5 Reasons the Shadow Game Series is Your New Obsession

Here at Frolic, YA is one of our favorite genres, especially when that YA has a sparkle of romance thrown in. This weekend, we’re highlighting one of our favorites: the Shadow Game series by Amanda Foody. Books one and two, Ace of Shades and King of Fools, are out now, and book three, Queen of Volts comes out in September. We were lucky enough to get a peek of book 3, and let us tell you: it does not disappoint.

But what is the Shadow Game series, you may ask? It’s a YA fantasy steampunk series set in the fictional city of New Reynes. When Enne’s mother goes missing, she travels to New Reynes, nicknamed the City of Sin, to find her. Here, she meets Levi Glaisyer, a Street Lord of a gang called the Irons. In desperate need of money, he teams up with Enne. What follows is an epic three-book saga of casinos, glitter, glamour and magic. Still not convinced that you need to pick up this series? Here are five reasons that The Shadow Game is your new obsession.

1. The Magic

In Ace of Shades as well as the rest of the series, Foody creates an impeccable system of magic. Each character has a blood talent and a split talent. What we love about these powers is that they range from controlling minds to creating fire to just being really good at math. There are so many cool powers to discover throughout the series.

2. The Romance

From Enne and Levi’s first meeting, their chemistry is addictive and palpable. Watching them wind around each other through the series is an absolute treat. Each of their interactions is sure to add a spark of joy to your day.

3. The Queer Representation

The Shadow Game world is the world as we deserve it. Perhaps most notably, Levi is bisexual. The series is not at all shy about this; in fact, it’s highlighted! Later on in the series, more queer characters join the cast, and we love each and every one of them.

4. The Mystery

Enne arrives in the City of Sin looking for her mother, but does she find her…? And what drew her to the city in the first place? These are just a few of the mysteries that you’ll find throughout this mystical series.

5. The Strong Women

We won’t spoil too much here, but we’ll just say that in Book 2, there’s a GIRL GANG. A legit, white-glove-wearing, gun-wielding GIRL GANG. What’s more? They’re the best gang in the city. Ask anyone.

If YA Fantasy or Steampunk are your jams, make Ace of Shades your weekend read, and keep a lookout for Queen of Volts this fall!