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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
Для начала хочется сказать, что если вы ожидаете нечто похожее на "Шестерку Воронов" (собственно, об этом говорится в описании), то забудьте. Ливай Глейсиер - не Каз Бреккер (но он очень напоминает другого персонажа из "Шестерки", стоит признать), Новый Рейнс - не Каттердам. Это чтобы вы постоянно не сравнивали две эти книги и принялись за "Туза Теней" с максимальной непредвзятостью и открытым сердцем.
Я привыкла, что книги (и истории в принципе) про казино, мафию и перестрелки должны в первую очень развлекать веселыми персонажами и бодрым экшном. "Туз Теней" в свою очередь является серой тоской с кучей непонятного и ненужного инфодампа. Книга словно сама не понимает, чем она хочет быть: она пытается дать и интересный мир, и интересных персонажей, и интересный сюжет, но в итоге теряется и не дает ничего.
Пожалуй, непонятная магическая система стала для меня самым главным минусом. Суть в том, что каждый человек наследует от своих родителей два дара (сильный от отца и слабый от матери). По фамилии (как правило двойной) человека можно определить какой у тебя дар. Например, у нашей героини фамилия Сальта - талант танцора. Вот тут возникает вопрос: чем, собственно, человек с врождённым талантом танцора отличается от того, кто занимался этим всю свою жизнь? Может дело во мне, просто ваша покорная слуга относится к тем людям, которые не верят в существование таланта. Достигнуть можно чего-то только путем усиленной работы. Интересной и полезной способностью обладают только люди-ДНК-тесты, которые сразу скажут какую фамилию вам необходимо носить. Еще Ливай обладает даром "создания шаров" (orb making). До сих пор не понимаю, что это значит. Давным-давно некая королевская семья захотела уничтожить всех людей с талантами, ибо не фиг, что привело к революьии и свержению монархии. Позже, в центре революции, Новом Рейнсе, обосновались казино, кабаре и три основных мафиозных клана - Шраморукие (Scarhands), Железки (Irons) и Голуби (Doves). Чувствуете ужас?
Итак, наша вся из себя распрекрасная ГГ - Энн Абакус Сальта приезжает в Новый Рейнс, дабы найти свою мать. Мать оставила дочери наставление: если в течении двух месяцев она не вернется, то последняя должна приехать и найти Ливая Глейсиера (тут можно было вставить шутку про сына маминой подруги, но я не буду этого делать). Несмотря на свою фамилию, Энн не очень хорошая танцовщица, но хорошая акробатка, внезапно (да, талант акробата тоже существует), что в итоге обыграется в стиле теории "R+L=J". По сути, она чопорная барышня, которую тошнит от вида бедняков, попрошаек и членов банд. У нее абсолютно отсутствует чувство такта и понимания, что не очень-то характерно для леди, к которым она себя относит. Я понимаю какую цель г-жа Фуди тут преследовала: Энн узнает людей и перестанет быть такой раздражающей зазнайкой, но таймлайн все испортил. Потому что, дамы и господа, все события книги происходит за 10 дней. Вы только вдумайтесь, за 10 дней Энн полностью поменяла свои взгляды, успела влюбиться в Ливая, попасть в рабство, завести друзей и узнать тайну своего происхождения. За 10 дней, Карл!
Ливай Глейсиер хоть и держит район в относительном страхе, но, как уже было сказано, не имеет никаких общих черт с Казом Бреккером, кроме любви к странным прическам (у Каза его стрижка под горшок, у Ливая непокрашенные корни). И ладно бы, это можно было принять за рекламный ход от издателей, если бы не одно крохотное, маленькое, микроскопическое "но". Несмотря на то, что Ливай абсолютно точно не является калькой с Каза, он подозрительно сильно напоминает другого героя "Шестерки Воронов". Глейсиер у нас красивый мужик, которые умеет флиртовать и хорошо стреляет из огнестрела, шутит шутеечки и скрывает свой дар. Никого не напоминает? Да, у Джеспера Фахи где-то затерялся брат-близнец, которому просто больше везет в картах.
Ливай у нас относится к тому типу мужских персонажей, которые должны по всем правилам человеческой психологии и причинноследственных связей быть отпетыми негодяями, но на самом деле являются плющевыми зайцами, и просто ждут прекрасную девушку, которая покажет им дорогу к свету. Я серьезно, примерно пять раз было сказано, что Ливай у нас, видите ли, выше всей этой новорейснкой грязи, при том одинаковыми словами.
Любовная линия с Энн не сказать, что сильно бесячая, просто все произошло слишком быстро (а признали они свои чувства на седьмой день из десяти). Ладно это, но они знакоми 10 дней и половину этого времени они вообще не общаются. У Ливая больше совместных сцен с его помощником Джексом. Честно, я бы лучше болела за эту пару. И, нет, это не фантазии маленькой яойщици, которая видит то, чего нет, дамы и господа. Ливай Глейсиер официально бисаксуален (еще одна черта, схожая с Джеспером, кстати говоря). Однако, несмотря на принятие своей симпатии, Ливай и Энн не вступили в открытое романтическое взаимодействие, и это хорошо. При этом, половину книги Энн его (и читателя) откровенно бесит.
Кстати, при написании рецензии, я обнаружила еще один косяк в таймлайне. Мать Энн и Ливай познакомились во время революции (ну или через пару лет после нее). Ливай говорит, что они не общались много лет. Энн родилась сразу после революции. При этом, по какой-то необъяснимой причине, Ливаю и Энн обоим по сменадцать лет. Ливай определенно что-то не договаривает.
Как я уже говорила, книга до неприличия скучна. Я имею в виду, это же аналог Лас-Вегаса! Где покер, казино, заключенные по пьяни браки? Нет, вся концентрация у нас на Энн и ее ориджинах.
Только к концу сюжет начал кое-как разгонятся. Серия называется "Игра Теней". Игра Теней - это настоящая карточная игра этого мира, во время которой люди, естественно, теряют жизни. Увы, правила я не вкурила, хоть и очень старалась.
Сумируя, скажу, что это было не так уж и плохо. Просто в сюжете пока что много дыр, но еще две книги впереди, так что, может быть, ситуация станет лучше.
Рецензия в блоге
Рецензия на Livelib
Некоторые говорят, что Город Грехов является всего лишь игрой, поэтому перед тем, как приехать, спросите себя, дорогой читатель: насколько вы готовы к проигрышу.
Я привыкла, что книги (и истории в принципе) про казино, мафию и перестрелки должны в первую очень развлекать веселыми персонажами и бодрым экшном. "Туз Теней" в свою очередь является серой тоской с кучей непонятного и ненужного инфодампа. Книга словно сама не понимает, чем она хочет быть: она пытается дать и интересный мир, и интересных персонажей, и интересный сюжет, но в итоге теряется и не дает ничего.
Пожалуй, непонятная магическая система стала для меня самым главным минусом. Суть в том, что каждый человек наследует от своих родителей два дара (сильный от отца и слабый от матери). По фамилии (как правило двойной) человека можно определить какой у тебя дар. Например, у нашей героини фамилия Сальта - талант танцора. Вот тут возникает вопрос: чем, собственно, человек с врождённым талантом танцора отличается от того, кто занимался этим всю свою жизнь? Может дело во мне, просто ваша покорная слуга относится к тем людям, которые не верят в существование таланта. Достигнуть можно чего-то только путем усиленной работы. Интересной и полезной способностью обладают только люди-ДНК-тесты, которые сразу скажут какую фамилию вам необходимо носить. Еще Ливай обладает даром "создания шаров" (orb making). До сих пор не понимаю, что это значит. Давным-давно некая королевская семья захотела уничтожить всех людей с талантами, ибо не фиг, что привело к революьии и свержению монархии. Позже, в центре революции, Новом Рейнсе, обосновались казино, кабаре и три основных мафиозных клана - Шраморукие (Scarhands), Железки (Irons) и Голуби (Doves). Чувствуете ужас?
Итак, наша вся из себя распрекрасная ГГ - Энн Абакус Сальта приезжает в Новый Рейнс, дабы найти свою мать. Мать оставила дочери наставление: если в течении двух месяцев она не вернется, то последняя должна приехать и найти Ливая Глейсиера (тут можно было вставить шутку про сына маминой подруги, но я не буду этого делать). Несмотря на свою фамилию, Энн не очень хорошая танцовщица, но хорошая акробатка, внезапно (да, талант акробата тоже существует), что в итоге обыграется в стиле теории "R+L=J". По сути, она чопорная барышня, которую тошнит от вида бедняков, попрошаек и членов банд. У нее абсолютно отсутствует чувство такта и понимания, что не очень-то характерно для леди, к которым она себя относит. Я понимаю какую цель г-жа Фуди тут преследовала: Энн узнает людей и перестанет быть такой раздражающей зазнайкой, но таймлайн все испортил. Потому что, дамы и господа, все события книги происходит за 10 дней. Вы только вдумайтесь, за 10 дней Энн полностью поменяла свои взгляды, успела влюбиться в Ливая, попасть в рабство, завести друзей и узнать тайну своего происхождения. За 10 дней, Карл!
Ливай Глейсиер хоть и держит район в относительном страхе, но, как уже было сказано, не имеет никаких общих черт с Казом Бреккером, кроме любви к странным прическам (у Каза его стрижка под горшок, у Ливая непокрашенные корни). И ладно бы, это можно было принять за рекламный ход от издателей, если бы не одно крохотное, маленькое, микроскопическое "но". Несмотря на то, что Ливай абсолютно точно не является калькой с Каза, он подозрительно сильно напоминает другого героя "Шестерки Воронов". Глейсиер у нас красивый мужик, которые умеет флиртовать и хорошо стреляет из огнестрела, шутит шутеечки и скрывает свой дар. Никого не напоминает? Да, у Джеспера Фахи где-то затерялся брат-близнец, которому просто больше везет в картах.
Ливай у нас относится к тому типу мужских персонажей, которые должны по всем правилам человеческой психологии и причинноследственных связей быть отпетыми негодяями, но на самом деле являются плющевыми зайцами, и просто ждут прекрасную девушку, которая покажет им дорогу к свету. Я серьезно, примерно пять раз было сказано, что Ливай у нас, видите ли, выше всей этой новорейснкой грязи, при том одинаковыми словами.
- Ливай не такой, как мы. Он лучше нас.
Любовная линия с Энн не сказать, что сильно бесячая, просто все произошло слишком быстро (а признали они свои чувства на седьмой день из десяти). Ладно это, но они знакоми 10 дней и половину этого времени они вообще не общаются. У Ливая больше совместных сцен с его помощником Джексом. Честно, я бы лучше болела за эту пару. И, нет, это не фантазии маленькой яойщици, которая видит то, чего нет, дамы и господа. Ливай Глейсиер официально бисаксуален (еще одна черта, схожая с Джеспером, кстати говоря). Однако, несмотря на принятие своей симпатии, Ливай и Энн не вступили в открытое романтическое взаимодействие, и это хорошо. При этом, половину книги Энн его (и читателя) откровенно бесит.
Красивая или нет, Ливаю было интересно: встречал ли он когда-либо столь деликатное и неприятное создание.
Кстати, при написании рецензии, я обнаружила еще один косяк в таймлайне. Мать Энн и Ливай познакомились во время революции (ну или через пару лет после нее). Ливай говорит, что они не общались много лет. Энн родилась сразу после революции. При этом, по какой-то необъяснимой причине, Ливаю и Энн обоим по сменадцать лет. Ливай определенно что-то не договаривает.
