Whatever I was expecting when I started this book, I take it all back. This was the first book I read in 2022 and it just threw my expectations out the damn window and has now earned my forever respect

I know I read way too many YA Mystery/Thriller novels but I’m not exactly sure why I started reading them. I’ve always found them interesting and I end up trying to predict what’s going to happen or who the antagonist is. Most of them have similar plot lines and usually don’t catch my eye unless something drastic happens or I’m unable to untangle everything. Though with all the mystery books I’ve read, it's become easier and easier to guess the plot and I end up getting bored halfway. Clearly, this wasn’t the case.

The story follows two Black teenagers, Chimaka and Devon, who are enrolled in a very prestigious and very white private school. In their senior year, they suddenly find themselves becoming the targets of an anonymous texter named Aces who are revealing their darkest secrets for the whole school to see. Amidst the cards stacked against them, the two must work together to turn the tide and bring the game over in their favor.

I don’t think there was anything I disliked too much about this book since I gave it a high rating. But there were some things where I wished we saw more of, one being Chimaka’s love life. Okay seriously, I was able to guess Devon’s sexuality within the first chapter with my inner gaydar going I sense a closeted gay here. And hey, my gaydar didn't fail. I remember being so caught up in Devon’s love life, and begging whatever deity up there that he ended up with a certain special someone. Who’s that someone you ask? Well, you’re going to have to read the book to find out cause I ain’t telling. Give me bubble tea and I’ll think about it though (kidding, please go read the book because it’s really good). Chimaka, on the other hand, had a smaller and not so focused on love life as Devon did. Which honestly I didn’t mind, but I would’ve loved to see more of. I unapologetically squealed for all the cute moments and I want a sequel please and thank you.

I loved how this book addressed heavier topics (racism, homophobia, elitism, white supremacy) while still sticking to the dynamic plotline of a thriller. The themes weren’t just lightly spoken about but were enhanced and just made me question society itself. I wasn’t too sold on the mystery at first since I’d seen similar plotlines in some other books I’ve read, but holy guacamole. This book just completely hurled my guess of the antagonist and my anticipations of this being just “another thriller book” off of Mount Olympus. Like Daughter of the Deep, I would unquestionably recommend this book to anyone and everyone regardless of the fact if you enjoy mystery/thriller novels or not. This book teaches a valuable lesson and I hope that reading this will open up your mind a little bit more.

FINAL RATING: