Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game Series, 1)

The subject of street gangs is not quite my thing, but close enough to things I like that I found enough to enjoy in this book. It's set in a fantasy world where everyone has two talents inherited from their parents who give you their names. So the protagonist is Enne Abacus Salta, her mother a counter (Abacus) and her father a dancer (Salta), and Enne's main, better talent is Salta. Or at least she thinks so, because while she's been good enough at dancing that she might belong to one of the lesser dancing families like the Saltas, her mathematical abilities are abysmal. When Enne's adoptive mother disappears, Enne leaves her finishing school to look for her in New Raynes, a city full of crime and gambling, where right from the first word sue speaks, she gets embroiled in the life of street gangs and gambling. There, she discovers all the secrets her mother kept from her, both about her own life, as well as about Enne herself. Following Enne and her friends trying to lift the mysteries of her mother and herself as well as of the Shadow Game, was very interesting, I always love unearthing secrets. As the character dynamics also often make or break a story for me, I was very happy to find Enne and Levi being surrounded by a cast of characters they partly have existing relationships to or develop different relationships to that kept me involved in what they were going through. Throughout the first half of the book I was unsure if I would continue the series once I finished this book, but during the second half was where the magical properties of the world and its characters came more into focus, and that's something that draws me in more than street gangs. I assume that we will get to know more about it during the coming books and so I do want to read the sequels. All in all, I was satisfied with this book and found myself more and more invested, even if it is not a story that I will count among my faves. Despite its good quality, the subject matter made it unlikely for it to be so.

3,5/5 stars I can definitely see why people compare this to Six of Crows, and whilst I could see some similarities to Kaz in Levi, to me these two books are wholly different, which, of course, isn't inherently a bad thing. This book had more of a Las Vegas vibe to it, which I really loved, and the characters were enjoyable to read about as well! I'll definitely continue on with this series asap! Listened to the audiobook and would definitely recommend it!

This book has been on my TRB for two years and I'm so glad I finally picked it up, because it is absolutely amazing! It has a captivating story, a dark and fascinating setting and adorable characters. When Enne first comes to new Reynes, the city of sin, she only has one lead to find her missing mother: Levi Glaisyer. Fortunately, they meet rather quickly and that's when the story really picks up. Levi - card dealer and leader of a local gang - owes money to the wrong people and is struggling to pay them back. So when Enne offers to pay him to help her find her mother he accepts. Together they uncover one secret after another and Enne has to accept that her mom wasn't the person she always seemed to be. And she also hid some things about Enne herself. While trying to hunt down her mother Enne gets swept into Levis world and finds herself enjoying the city of sin. She feels seen for the first time and of course there's a certain gang leader with a heart of gold she feels herself drawn to. (I get it Enne, I couldn't resist his charme either.) I fell in love with this book for so many reasons. First of all the story is so captivating and has an amazing pacing. I love how it slows down for some moment without dragging or getting boring and there are so many plot twist that just blew my mind! Secondly: the setting! New Reynes and it's different faccettes are beautiful to discover and add the perfect dark atmosphere to the story. And last but not least: the characters! Enne and Levi are adorable and I loved watching how they grew closer to each other. There were so many small gestures and moments that just made their affection so obvious and so fun to read about. Can't wait to see them again in the second book. Before I end this review, there is one more thing I want to add concerning the comparison of this story to the SoC duology by Leigh Bardugo. If you want to pick this up because you basically expect a retelling of SoC, DON'T. I've seen several negative reviews that basically were the result of false expectations. Don't get me wrong, there are similarities such as the general vibe with the gangs and card games and so on and yes, both Kaz and Levi are indeed gang leaders and good at dealing cards, but those are still two different books. Anyway, Ace of Shades is absolutely brilliant and if it's sitting on you TBR just as it did on mine, here's you friendly reminder to finally pick it up!