Как я уже говорила, книга до неприличия скучна. Я имею в виду, это же аналог Лас-Вегаса! Где покер, казино, заключенные по пьяни браки? Нет, вся концентрация у нас на Энн и ее ориджинах.
Только к концу сюжет начал кое-как разгонятся. Серия называется "Игра Теней". Игра Теней - это настоящая карточная игра этого мира, во время которой люди, естественно, теряют жизни. Увы, правила я не вкурила, хоть и очень старалась.
Сумируя, скажу, что это было не так уж и плохо. Просто в сюжете пока что много дыр, но еще две книги впереди, так что, может быть, ситуация станет лучше.
Рецензия в блоге
Рецензия на Livelib
I thoroughly enjoyed this descent into a City of Sin, deviancy and magic. Whilst others have compared New Reynes to Las Vegas, I pictured a metropolis more like New Orleans with its unashamed garish vulgarity.
I rooted for the characters and their stories, at first I thought the book would be exclusively from the POV of the protagonist so it was a pleasant surprise to have Levi’s perspective as well. I thought the world-building was thorough and interesting, though would have liked to learn more about the magic royal class- I guess this is what sequels are for though.
Whilst the pace may not be described as “cracking”, the story rolls along at a brisk pace as Enne and her companions negotiate the web of lies, deceit and murder they find themselves in. If I could have had one wish, it would have been for more action during the final act, as the literal stakes were high but I never actually doubted our heroes would pull through.
Looking forward to the next book to find out what happens to Enne and Levi next.
I rooted for the characters and their stories, at first I thought the book would be exclusively from the POV of the protagonist so it was a pleasant surprise to have Levi’s perspective as well. I thought the world-building was thorough and interesting, though would have liked to learn more about the magic royal class- I guess this is what sequels are for though.
Whilst the pace may not be described as “cracking”, the story rolls along at a brisk pace as Enne and her companions negotiate the web of lies, deceit and murder they find themselves in. If I could have had one wish, it would have been for more action during the final act, as the literal stakes were high but I never actually doubted our heroes would pull through.
Looking forward to the next book to find out what happens to Enne and Levi next.
3.75
I don't typically write reviews but I finished this earlier than expected and I have some things to say.
This book has been compared to Six of Crows (I'm assuming because of the gangs aspect) but it's really nothing like it. If anything, I think it was more like Caraval but instead of the carnivalesque aesthetic it's Las Vegas. Definitely a pretty solid book that I think fantasy readers, especially fans of the mentioned book, would enjoy.
The main characters (Enne and Levi) are pretty solid main characters that have very interesting stories to them; although Enne's falls to some pretty typical ya tropes. Nonetheless, she's a pretty cool character that has her own agency and gets herself out of pretty dire situations on her own. I also like her corruption arc. Levi, on the other hand, is also pretty interesting. He's a gang leader but he's in a very desperate situation with him owing money to a pretty powerful person that could risk his life and his gang's state. It was quite fun to see how he would fix his this.
The romance, I'm not quite invested in but I would admit that I do see myself shipping them in the following books. I think this is mostly due to the fact that I kinda compared them to Kell and Lila from Shades of Magic (specifically in the first book). I just preferred Kell and Lila's relationship that at first it was purely that they were working together to achieve a goal without any romantic feelings towards each other. Even in the end, (of the first book) it wasn't love, but we can clearly tell that they've grown to care for each other. And I wish that's what we had with Enne and Levi but it's not the case. I acknowledge this is my own preference and I think other readers would enjoy that added romance.
This also goes with my last point: I wish we got more time with Enne and Levi individually at the beginning of the story before they were tied together to this mission. It would be a good way to set them up as characters and their individual roles to their respective cities. I think I would've gotten invested more in them if that was the case. Again, I think I'm using Kell and Lila as my reference and I should STOP DOING THAT. GOD SELF. STOP IT. IT'S NOT FUN. Basically, the beginning was too quick imo.
Overall, I don't know why I even wrote this because I don't usually do book reviews THIS long but somehow my brain told me to do it. Definitely recommend this book tho, especially if you like fantasy and happen to be fascinated by casinos, poker games, and gangs :>>>>
I don't typically write reviews but I finished this earlier than expected and I have some things to say.
This book has been compared to Six of Crows (I'm assuming because of the gangs aspect) but it's really nothing like it. If anything, I think it was more like Caraval but instead of the carnivalesque aesthetic it's Las Vegas. Definitely a pretty solid book that I think fantasy readers, especially fans of the mentioned book, would enjoy.
The main characters (Enne and Levi) are pretty solid main characters that have very interesting stories to them; although Enne's falls to some pretty typical ya tropes. Nonetheless, she's a pretty cool character that has her own agency and gets herself out of pretty dire situations on her own. I also like her corruption arc. Levi, on the other hand, is also pretty interesting. He's a gang leader but he's in a very desperate situation with him owing money to a pretty powerful person that could risk his life and his gang's state. It was quite fun to see how he would fix his this.
The romance, I'm not quite invested in but I would admit that I do see myself shipping them in the following books. I think this is mostly due to the fact that I kinda compared them to Kell and Lila from Shades of Magic (specifically in the first book). I just preferred Kell and Lila's relationship that at first it was purely that they were working together to achieve a goal without any romantic feelings towards each other. Even in the end, (of the first book) it wasn't love, but we can clearly tell that they've grown to care for each other. And I wish that's what we had with Enne and Levi but it's not the case. I acknowledge this is my own preference and I think other readers would enjoy that added romance.
This also goes with my last point: I wish we got more time with Enne and Levi individually at the beginning of the story before they were tied together to this mission. It would be a good way to set them up as characters and their individual roles to their respective cities. I think I would've gotten invested more in them if that was the case. Again, I think I'm using Kell and Lila as my reference and I should STOP DOING THAT. GOD SELF. STOP IT. IT'S NOT FUN. Basically, the beginning was too quick imo.
Overall, I don't know why I even wrote this because I don't usually do book reviews THIS long but somehow my brain told me to do it. Definitely recommend this book tho, especially if you like fantasy and happen to be fascinated by casinos, poker games, and gangs :>>>>
probably more of a 4.5! this book was so entertaining oh my gosh. i really liked the premise of it and although i tended to compare it heavily with six of crows, this was just something different entirely. the characters were very interesting in my opinions and i really just like the fact that they didn’t stray away from the fact that they were teenagers and were just trying to make sense of the world around them. the character development throughout the book was kind of bland but i did think it was a good read!
Is it a worse version of Six of Crows? Yes. Is it cheesy and cliche? Yes. Did I like it? Yes.
I like cheesy food sometimes, but not all the time. The same goes for books. And I found the characters amusing and the plot interesting. There are authors who can introduce a world in such a way that you suddenly realize you know all about it without remembering having learned anything. This book has bombs of information that are anything but subtle. So is it a bit rough? Yes, but sometimes that's what you're in the mood for. I also have a fondness for characters that get corrupted.
I like cheesy food sometimes, but not all the time. The same goes for books. And I found the characters amusing and the plot interesting. There are authors who can introduce a world in such a way that you suddenly realize you know all about it without remembering having learned anything. This book has bombs of information that are anything but subtle. So is it a bit rough? Yes, but sometimes that's what you're in the mood for. I also have a fondness for characters that get corrupted.
http://caitlinmariegonya.blogspot.com/2018/07/ace-of-shades-by-amanda-foody.html
The cover is beautiful. Let's just throw that out there now. I was immediately drawn in because of this cover. I think the cover gives away the general atmosphere of the novel without giving away the actual plot, so here goes. Enne Salta comes to the "City of Sin"/New Raynes to find her missing mother. Along the way, she discovers her mother's secrets as well as some of her own (that she didn't know she had), a street gang led by Levi Glaisyer, and a city that will eat her alive if she doesn't become emotionally, mentally, and physically stronger?
First off, I knew right off the bat what Enne Salta's major secret was. It was woefully obvious and I couldn't help but wish that Amanda Foody hadn't done that with the novel. I was really expecting a shocking twist to it but there wasn't one. I didn't feel it made the book worse, but it did rate it as a cliché, and I have to take points away for that. However, Levi's story was a bit vague, and made me want more of him than of Enne. I hope the secret book goes into Levi's past a little more, specifically the relationship between him and Lourdes, and how he came to the city.
Second off, I enjoyed the idea of New Raynes, and the comparison to Las Vegas. That made the whole city and atmosphere more relatable and easier to understand. The book felt very "Casino" (with Robert De Niro) as there were street gangs, and crime families. I didn't feel safe as I read, so I knew I was drawn into that world automatically. It also made it difficult to put down, because I needed to know how Enne handle the various scenarios.
Last but certainly not least, I liked the different "talents" that each person had, and how each coped with those talents. I also didn't mind the made up cuss words as this was also a made up world. Everyone who basically lost their minds over that one aspect should probably get their priorities straightened out when they review a book. That definitely should not be a deal breaker.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars, and really hope the second book has more backstory for our main characters. I also hope the Shadow Game gets a little more highlight than just simple fear. If you like mafia stories mixed with magic then this is definitely a novel for you.
The cover is beautiful. Let's just throw that out there now. I was immediately drawn in because of this cover. I think the cover gives away the general atmosphere of the novel without giving away the actual plot, so here goes. Enne Salta comes to the "City of Sin"/New Raynes to find her missing mother. Along the way, she discovers her mother's secrets as well as some of her own (that she didn't know she had), a street gang led by Levi Glaisyer, and a city that will eat her alive if she doesn't become emotionally, mentally, and physically stronger?
First off, I knew right off the bat what Enne Salta's major secret was. It was woefully obvious and I couldn't help but wish that Amanda Foody hadn't done that with the novel. I was really expecting a shocking twist to it but there wasn't one. I didn't feel it made the book worse, but it did rate it as a cliché, and I have to take points away for that. However, Levi's story was a bit vague, and made me want more of him than of Enne. I hope the secret book goes into Levi's past a little more, specifically the relationship between him and Lourdes, and how he came to the city.
Second off, I enjoyed the idea of New Raynes, and the comparison to Las Vegas. That made the whole city and atmosphere more relatable and easier to understand. The book felt very "Casino" (with Robert De Niro) as there were street gangs, and crime families. I didn't feel safe as I read, so I knew I was drawn into that world automatically. It also made it difficult to put down, because I needed to know how Enne handle the various scenarios.
Last but certainly not least, I liked the different "talents" that each person had, and how each coped with those talents. I also didn't mind the made up cuss words as this was also a made up world. Everyone who basically lost their minds over that one aspect should probably get their priorities straightened out when they review a book. That definitely should not be a deal breaker.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars, and really hope the second book has more backstory for our main characters. I also hope the Shadow Game gets a little more highlight than just simple fear. If you like mafia stories mixed with magic then this is definitely a novel for you.
Ace of Shades follows Enne, who has arrived in the City of Sin, New Reynes (totally not an early 1900s verison of Vegas) in search of her mother. Shortly before her mother, Lourdes, left for the City of Sin, she told Enne that if she didn't return in two months time, she would be dead. Well, that was four months ago, and to say Enne's worried is an understatement. Before leaving for New Reynes, Enne finds a note from Lourdes saying that if she did go in search for her, she should seek out a gentleman by the name of Levi Glaisyer.
Enter Levi: street lord, con-man, bisexual beauty and everything Enne has been taught to stay away from. But if she wants to find Lourdes, she has to put her trust in him, and the two must work together, if they want to stay alive, that is.
Ahhhh, I cannot express enough how much I LOVED this book! I was aware of the Six of Crows comparisons going into this (and I think we can all agree that book, and Crooked Kingdoms are masterpieces), but I didn't care. They were hardly the same, and I may love them equally as much now. Enne and Levi are just sweet precious cinnamon buns, and they must be protected at all costs. Also, the sexual tension? Woo, you could cut it with a knife! Below is an accurate representation of me after getting to the end of the book:
Just so much teasing, and
I already need the second book in my hands right now! Please, Amanda Foody, please don't take too long to release the second one!
Enter Levi: street lord, con-man, bisexual beauty and everything Enne has been taught to stay away from. But if she wants to find Lourdes, she has to put her trust in him, and the two must work together, if they want to stay alive, that is.
Ahhhh, I cannot express enough how much I LOVED this book! I was aware of the Six of Crows comparisons going into this (and I think we can all agree that book, and Crooked Kingdoms are masterpieces), but I didn't care. They were hardly the same, and I may love them equally as much now. Enne and Levi are just sweet precious cinnamon buns, and they must be protected at all costs. Also, the sexual tension? Woo, you could cut it with a knife! Below is an accurate representation of me after getting to the end of the book:
Just so much teasing, and
Spoiler
I was soooooo disappointed that we didn't even get a kiss! Although, when Levi said that unfortunately he'd made his decision not to kiss her, but if she even said his name, he would turn round in a heartbeat, MY HEART! These two need to stop being so stubborn, and just get together already!!!!I already need the second book in my hands right now! Please, Amanda Foody, please don't take too long to release the second one!
Where do I even begin with this book? Do I love it? No. Do I hate it? No. There were some very well done aspects of this book, and others reminded me of a harry styles fanfiction I would find on Wattpad.
THE GOOD
So let's start with the good news first I guess. ****ALERT SPOILERS AHEAD****
I thought the representation in this book is a lot better than a lot of ya fantasies I've read. Levi was bisexual, I'm guessing that Reymond was gay (although that was kind of unclear) and it seemed that Lourdes was genderfluid. So it was quite refreshing to have some diversity. Moving on, there was some other things that I really loved! The city of New Reynes was so dark and atmospheric, and I love a good atmospheric setting. I loved the different gangs that were semi-explored but I definitely would've loved to see more of the Doves, but I haven't read the sequel yet so maybe there are more Doves in "King of Fools". Overall, there were some times that I just couldn't put the book down, and other times where it took me days to pick it back up again because I just wasn't really invested, which brings us to the bad.
THE BAD
The main thing that I had a problem with this book is the lack of attachment that I felt towards these characters. HERE COMES THE MAJOR SPOILERS lets start with the first death of the book, shall we? When Reymond (AKA Scar lord) died I literally didn't care a single bit. I didn't even feel bad for Levi for goodness sakes. I never even batted an eye. To me, Reymond provided absolutely nothing to the story, other than to provide Levi with a backstory. So in my opinion, it was pretty wise of Amanda Foody to kill him off. Next, when Levi was getting beat up again, I just didn't care. Call me heartless, but I just really wasn't that attached to the characters. Even when we found out that Lourdes died, I. Didn't. Care. Which brings me to my next point.
Why the heck was Enne just so accepting of her own mother's death? Like throughout the story Enne is constantly thinking of her mother and how to find her, and then all of a sudden she finds out Lourdes is dead and Enne is like "Oh okay that sucks but what are ya gonna do?" (Okay that may be understating her reaction just a little bit) but I felt that Enne's reaction was much too little, it didn't permanently hurt her and it seemed like she moved on pretty unrealistically quickly, she then only became consumed with helping and loving Levi. And so we move onto my final dislike of this book.
What even was Levi and Enne's romance? Like sure there were some times that they had some electricity, but I think their romance may have been a little rushed. The whole story takes place in what? 10 or 12 days. And suddenly after five days of knowing one another, they're fighting urges to kiss each other? Like y'all need to chill you don't even know what the other person's favorite color is. This isn't to say that I just didn't like the romance because that isn't true, there were some parts that I really liked. However, as I said, in the beginning, it put me in the mind of a Wattpad fanfiction. There was even a couple of times that Enne let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Yikes.
