I tend to steer clear of books that are compared to the books of other authors. For instance, The Conspiracy of Us, a “fast-paced international escapade laced with adrenaline, glamour, and romance,” is described as perfect for Ally Carter fans. Yet what if the book just isn’t as good as the book by the other author? Particularly, what if I had such high hopes for a book that name-dropped Ally Carter and simply didn’t deliver? On the other hand, The Conspiracy of Us is really a “fast-paced international escapade,” so I guess everything evens out…
Meet Avery West, whose newfound family who has power, the type of power that deserves caps lock. Because it’s POWER. They can shut down Prada because shopping in peace requires shutting down the store. They can order bombings to start wars. Yet Avery’s family still doesn’t have it all; they can’t solve this ancient prophecy, although they’re making headway. Part of a secret society dubbed “the Circle,” Avery’s family believes she is the key to an ancient prophecy. Avery must follow clues from Paris to Istanbul with both the volatile Stellan and the magnetic Jack. Yet soon she discovers that both boys have their own secrets, catapulting Avery to choose between freedom and family, as well as two equally attractive boys.
As far-fetched as Ally Carter’s books are, her books are rooted in realness. The interactions between the characters often seem like they’re from a realistic fiction book. In other words, Ally Carter’s books are somewhat contained. Then there’s The Conspiracy of Us, which is overflowing with fancy dresses and mentions of apparently beautiful boys that it loses all the realness it could have had. The more the book progresses, the crazier it gets. Yes, I buy the whole rich family thing of the first few pages, but I refuse to accept the conspiracy of the latter half. (Napoleon, really?)
Yet, The Conspiracy of Us does have its redeeming qualities. Avery, though at times annoying, is intelligent and strong. She doesn’t let the glamour of her newfound family affect her personality, impressive especially because she has these two “gorgeous” guys tossed in her face. At times I found myself caught up in the love triangle as well, even though I normally scoff at the device. Although initially a reluctant reader, I found myself enjoying parts of the book.
For the readers looking for a fast-paced, fun read…look no further. Although The Conspiracy of Us will leave you shaking your head at times, you will do so with a huge smile.
Rating: 5 out of 10
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (January 13th, 2015)
ISBN #: 9780399166501
Length: 336 pages (Hardcover)
Source: Netgalley
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