In the diverse and inventive realm of young adult fantasy novels, it can be difficult to find ways to stand out. Despite that, in between the immensely successful standouts are many gems of captivating storytelling. One such case is Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody, the first installment of the Shadow Game series.
Enne Salta travels to the immoral and unbridled city of New Reynes in search of her wayward mother Lourdes. In this place of blood talents passed down from parent to child, Enne has found a quiet place getting by at her preparatory school. Upon her arrival, Enne is immediately thrown into the chaos of the City of Sin in search of Levi Glaisyer, the name Lourdes left behind before taking off. Enne slowly gets pulled into a place of combative gangs and deadly shadow games as Levi, with his own agenda, endeavors to help Enne find Lourdes. Throughout their search, Enne discovers she is more closely tied to the city than she would have imagined.
Ace of Shades takes readers into a world of magic and mischief through two initially opposite views. The first is Enne, a refined and protected girl who is an outsider both at her school where her talents are exceedingly underwhelming, and in the harsh city where her naivety brings her chaos within minutes of arriving. The other is Levi, the young, skilled, and charismatic street lord. When they meet, each have their own reasons for teaming up. Enne is in need of Levi’s expertise and guidance, having been left nothing else from Lourdes. And Levi is in desperate need of payment to get out of a dangerous deal. The chapters alternate between these points of view. As the story as well as their relationship progresses, their intentions become more and more entwined. This approach of dual perspectives also gives readers a view into the city from both inside and outside. Levi knows the city well and manipulates it to his will to the extent it will let him. And Enne brings an outsider’s view to the captivating city, from a sheltered schoolgirl lifestyle to the chaotic New Reynes.
The world created for Ace of Shades contains plentiful details that enliven the plot. The magic system is unique, with everyone inheriting one talent from each parent. The talents range from an affinity for arithmetic to the ability to create the orbs that are used for currency. The system both makes the story distinct and plays a part in the movement of the plot. The author also establishes the presence of diverse languages, dialects, and slang that improves authenticity to the setting. The development of New Reynes evokes a connection to other fantasy worlds such as Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse and Stephanie Garber’s Caraval, while still standing on its own.
The city serves as a vital pillar to the story, almost as another character itself. Amidst the perilous gangs and looming Shadow Game, just surviving in New Reynes is a game in itself. As Levi reflects, “…the city wouldn’t grieve for him. The city would find some new con man, some new boy who called himself lord, and the city would play again.” (Foody 356). The setting helps to drive the story by adding its own conflicts and challenges. Enne, as the newcomer and ever the proper lady, takes on the city with a guidebook. Despite the continual teasing she takes because of it, the book acts as an introduction for the readers as well as a kind of instructions to the game of the city.
Another strength of the book is the view it expresses on morals and character depth. The characters are multifaceted, inspiring curiosity and intrigue. None should be taken at face value by the reader, the other characters, or even themselves. Enne herself demonstrates this, “’I am not scary,’ Enne grumbled. ‘I’m elegant. And charming.’ ‘You can be all three,’” (Foody 425). Foody presents a valuable message about not forcing oneself into any one box or label, nor to judge others on what they appear to be. The residents of this City of Sin keep the reader on their toes, eager to see who will surprise them next.
An area that leaves something to be desired would be the pacing. The Shadow Game—hanging over Levi in particular—when it comes into play, feels a bit like a whirlwind after readers get long subtle hints about it. For an event that was hinted at throughout the story, the description and development of the game was fairly superficial. The series of events, though with many wonderful details present, could benefit from a bit more time on the page to make it really come to life.
On the surface, the story is about a daughter discovering what has happened to her mother. But the more time she spends in New Reynes, the more it becomes about self-discovery. From the beginning, Enne noted that “Lourdes was her home, but that home had many locked doors.” (Foody 16). Her frustration builds over her mother and the lack of leads she has to finding her. It is not until she takes off on her own does she learn how to open those locked doors for herself. Ace of Shades shows a beautiful blend of adventurous escapism, exceptional world-building, and heartfelt character development. A girl who always felt like nothing, is able to find meaning in unexpected places. As Levi expresses, “Sometimes we’re not who we want to be because we’re supposed to be something else.” (Foody 235).
Ace of Shades is an engaging and exciting story for young adult readers. There is a balance of exciting underlings of a grim fantasy city and poignant relationships and growth. It is a story that you sit down to pass the time and tumble into captivating world leaving you hooked for the next installment. In contrast to the guidebook’s quote that begins the story, “To be frank, reader, you’d be better off not visiting the city at all,” (Foody 9), delving into New Reynes with all of its quirks and characters, will certainly leave readers better off.
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