Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

Synopsis (from Goodreads) 

Pages: 459

Publisher: HQ Young Adult 

Released: 17th of May 2018 

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 where no one survives uncorrupted.

Frightened and alone, her only lead is a name: Levi Glaisyer. Unfortunately, Levi is not the gentleman she expected—he’s a street lord and a con man. Levi is also only one payment away from cleaning up a rapidly unraveling investment scam, so he doesn't have time to investigate a woman leading a dangerous double life. Enne's offer of compensation, however, could be the solution to all his problems. 

Their search for clues leads them through glamorous casinos, illicit cabarets and into the clutches of a ruthless mafia donna. As Enne unearths an impossible secret about her past, Levi's enemies catch up to them, ensnaring him in a vicious execution game where the players always lose. To save him, Enne will need to surrender herself to the city…

And she’ll need to play.

Trigger Warnings: Gambling, mentions of drug use and prostitution. 

What I Have to Say 

Though this didn't stick out as much as some of the other books that have similar topics and themes, I did thoroughly enjoy the story. Levi and Enne were fantastic characters. I loved Enne so much, the mystery surrounding her, the way she got to grips with the City of Sin so quickly despite being so naive when she firsts arrives. 

Although I took to Levi at first, it really really was Enne who stole the book for me. I can't wait to find out more about her and what she does next. 

The plot also was thrilling. It gripped me pretty quickly and drew me straight into the city, seeing it through Enne's eyes was the perfect way to get to grips with it quickly. It was so immersive and a joy to read. 

There are so many of books about sin and debauchery around at the moment. The seedy underbelly of Fantasy worlds being explored and enjoyed and this is definitely a good addition to the genre. 

My thanks go to HQ and Netgalley for providing me with this copy for review.