Heirs of Infamy

by Kyla Zhao

Beneath the neon glare of postwar San Francisco, Chinatown is ruled by two rival crime families. East Phoenix deals in secrets and stealth, West Dragon in fists and fear. But amid rising anti-Chinese hostility, both empires are bleeding money—and the fragile truce between them frays by the day.

As the daughter of Chinatown’s most powerful crime boss, Alexis Sung can do almost anything—except join the family business. When her first job for East Phoenix goes wrong, her father shuts her out for good. Across town, Zachary Ren—a brilliant orphan raised by West Dragon—is desperate to escape a life he never chose. Their paths weren’t meant to cross again, not after he destroyed Alexis's one shot to prove herself.

That changes when a daring heist surfaces—one score big enough to save both families. Defying her father’s orders, Alexis seizes the chance to redeem herself by striking an uneasy alliance with Zachary.

Old wounds reopen. New sparks catch. And survival means trusting the last person she should.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Historical, Fiction

ebook

Expected publication October 13, 2026

About the author

Kyla Zhao’s books have been spotlighted by CBS, NBC, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Buzzfeed, South China Morning Post, and more.

She has also been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, named a Tatler Leader of Tomorrow, and awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the California State Assembly for her contributions to Asian media representation.

Across genres and age groups, Kyla’s stories center women and girls of color who explore ambition, identity, and belonging in vibrant settings.

Reviews

[Mai H.]

Valentine's Day TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

[justine ⊹ ࣪ ˖ (slump era)]

ഒ·˚ ⊹ ࣪ ˖

pre-read: AHHHH ( ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ഒ thank you to the author, kyla zhao, for sending me a widget!! so freaking excited!

[Olivia💜🗡️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for gifting me this arc!

I honestly don’t know how to feel about this book. Because on one hand, it was immensely entertaining and easy to read. But on the other hand, I felt like some of the aspects fell flat in my opinion.

Let’s first start out by saying that I had no expectations going into this book. I just found it interesting and knew it was something that I would like. And while I did like it, I definitely didn’t love it. There was just some things that either felt off or I simply didn’t understand.

Some of those things are the setting. I don’t know how to describe it but this book is set in the 1940s with two rival gangs. And while the vibes were there, I felt as if I wasn’t fully immersed in the setting. Either it was the writing style or maybe just the content in the book, but I just never felt connected. Another thing is that sometimes the characters actions didn’t make sense to me. Especially at the end, one character made a decision that I think didn’t match with the rest of the story. On the topic of the ending, it honestly felt a little bit rushed and some decisions or actions were made wayyyyy too quickly in my opinion. Lastly the me and the romance in this book had a love hate relationship. There were sometimes where I was OBSESSED with them but there were also times where I was like “meh”. I am not a person who likes spice/lusty types of romance and I felt like there were definitely some of these moments throughout the story, which is where the “hate” part comes in.

Now for what I liked. This book was definitely very fast paced and also VERY entertaining. I freaking loveeee heists and I think that this author paced the heist really well. I loved being able to watch all the puzzle pieces come together.

I know it sounds like I hated this book but I genuinely didn’t. It kept me entertained and invested even with a busy week and I think it’s honestly perfect for a no thoughts kind of read.

[Sarah • ia for a while]

Everything about this sounds amazing 😍🫶🏼

[brontësaurus]

i think i may need this a tiny bit more than oxygen.

[er · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin and Kyla Zhao for giving me the opportunity to red this as an arc!

Heirs of Infamy is set during the 1940s in San Francisco and follows the story of Alexis, East Phoenix’s princess, and Zachary, member of the West Dragons.

First of all, this is clearly inspired by Romeo and Juliet. But the main reason why I picked this up is that it reminded me of These Violent Delights and I’ve been on the hunt for something similar since I read it. Well, I can say I enjoyed this and it definitely satisfied my need for something similar to TVD.

I mostly liked our main characters. i liked that Alexis isn’t afraid of recognising her privilege but she is a little reckless and immature at times. Zachary is great, he is more on the quiet side and sometimes I wished we got a little more from him.

The story was captivating but in some points it felt a little slow, but overall the pacing wasn’t bad. The heist element draws you in, and I think it’s the reason why I kept reading even during the slower moments. The ending felt a little rushed, I wish we got a little more about Alexis and Zachary’s future together.

[Maddie Metzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for this advance copy!!

first of all, i really liked kyla zhao’s writing. this was my first book by her and i enjoyed her style and prose. i’m very excited to read more of her work in the future!

i thought that this book moved along pretty well and was overall a good story. i liked both main characters and the world building really interested me throughout. i hadn’t read anything like this before, rivals to lovers aside. the gangs set up in chinatown was fascinating and the 1940s time period added even more intrigue.

so why the low-ish rating if i liked everything?

honestly it feels forgettable for me. it didn’t blow me away, and the romance didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. the story was good, but not incredible. i think that it was done well, but i don’t see it sticking with me for a long time. it was a great vacation read and easy to move through. however, it’s just not necessarily something that i would read again.

that being said, i’m definitely eager to read more of kyla’s books, and i would even recommend this one for a fun and unique read!


•pre-review•

rating and review to come once i gather my thoughts!

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

8.2.2024 I’ll write a real review when I read the finished product, but beta reading is reading, and I’m trying to hit that GR goal.

6.12.2025 The way Kyla got rid of my favorite side character, and I still like the newer version more 😩

[Wera Niyom]

DNF at 24%.

I was really intrigued by the premise and enjoy a historical fiction where the characters come from a criminal background because it hits that craving for crime fiction, however, I really struggled to connect with Alexis. The pacing feels too slow and Alexis drives home the inequality too much so that it's hard for me to stay committed to her journey. It had the potential to be an interesting story, but I wish there was more action and a little less reflection. Alexis comes off as a strong-willed protagonist which I liked, but I wanted her to do so much more. I think even though I didn't like it, others may view it differently.

Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Simran K · Rating 3 out of 5]

The description of this book sold me with the opposing gang families, forbidden romance, and heist mission. It was fast-paced and fun so I was able to fly through it. I also enjoyed the setting of northern California because SF and the city names were all familiar to me. The inclusion of Chinese culture was beautiful, fascinating, and refreshing. However, the characters seemed very simple and surface-level, which I know can be an issue for YA books. Issues were too conveniently and neatly resolved, which did not allow for much emotional investment in the story. I also did not need to be reminded of Alexis being the Phoenix Princess every other page, because it felt like that was the only thing she had going for herself. Lastly, the writing and slang seemed too modern for a story supposedly taking place in 1940s SF. Overall, I think if I was a teenager, I would have enjoyed this more but at this point in my life I need my books to be complex and convoluted to truly entertain me. So this might just be a case of "it's not you (the book), its me."

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Andrea Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC

4 stars might even round to 5. One of my favorite romances I've read this year. 🤍

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page, it completely pulled me in and never let go. It was incredibly fun, fast-paced, and so addictive. One of my favorite aspects was the setting. Since I'm from the Bay Area, it was such a fun experience seeing San Francisco woven into the story. Recognizing places I've grown up visiting made the world feel even more immersive and added such a personal touch to my reading experience.

The romance was easily the highlight for me. The tension, the chemistry, the longing, and even the betrayal were all fantastic. Every interaction between the main characters felt meaningful, and their relationship developed in a way that felt genuine and earned. I absolutely childhood friends to lovers. I honestly haven't read a romance this believable and emotionally compelling in a long time. You could just feel the tension and chemistry dripping. It was delicious to read.

I really liked the characters themselves. They're both flawed, layered, and incredibly well-developed. Neither of them felt one-dimensional, and watching them navigate their own struggles while growing together made them easy to root for.

The ending?! Makes me think there will be more to explore. I’m excited to see if Kyla will write a sequel I really hope so. The only thing that took me out of the story were their names lol since Zachary and Alexis were not common names in the 1940s.


This comes out OCTOBER 12

[Grace Kathryn]

The idea of this book was right up my alley, Star-crossed lovers, rival gangs, 1940s setting, and a heist at the center.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't working for me at all and I ended up DNF-ing @ 49%. Very one dimensional characters, lots of heavy handed descriptions of the era and setting, and not much intrigue. It definitely had that YA feeling and I would put it on the younger side of YA. The culture in the book was interesting but I struggled to get invested in any part of the book. The relationship was rushed and repaired awful quickly, the situations they stumbled into were too easily resolved. It just wasn't the right book for me, certainly think middle school me would have appreciated it!

[Risa]

DNF at 31% (Read through Chapter 14)


This book isn’t terrible; I just never felt immersed in the story.

I liked the Chinese culture that is woven throughout this novel. However, I never felt like this book takes place in the 1940s.

I think my biggest issue with this book was that everything felt pretty surface level, especially when it comes to the characters.

