Review: The Deceivers

The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons
Page length: 375 pages
Genre: Young Adult
Publication Date: 5 February 2019
Publisher: Tor Teen
Source: ARC via NetGalley
 
Stars:  4.5 out of 5
 
Link: AMAZON (UK)

 
ABOUT THE DECEIVERS
 
Welcome to Vale Hall, the school for aspiring con artists.
 
When Brynn Hilder is recruited to Vale, it seems like the elite academy is her chance to start over, away from her mom’s loser boyfriend and her rundown neighborhood. But she soon learns that Vale chooses students not so much for their scholastic talent as for their extracurricular activities, such as her time spent conning rich North Shore kids out of their extravagant allowances.
 
At first, Brynn jumps at the chance to help the school in its mission to rid the city of corrupt officials―because what could be better than giving entitled jerks what they deserve? But that’s before she meets her mark―a senator’s son―and before she discovers the school’s headmaster has secrets he’ll stop at nothing to protect. As the lines between right and wrong blur, Brynn begins to realize she’s in way over head.

My Review:

I’ve pledged to read more YA this year and I’m so glad I started with The Deceivers.
 
The intro had me well and truly hooked: Welcome to Vale Hall, the school for aspiring con artists. By the end of chapter one I was firmly Team Brynn. And willing her to run away and escape. With the exception of Fagin’s Gang in Oliver and Layer Cake, crime has never looked so appealing in literature. Brynn deserves more than her lot, and when everything she has conned so hard for is in turn stolen she feels her life is over.
 
Vale Hall offers Brynn a great start and a hopeful route to college. But at what cost? Everyone has their secrets and no one can afford to be kicked out of Vale Hall. Brynn eventually trusts some of her new friends to help.
 
A great story with twists and turns galore.
 
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
 
Thank you so much the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy in return for an honest review.