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Ace of Shades
(The Shadow Game #1)
by
Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…and secrets hide in every shadow.
Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city whe ...more
Enne Salta was raised as a proper young lady, and no lady would willingly visit New Reynes, the so-called City of Sin. But when her mother goes missing, Enne must leave her finishing school—and her reputation—behind to follow her mother’s trail to the city whe ...more
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Hardcover, 411 pages
Published
April 10th 2018
by Harlequin Teen
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Popular Answered Questions
Bex Hunt
I subscribe to owlcrate and just received my copy yesterday. I would think any place you buy books that you can get it.
Mi Universo Literario Writer
For now, the author has said this is a trilogy.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game, #1)

Despite Enne’s flaws - namely that she was mucking annoying - she knew how to weasel in and out of a conversation.
You know what else is mucking annoying? Made up curse words like mucking! Fictional profanity almost always has me laughing (and not in a good way) but it was especially bad here because “mucking” is almost “fucking” but also hilariously… not.
But let's not get hung up on language. The bigger problem is that Ace of Shades is Six of Crows's shallower, less interesting sibling. It w ...more

I LOOOOOOVED Ace of Shades so much. What an exhilarating, fantastical start to a fantasy series!
CW: violence, pedophilia (it’s totally condemned in the story)
I adore Amanda Foody’s writing style. It is so descriptive and easy to engage with. The entire time I felt as if I was traveling New Reynes alongside Enne and Levi. The world is extremely vivid and atmospheric. The history of the world was a tad difficult for me to retain at first because there’s quite a lot of info and it is ALL so importa ...more
CW: violence, pedophilia (it’s totally condemned in the story)
I adore Amanda Foody’s writing style. It is so descriptive and easy to engage with. The entire time I felt as if I was traveling New Reynes alongside Enne and Levi. The world is extremely vivid and atmospheric. The history of the world was a tad difficult for me to retain at first because there’s quite a lot of info and it is ALL so importa ...more

Right. So I've found my new book to be so utterly and absolutely OBSESSED WITH. I need at least four dozen heart eyes and sixty-two stars, is all I'm saying. This book is like an ode to Slytherin schemes and my little heart is just beating so fast. It's twisty and madly addictive and the characters are ones I absolutely love love love. I'm sobbing. Do not mind me. This is a good one.
(And yes I did like 540 status updates while reading it and I AM NOT ASHAMED.)
+ The first thing to know is that th ...more
(And yes I did like 540 status updates while reading it and I AM NOT ASHAMED.)
+ The first thing to know is that th ...more

to compare this to ‘six of crows’ has been a disservice to not only the reader, but to both books, as well. it sets an impossibly high standard, one that will only lead to disappointment. having seen a lot of negative reviews in regards to how this book was pitched and the comparisons made, i decided to go into this with a completely open mind and no expectations whatsoever - which i think is the only thing you can do in this particular situation. and it completely paid off because i quite liked
...more
![destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1557144778p2/15335689.jpg)
When this book’s synopsis first started circulating the YA book community, I was unspeakably excited for it. A book about dangerous gangs and gambling, with a bi young man of color as one of the protagonists? Sign me up! Unfortunately, this book suffered the same problem I have with the author’s debut, Daughter of the Burning City—it has a lot of cool ideas at play, but the execution leaves a little bit to be desired.
The photograph of Luckluster Casino matched the stories of New Reynes: red l...more

This is one of the most interesting books I've read in this year. Its has the feel of Caraval and Six of Crows all mixed together with a hint of fantasy. AMAZING and maybe even going on my favorites list. I'm in shock I can't get over how great this book is. The whole concept is fascinating and kept my interest peaked at all times. The writing is amazing, the world is very well thought out and the City of Sin is one of the most exciting places I've read about. I like this more than Daughter of T
...more

Mar 21, 2018
megs_bookrack
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Slytherins
Shelves:
arcs-read
Welcome to New Reynes, a self-proclaimed City of Sin.

Sheltered and innocent, Enne Salta, arrives in New Reynes on a search for her adoptive mother, Lourdes, who has gone missing.
Enne's only lead, a single name: Levi Glaisyer.