Alexis is a nice enough girl; however, she often read like a whiny 12-year-old to me, instead of a 17-year-old. I understand how badly she wants to work for her father in the East Phoenix, but a lot of her actions felt immature for her age.

I also didn’t love how in the third of the book that I read, Alexis and Zachary were repeatedly pretending to be a couple in love or being mistaken for being a couple in love. It felt repetitive, and like the author was really pushing for these two to fall in love rather than letting it happen more naturally.

Also, I was expecting this book to have the heist more at the forefront; instead, the heist was more in the background.


I probably could’ve pushed through, as it’s a relatively short book. However, I don’t see myself rating this higher than 2-2.5 stars; so I’d rather set it aside and read something that I find more interesting.




NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:


- Having now read the prologue and first two chapters (10% in), I’m feeling lukewarm about the book thus far. It’s almost as if it doesn’t know what it wants to be: the writing fluctuates between having a YA writing style and a middle grade writing style. And then our protagonist is put on more mature scenes (like dressing sexily while drinking in a club), but still sounds like the young 14-year-old we met in the prologue rather than being 18. (I’m going to keep going for now, since it’s short and I love a heist… but so far I’m not impressed.)

- Also, this story is supposed to be set in the 1940s… nothing about it really screams that time period to me so far.


- Thoughts at 14%: I get she went back for a necklace during a job and she could’ve died. But I don’t think she messed up THAT badly to not be put on any job again. Also, during that job four years ago, she wasn’t event doing anything other than waiting outside.

- Also, even if there’s sexism at this time in history, wouldn’t Alexis’ father want her to at least be able to defend herself? She acts like a scared little girl whenever potential danger approaches her (but it’s never danger once they step out of the shadows). Surely as the Phoenix boss’ daughter, she would be a target for enemies.


- At 20%: So the meeting with Alexis’ dad and uncle, and Richard and Zachary… I mean I know from reading other reviews that they want the loot to support both their gangs. But it wasn’t clear here at all from what was said during the meeting that the plan is to steal the loot? Also I get there’s security, but why are they assuming that it’s something they can even sell? (Also, it feels out of the blue that both gangs like to steal objects to sell…) Just yeah—all that to say the setup for the upcoming heist was poorly done.

- I do like that Alexis’ dad knew she was in that vent the whole time during the meeting.


- First of all, how did Alexis know that what’s in the shipment are all those valuables? If she hasn’t spoken with her father, how did she get and information to share with Zachary?

- Second, I understand Alexis’ motivation to prove herself to her father. But she took on this job with Zachary without knowing if her father was going to send someone himself. Her father and uncle still had to talk to the generals about it. Alexis was not part of that meeting. So how does Alexis know her father wasn’t going to send someone else to work with Zachary? (Oh, and how did Zachary know where to meet Alexis when she said she’s going to be working with him?)


- I appreciate that we are seeing Zachary and Alexis’ relationship develop. But it’s been like a day, and we already have a shopkeeper mistaking them for a married couple, and auntie that says they look like they’re in love, and then outside a facility they pretend they are in love to get security off their backs. It’s getting really repetitive, and annoying tbh.

- While this book isn’t terrible by any means, I was expecting more. I thought this would be more of a heist novel, whereas it’s more so in the background. Also Zachary and Alexis are fine characters, but they feel very surface level to me.

- Having said that, I can see a lot of teens loving this novel. It’s just not hitting for me unfortunately, so I’m going to set it aside.

- DNF at 31% (Read through Chapter 14, page 92 out of 297)

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
rival crime families 🤝 1940s San Francisco Chinatown 🤝 high-stakes heist 🤝 "wait... are we enemies or are we flirting?"
A HISTORICAL HEIST ROMANCE??? you really didn't have to sell it to me twice.
because give me rival families, complicated history, forbidden romance and a heist that could either save everyone or completely ruin their lives...yeah. i'm listening.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁.
what i loved was THE SETTING.
1940s San Francisco Chinatown??? loved it.
the historical atmosphere was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.
there's something about the combination of the neon-lit Chinatown setting, rival crime families, underground dealings and all the tension surrounding the characters' lives that made the whole thing feel incredibly cinematic and i really appreciated that the historical setting wasn't just there for decoration.
the characters are also dealing with racism, sexism, family expectations and questions of identity and belonging, and i thought those themes added a lot more depth to the story.
it wasn't just "look! historical mafia!" there was actually a lot more underneath it.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
And then we have ALEXIS AND ZACHARY.
because obviously i was here for the romance too.
these two have HISTORY.
they were once friends, then everything went wrong and now they're on opposite sides of rival crime families...so naturally the solution is "let's work together on a dangerous heist."
what could possibly go wrong???😭
i really enjoyed watching them slowly navigate all the resentment and mistrust between them.
the chemistry was definitely there, and i loved the whole:
"i don't trust you."
"well, you have to trust me."
"unfortunately, i think i might."
kind of energy.
give me star-crossed lovers with a complicated history and i'm probably going to eat it up every time.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
BUT...the beginning was a little slower for me.
i was interested in the premise from the start, but it took me a while to become completely invested in the story.
once the heist really got underway, though??? THAT'S when i was hooked.
the second half definitely pulled me in more, and i found myself wanting to keep reading because i needed to know whether everything was actually going to work.
there were also moments where i wanted a little more from the romance.
i liked Alexis and Zachary together, but i didn't always feel that OMG I AM LOSING MY MIND OVER THESE TWO level of chemistry.
the potential was absolutely there...i just wanted a little more time for the emotional side of their relationship to really hit me.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
overall, Heirs of Infamy was a really enjoyable historical romance with a genuinely fun premise.
i loved the setting, the heist, the family drama and i really enjoyed Alexis and Zachary's complicated relationship.
it isn't a perfect book for me, and i think the beginning could have grabbed me a little faster, but once the story got moving, i was invested and i especially appreciated how much the story explores the pressure of family expectations and the feeling of trying to figure out who you are when everyone else has already decided who you're supposed to be.
so if you like historical fiction with heists and rival crime families, friends to rivals to lovers with forbidden romance, slow burn with complicated family dynamics...this is definitely worth picking up.

My final thoughts;
i came for the rival crime families...
i stayed for the heist...and apparently i will ALWAYS fall for two people who absolutely should not trust each other being forced to work together. 😭🖤💰

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

[Lily Smol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley

Thank you so much to Kyla Zhao, Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for sending me this ARC of Heirs of Infamy to review!

What started out as a solid 4-4.5 star book, ended up being a perfect 5 stars after those last ten chapters. Wow.

Heirs of Infamy is a wonderful YA debut which explores themes of identity and belonging amidst the backdrop of post-war San Francisco Chinatown, delving into the difficult lives of two teenagers caught in gang crimes. Kyla Zhao paints an atmospheric picture of what it's like to grow up as an immigrant minority during the 1940's in America, while also struggling to figure out one's own desires and place in the big vast world.

I started this book with no expectations, and I was completely blown away by Zhao's ability to convey the protagonist's emotions in such a nuanced, real, and raw way, that made me personally feel their entire spectrum. I felt all of Alexis's fear, anxiety, indecisions, and heartbreak in my own chest, holding my breath as the heist was taking shape, and feeling butterflies during Alexis and Zachary's intimiate moments.

I truly felt for Alexis and the way her relationship with her dad was so intricately layered and complicated really shattered my heart, because it’s so easy to “know” how to act in different situations as an outsider looking in, but seeing Alexis truly do her very best to show and prove herself and earn her place in this gang and continue to be undermined and overlooked… I felt for her. The desperation she had which, I think many people might take as stupidity or ignorance, really just stems from wanting to overcome prejudice and stereotypes, not just the daughter of a crime boss, but also as an immigrant living in post-war America. I’d never read another time-piece before, but the way the author communicated exactly what minorities faced during these times made Alexis’s journey even more emotionally engaging.

And of course there’s Zachary, who is also so layered despite his perfect outward appearance. Someone who, at first glance, seems like a good-looking gang-member steadily rising through the ranks without a second thought, is actually an orphaned kid who was forced into this difficult criminal life which stripped him of all innocence much too early. I really loved his dynamic with Alexis, the bickering and the palpable tension was chef's kiss. And the way the author wrote their intimate, heart-felt moments was just so so beautiful! During those last ten chapters when all feelings were heightened and tension was at an all time peak, I would start crying at random moments just from the thought of these two babies hurting each other and hurting themselves. Their circumstances were so goddamn complicated and convoluted that there was no clear way out no matter how I thought about it, so I cried such big tears of joy when I read the last chapter and saw how they not only reconciled but stood up for themselves and their dreams and wanted to build something only they could have together.

Overall, a beautifully rich and intricate heist story, with a nuanced point of view and an innocent, butterflies-inducing love story.

[maria]

Kyla Zhao’s YA debut dives into a new side of San Francisco’s vast history through a novel filled with high stakes and thrills that will keep you turning the pages.

I first discovered Kyla’s books a few weeks before her debut novel, The Fraud Squad, was published. Since then I’ve talked with her on Instagram DM’s several times and when she asked for beta readers for her newest project — her debut YA novel about rival crime families set in San Francisco during the 1940’s— I jumped at the chance, and had the honor of being one of the first people to read this novel and see it transform from a first draft to the final product that is now in our hands.

Alexis Sung is an amazing protagonist. She is in such a unique position that makes her hyperaware of how her family is treated and the way Chinese-Americans and Chinese immigrants are viewed in a time period where the ideologies of their birth country were opposite to the ones of the country they came to build their lives in. But she is also ignorant due to her privilege as the daughter of a crime boss, often being unafraid to use her name to her advantage or speak her mind without fear of repercussions. While Alexis has the best intentions at heart, her own need to stand out and be respected in a world run by men, make up for past mistakes, and help her East Phoenix family sometimes leads to her making mistakes.

On the other hand, Zachary Ren is more tame, calculating and quiet. He and Alexis live such opposite lives where they each have what the other wants, and them having such opposite goals creates an interesting dynamic throughout the novel.

I thought the pacing of the story was well balanced between high stakes moments and the day to day lives of the characters that let us get to know them better. Apart from Alexis and Zachary, we have other characters that are integral to the plot like Alexis’ father and his right hand men, Zachary’s West Dragon boss, and their classmates at Galileo High.

While there is not a lot of worldbuilding since the story is set in a real city in a specific time period, San Francisco is a city that I love very much, holding many memories of summers spent in the Bay Area. Being familiar with the city helped me appreciate the research and attention to detail Kyla put into building her own version of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1940’s. It was interesting to see how much the city has changed culturally from stories like Kyla’s made through research, or from people who’ve seen it grow like my extended family there.

Exploring San Francisco through Kyla’s eyes was such a joy. The love she has for the city translates through the book’s pages, and seeing her grow as an author has been such a privilege. From her debut novel The Fraud Squad to her first historical fiction novel, Heirs of Infamy, it’s been such an honor and privilege to have been here along for the ride so far, and I know there is so much more to come.

Thank you, Kyla, for trusting me with your story. I can’t believe that after years I have the finished version in my hands!

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

NetGalley eARC — Heirs of Infamy transports us to 1940s San Francisco Chinatown, where Alexis Sung is the daughter of a notorious crime boss. This organization, East Phoenix, is all she’s ever known, but Alexis has never permitted to join any of the meetings or missions due to her gender. She is intertwined with this crime world (known as the untouchable Phoenix Princess), but has never allowed to be apart of it, as she so desperately wants. Alexis will do anything to meet the standards and approval of her father.
The story starts with one of Alexis’ lowest points: on her first lookout mission, her team runs headfirst into their nemesis, the West Dragons— not only ruining the assignment, but leading Alexis to realize her very best friend, Zachary, has been working among her enemies this entire time.
East Phoenix has always been successful and respected, but years later the societal tides began to change as the Red Scare permeated throughout the US. Chinese businesses began losing money, high connections were cut loose, and police were harassing more and more people in Chinatown. Finding an opportunity for vindication, Alexis plants the idea of running a major heist on imported Asian art pieces in collaboration with the West Dragons to gain their wealth back. But what she didn’t expect was that Zachary would be her teammate and point of contact for this mission.
It was fascinating to see San Francisco during this time period, especially from the perspective of Chinese Americans. We see familiar holidays and traditions of Dongzhi Festival and Chinese New Year. We also see modern parallels of the over-generalizations of Asians, and the easy violence and ostracism by white people due to political tensions.
Through this novel, Alexis questions the life set out for her, the life she’s desperately worked towards, and a possibility of a life outside of East Phoenix. I found this to be an intriguing YA book, albeit a bit predictable, with a satisfying ending.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights, you're sure to enjoy this one.

Alexis Sung is the daughter of a gangster, but she herself is not part of the East Phoenixes, though she longs to follow in her father's footsteps. Born into the underbelly, it's all she's ever known. So, when a plan to get rich involves their enemies, the West Dragons, and her former childhood friend turned enemy, Zachary, she takes it as an opportunity to prove herself as a worthy member of the East Phoenixes to her father.

This novel actually surprised me; I did go into this thinking it'd be worse, but it was a pleasant surprise to read about fictionalized gangs of 1940s SF Chinatown. It had its juvenile moments, but this is YA, so it was to be expected. However, I am grateful the author made Alexis an older teen that had a head on her shoulders for the most part; though some moments felt a little too forced for the plot's sake.

As someone of Cantonese descent, it was lovely to read with familiarity. I don't think this novel is a resource for anything Cantonese, but it had enough sprinkled here and there that if you're aware of the culture, you would at least appreciate it. Even if I wish for more, there's maybe not a huge need for it, lest it get cluttered and the original story gets lost.

Alexis and Zachary's romance was fun to read, too. I think there was just enough of it that I wasn't wanting more for buildup reasons.

As characters, Alexis and Zachary are a bit shallow, but there was only so much room to work in that they're foils; Alexis wants the gang life and Zachary had no choice but to join and now he wants a life that isn't it. I think Alexis was too childishly focused on wanting to be a Phoenix.

Regardless, a really fun read. I'll definitely check out future novels by Zhao if they're to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC!

[Jada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review.

Alexis is the daughter of the East Phoenix boss. Zachary, Alexis' ex-friend and brilliant classmate, works for West Dragon. These two gangs have been rivals in San Francisco Chinatown for decades, but the red scare has caused their resources to dry up. When a heist job surfaces that could save both gangs, Alexis, desperate to take the opportunity to prove herself to her father, teams up with Zachary behind her father's back. Taking on the biggest job of their lives, the two must overcome their past in order to guarantee their families' futures.

This was a sweet and exciting coming-of-age romance novel. I loved Alexis and Zachary's chemistry, and I thought that the internal and external conflicts heightened the tension between the two very well. Both teenagers were very clever. I was always looking forward to seeing how they'd tackle each new obstacle in their own unique ways.

The dynamic between the Chinatown residents and the wider San Francisco community was hard to read sometimes, since Zhao did not shy away from depicting the racism of the time. I think it's important for us to remember this side of our history and recognize how it shapes where we are today.

While teenagers executing high-stakes heists for powerful gangs is not very realistic, I still highly enjoyed the story. This setting makes for an engaging and accessible YA story that introduces 1940's San Francisco Chinatown and complex themes of identity, racism, and relationships.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave up on this book on the first page, but the main character drew me in, and the writing became addictive I liked Alexis character she was well rounded, and had depth she wanted to become a phoenix like her father, and prove herself she was the only girl in her father’s business, and I liked that part she stood out for me as a character the heist part in the book was good it wasn’t predictable and the conflict was there. The story is set in the 1940’s, but I didn’t see much in that timeline it could’ve been set in any other time for the lack of it. I liked the dialogue it fit the gangster vibe the story had the other characters fit in it too it all molded into the world making it seemed whole the story raises questions in the right places, and makes you wander the gang family aspect shines in this book you see what each of them do, their history, and the details of it all and what it all means to Alexis who wants to be part of it see what it means to her, and the contrast of it when she’s a woman, and her father believes she has no skills to be one of them. It gets you sucked into the story the romance added to the story Zachary was a good character he was from the rival family, and he added tension to the story. I wanted more of the ending it ended too abruply for me an epilogue knowing what happened to Alexis and Zachary later would’ve been nice. This was a story that gripped me from the beginning I recommend it to others and to give it a chance.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the arc.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friends-to-rivals-to-lovers YA novel set in mid 20th century San Francisco, Heirs to Infamy caught my attention in all aspects including the title and the beautiful cover art. I really liked the relationship between the two main characters, their differing backgrounds, and their reasonings for growing closer. Both characters have their individual motivations for why they want to take on this specific job, and I also especially appreciated the highlighting of Alexis's privilege and explanation for how she uses those privileges both consciously and unconsciously.

The setting carries a lot of the conflict, serving as a backdrop for anti-Chinese sentiment in America and the changes in relationships between Alexis's dad and higher officials does a good job of showcasing that downfall of public opinion at the time. A lot of current media involving anti-Asian hate comes from a more modern setting, so this book being set in one of the most influential times of Chinese-American history is all the more impactful.

Story-wise, I think the introduction chapters were attention-grabbing, the set-up a little slower for me, but then once the heist process began, I was hooked all over again. I found myself binging the entire second half of the book just so I could see Alexis and Zachary's relationship develop and also find out if they would succeed in their heist and their personal goals. Overall, the conclusion of the novel was very satisfying to me, and I even ended up loving an unexpected character. 4/5 stars :)

[blackcatbookblog · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I'd like to thank the publisher for a digital arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. My feelings are just kind of mid on this book. I liked the start and the tension between the two characters at first but my interest kind of fizzled out halfway through the book. It felt like things on the heist aspect were moving too slow and then at the halfway point it felt like the romance went too fast. By the time the heist actually happened I wasn't really invested any longer and it just kind of happened. It didn't really feel like a heist to me either (I mean it was one but our main characters played a more minor roll at that point)

I will list some content warnings that could potentially be spoilers but I do feel like they should be mentioned.