Overall would I recommend this book to a friend: probably not
will read the sequel: possibly.
THE GOOD
So let's start with the good news first I guess. ****ALERT SPOILERS AHEAD****
I thought the representation in this book is a lot better than a lot of ya fantasies I've read. Levi was bisexual, I'm guessing that Reymond was gay (although that was kind of unclear) and it seemed that Lourdes was genderfluid. So it was quite refreshing to have some diversity. Moving on, there was some other things that I really loved! The city of New Reynes was so dark and atmospheric, and I love a good atmospheric setting. I loved the different gangs that were semi-explored but I definitely would've loved to see more of the Doves, but I haven't read the sequel yet so maybe there are more Doves in "King of Fools". Overall, there were some times that I just couldn't put the book down, and other times where it took me days to pick it back up again because I just wasn't really invested, which brings us to the bad.
THE BAD
The main thing that I had a problem with this book is the lack of attachment that I felt towards these characters. HERE COMES THE MAJOR SPOILERS lets start with the first death of the book, shall we? When Reymond (AKA Scar lord) died I literally didn't care a single bit. I didn't even feel bad for Levi for goodness sakes. I never even batted an eye. To me, Reymond provided absolutely nothing to the story, other than to provide Levi with a backstory. So in my opinion, it was pretty wise of Amanda Foody to kill him off. Next, when Levi was getting beat up again, I just didn't care. Call me heartless, but I just really wasn't that attached to the characters. Even when we found out that Lourdes died, I. Didn't. Care. Which brings me to my next point.
Why the heck was Enne just so accepting of her own mother's death? Like throughout the story Enne is constantly thinking of her mother and how to find her, and then all of a sudden she finds out Lourdes is dead and Enne is like "Oh okay that sucks but what are ya gonna do?" (Okay that may be understating her reaction just a little bit) but I felt that Enne's reaction was much too little, it didn't permanently hurt her and it seemed like she moved on pretty unrealistically quickly, she then only became consumed with helping and loving Levi. And so we move onto my final dislike of this book.
What even was Levi and Enne's romance? Like sure there were some times that they had some electricity, but I think their romance may have been a little rushed. The whole story takes place in what? 10 or 12 days. And suddenly after five days of knowing one another, they're fighting urges to kiss each other? Like y'all need to chill you don't even know what the other person's favorite color is. This isn't to say that I just didn't like the romance because that isn't true, there were some parts that I really liked. However, as I said, in the beginning, it put me in the mind of a Wattpad fanfiction. There was even a couple of times that Enne let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Yikes.
Overall would I recommend this book to a friend: probably not
will read the sequel: possibly.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
3.5 Stars - I received with thanks an ARC copy of Ace of Shades from HQ Young Adult & Netgalley.
This is my true and honest review of Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody. This is due was published on 17th May 2018
This was my 1st Amanda Foody book and will not be the last. This was an interesting ride with plenty twist and turns. Enne and Levi were an interesting pair to read about. I cannot wait until their next instalment. Plenty of Rogues, Thieves and other unique characters are within this story. The authors writing style is unique and enjoyable. I have had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas many, many years ago and it was enjoyable to read a story that has a Vegas type atmosphere.
Great book for YA fantasy lovers.
This is my true and honest review of Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody. This is due was published on 17th May 2018
This was my 1st Amanda Foody book and will not be the last. This was an interesting ride with plenty twist and turns. Enne and Levi were an interesting pair to read about. I cannot wait until their next instalment. Plenty of Rogues, Thieves and other unique characters are within this story. The authors writing style is unique and enjoyable. I have had the pleasure of going to Las Vegas many, many years ago and it was enjoyable to read a story that has a Vegas type atmosphere.
Great book for YA fantasy lovers.