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

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Ace of Spades reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Ace of Spades | SuperSummary

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Overview

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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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Character Analysis

Ace of Spades Character Analysis

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Themes

Ace of Spades Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Ace of Spades Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Ace of Spades Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Ace of Spades Essay Topics

Ace of Spades

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ace of Spades?

Reading Age

Book Details