Violence: obviously this is between gangs so there are a lot of mentions of violence. Guns, stabbing, taking of lives, ect. Not too much happens on page. But there is a attempted s***** assault that happens on page that ends with another character stepping in, followed by more violence.

Language: lots of slang from white people referring to the Chinese. One use of the f word. Several s***** innuendo. Some other minor language.

Sex: happens off page but you know what happened. To me always kills the tension between the main characters.

Alcohol/drugs: the main characters don't take part but there are references to both drugs and alcohol on several occasions.

[Maddie ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ✧.*

thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for this advance copy!!

first of all, i really liked kyla zhao’s writing. this was my first book by her and i enjoyed her style and prose. i’m very excited to read more of her work in the future!

i thought that this book moved along pretty well and was overall a good story. i liked both main characters and the world building really interested me throughout. i hadn’t read anything like this before, rivals to lovers aside. the gangs set up in chinatown was fascinating and the 1940s time period added even more intrigue.

on the other hand, honestly it feels forgettable for me. it didn’t blow me away, and the romance didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. the story was good, but not incredible. i think that it was done well, but i don’t see it sticking with me for a long time. it was a great vacation read and easy to move through. however, it’s just not necessarily something that i would read again.

→ overall, i’m definitely eager to read more of kyla’s books, and i would even recommend this one for a fun and unique read!


RATINGS ♡ ↓

overall rating - 3.5 stars
writing - 4 stars
characters - 3.25 stars
plot - 3 stars


•pre-review•

rating and review to come once i gather my thoughts!

[Haleybee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heirs of Infamy was an incredible ride. It’s a historical romance at its core, but the thriller undertones and the high-stakes heist kept me flipping pages long into the night.

The Plot:
We follow Alexis, the daughter of a powerful crime boss in 1940s San Francisco. When she has to pull off a massive heist, she finds an unlikely partner in Zachary—a high-ranking member of a rival gang who also attends her high school.

What I Loved:
The Romeo & Juliet Vibes: The "star-crossed lovers" trope was handled so well. The tension between Alexis and Zachary as they navigated their rival families while trying to work together was top-tier drama.

The Setting: I loved the Chinese-American perspective. It was fascinating to see the 1940s through this lens and see how the characters navigated the social and political climate of the time while dealing with the underground crime world.

The Pacing: It’s a true slow-burn romance, but the heist plot keeps the energy high so it never feels slow.

Read this if you like:
🔥 Slow-burn romance
💎 High-stakes heists
⚔️ Rivals-to-allies
📜 Diverse historical fiction

[kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized I can actually enjoy a mafia story, all that tension, forbidden love, gang feuding, from enemies to allies to lovers. YES, PLEASE, double it and give it to me ASAP.

Zachary and Alexis were once friends, but now all that remains between them is tension and bitterness from a shared history. There is no turning back for their relationship... or is there?

Alexis is desperate to prove herself, so without her father's permission or even knowledge, she starts working with Zachary on a heist, and perhaps along the way they'll find something even more valuable

Aside from a great love story, Heirs of Infamy explores themes of racism, sexism, unfairness, and underestimation so powerful that I was kicking myself. GET 'EM ALEXIS. In this house, we stand for cool, badass women; misogynistic men are NOT welcome here.

My first book by Kyla Zhao and I have absolutely no complaints, it was such a delightful read. I definitely recommend checking out Heirs of Infamy if you enjoy books about heists, friends to rivals/enemies to lovers, and if you've previously enjoyed Red City by Marie Lu or The Green Bone Saga by Fonda Lee

I received an eARC from NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read overall!

I really liked the vibes of this book, with the rival gangs in San Francisco’s Chinatown. While I didn’t always get the 1940s feeling, I did think that the setup was pretty cool. And some of my favorite elements were the moments when the gangs were in action (especially when it came to the heist!).

I liked Alexis as a main character. Her motivation to prove herself to her father was understandable, and it was easy to root for her. Unfortunately, her character sometimes felt inconsistent, in that she often times sounded much younger than a 17 year old, but then other times acted like an adult (despite having been sheltered). It confused me sometimes.

I thought Alexis and Zachary’s romance was fine, though I think it sometimes felt a bit more lusty than I was anticipating. They definitely had some nice moments as well though.

All in all, I found this book to be entertaining and easy to read, so I would recommend it for anyone who finds the premise to be interesting!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read the eARC!

[ObscureVi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Heirs of Infamy, what a ride you were. Imagine Romeo & Juliet, but make it happen in 1940s San Francisco Chinatown and throw in two rivaling mafia houses/families/gangs.

I absolutely loved this one, like really, really much. I feel like it was a perfect example of: you found the right book at the right time.

The plot immediately hooked me and I didn't want to stop reading (to the point I was tempted to pull an all-nighter). The chemistry between our two main characters was done so good. The influence they had on each other? It actually made me smile. Zachary & Alexis deserve everything and I was rooting for them from the very start. I really enjoyed the heist part itself too and in a way I wish it was a bit longer, because we would get even more scenes full of tension between the two.

I haven't read anything by Kyla Zhao before today, but I think she just got herself a new fan (especially, since I was having an eye on The Fraud Squad for some time now, and I need to get it, like fast).

If we ever get a second book? I would read it in a heartbeat.

[tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Heirs of Infamy is a story of rival crime gangs in 1940s San Francisco that spotlights two prominent young people from the respective gangs who are forced to work together for their mutual benefit. For the most part, it was fast-paced and had high stakes, although it did have some flaws.

Alexis as a protagonist who enjoys a life of great privilege but does not escape misogyny. Contrastingly, Zachary who grew up poor, had different opportunities presented to him. These upbringings would then lend itself to being a point of contention between the two, but instead it was not explored as deeply as I would’ve expected.

I did feel that the build-up and trajectory of Alexis and Zachary’s relationship needed some more work in believably transition then back into friends. It didn’t make sense to me that after four years of not speaking, they were remarkably civil towards each other. It was unfortunate that their reconciliation had to be speed-run in one book and couldn’t be more fleshed out.

The discussions of class and the anti-Chinese sentiment in this post-war time introduced additional obstacles for the main characters to face, and it gave reasoning for the existence of the gangs that may have otherwise been superficial.

Overall, I would recommend this to the right reader that is intrigued by this premise and setting, even if I didn’t personally enjoy it as much as I anticipated. That being said, I will always be appreciative of historical tales like this.

[Ura Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this E-ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I was hesitant about whether to give this a 3 stars or 4 stars due to two reasons listed below:

1. How come Zachary was coming into and leaving out of Alexis' home without anyone finding out? You would think a paranoid Mafia boss who installed cameras all around the neighborhood and even paid thousands of dollars to his neighbor to cut down a tree that was a potential hiding spot for enemies would have cameras in his own house. Yes he trusts his daughter but what if someone figures out how to get in while she's alone?

2. Zachary and Alexis are hyperaware that they are from rival gangs that don't get along yet Zachary is putting his arm around Alexis in PUBLIC in BROAD DAYLIGHT 🤦🏼‍♀️. They both also know their gangs also have spies all around.

This did have some similarities with Romeo and Juliet such as them being from rival gangs and climbing into her room and out by a tree so perhaps a Chinese loose retelling of it?🤔

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.

I love historical books, even more so when we have teens in a historical setting. In this case, seeing that the two teens are Asian descent and it takes place in 1920's California, with gangs and what not? That's fun. Even better that the kids are involved in the gangs and one wants to leave and the other wants to prove their worth.

The plot is simple, the drama comes from the whole aspect of the two gangs working together to steal the items that had been "acquired" by the US and are up for auction. They steal the items then split the loot. However, given the two gangs and their histories, it makes it a treacherous alignment of goals.

I liked the main characters, the male and female lead were really well done and both had their lives plus the added discomfort / disadvantages of the time (and still going on) of being people of color. Once friends, their paths diverged four years ago only to return again after involvement from the gangs. I liked that slow kindle of friendship to lovers.

But there was something missing, and that's why I gave it two stars down. I think it being that I'm used to other problems, villains, issues, and this book just had a pretty clean cut (and at times a little too off the mark of coincidental) story and that for a book that had to do with gangs, there wasn't more ... issues? Police issues:? Something hindering or throwing out road blocks so to speak for the main characters.

All in all, it is a book for teens, but I guess it really depends on how mature you are and what constitutes as a good read. It's a good book, I just wanted more.