Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

**I’d like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for the opportunity to read a preview excerpt of this book early in exchange for an honest review**

This book comes out today and you can get it here!!!!

What I drank prior: oh lord, i dont even know at this point. all i know is there was wine and now i can’t sleep.

Spoiler-free Overview: Ok. So this girl Enne goes to this city.. basically Vegas but Sin City style? It’s got all the less-than-desireable features of a city. Casinos, whore houses, gangs, blah blah. It’s supposed to be bad, but it sounds like a normal fantasy city to me… actually reminds me of the second Gentleman Bastards book Red Seas Under Red Skies. Anyway, I digress. She’s there to find Mama. She finds herself immediatly in trouble and in cahoots with a gang and employed by basically The Devil. but she still has to find mama while all this other shit goes down.

Spoiler-free Thoughts: So, this book falls into a lot of the typical YA fantasy tropes, but tbh, i didn’t hate it. I will say that Foody really isn’t shy about sex. She talks about female masturbation… twice. Which I was pumped about. I think this is a unique story with seriously slow-burning romance.

Characters: So Enne is an awesome woman. She starts off as a *scarequotes* Lady, and struggles with that but i could totally see her shift in believeable ways. Levi… Levi was Levi. My little bisexual child. I say child because he kind of acts like one. Idk… I related to him bot not nearly as much as Enne. ALSO, i love the female frienship that develops. Also, also, Vianca is terrifying.

Plot: So pacing issues were a Thing. However, I will say there are several what the fuck moments. The good kind. At one point i screamed out loud “in the FACE?!” My notes are all over the place with this one.

Writing Style: Her writing is good. If you liked Daughter of the Burning City it’s a similar style.

World Building:  I really, and I mean REALLY, loved the magic system in this. The bloodlines etc.

What to pair it with: Some fancy shmancy cocktail. Like a martini or something.

Rating: 3.5/5 Shots

COMMENT DOWN BELOW: What’s your favorite (betting) card game? I like black jack.

Until next time, we remain forever drunkenly yours,
Sam