This was a good finale to The Shadow Games trilogy. I very much enjoyed that Amanda Foody recapped what had happened in the past two books (one of my favourite things which authors do) as it had been a while since I'd read the previous books and therefore I was able to get comfortable with the plot quickly.

Another aspect I really enjoyed was the politics within the book. Foody is very good at writing politics into her books and it is one thing I thoroughly enjoy. Similarly, Foody is exceptional at developing her characters and then having her characters develop their relationships within the book. The writing style is also very easy to follow and despite QoV having a seemingly slow pacing, I found that the pace was very smooth and quick as the characters were always involved in something or other.

Despite the above I am not a fan of multiple POV books and I found that being introduced to completely new POV's on several occasions did jar me. This meant that when I would read a particular character's POV I wouldn't enjoy it as much and that's when the pacing could return back to it's seemingly slow pacing.

That being said it was a very enjoyable YA read with an interesting plotline.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I didn't like this book at all. I realised around half way through that this book wasn't for me. I found it a bit too long but also wasn't keen on the characters either. After the first chunk it stopped interesting me.. I've kinda come to the realisation that this wasn't the book for me. Ended up not finishing this book.

Such an enjoyable instalment to such a fun series!

Face paced fill with quick turns and unforgettable characters!

Queen of vaults is yet another incredible and thoroughly enjoyable book from this author.

There isn't a whole lot I can say about a third and final book without it being spoilery but I love this series.
I enjoy the magic system a lot but after leaving a big gap between reading the first two and this one it was difficult to remember the terms and abilities of everyone but I got there in the end.

This book for me was a real slog in the middle unfortunately, I was very ready for it to get to the good stuff. And oh boy when it got there was it good. I don't remember the rest of this series being so gorey but it was gooooooood! This was shocking and surprising in the best ways.

Amanda Foody's imagination astounds me and I can't wait to read more from her in future. Great rep for queer characters too including Bi, lesbian and gay from my memory.

4/5 Stars
highly recommend the series

This was a continuation of one of my favourite series. I absolutely loved the writing, the evocativeness of the story and the way the writer was able to continue developing my favourite characters. A must read!

I really do enjoy this world, and the way the magic works is fascinating. This book delves into the politics of Enne’s status as a Mizer, as well as the different gangs. There are some really great twists around the gangs I just didn’t see coming!

However, like many series focused around one event (like the hunger games), the concept can get a little tired in places. We also see the break up of relationships, and I felt a little that it was harder to empathise with certain characters as a result.

However we do get all the answers we have been craving, and they are SO good. This really is a fun series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the city of sin! 3.5 stars,

Genuinely... I took FOREVER to read this, but it’s something that I wanted to make last as long as possible because I didn’t want it to end!

This picked up off of where King of Fools ended and it felt like such high stakes!

What an absolutely brilliant finalé I’m so glad it didn’t disappoint :)

I absolutely adore this series, and this was such a brilliant addition! I love the world that its set in and how the characters have all developed from the first book up to now!

rep: black bi m/c, sapphic m/c (lesbian but never really states on page), gay m/c

Queen of Volts was an epic conclusion to an epic series, and one of the very few series that I have actually finished and I think that just boils down to it having such a compelling story, an innovative world, and some really nuanced characters and some really great character dynamics, relationships, and romances.

I really enjoy reading about morally ambiguous characters and this is filled to the brim with them. My favourite character from this series is a hard one to pick, but I think I lean quite heavily towards Lola - our sapphic, grumpy, history nerd, and while I didn't necessarily enjoy her arc in this novel, her chapters were the ones I looked forward to the most because I just enjoy her as a character.

I really enjoyed the well-crafted story, and it is a consistently good aspect of this series - loads of moving parts, minor characters that play an important role, small trivial mysteries that are actually crucial to the whole story. So, I did really enjoy the mystery and the game unfolding and playing out, and all the little threads coming together. An excellent conclusion to an excellent series. A hugely enjoyable read that I'd highly recommend.