Fortunately for Enne, it doesn't take her long to track Levi down and that is when the fun begins.
Swept up into this new and dangerous world, Enne feels overwhelmed, but despite her initial culture shock, she finds New Reynes bringing her to life in ways she never imagine ...more

Sheltered and innocent, Enne Salta, arrives in New Reynes on a search for her adoptive mother, Lourdes, who has gone missing.
Enne's only lead, a single name: Levi Glaisyer.

Fortunately for Enne, it doesn't take her long to track Levi down and that is when the fun begins.
Swept up into this new and dangerous world, Enne feels overwhelmed, but despite her initial culture shock, she finds New Reynes bringing her to life in ways she never imagine ...more

I was so glad to get this book in my Owlcrate! Click on link below picture to see the unboxing.

THE STUFF
Well, I'm freaking bummed! I loved Daughter of the Burning City but this book didn't do it for me. Oh well, hopefully I will love her next book like I did her debut book!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐾🐺 ...more

THE STUFF
Well, I'm freaking bummed! I loved Daughter of the Burning City but this book didn't do it for me. Oh well, hopefully I will love her next book like I did her debut book!
Happy Reading!
Mel 🖤🐾🐺 ...more

it is with a heavy heart I must announce that I just don’t care about anything that happened in this book.
I should start this off by acknowledging that this book is built on a lot of good ideas. Ace of Shades takes place in what is described as a city of sin, a sort of Old Vegas meets Venice. There’s enemies to lovers, a very diverse cast (the book’s romantic interest is black & bisexual), an intriguing magic ...more
All you know are stories, Enne told herself. And not all stories are true.
I should start this off by acknowledging that this book is built on a lot of good ideas. Ace of Shades takes place in what is described as a city of sin, a sort of Old Vegas meets Venice. There’s enemies to lovers, a very diverse cast (the book’s romantic interest is black & bisexual), an intriguing magic ...more

2.5 STARS
No one is more disappointed than I am that this rating is anything less than 5 STARS. I went in wholly expecting to adore this story; the cover is gorgeous and the comparisons to Six Of Crows had me cautiously fangirling over this book from the moment I knew of it's existence. Throw in the fact that I absolutely loved Daughter Of The Burning City last year and I was completely sold. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me.
I'm not here to deter anyone from picking this up, as I ...more
No one is more disappointed than I am that this rating is anything less than 5 STARS. I went in wholly expecting to adore this story; the cover is gorgeous and the comparisons to Six Of Crows had me cautiously fangirling over this book from the moment I knew of it's existence. Throw in the fact that I absolutely loved Daughter Of The Burning City last year and I was completely sold. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me.
I'm not here to deter anyone from picking this up, as I ...more

Apr 11, 2018
Melanie
rated it
liked it
Shelves:
young-adult,
lgbtqiap,
buddy-reads,
magic,
subscription-box-owlcrate,
signed,
read-in-2018,
fantasy

“The City of Sin was a game, but not everyone was a player.”
Ace of Shades was for sure not what I was expecting. Some said it was like one of my favorite series of all time, Six of Crows, but I didn’t see that. A lot of people said it had a setting like the city I live in currently, Vegas, and I suppose I see it, but it is a stretch and for sure a very big fantastical interpretation and based on every stereotype you think of when you think of Vegas (which are mostly all untrue). I me ...more

Jul 12, 2019
emma
rated it
it was ok
Shelves:
fantasy,
couldn-t-wait-to-read,
unpopular-opinion,
ya,
reviewed,
eh,
diverse,
1-and-a-half-stars,
dark
Fun fact about me: I need to stop reading books solely because they’re compared to Six of Crows.
It invariably results in disappointment.
Honestly I think it’d be fairer for publishers to stop comparing every. Single. Dark YA fantasy to Six of Crows, but APPARENTLY that’s not going to happen so. Looks like the responsibility lies on me.
My life is so hard.
BUT THIS BOOK IS COMPLETELY A KNOCKOFF OF SIX OF CROWS.
(Emphasis on the word knockoff.)
This is a dark YA fantasy where a ragtag crew of diverse t ...more
It invariably results in disappointment.
Honestly I think it’d be fairer for publishers to stop comparing every. Single. Dark YA fantasy to Six of Crows, but APPARENTLY that’s not going to happen so. Looks like the responsibility lies on me.
My life is so hard.
BUT THIS BOOK IS COMPLETELY A KNOCKOFF OF SIX OF CROWS.
(Emphasis on the word knockoff.)
This is a dark YA fantasy where a ragtag crew of diverse t ...more

May 28, 2018
✨ jamieson ✨
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
series-to-complete,
lgbtqiap,
suspense,
2018-reads,
fantasy,
m-m,
mystery,
young-adult,
bi-mc,
series
she was a pistol wrapped in silk.
she was a blade disguised as a girl
alright alright alright listen up, listen here. This book is a whole lotta fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it! In fact I'm eagerly awaiting the official release so I can read a completed physical edition.
WHAT IS ACE OF SHADES?
🃏 a dark, complex, fantasy world where gangs run the streets and lure unsuspecting visitors into their gambling parlours, where crime rules and turf wars brew and at the heart of it all, a deadly history ...more

The reviews put me off reading this book at first and now I’m so frustrated because I’ve been denying myself such a good book for ages!!!
This was so unexpectedly good! A prim and proper finishing school girl meets a rough and ambitious street lord and I SHIP IT SO MUCH! I loved the 1920s Las Vegas-esque setting and the magic system and ahhh so good!
I can’t wait to jump into book two. If anyone fears it being a Six of Crows knockoff - as the other reviews claim - have no fear. There aren’t reall ...more
This was so unexpectedly good! A prim and proper finishing school girl meets a rough and ambitious street lord and I SHIP IT SO MUCH! I loved the 1920s Las Vegas-esque setting and the magic system and ahhh so good!
I can’t wait to jump into book two. If anyone fears it being a Six of Crows knockoff - as the other reviews claim - have no fear. There aren’t reall ...more

Levi stood up and reached for his hat on the table.
“Where are you going?” Enne asked.
“Out. There are volts to make and people to cheat.”
He flashed her a smile. She was lucky he hadn’t cheated her.
He was feeling sentimental today.
Attempt #2 of reading this book didn't disappoint.
I'm kind of relieved to announce that, with a cover and a premise like that, Amanda Foody's Ace of Shades delievers what it promises.
Nothing more and nothing less than that, but it surely give its reader what the ...more

Jan 12, 2018
Candace Robinson
added it
So if Six of Crows gave birth to a baby, this would be that baby. I thought Ace of Shades was a great start to the series. I really liked these characters. Enne and Levi are no Kaz and Inej, but I still loved them and their distinct personalities, especially Enne's cookie eating fetish!
The world building was unique, and the author's writing drew me in right away. Plus, talk of game cards, acrobatics, and magic, I was then completely sold. The book's romance is more on the side, but I was annoyed ...more
The world building was unique, and the author's writing drew me in right away. Plus, talk of game cards, acrobatics, and magic, I was then completely sold. The book's romance is more on the side, but I was annoyed ...more

“Ten days.
Ten days to figure out how to beat his enemies at their own game.”
Kaz Brekker would have so much fun with Levi Glaisyer. He'd fleece Levi dry, then convince him Halloween pumpkins are a good investment in December.

Look, in the olden days, a kinder, softer Natalie might have given Ace of Shades 3 stars. There's nothing overtly offensive about it. The writing's decent (if a bit tryhard at times), there are clear stakes, okay world-building—all in all, a solid YA fantasy. But these ...more

Very interesting story, quite unlike anything else I've read before. Really enjoyed my time reading this one.
...more

Jan 21, 2018
Silvia
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
ya-fantasy,
magic,
arc,
fantasy,
best-worldbuilding,
romance,
sent-for-review,
mf-romance,
ya,
pride-recs
I was sent this book as an advanced copy by the publisher via Edelweiss for reviewing purposes, but all opinions are my own.
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH this book was such a pleasant surprise!!! I haven't read the author's debut yet so I didn't know what to expect, but now I'm looking forward to both continuing the series and keeping an eye out for whatever else she published (as well as reading DotBC).
♠ Worldbuilding
The story takes place in New Reynes, a town split in two, and specifically alm ...more
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH this book was such a pleasant surprise!!! I haven't read the author's debut yet so I didn't know what to expect, but now I'm looking forward to both continuing the series and keeping an eye out for whatever else she published (as well as reading DotBC).
♠ Worldbuilding
The story takes place in New Reynes, a town split in two, and specifically alm ...more

bleh too slow


A BR with Lily!
Sadly DNF @ page 150
I almost finished day 2 but I can't continue this book, let alone a whole trilogy!
I had one thought while reading this: that it sounded like it was written by an accountant. Guess what? It is! I came here to check the author, only to find out that she has an M.A degree in accountancy and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature.
You know that I like to support new and trending authors but the writing style just is not for me, if you are like me and read this be ...more
Sadly DNF @ page 150
I almost finished day 2 but I can't continue this book, let alone a whole trilogy!
I had one thought while reading this: that it sounded like it was written by an accountant. Guess what? It is! I came here to check the author, only to find out that she has an M.A degree in accountancy and a Bachelors of Arts in English Literature.
You know that I like to support new and trending authors but the writing style just is not for me, if you are like me and read this be ...more

ALL OF THE STARS!
"Some say the City of Sin is a game, so before you arrive - ask yourself, dear reader, how much are you prepared to lose?"
- The City of Sin, a guidebook: Where To Go and Where Not To
MY GOD, this. This was goooooooooooooood! I am so happy, I've been waiting for this for the such a long time. I really enjoyed Amanda Foody and Daughter of the Burning City, so Ace of Shades was highly anticipated for me. I was so nervous going into this, because every time I desperately want to like ...more
"Some say the City of Sin is a game, so before you arrive - ask yourself, dear reader, how much are you prepared to lose?"
- The City of Sin, a guidebook: Where To Go and Where Not To
MY GOD, this. This was goooooooooooooood! I am so happy, I've been waiting for this for the such a long time. I really enjoyed Amanda Foody and Daughter of the Burning City, so Ace of Shades was highly anticipated for me. I was so nervous going into this, because every time I desperately want to like ...more

Do not believe their smiles. Do not stray into their lairs. Or you may never come out again.
3.75 stars. if you just want to know if this book is like six of crows, click here.
This is one of those books which I got really, really excited for, even when it wasn't released yet. Normally, I don't let a book’s popularity affect my reading -- or if it does, it's in a positive way, like how I anticipated The Cruel Prince forever and, truthfully, probably loved it just a little more because of the h ...more

1. Ace of Shades ★★★★★
2. King of Fools ★★★★★
3. Untitled
my immediate thoughts during and after finishing this book were, "how dare i not read this sooner" in case any of you were wondering
the only bad part of my experience reading this was seeing the right side get smaller and realizing that this would eventually end.
I had previously enjoyed the author's debut, Daughter of the Burning City but wow I did not realize that her later book would become one of my all-time favorites.
"...it smells fou...more

Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody is the first book of the young adult fantasy The Shadow Game series. I saw a lot of comparisons to Six of Crows before I began to read this one and my first hope was that it wouldn’t have that same slow pace as Six of Crows but of course, yes, it did. They are rather similar in having that slow build, darker young adult tale.
The book begins as Enne Salta arrives in New Reynes or what is better known as the City of Sin. Enne’s adoptive mother had often visited New Re ...more
The book begins as Enne Salta arrives in New Reynes or what is better known as the City of Sin. Enne’s adoptive mother had often visited New Re ...more

Nov 16, 2017
ELLIAS (elliasreads)
marked it as to-read
DAMN.
What a cover.
What a cover.

I just don't know what to say. I could sense its resemblance to Six Of Crows which I think is mostly why I struggled through this.
For me, characters always come first followed by the plot- just like in the dictionary. I couldn't help but think how shallower the characters were as far as comparison to SoC goes, because admit it or not, Six of Crows has the one of the best character squads. And Gosh, I absolutely didn't care for Enne and Eli. Hell, I even tried to skip most of their cringe-y inte ...more
For me, characters always come first followed by the plot- just like in the dictionary. I couldn't help but think how shallower the characters were as far as comparison to SoC goes, because admit it or not, Six of Crows has the one of the best character squads. And Gosh, I absolutely didn't care for Enne and Eli. Hell, I even tried to skip most of their cringe-y inte ...more
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Amanda Foody has always considered imagination to be our best attempt at magic. After a double life as an accountant preparing taxes for multinational corporations, she now spends her free time brewing and fermenting foods much more easily obtained at her local grocery store. She lives in Boston, MA with a hoard of books guarded by the most vicious of feline companions, Jelly Bean.
She is the auth ...more
She is the auth ...more
Other books in the series
The Shadow Game
(3 books)
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“She was a pistol wrapped up in silk. She was a blade disguised as a girl.”
—
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“Sometimes we're not who we want to be because we're supposed to be something else.”
—
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