coming. I love being back with this group and my love for Moore just grew so much in this book. Who knew that security guard would grow to care for Brynn and be such a badass.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Brynn felt fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Vale Hall, even if it came at a cost, and she was determined to maintain her place there. When complications arose from her previous assignment, she found herself unable to determine, who she could and could not trust, when picking the wrong allies could result in some serious consequences.
I have to commend Simmons on the name of this book. It was quite appropriate, as just about every character got scammed at some point. The lines between good and evil, as well as alliances, were blurred, and this really strained relations at Vale Hall.
It's difficult to review sequels, and especially this book, without giving too much away, but I will say there were several things that stood out for me.
• I felt like I got to know the other students at Vale Hall on a more personal level. I knew things about them from the first book, but the time I spent with them this time, seemed to reveal different layers of their lives to me, and I felt move invested in all of them because of that.
• The group really seemed to grow even closer together at one point, and I had those warm and fuzzy found family vibes going on, especially when things got really complicated.
• Holy twists and turns! I was caught very much off guard by a few of the reveals, and I have to say, the story took a turn, that has me chomping at the bit for the next book.
I was glad that some things still carried over from the last book, The Deceivers. For instance, I still adored Caleb, I was still fascinated by the world of Vale Hall, and I was still undecided about whether Dr. O was good or bad.
This book was addictive, and hard to put down. Simmons really shook the foundation of that school! I was so invested and drawn into this world, and the ending! That ending left me with all sorts of emotions, as well as a million questions. I can only sit back, and impatiently await my next thrilling ride with the denizens of Vale Hall.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Brynn felt fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Vale Hall, even if it came at a cost, and she was determined to maintain her place there. When complications arose from her previous assignment, she found herself unable to determine, who she could and could not trust, when picking the wrong allies could result in some serious consequences.
I have to commend Simmons on the name of this book. It was quite appropriate, as just about every character got scammed at some point. The lines between good and evil, as well as alliances, were blurred, and this really strained relations at Vale Hall.
It's difficult to review sequels, and especially this book, without giving too much away, but I will say there were several things that stood out for me.
• I felt like I got to know the other students at Vale Hall on a more personal level. I knew things about them from the first book, but the time I spent with them this time, seemed to reveal different layers of their lives to me, and I felt move invested in all of them because of that.
• The group really seemed to grow even closer together at one point, and I had those warm and fuzzy found family vibes going on, especially when things got really complicated.
• Holy twists and turns! I was caught very much off guard by a few of the reveals, and I have to say, the story took a turn, that has me chomping at the bit for the next book.
I was glad that some things still carried over from the last book, The Deceivers. For instance, I still adored Caleb, I was still fascinated by the world of Vale Hall, and I was still undecided about whether Dr. O was good or bad.
This book was addictive, and hard to put down. Simmons really shook the foundation of that school! I was so invested and drawn into this world, and the ending! That ending left me with all sorts of emotions, as well as a million questions. I can only sit back, and impatiently await my next thrilling ride with the denizens of Vale Hall.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
Excellent follow up to the first book in the series, The Deceivers. Kristen Simmons does an excellent job of raising the stakes the once again. Right when you feel like things are finally getting on track for Brynn, everything starts to go off the rails again. There are times when you will feel frustration for Brynn's choices, but when understood in the context of her life it makes sense. How does someone who has survived on the basis of lies and deception make any lasting or meaningful relationships? What is real, and what isn't? The only way to find the answers to those questions is to read Scammed and see what lies ahead not only for Brynn, but the rest of her classmates.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc. All opinions are my own.
I was excited to get approved for this sequel but also a bit hesitant. For some reason this year has been the worst when it comes to a continuation of a series as they have been really letting me down. I’m so glad that this wasn’t the case for this one!
This book follows the same characters as the first. Brynn, Caleb, and the rest of the students are back but this time there is more at stake for them. There isn’t much character development besides for a couple characters who add a few twists to the plot. Brynn does have a bit and it goes along with trusting others. Honestly, I could see why she would be confused at times and not sure where to turn because the people around her didn’t make it easy. She also is a great friend and I love the friendship between Charlotte and her.
There was a start to a relationship in book one and book two adds on to that. Although it is very rocky, it’s one that I was rooting for to work out. Just like with most relationships, the rockiness comes from not communicating. Why is this always a thing?! Honestly, for all the times I’ve wanted to strangle book characters for this problem I’d be known as the serial strangler. It’s really frustrating, haha.
I will say that the plot and twists really took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this definitely wasn’t it but I’m so glad that it blew me away. I am now even more excited to see what book three has in store because the last bit of the book was amazing!
Overall, I really enjoyed the sequel. It was perfect and the friendships in this book are here to last. I hope the relationships do too.
I was excited to get approved for this sequel but also a bit hesitant. For some reason this year has been the worst when it comes to a continuation of a series as they have been really letting me down. I’m so glad that this wasn’t the case for this one!
This book follows the same characters as the first. Brynn, Caleb, and the rest of the students are back but this time there is more at stake for them. There isn’t much character development besides for a couple characters who add a few twists to the plot. Brynn does have a bit and it goes along with trusting others. Honestly, I could see why she would be confused at times and not sure where to turn because the people around her didn’t make it easy. She also is a great friend and I love the friendship between Charlotte and her.
There was a start to a relationship in book one and book two adds on to that. Although it is very rocky, it’s one that I was rooting for to work out. Just like with most relationships, the rockiness comes from not communicating. Why is this always a thing?! Honestly, for all the times I’ve wanted to strangle book characters for this problem I’d be known as the serial strangler. It’s really frustrating, haha.
I will say that the plot and twists really took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this definitely wasn’t it but I’m so glad that it blew me away. I am now even more excited to see what book three has in store because the last bit of the book was amazing!
Overall, I really enjoyed the sequel. It was perfect and the friendships in this book are here to last. I hope the relationships do too.