Queen of Volts is the third and final book in The Shadow Game trilogy. After the dramatic ending of the second book, King of Fools, our favourite (and not-so-favourite) characters find themselves caught in another game, this time larger and far more dangerous. With friendships ruined and allies turned enemies, it may be this is one game that can’t be beaten.

This book felt like a satisfactory ending to the trilogy, with each character rounding off their stories in a way which made sense for their journeys and personalities. This book also introduced some extra PoV characters which had me questioning that move at the start, but as the book progressed really helped add to the story. Harvey’s in particular was one which I didn’t like initially but ended up being one of my favorites towards the end. And what an ending. I loved how all the pieces fell into place and each character had their moment, both of heartbreak and sacrifice but also of success and reward. It really felt like a strong closure for a solid series.

That being said, for all the last half of the book gripped, thrilled and wrapped things up, I really struggled to get there, even considering DNFing at one point. Part of that was due to my not being in the mood for this kind of book at time of reading, but another was that the start of the book is slow and seemed to struggle to find its feet. I think part of that was due to characters dealing with the ending of the previous book but needing to maneuver themselves to where they needed to be at that midpoint. This was particularly true for Enne and Levi whose actions seemed out of character and place initially but then found their feet again.

Even so this was an enjoyable read and I love these characters, even the new ones. The magic in this world is a delight to read with the various talents and seeing those talents used for good and nefarious means was intriguing. I also enjoyed learning more of the world and would happily read a book or two about the revolution and Great Street War. A strong ending to an excellent series. Amanda Foody continues to be a delight to read and I’m excited to read what she comes up with next.

This is one of those times where I’m clearly not quite the target audience. I have enjoyed this trilogy but whatever those who have got really invested see is invisible to me sadly. (It’s possible that now I am more invested in adult fantasy that YA fantasy has to go above and beyond to keep my attention but that’s on me.) Otherwise this was fast paced, slightly heavier as regards emotional themes than the previous books and still a fun fantasy adventure in a world that is well crafted.

QUEEN OF VOLTS is an ambitious series finale that kept me avidly reading through to find out how Enne and Levi would survive given the impressively high body count of major players across the previous two books (and this one does not let up on killing people).

This book has a scope beyond the other two, even though it's a similar size to KING OF FOOLS. Part of this is due to the sheer number of characters - including 5 POVs - which allows the book to follow many more plot threads, wrapping you in the intricacies of the schemes and manipulations.

Also, YES to Lola and Sophia finally getting POVs. It took me a while to warm to Harvey, but he had a fun character arc that hooked me eventually. Plus, lots of minor characters from the other books suddenly got a lot more page time (Poppy and Delaney being the best of those)

I really liked how big the story was, because it meant seeing more of the world and the characters. With so many secrets to reveal, having that many POVs let it come out in jigsaw puzzle pieces the reader could put together.

It's also really twisty. In the previous books, the shape of the showdowns (while shocking) were predictable. You knew what the major components would be, even if not the cost - i.e. the Shadow Game in the first book. This book however, with so many moving pieces, had the opportunity to change direction in the last moment, using pieces of information laid down in other POVs to make it feel satisfying when the change occurred.

I also, strangely, found the last few chapters really funny. Once the action was done, the lack of tension seemed to give the story space to be very wry, and I found myself giggling a lot - which was not what I was expecting given how little I'd laughed in the rest of the books. Still, it was a nice tension-less way to end it, reminding me of the hysteria often felt once all the tension is gone.

Loved everything about this book. The world building was great, characters had depth and we're relatable.
I was feeling everything with them.

‘Queen Of Volts’ is the final book in The Shadow Game trilogy, returning to the City of Sin one last time, where the final game is about to begin. Days after a corrupt election and brutal street war, twenty-two of the most notorious people in New Reynes are elected to partake in one final game. Enne Scordata and Levi Glaisyer are desperate for forge alliances and bargain for their safety, but while Levi offers false smiles, Enne faces a world where her true identity has been revealed.

I knew from the moment I requested this title on Netgalley that I was going to adore the contents within, having been a huge fan of The Shadow Game series since it’s first novel: Ace of Shades. However, it was bittersweet excitement, knowing that this title was the last in the series, but nevertheless, I absolutely adored this book from start to finish.

Enne was a badass from the first chapter, highlighting her strength and resilience throughout the story. However, there is an element of realism to her character, having weaknesses and faults that the other characters encounter. She’s a ruthless young lady, but she can also be stubborn and selfish as the plot develops. Nevertheless, she’s still a delight to read about.
Levi continues to impress within this final instalment, his own weaknesses shining through the pages but still providing strength when his comrades needed it. He put his life on the line for those around him, becoming the legend he’s always wanted to be and it’s always been a joy for me to read those chapters written in Levi’s point of view; It’s incredibly easy to route for him.
However, one of my favourite characters in this instalment was Harvey, who previously I hadn’t considered being interested about. He shows his own weaknesses and limitations in this novel, revealing a softer/squidgy side to him, and that made him entirely human. It was brilliant to see this side to him, finding myself routing for him was something I never expected but I adored it. It truly made the novel all that more special.

The writing itself is notoriously Foody in this novel, being full of lengthy details that brought the City of Sin to life and got its engines running. Everything felt real; the characters, the locations, the emotions. The stakes were high and the use of language placed you right in the fray.

Overall, I adored this novel. The characters are some I hold very dear to my heart and it’s been a joy to discover more about them in this final instalment. If I could have it my way, this series would never end.

I really really loved Ace of Shades when it first came out. It was a combination of a lot of things I love, including a good dose of Six of Crows vibes, which definitely sold me on it. Plus, it was different enough from those things to draw me in and keep me hooked. When King of Fools was released, I was a little bit less impressed, if only because I felt like the story was a touch too convoluted compared to the relatively simple and riveting first novel. So when the final instalment in the trilogy came out, I was a but apprehensive- I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype I felt when I finished the first book.

Thankfully, it was a really good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters were definitely the element that held my attention- I love how Foody crafts her characters to seem so multifaceted. Enne is simply fascinating, and it was interesting to see how she was coping with the fall out from the previous novel. It was nice to see some of the vulnerability shining through, especially since she’s grown so much since the start of Ace of Shades. It felt like a good and satisfying character arc, to see her go from slightly naive to cunning and seemingly ruthless, to scared and trying to survive again. And then obviously there was Levi, who I just love. Again, having an insight into his thoughts was riveting, and I thought Foody did an amazing job of showing how he was grappling with his feelings for Enne, while also hating what she’s done. I did like seeing bits of Lola and Sophia and some of the other characters too, but while I thought they were well-developed and interesting, they didn’t quite hold my attention as much as the main characters, but there’s probably a reason for that… (potential minor spoiler ahead)

And that reason was likely the romance. I have two romance tropes that are a true guilty pleasure- fake dating and hate to love stories. Somehow, this book gave me both of these things wrapped up in a neat little bundle. AND I WAS LIVING FOR IT. There was something truly delicious about seeing Enne and Levi angsting and pining all over the place and it was just amazing. 10/10 for the romance.

In terms of the plot, it was a touch confusing at times, and hard to follow in places. The whole concept of Bryce’s game was really awesome, and when I first realised the huuuuge stakes involved in this game of what is essentially Assassin, I was giggling with glee trying to figure out how the hell this was going to pan out for all the characters. It was a little bit like that episode of GoT when all my favourites went beyond the Wall for a whole episode- I was terrified of taking my eyes off the page in case I missed anything. I was sure I was going to have to watch some of my favourites dying in one another’s arms. It did turn out to get confusing in places though, as people tried to find loopholes or just played the game. It was hard to always know what was happening, and I think that definitely made the ending a little fuzzy for me. While I enjoyed it, it was convoluted at times, and I think the ending could have definitely done with a bit more fall out from the game itself. Without giving away too much, it felt a little too neat.

For me, the politics was a definite highlight. All of the intrigue and manipulation and things really added to the worldbuilding. It’s a city full of people playing games and a load of criminals tricking one another, so the politics combined with the game added so much underlying tension to the plot and I craved it so badly! In all honesty, I’d love to read some spin-off stories set in this world, because there’s so more to be tapped into here!

Overall, I’m giving Queen of Volts a 9/10. I really loved seeing all the characters again, and I was so invested in them living through the Shadow Game that I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. And the romance arc was simply amazing. However, I found the ending a little too neat and the plot (particularly as the book headed towards the ending) convoluted in times. However, the game itself was so intense and I loved it a lot. I’d happily recommend this series to anyone who loves to read about criminals and high stakes!

I did not realise that this was the final book in the series when I received this ARC. The story does a good job of catching you up on what has happened before, but I felt that I was missing a lot of the series by not knowing the previous books. I look forward to reading book 1 and 2. and learning more about Levi and Enne. I really love that this series is set across a chessboard - a enemies to lovers series.

Queen Of Volts by Amanda Foody is the final instalment of a trilogy, this I unfortunately didn't realise this when I requested the ARC as I have not read the previous books. I had read Daughter of the Burning City by Amanda Foody and loved it so was excited to be approved for this book!

I was worried about starting at the end of a trilogy but thought I would give it a go, the author has done a great job at catching people up that it gave a good base for someone who had not read the first books.

I loved the characters in this book, they are all so individual and if I had read the previous books I no doubt would have had a really strong attachment to all of them.
The world building is so descriptive and I loved feeling like I had literally stepped off a page and into a new world.

This is a young Adult book that will appeal to all ages, I am definitely not under the age bracket for YA but I still loved it, I can’t wait to read more of Amanda Foodys work, I’m not sure I will go back and read the first books as I now know how it ends but I would definitely recommend giving this series a go from the beginning if you can like it was intended!

Thank you for providing me this advanced copy!

I read this for a blog tour.

I had to go back and read the first two books before I read this because it has been a while and I couldn't remember who all the players were. I'm glad I did as it reminded me what a great story this trilogy weaves.

Set in a Las Vegas/New York/New Orleans mash up city (New Raynes) replete with gangsters, gamblers, ruthless street gangs and eerie buildings, there are mysteries, conspiracies and deadly secrets around every corner and someone invariably wants you dead.

Enne and Levi have been through a lot and the newest deadly game they've been thrust into might just be the one that finishes them off.

With high speed cars, undrinkable cocktails, sky high heels, and death stalking their every move, the stakes have never been higher and even Levi can't cheat his way out of this one.

Tremendous fun, fast paced, clever, funny and very enjoyable.

Queen Of Volts by Amanda Foody is the final instalment of a trilogy. Now, I didn't realise this when I requested the ARC, so have only read this book. I needn't have worried about jumping in a trilogy. The author has cleverly provided enough information to fill anyone in if they make the same mistake! There is an awful lot of worldbuilding and characters in the book, but boy, I was in there immediately.
The characters, and many of them there were are all as interesting as each other, they each bring their personalities good, or bad and enhance the story.
The author has managed to blend a few genres together to create this trilogy and, I have certainly found it blends successfully.Its urban, blended with dark fantasy and the world building was excellent. We hear the story from at least five different points of view so we can get into the nitty gritty and feel actually involved, instead of standing on the outside looking in.I always prefer when a book drags me totally into that world and I easily lose three hours, the best feeling ever and I experienced that with Queen Of Volts.
I think it is a Young Adult book that will appeal to all ages (I am so far away from a young adult I am proof it will!). A gripping and very entertaining book. I'm off to find the other two now!
Thanks to Sian Wilkins at Harper Collins and NetGalley for the copy of the book to write my review.