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parkyparkpark's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Racism, Classism, Toxic relationship, Hate crime, and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexism, Car accident, Death of parent, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Racial slurs
celly's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Overall, the story is well written. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé absolutely knows how to write teenagers and she handled the dual POV perfectly. Some stuff seemed a little clunky but it didn't hurt the reading flow.
Devon and Chiamaka were complex, smart characters who deserved their endings. I understand their motivations and their feelings and I cried at the reveal of their betrayals.
I can't wait to read more of Faridah.
Graphic: Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Violence, and Outing
Minor: Sexual content, Sexism, Police brutality, Blood, Car accident, Classism, Death, and Death of parent
jodierose14's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Violence, Homophobia, and Bullying
anonymous_blobfish's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I guess firstly, check the trigger warnings. This book is a lot for so many different reasons and may not be something you’re in the right place to read.
I always feel conflicted when it comes to reviewing something like Ace of Spades because I am not the voice that should be listened to in this space. But for what it’s worth I thought this was incredible. The detail, world building and characters were so realistic it felt almost more autobiographical than fiction. It was also really hard to read when I felt so powerless and privileged all at once.
I think the main thing I want to comment on is this: racism is a spectrum that all white people exist on. But how the hell are people questioning the authenticity of the institutionalised racism?? Get a fucking grip, open your eyes and educate yourself on how fucked up we - white people - have made this world. Also do your own research and stop relying on Black voices to educate you.
Rambling points aside, I would die for Chi and Von and I encourage everyone to read their stories and fall in love with their characters just as much as I have.
******Spoiler-ish below:
P.S. in case you need it there is a light at the end of the tunnel that is this story.
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, Murder, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Classism, Colonisation, Racial slurs, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Addiction, Biphobia, Bullying, Car accident, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Hate crime, Panic attacks/disorders, and Police brutality
amandas_bookshelf's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Car accident, Classism, Murder, Racism, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Child death, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Racial slurs, Sexism, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Confinement
venomousmushrooms's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexism, Gun violence, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Car accident and Death
lavenderchrissy's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Car accident, Cursing, Death, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Homophobia, Outing, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
thehappylittleelf's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Sexism, Toxic friendship, Car accident, Bullying, Outing, Sexual violence, Classism, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, and Stalking
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Drug use
tea_kettle's review against another edition
- 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
4.75
Graphic: Blood, Car accident, Racism, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, Gun violence, Homophobia, Terminal illness, and Vomit
Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, Suicide attempt, Slavery, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Sexism, and Police brutality
rachelmack__'s review against another edition
- 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? No
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racism, Racial slurs, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship