e-Audio, 09:04:04
Narrated by: Yu-Li Alice Shen
Release Date: December 31, 2024
Published by: Books on Tape (Vikings Books for Young Readers)
Read from: December 7-9, 2024
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio App (I received a copy of this e-ALC from the publisher and their app in exchange for a just and honest review. I also received a physical ARC from the publisher that I read in tandem with the audio. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning: Homophobia, Death of a Grandparent
For Readers Interested In: The Inheritance Games, Romance, Second Chance Romance, Lovers to Rivals to Lovers, Coming of Age, Sparkly Covers, Most Anticipated, Own Voices, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Realistic Fiction, Family Diversity (Mom and Daughter), YAA swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .
This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.
For Gemma’s whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.
There’s just one major to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather’s home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it’s about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.
Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.
*MY THOUGHTS*
This is going to be a weird one to review. In some ways I loved it. But in other ways I was annoyed. But then there was of course, the hunt and I loved that too. Idk, this was a weird one but I hella enjoyed it still. Definitely excited to get another book I can recommend like The Inheritance Games but with characters of color.
Ok so Gemma has only known her and her mother. It’s always been only those two. But one day a mysterious man comes to her house while her mother is away and tells her the grandfather she thought was dead for years, had only just recently passed and he had the things he bequeathed her from his will. Which is actually the first clue to a treasure hunt. Does this sound unhinged? Yes? that’s because it is. If this ever happened to someone I would never believe them lol But anyway, she decides to go through with it to learn more about her Taiwanese culture, but she gets way more than she bargained for in the end.
Ok so this weird thing was that she had to do this with her ex. Who she obviously can’t stand. And let me tell you, I had to keep reminding myself these were kids. I think I called him an asshole at one point. (I mean they did graduate high school in this one, but it still felt wrong lol)But he was so mean. Definitely a reason why I always say I cannot be trusted to read enemies to lovers or rivals to lovers. Because I’m going to hold that grudge until the cows come home lol And I definitely did. I was so mad at Xander for a lot of this book lol The dog thing was eh, but the nickname thing? I felt some type of way about that because I am so much like Gemma. We had different reasons, but I felt like she did and I didn’t think it was ok he was calling her that. Especially when he reveals the reasons he changed. I was annoyed and mad lol But when they realized they had to work together, I was even more annoyed. Because I knew he was going to criticize everything she did the whole time. And lo and behold, he did. And the audacity to say to give him 45%?! My blood pressure shot up then, ngl.
As for the romance, it was ok. Again, I’m not the biggest fan of rivals/enemies to lovers or second chance because there’s never enough groveling to me. But with this one they didn’t really have time to do that because they were trying to do this quest thing. I understand that there wasn’t time for everything that I wanted to happen. But still, I think it was weird the way they got together. It was like they did so because of the events that had transpired. Idk it didn’t exactly feel genuine. But again, these tropes aren’t my favorite so don’t let me be the lone judge.
I will say this tho… I LOVED the puzzle part of this. I had so much fun. I don’t think I could have solved any of these lmao But reading about them was fun. And thank you Chao for actually going to places and describing them in Taipei. I was able to visit there through you. This was so much fun to read and learn some new things. I also liked the way he knew she would have wanted to know more about who she was and left this for her. He never stopped loving his daughter or his granddaughter. I DO wish there was something that gave her mom closure tho. Even when that one person is revealed, I thought it was unfair how she was left. It just didn’t seem fair and I wanted that for her.
This was a really fun time and I really enjoyed it. I’m not sure if there will be more after the epilogue, but just in case, just know Chao that I will read it. At this point, after this and Lantern, I think I’d read your grocery list. I can’t wait to offer this to some librarians and kiddos when it releases later this month!
Overall, I give this
