Quick take
When Brynn Hilder is recruited by an elite boarding school, she dives headlong into a superior education … in the art of the con.
Good to know
Romance
Fast read
LGBTQ+ themes
First in series
Synopsis
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.
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Why I love it
Brianna Goodman
BOTM Editorial Team
Ah, boarding school: a charming place to gain lasting friendships, valuable lessons, and ... a rock-solid education in the art of ripping people off? That’s the deal at Vale High, the prestigious boarding school at the center of Kristen Simmons’s new series that will fill the Pretty Little Liars-sized hole in any high-school-drama-lover’s heart.
The story stars Brynn Hilder, a new recruit at the exclusive Vale, who jumps at the chance to leave her shabby neighborhood behind and join the ranks of the super educated. But it turns out she’s been selected not for her brains, but for her ability to swindle, defraud, and spy on the wealthy (kind of like arriving at Hogwarts only to find you’ve been hand-picked by Slytherin). When she’s instructed to con a wealthy senator’s son, she soon finds herself on a dangerous path littered with secrets and corruption.
The Deceivers is a wild card of a book, perfect for someone looking for a blend of actions, secrets, and a whole lot of friend group drama. Fast-paced and funny, this is the kind of book you’ll devour in a day.
Member ratings (340)
Sarah W.
Jersey Village, TX
I love a good heist story!! The only thing that I didn’t love is that BOTM says this has LGBTQ+ themes but it doesn’t really. But it was still great and I’ll definitely be reading the whole series!
caroline a.
Greensboro, NC
I read this book in 2 days, which is quite a feat with littles running around. The characters were interesting and you never knew what they were going to do next. The plot was very fast paced and fun.
Talitha M.
Abilene, TX
Trying to figure out what's part of the "act" and what's part of just the normal story was interesting. This is a series, but I don't think I'll continue reading. Very interesting premise overall.
Kallie B.
Pauls Valley, OK
I read this in just a few days because I had to know what would happen. It moved fast, in a good way. The book is good enough to stand alone, but a quick search shows there are more in the series.
Emily T.
Indianapolis, IN
I’m not as familiar with Norse mythology, so it took me a bit to get some references. I love how Brynn is so fiercely loyal to those she loves and committed to changing her life, no matter what.