A review by literaryintersections
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

dark tense medium-paced
  • 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? Yes

5.0

Holy. Shit. This book is brutal. Whoever did the tagline comparing to Ace of Spades, Squid Game, and The Bachelor is 100% spot on. This book is dripping with themes of race, affirmative action, classism, misogyny, and the impacts of the patriarchy on women. I had a general idea of what this book was about but whew lemme tell you, it’s even better. The violence is horrifying. The subtle (and not so subtle) racism and classism feels like a gut punch at every moment. I had so many highlights because Wellington’s writing is descriptive and sets a clear line between Adina and the rest of the competition. The Remington’s are so blasé in their racism and classism. The twists and turns are mostly unforeseen. And the ending just *mindblown*

Absolutely loved this book - a must read for anyone who loves YA horror. 
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