Scan barcode
justinbaumann71's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I discovered this book during a visit to Barnes and Noble, where it was part of the buy one, get one 50% off YA selection of the month. A bookseller described it as "academic, dark academia meets Hunger Games with commentary on social class and racism," and I was instantly intrigued. This book is a searing thriller that combines elements of Ace of Spades, Squid Game, and a sprinkling of The Bachelor, and it did not disappoint.
The story follows Adina Walker, a Black teen who has always known that she must work twice as hard to get half as much. On scholarship at the prestigious Edgewater Academy, a school for the rich (and mostly white) upper class of New England, she strives for perfection. But one moment of lost control costs her everything—she is blacklisted from her top choice Ivy League college and any other.
Her only chance to reclaim her future is the Finish, a high-stakes contest sponsored by Edgewater’s founding family. Twelve young women with exceptional promise are selected to compete in three mysterious events: the Ride, the Raid, and the Royale. The winner gains entry into the fold of the Remington family, whose wealth and power can open any door.
From the start, Adina senses that something is off with both the Remingtons and her competition. As she navigates the Finish, it becomes clear that the stakes are not just high—they’re deadly. Adina knows the deck is stacked against her, so she must find a way to change the rules to survive.
Though the first 30 pages of setup were a bit slow, once the games began, I was completely engrossed. The climax was described and executed in such a vicious and entrancing manner, especially highlighting Adina's fears. She was unrelenting and uncompromising, yet she felt like a believable person trying to adapt to her circumstances. Her complex relationships with the other girls and the male characters, including her father, were excellently portrayed.
The actual games were terrifying and intricately believable, keeping me invested the whole time. I highly recommend this book and find myself wishing for a sequel, even though I have no idea how the author could follow this up. Nonetheless, I would eagerly read anything else they write.
The story follows Adina Walker, a Black teen who has always known that she must work twice as hard to get half as much. On scholarship at the prestigious Edgewater Academy, a school for the rich (and mostly white) upper class of New England, she strives for perfection. But one moment of lost control costs her everything—she is blacklisted from her top choice Ivy League college and any other.
Her only chance to reclaim her future is the Finish, a high-stakes contest sponsored by Edgewater’s founding family. Twelve young women with exceptional promise are selected to compete in three mysterious events: the Ride, the Raid, and the Royale. The winner gains entry into the fold of the Remington family, whose wealth and power can open any door.
From the start, Adina senses that something is off with both the Remingtons and her competition. As she navigates the Finish, it becomes clear that the stakes are not just high—they’re deadly. Adina knows the deck is stacked against her, so she must find a way to change the rules to survive.
Though the first 30 pages of setup were a bit slow, once the games began, I was completely engrossed. The climax was described and executed in such a vicious and entrancing manner, especially highlighting Adina's fears. She was unrelenting and uncompromising, yet she felt like a believable person trying to adapt to her circumstances. Her complex relationships with the other girls and the male characters, including her father, were excellently portrayed.
The actual games were terrifying and intricately believable, keeping me invested the whole time. I highly recommend this book and find myself wishing for a sequel, even though I have no idea how the author could follow this up. Nonetheless, I would eagerly read anything else they write.
leah_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
cici1722's review against another edition
5.0
Advertised as ace of spades meets squid games really set the tone. I knew exactly what to expect. I got some layered gossip girl vibes too. I liveeeee for a rich white family takedown. It’s never not going to be satisfying
tpeirona's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Eat The Rich!!!
This was a really fun thriller that was fast paced and had me flying through it because I just wanted to know how it was going to end. Hunger games meets the Bachelor with a splash of Get Out thrown in. The last 50 pages were literally insane but honestly, I was here for it even if it erred on the side of unrealistic. Also why are we naming characters after the amazonian queen, Penthesilea is damn near impossible to pronounce haha!
This was a really fun thriller that was fast paced and had me flying through it because I just wanted to know how it was going to end. Hunger games meets the Bachelor with a splash of Get Out thrown in. The last 50 pages were literally insane but honestly, I was here for it even if it erred on the side of unrealistic. Also why are we naming characters after the amazonian queen, Penthesilea is damn near impossible to pronounce haha!
kaikai01's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
skye_era_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
When I tell you I am YELLING — eat the fucking rich!!!! I will now read everything this author writes. This kept me on my T O E S and was so well written. Consider this me screaming from the rooftops for every single person ever to read this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Classism, Emotional abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, Gore, Death, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Body horror
mrs_bookdragon's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
memi8207's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
ayamtshali_97's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
megabees's review against another edition
3.0
my god i wish we could make thrillers without murder however i do understand that they wouldn’t be thrilling
i would NOT have thrived in this situation
i would NOT have thrived in this situation