Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé's Ace of Spades presents a gripping, genre-blending narrative that successfully merges thriller elements with a thoughtful exploration of systemic racism and privilege in a private school setting. Praised for its strong character development and plot twists, some critics found the pacing uneven. Overall, a compelling debut.

A reader who would enjoy Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is likely a fan of thriller and mystery novels with strong social themes. Ideal for those who appreciated Get Out and One of Us Is Lying, this book explores issues of race and privilege within a high school setting, blending suspense with sharp social commentary.

Ace of Spades is a 2021 thriller by British Nigerian author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé that follows the struggles and injustices faced by Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, the only two Black students at a prestigious American private high school, as they navigate a series of malicious attacks from a secret society that seeks to ruin their lives. This book includes discussions of racism, police violence, anti-gay behavior, sexual assault, and suicide.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving

- Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé wrote Ace of Spades during her university studies, balancing her time between classes and writing.
- The book has been praised for its exploration of institutional racism and was inspired by the author’s personal experiences and interests in systemic issues.
- Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is of Nigerian and British descent, and Ace of Spades was her debut novel, which has garnered international attention and acclaim.

**Devon Richards**  
A 17-year-old student at Niveus Academy with a passion for music and aspirations to attend Juilliard, who navigates personal and social challenges, including being one of two Black students at his school. He is dedicated to his family and faces a scholarship-based journey through an elite educational landscape.

**Chiamaka Adebayo**  
A wealthy and popular student at Niveus Academy with her sights set on attending Yale and becoming a doctor, whose social and academic prowess conceal a deeper loneliness. Her relationships at school are often transactional, and she seeks to understand the complexities of identity and solidarity.

**Jamie Fitzjohn**  
A white, wealthy senior at Niveus with guaranteed future prospects, who is initially presented as Chiamaka's best friend. He struggles with diabetes and bears considerable societal privilege without having to earn it.

**Belle Robinson**  
A student at Niveus initially characterized by her romantic ties, who undergoes several shifts in her role within the narrative. Her connections to other students, including romantic ones, complicate her actions and relationships.

**Terrell Rosario**  
A young man from the same poor neighborhood as Devon but attending a different school, who is more open about his sexuality than Devon. He serves as both a love interest and a contrast to Devon, with differing pathways in education and opportunity.

**Andre Johnson**  
Devon’s secret boyfriend at the book’s start, one year older than Devon, involved in drug dealing to survive. He represents a potential future for Devon and has a significant impact on Devon's life choices and view of his own path.

**Chiamaka’s Family**  
Chiamaka’s parents are wealthy but lack powerful American connections; her mother is Nigerian, and her father is Italian. The family is marked by complex dynamics, including challenges with cultural and racial acceptance.

**Devon’s Family**  
Devon’s household includes his hardworking mother and two younger brothers, where financial struggles and personal aspirations shape their everyday life. Devon feels pressure to succeed academically due to his mother's sacrifices and their strained relationship over his hidden sexuality.

**Aces Members**  
A collective at Niveus Academy with a long history, comprising legacy students who engage in a planned plot primarily targeting Black students. Various supporting characters, including authority figures and peers, are revealed to be part of this group, each contributing to the overarching events.

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

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Ace of Spades Summary and Study Guide

Background

Ace of Spades Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Ivory Tower”

Part 1, Chapters 1-7

Ace of Spades Part 1, Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 8-15

Ace of Spades Part 1, Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “X Marks the Spot”

Part 2, Chapters 16-27

Ace of Spades Part 2, Chapters 16-27 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Ballot or Bullet”

Part 3, Chapters 28-35

Ace of Spades Part 3, Chapters 28-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 36-44

Ace of Spades Part 3, Chapters 36-44 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 45-Epilogue

Ace of Spades Part 3, Chapter 45-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Ace of Spades Character Analysis

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Ace of Spades Themes

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Ace of Spades Symbols & Motifs

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Ace of Spades Important Quotes

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