THE DECEIVERS by Kristen Simmons

February 6, 2019     jennzahbooknut     Book review

THE DECEIVERS by Kristen SimmonsThe Deceivers (Vale Hall, #1) by Kristen Simmons
Published by Tor Teen on February 5, 2019
Pages: 384
Goodreads

Pretty Little Liars meets Ocean's 11 in this intrigue-filled contemporary drama from acclaimed author Kristen Simmons.

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.

Brynn Hilder is a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, pulling small cons to help her earn enough money to break out of her depressing home life. She has plans to go to college, but this goes horribly awry when she gets home and finds out her drug dealer stepfather has taken her stash of cash. Finding herself in an impossible situation, she desperately tries to recoup her losses, but finds herself amongst a group of strange individuals offering her a key to something even better : Admittance to Vale Hall, a place that could potential give her everything she wants from life.

Soon Brynn realizes that Vale Hall is a school for con artists like herself. But is it really just that, or is there more to the school than meets the eye? As the story progresses, Brynn must make spur of the moment decisions and work with the other students at Vale to find out what’s really going on.


Jennzah’s Review :
5 Stars

There was absolutely NOTHING I didn’t love about this book! From the first page to the last, it’s an adrenaline pumping, heart stopping, wicked good time…. I loved seeing everything as it unfolded through Brynn’s eyes. Long after I finished this book, I kept thinking about it.

From the beginning where Brynn must complete a task to gain acceptance into Vale Hall, to the edge of your seat conclusion that keeps you guessing, this book is on point!The characters are snarky and engaging; you never know who Brynn will be able to trust and who she should be wary of. I loved her relationship with Caleb, the ever so cool, ever so sly boy who makes Brynn disconcerted. I think my favorite part, however, was watching all the cons/schemes play out through Brynn’s eyes. You felt like you were right there with her.

If you’re looking for a fast paced, super fun read, THE DECEIVERS is it. I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. I might even need to pull a heist to get my hands on it!

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