#Review - These Vengeful Hearts by Katherine Laurin #YALIT #Suspense

Series: Apparent Standalone
Format: Hardcover, 368 pages
Release Date: September 8, 2020
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Source: Publisher
Genre: Young Adult / Social Themes / Peer Pressure

Mean Girls meets Siobhan Vivian’s The List in THESE VENGEFUL HEARTS, an utterly addictive standalone YA debut that follows 16-year-old Ember Williams as she seeks revenge against the Red Court, a secret organization of Heller High’s most elite female students that specializes in granting and requesting favors—and which is responsible for the accident that left her older sister paralyzed.

A thrilling novel about a secret society and the dangers that lie in wait for anyone brave enough to join—perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus, Kara Thomas, and Maureen Johnson.

Whenever something scandalous happens at Heller High, the Red Court is the name on everyone’s lips. Its members deal out social ruin and favors in equal measure, their true identities known only by their leader: the Queen of Hearts.

Ember Williams has seen firsthand the damage the Red Court can do. Now, she’s determined to hold the organization accountable by taking it down from the inside. But will the cost of revenge be more than she’s willing to sacrifice?

Katherine Laurin's These Vengeful Hearts is a combination of Pretty Little Liars, Gossip Girl, and Riverdale. Looking for a favor? The Red Court at Heller H.S. can make it happen, but for a price. Whether it be winning prom queen, breaking up a couple, or even destroying someone's social life, the Red Queen has people that can do the necessary dirty work. 16-year old Ember Williams' sister April was injured in a tragic accident several years ago and the culprit is the shadowy organization called The Red Court. Ember is hoping to infiltrate the Court and take them down.  

But there is an adage. “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” For Ember, it means that if you are seeking revenge, you may end up destroying those who are after, but you might also lose yourself to the darkness and never find yourself back to the light. Ember, who is the perfect student, with perfect attendance and grades. grapples with the weight of the "favors" she grants and the equally unexpected and friendship with her mentor, Haley who is also her partner. Ember will learn about herself when she joins this group and how far she will go to get her revenge. 

Ember doesn't know the members of The Red Queen, but she does know that they leave secret messages in a certain locker, and when you are called to participate, they leave you a playing card in your locker. Can Ember find the Red Queen and her court and bring them down before she ends up on the losing side? And what questionable activities are you willing to participate in before you ask yourself if you've gone too far? There are two characters who try to keep Ember on solid ground. Her best friend Gideon, and Chase, the most popular boy in the school who she has had a rivalry with for the top student in their class. 

I love the banter between Chase and Ember. The romance doesn’t take too much space in the story, but it feels right. But the Red Queen doesn't allow fools to suffer which means they are ideal targets to test Ember's loyalty and her determination. Apparently, this is supposed to be a standalone, and yet, the ending is clear that there needs to be another story. There are some curious revelations as to who the Red Queen is as well as the other members of the Court. I think the most shocking secret is one that I can't not spoil since it would ruin the entire book.

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