Ace of Spades Review: Ruthless Reality

Gossip Girl meets Get Out – Ace of Spades is a multi-awarded young adult mystery thriller published two years ago. It is the debut novel of Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé that features content that readers may find disturbing. Told in two alternating point of views, Ace of Spades captures the horror and reality of racism and classism at the educational level.

What Is The Book Ace Of Spaces About?

Devon is a talented musician aiming for a perfect application for Julliard, while Chiamaka is the head girl of the student body, aiming for an unforgettable last year in her beloved school. In Ace of Spades, both protagonists yearn for a flawless senior year. As the only two Black students at the prestigious Nivea’s Private Academy, they both strive for perfection in all situations.

However, when they are both chosen to be Senior Prefects, an anonymous texter is determined to reveal the darkest secrets of these two students. Devon and Chiamaka will soon realize the inevitability of being in the spotlight, and the price they must pay for power.

From private photos to destructive issues, Devon and Chiamaka sets out to find who “Aces” is whatever it takes, even deviating from their moral identities. Racism, homophobia, alcohol consumption, car accident, violence, arson, profanity, sexual content, stalking, and bullying are just a few of its trigger contents. Gangs and selling of drugs are also mentioned.

Ace Of Spades Review

Every good thriller must start with an impression. Ace of Spades begins with the opening of the senior year of Devon’s and Chiamaka’s batch. Right from this event, Devon is introduced as someone who avoids being the center of attention and has only one friend in the entire school. Chiamaka, on the other hand, is admired by everyone for being the ‘perfect’ girl.

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Looking back, the morning assembly felt ominous already. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé knows how to set the uneasy mood perfectly, and there’s an unsettling feeling to the story immediately that signals to readers that something wrong is about to happen. The opening chapters expertly illustrate a ‘calmness before the storm’ vibe for the audience.

Ace of Spades Characters

Sometimes I feel like I’m so lost in my own world, I don’t notice the things that seem so obvious to everyone else.

I’ve worked too hard for someone to try to make me into a disgrace and a laughing stock.

The author takes the right amount of time to introduce and develop the characters. Devon is a Black American gay who grew up with his siblings and mother. He strives to graduate and work to help his family. Readers will later then realize what it takes for Devon to make sacrifices for his family. Chiamaka is a biracial Italian-Nigerian bisexual who grew up chasing what she wants. Unlike Devon, she is pretty popular in school.

Both protagonists are acquainted with one another, but it takes them time before they decided to come together and face Aces. That’s where the story truly begins to take a turn. Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé makes sure to keep readers on edge while exploring the layers of these characters. Although Ace of Spades champions in having well-rounded main characters, many of the supporting characters seem to fall flat.

Hello, Niveus High. It’s me. Who am I? That’s not important. All you need to know is … I’m here to divide and conquer.

Aces

The premise of the book was just tip of the iceberg for me. There were a lot of happenings with Devon and Chiamaka that I had some trouble keeping up with. That goes to show how overwhelming life can be in those years in high school. As a result, the thrilling presence I was expecting of Aces was something lacking for me. The whole whodunnit mystery felt like a subplot more than the driving conflict of the story. Throughout the book, I see Aces’ messages as not alarming as they sound because of how Chiamaka and Devon handled their situation.

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Is There A Second Book To Ace of Spades?

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé said on her official website that Ace Of Spades is a standalone book and that there is no second book to Ace Of Spades.

Final Thoughts

They treat my Black skin like a gun or a grenade or a knife that is dangerous and lethal, when really it’s them. The guys at the top powering everything.
But racism isn’t just about that—it’s not about being nice or mean. Or good versus bad. It’s bigger than that.

Ace of Spades is a mystery thriller that depicts the real horror of institutionalized racism. Characters must contend with the racism and classism of their peers, which ultimately puts Black kids at a disadvantage. It’s action-packed and thrilling that will leave you guessing until the end.