Deceivers

I really enjoyed this book 4.5 stars

Incredibly well executed, if somewhat formulaic.

actual rating: 2.5 stars

I don't know if it was because I didn't enjoy the narration of this audiobook, but this book really didn't do it for me. The story follows Brynn who does small-scale cons so that she can move out of the house she lives in with her mom and drug dealer boyfriend. Little does she know, she is recruited to attend a school where they are essentially unofficial spies for their headmaster. Now, this is an interesting premise but the plot didn't draw me in at all. I found myself bored of Brynn's problems and found her annoying and whiny. The only character I kind of liked was Caleb. Otherwise, meh. Also the blurb calls describes the book as “Pretty Little Liars meets Ocean's 11,” but I don't think it is anything like either lol. This book is definitely meant for a specific demographic (probably early to mid-teens) which I do not fit. Would recommend for a younger reader, though!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I saw someone recommend this book to fans of Veronica Mars and when I saw it dealt with teens learning how to con people I had to try it out. I've been trying to stay away from books with high schoolers in board school, since I seem to not be liking those lately, but this wasn't bad. There is none of the usual high school drama, because this is so much more than high school.

This book is about conning people and understanding at what point is it too much and how to remain on top when the cards are all against you. It is a journey to be sure. I will admit to not seeing the ending coming at all. Throughout the book I wasn't sure who to trust nor how things would end up. In fact, I'm not even sure if this won't have a love triangle eventually or that Brynn won't leave and decide to take down Vale Hall – I honestly have no idea how this series will turn out and it is somewhat refreshing.

Now this isn't to say I was always a fan of this book. I think if I was perhaps even 5 years younger I might totally love this book. I'm not the target audience and that makes sense. That being said, I think the target audience won't have a problem with it. There were times I was just too concerned with the practicalities that youths might not think about, such as labor laws and legal issues.

I will totally recommend this one to people who like Ocean's 11, people looking for clever teens fighting with wit and words rather than swords, and not swamped in the romance. Yes there is a romance and kissing, but it isn't overdone.
Will I read the next book? Probably not, but if this ever becomes a TV show, I might watch it.