Thursday 29 January 2015

Review: The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

To fight her destiny as the missing heir to a powerful and dangerous secret society, sixteen-year-old Avery West must solve an ancient puzzle in a deadly race across Europe. Forbidden love and code-breaking, masked balls and explosions, destiny and dark secrets collide in this romantic thriller, in the vein of a YA DaVinci Code.

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada at the Champs-Elysees when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war.

They are part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle of Twelve, and Avery is their missing heir. If they discover who she is, some of them will want to use her as a pawn. Some will want her dead.

To thwart their plans, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the landmarks of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul and through a web of ancient legends and lies. And unless she can stay one step ahead of beautiful, volatile Stellan, who knows she’s more than she seems, and can decide whether to trust mysterious, magnetic Jack, she may be doomed after all.


Hardcover, 336 pages
Published January 13th 2015 by Putnam Juvenile 
Genre: Young Adult/ Mystery/ Thriller

Kristine's Thoughts:

I received an ARC of this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I didn't know much about this book when I received it other than what the synopsis stated. I try to avoid reading reviews until after I've written one so that my opinion isn't clouded. Needless to say, I went into this book with an open mind and not knowing what to expect. All I really knew was that it is marketed for the YA genre and I was hopeful that it was one of those books that appeal to a larger audience. Technically I don't fit into that category and haven't for quite a few years.

The Conspiracy of Us was a quick and easy, fast paced story filled with mysterious and thrilling twists and turns. It was filled with power, danger and a little bit of confusion. For lovers of romance there is also some of that to be found as well. The story doesn't let up and therefore a 336 page book felt more like 100.

I want to discuss the characters for a few minutes. Specifically I want to talk about Jack and Stellan. I really liked both of them in different ways but at no time was I sure of their real intentions and secrets and if I could trust their motives. This added to the mystery and my enjoyment of the book and made me want to know more. I could understand Avery's struggle. Is there a love triangle? I'm not sure of a love triangle but there is a triangle. Find that confusing? You'll understand once you read it.

I should point out that there was some blood and gore within the pages but I did not find it excessive or inappropriate for the younger audience. The romance aspect of the story was sweet and pretty squeaky clean as well. I am pleased to say that I think this book will appeal to readers of all ages and not just the younger audience. It was very plot driven and had a little something for everyone. 

This book is part of a series and of course it ends with a cliffhanger and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I don't know when it is coming out but I want it!

On a side note, I do have two tiny and somewhat stupid complaints that don't impact the story at all. The first is in regards to the cover. The girl on the cover in no way, shape or form fits the description of Avery in the book. The second is more of a wish for the next book. I would really like to see Avery in something other than a dress every time she has to run from the bad guys. I appreciate fashion and a good pair of Christian Louboutins as much as the next girl but throw the girl some jeans and sneakers every once in a while.

In the end I really, really enjoyed this book and I think that others will as well.





About the Author
Maggie Hall is a traveling, decorating, champagne-drinking, USC-football-watching YA author. She is currently traveling the world for an indefinite amount of time with her husband, which means right at this moment, she might be on a beach in Thailand, drinking wine in Paris, or anywhere in between.

Her debut novel, a YA international thriller, is coming from Putnam/Penguin in 2015.

She is represented by Claudia Ballard at William Morris Endeavor.

  
Connect with Maggie


2 comments:

  1. Awesome review! I've been seeing this everywhere and I'm excited to read it! (: From your review, I can tell I'll probably love it!

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  2. I hate cliffhangers so I might wait until at least the next one is released, but this book sounds awesome! Glad that you enjoyed it, thanks for the review!

    Em @ http://theyabookbutterfly.blogspot.com/

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