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A review by piperlee
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
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? It's complicated
4.75
This book kept me up until 3am because I could put it down! It was dark, suspenseful, and ultimately touched on really important topics like racism, classism, queerphobia, among other things.
I loved Devon’s side of the story - I felt like his relationships with partners, friends and family all had a really lovely depth to them (esp. his relationship with Andre - I wanted more!). I wish we could have gotten a little more depth from Chiamaka’s story, but ultimately I enjoyed how we see her character shift as the story goes on.
One thing that stuck out to me was the way the author touched on how the consequences of actions/rumors affect people differently according to the neighborhoods and economic backgrounds they come from. I feel like this book provided a unique take on that that I hadn’t encountered the same way in other stories.
And the main story itself! A tiny bit predictable, but still kept me so anxious all the way until the end. Even though it’s over the top in a thriller-style way, the foundation of this story is grounded in reality & important to acknowledge. It felt similar in some ways to When No One is Watching!
-.25 stars cause I didn’t love the writing style? Felt a bit too clunky/drawn out at some parts. Also, had a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief, but also it wasn’t bad cause it was too worked up about what was going on to really notice.
I loved Devon’s side of the story - I felt like his relationships with partners, friends and family all had a really lovely depth to them (esp. his relationship with Andre - I wanted more!). I wish we could have gotten a little more depth from Chiamaka’s story, but ultimately I enjoyed how we see her character shift as the story goes on.
One thing that stuck out to me was the way the author touched on how the consequences of actions/rumors affect people differently according to the neighborhoods and economic backgrounds they come from. I feel like this book provided a unique take on that that I hadn’t encountered the same way in other stories.
And the main story itself! A tiny bit predictable, but still kept me so anxious all the way until the end. Even though it’s over the top in a thriller-style way, the foundation of this story is grounded in reality & important to acknowledge. It felt similar in some ways to When No One is Watching!
-.25 stars cause I didn’t love the writing style? Felt a bit too clunky/drawn out at some parts. Also, had a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief, but also it wasn’t bad cause it was too worked up about what was going on to really notice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Stalking, Homophobia, Gaslighting, Car accident, and Bullying
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Racial slurs, Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gun violence