Review: How To Lead A Life Of Crime
Feb •
18 •
2013
Title: How To Lead A Life Of Crime
Series: No
Genre: Young Adult-Thriller/Mystery
Author: Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: February 21, 2013
Book: ARC sent by publisher
“A meth dealer. A prostitute. A serial killer.
Anywhere else, they’d be vermin. At the Mandel Academy, they’re called prodigies. The most exclusive school in New York City has been training young criminals for over a century. Only the most ruthless students are allowed to graduate. The rest disappear.
Flick, a teenage pickpocket, has risen to the top of his class. But then Mandel recruits a fierce new competitor who also happens to be Flick’s old flame. They’ve been told only one of them will make it out of the Mandel Academy. Will they find a way to save each other—or will the school destroy them both?”
Alright. This book took me by surprise. I honestly thought going into to it that I’d be reading about kids learning to become crooks at this super cool academy… that is not it at all. It’s goes much deeper and farther into anything I’ve ever read.
First off the plot. This is just not about learning to be a crook. There is anger, revenge, and murder. There are liars, thieves and rich people thinking they can manipulate and control anyone they want with blackmail and money. I got hooked real fast within learning the first bit of truth and I was goner. I sat in my chair for the next few hours, refusing to do anything other than to finish the book. And let me tell you it’s worth it. Every chapter the reader learns more about the school and the way it runs. It’s all about being smart and survival of the fittest Making people think you are complying with what they want but manipulating them into getting them to do what you want them to do. It’s all about learning to play the game and knowing your next move. And if you don’t watch your back, you will die.
Now, our main character Flick went through hell. He is brutally honest and it not afraid to speak his mind. He knows when to talk and and when to hold back. He sizes up people fast, out sourcing their weakness before everyone else. And despite how ugly he can be sometimes (cause he had to) his love for his girl kept him together. It grounded him to remind him that after he is done playing this game, he doesn’t have to do this anymore. He can be at peace and move on with his life. I admire his strength to endure such hardships. The isolation, the fights, the betrayals all for truth he is searching for.
The ending is well, awesome. I think that when it is all said and done this is a pretty awesome book. The big plot twist at the end, along with the “ah-ha” moment set my heart racing. My mind was blown and I closed the book with a pretty grin on my face. Freaking BRILLIANT!
How To Lead A Life Of Crime is a sensational story. Written beautifully and complex, this world will turn your head upside down. It takes what you know to a whole other level. A proactive thriller that demands attention, How To Lead A Life Of Crime is AWESOME!
I give it 5 BITES!
Happy Reading!
7 Comments
Categories
Currently Reading
Spread the Bite…
AH! I was excited to read this book before.. BUT now I’m REALLY excited to read this one. I cannot wait to read about this plot twist at the end!!
This sounds like the type of book I would really enjoy. I have only read a few reviews for it, but the ones I have seen have been really good. Awesome review!
I have to admit, I wasn’t that interested in this book until I read your review. Wow! This sound brilly! Love it when a book surprises you AND has a great twist. Oh yea, this one is on the wishlist!
Oh I had thought this book would have a bit of ‘fun’ added in because of the title. But it sounds pretty serious and totally awesome! I don’t think this was on my radar at all before, but you convinced me!
Wow, this sounds so much darker and grittier than I thought from the blurb, title, and cover–thanks for the review, Savy! You’ve piqued my interest.
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
Can’t wait to read this one!!
I cannot wait to read this book!