Edges Laid, Plot Twists Served
Adina Green walked into Niveus Academy like she owned it. Edges laid, braids fresh, and a perfectly curated outfit that said yes, I’m that girl, even if you pretend not to see me. But behind the polished look and top of the class energy was a Black girl navigating secrets, pressure, and a system that was never built for her. And when the truth started to crack through the surface? She didn’t just unravel; she came for blood. 🩸😏
This book gave me everything. The tension, the mystery, the layered characters, the vibe. It definitely made me want to rewatch Gossip Girl and finally finish bingeing Pretty Little Liars. As a girl who was always drawn to those kinds of messy, drama filled teen shows; but also always clocking the lack of Black and Brown faces; Ace of Spades felt like someone finally wrote the story I wanted to see on screen. It definitely scratched that itch and then some.
Devon’s storyline, in particular, really got to me. I loved him too! Watching him navigate queerness, poverty, and survival in a space that constantly tried to erase or exploit him? I wanted to hug him 🥺😭. He carried so much and still found a way to stay true to himself. His vulnerability, talent, and fear all felt hella raw. I was rooting for him deadass, and I felt it every time he took a hit.
Reading this right after Blood At The Root was chef’s kiss. Both books gave me that perfect combo of dark academia, queerness, and social commentary without sacrificing character depth. They go hand in hand, like sibling books from different genres but speaking the same truth. I’m here for it. 👏🏾👏🏾 If Blood At The Root fed my fantasy-loving soul, Ace of Spades satisfied my inner messy teen girl who wanted drama and make it memorable. Dark skin, dark secrets, no apologies. ✊🏾
Lastly? The Author’s Note at the end?? Everything. Faridah really spoke to the realities of being Black in elite spaces, and it just made me love the book even more. I cannot wait to read more from her. Big fan energy right here 🖤
