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The Deceivers by Kristen Simmons

Young adult

The Deceivers

by Kristen Simmons

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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

  • Illustrated icon, Romance

    Romance

  • Illustrated icon, Fast_Read

    Fast read

  • Illustrated icon, LGBTQ_themes

    LGBTQ+ themes

  • Illustrated icon, First_in_Series

    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.

Free sample

Check out a preview of The Deceivers.

The Deceivers

Chapter 1

Some parents tell their kids they can be anything. Mine did not. I was not told that if I worked hard, my dreams would come true. Or that life was fair. Or that wishes were made of stardust, or candy canes, or were delivered by unicorns.

I was told the truth: that some people get lucky, and some people don’t, which is why I’m skipping fifth period to ride an elevator in one of swanky Uptown’s old arts buildings.

“What do you mean it’s this weekend?”

Holding my cell tightly against my ear, I drill my opposite thumb into my temple, careful not to let the four girls entering the elevator on the fifth floor see the phone’s blank screen.

They’re late. According to the Copeland Ballet Academy’s online schedule, Dance II—a requirement for all third-year students—gets out at ten to four on Mondays. Now I’ve only got twenty minutes to book it down Lake Street and catch the red line to Devon Park. If I miss it, I’m late for work at Pete’s, and that’s the last thing I need.

I’ve got five minutes to work some magic.

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Why I love it

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 (358)

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Young adult
View all
The Wild Huntress
Ruthless Vows
What the River Knows
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
Dragonfruit
The Reappearance of Rachel Price
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love
Check & Mate
Divine Rivals
Foul Lady Fortune
Anna K Away
I Must Betray You
A Wilderness of Stars
Warrior Girl Unearthed
Bloodmarked
Instructions for Dancing
The Boy in the Red Dress
Color Me In
Not So Pure and Simple
Throw Like a Girl
Frankly in Love
The Queen of Nothing
Wayward Son
The Stars and the Blackness Between Them
Anna K
Patron Saints of Nothing
The Kingdom of Back
Yes No Maybe So
Permanent Record
Full Disclosure
Oasis
Where the World Ends
I Have No Secrets
Song of the Crimson Flower
When the Stars Lead to You
All the Bright Places
Saving Zoë
Symptoms of a Heartbreak
All of Us with Wings
The Boy and Girl Who Broke the World
Past Perfect Life
There's Something About Sweetie
Again, But Better
Sky Without Stars
How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom
Night Music
Shout
The Deceivers
Top Ten
A Million Junes
And We're Off
Salt to the Sea