Kristen Simmons, the author of the Article 5 series and Metaltown, brings her remarkable imagination to this intrigue-filled contemporary drama where good kids are needed to do some very bad things in 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 … 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.
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Brilliantly plotted, tightly paced, and intensely smart. The Deceivers is the perfect con, full of clever characters, untrustworthy romance, and lie after lie after lie, with just enough truth tossed in to make you question everything. Kristen Simmons is a deceptive genius. I could not devour this book fast enough.
it was amazing
The writing in this book was exceptional. The way Simmons crafts a scene together often left me breathless. The story pretty much doesn’t stop. Not once. I felt my eyes just getting wider and wider with each chapter I read.
I got a real kick out of reading the acknowledgments. It became apparent just how clever the author was. Simmons starts off telling how The Deceivers was inspired by the myth of Valhalla. Valhalla became Vale Hall. Brynhildr became our protagonist Brynn Hilder. Dr. Odin sends his students out to gather secrets instead of souls. It was all very imaginative storytelling and I applaud Simmon’s creativity.
I’m very glad we’re getting more books in the series. Excited to see where the story is headed next.
I feel that the summary of this book doesn’t do it justice. But I chose to read it, because I love Kristen Simmons’ books and figured she would not disappoint. Well, she did not!!!
It was not what I expected, it was sooo much better!!! With these teenagers running cons, like spies, and working jobs until they finally get their target goal. But at the same time, they are teenagers, with teenager problems.
Brynn is the main character, and she is invited to the school. The school is in a mansion. They are given all kinds of stuff. And if they are successful, they will be sent to the college of their choice. As we follow Brynn through the story we see her questioning things, but she gets her assignment and starts her long con. In the meantime she makes friends in the school and starts crushing on Caleb. Aw….Caleb….yummy! Anyway, without saying too much…there are lots of twists and turns….I just thought this book was so much fun! And of course it had the romance, which is VERY IMPORTANT!!! lol!
I definitely recommend this as a fun YA read with lots of suspense, adventure and romance!!
I didn’t expect to be intrigued as I was. A bit of a slow starter but by chapter 4 I was hooked. Well worth giving it a chance. Interesting characters and a gripping storyline. Didn’t want to put it down for a second. Can’t wait for book 2.
This is a fast fun read. Easy flow, fast pace. It has an interesting plot and real down to earth characters. I don’t think I’ve read a fiction book where the characters felt so real, like they were plucked off the streets and placed into the story. Sure there’s some stretching of reality and some fictional aspect but over all I really enjoy this story and felt it raw and real. I wouldn’t mind more stories in this world. 4.5 stars.
I liked it especially because it reminded me of The Naturals series. Brynn is relatable and Caleb is definitely swoonworthy. But Most of all the relationships were beautiful to witness, even the horrible ones. Looking forward to the next one.
Addictive and delicious, The Deceivers will keep you turning the pages well into the night!
Masterful, suspenseful, and brilliantly executed, The Deceivers is the perfect con. Kristen Simmons is an outstanding storyteller, and this is her best yet.
Beneath its quick and clever dialogue, The Deceivers examines the moral grey area between good and evil. Lying has never seemed so much fun.