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Heirs of Infamy
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Beneath 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.
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.
ebook
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Kyla Zhao
4 books404 followersKyla 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
2026
May 15, 2026Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Want to Read
May 19, 2026ഒ·˚ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
pre-read: AHHHH ( ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ഒ thank you to the author, kyla zhao, for sending me a widget!! so freaking excited!
pre-read: AHHHH ( ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ഒ thank you to the author, kyla zhao, for sending me a widget!! so freaking excited!
June 22, 2026
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.
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.
arcs-to-read
June 23, 2026Everything about this sounds amazing 😍🫶🏼
Want to Read
December 31, 2025i think i may need this a tiny bit more than oxygen.
June 13, 2025
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 😩
6.12.2025 The way Kyla got rid of my favorite side character, and I still like the newer version more 😩
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 3, 2026Kyla 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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for the arc.
June 21, 2026
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 :)
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 :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
HEIRS OF INFAMY was everything I wanted from a historical heist novel and more. It blends action, romance, family rivalries, and high-stakes crime beautifully! This story kept me completely hooked from beginning to end.
One of my favorite aspects was the relationship between Alexis and Zachary. Their families may be on opposite sides, but their chemistry is literally everything. I also loved the Chinese-American perspective woven throughout the novel. Even though the romance is a slow burn, the heist plot never lets the momentum slow down. There was always another twist, another secret, or another impossible situation waiting around the corner, which made it such a page turner!
If you love historical fiction, clever heists, slow-burning romance, and stories filled with twists and suspense, HEIRS OF INFAMY is one you won't want to miss!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the E-Arc.
One of my favorite aspects was the relationship between Alexis and Zachary. Their families may be on opposite sides, but their chemistry is literally everything. I also loved the Chinese-American perspective woven throughout the novel. Even though the romance is a slow burn, the heist plot never lets the momentum slow down. There was always another twist, another secret, or another impossible situation waiting around the corner, which made it such a page turner!
If you love historical fiction, clever heists, slow-burning romance, and stories filled with twists and suspense, HEIRS OF INFAMY is one you won't want to miss!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the E-Arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, and Kyla Zhou for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
San Francisco, Chinatown, 1948. Alexis Sung is the daughter of the East Phoenix leader. Her greatest desire is to follow in her father’s footsteps, but unfortunately he doesn’t want that for her, and he doesn’t have any faith in her.
Zachary is a member of the West Dragons, and Alexis’ former friend, before she knew who he was. Together they have to pull off a huge heist, Alexis to gain her father’s approval, and Zachary to gain his freedom.
The chemistry between Alexis and Zachary is so palpable, you can’t help but root for them to get together, despite being from different gangs. I really love how they make each other better people.
I greatly enjoyed reading this, and stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. Would recommend!
San Francisco, Chinatown, 1948. Alexis Sung is the daughter of the East Phoenix leader. Her greatest desire is to follow in her father’s footsteps, but unfortunately he doesn’t want that for her, and he doesn’t have any faith in her.
Zachary is a member of the West Dragons, and Alexis’ former friend, before she knew who he was. Together they have to pull off a huge heist, Alexis to gain her father’s approval, and Zachary to gain his freedom.
The chemistry between Alexis and Zachary is so palpable, you can’t help but root for them to get together, despite being from different gangs. I really love how they make each other better people.
I greatly enjoyed reading this, and stayed up past my bedtime to finish it. Would recommend!
September 25, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this book from the very first iteration (I beta read it). I can’t even begin to count how many times I read the first five chapters (Kyla knows I didn’t mind) and then reading a few drafts until the next to final one I think. This book was such a blast. I LOVE a heist book and Kyla crafted an amazing story that was historical, action, romance, and drama that’ll have you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, another twist will have you saying, “NO! What just happened?”
I adore a Alexis and Zachary ♥️🥰 I know they will always hold a special place in my heart and I cannot wait until everyone else gets a chance to read Heirs of Infamy and fall for these two as well!
I adore a Alexis and Zachary ♥️🥰 I know they will always hold a special place in my heart and I cannot wait until everyone else gets a chance to read Heirs of Infamy and fall for these two as well!
September 20, 2025
I beta-read the new final manuscript, so I am incredibly excited for this book to see the world.
It is a wonderfully crafter heist book, with characters I want to hold dearly and protect. I think this book can take your attention and captivate it in ways you wouldn't even expect. When I was reading I barely could stop reading during the middle of the night, I was attached, and I still think about it sometimes.
If you like heist books, brilliant and sassy characters, drama and some sadness (but in a good way, like my heart hurts), this book is for you!
It is a wonderfully crafter heist book, with characters I want to hold dearly and protect. I think this book can take your attention and captivate it in ways you wouldn't even expect. When I was reading I barely could stop reading during the middle of the night, I was attached, and I still think about it sometimes.
If you like heist books, brilliant and sassy characters, drama and some sadness (but in a good way, like my heart hurts), this book is for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5
Heirs of Infamy is a character driven romance between two Chinese-American teens from rival crime families in 1940's San Francisco.
Alexis Sung is the daughter of the East Phoenix's crime boss & Zachary Zen's late father was a member of the West Dragons. Alexis is desperate to prove to her father she deserves a spot in the crime family & Zachery wants nothing more than to get out of the West Dragons & go to college.
I was immediately drawn into the story & raced through to finish in one afternoon. My quibble would be that I felt the two characters felt older than seniors in High School. The premise of two teens being allowed to conduct what is described as a "daring heist"—"one score big enough to save both families" in the book description--even though others were involved in the heist stretched disbelief a bit.
I still very much enjoyed this title & can't wait to see what this author writes in the future.
Heirs of Infamy is a character driven romance between two Chinese-American teens from rival crime families in 1940's San Francisco.
Alexis Sung is the daughter of the East Phoenix's crime boss & Zachary Zen's late father was a member of the West Dragons. Alexis is desperate to prove to her father she deserves a spot in the crime family & Zachery wants nothing more than to get out of the West Dragons & go to college.
I was immediately drawn into the story & raced through to finish in one afternoon. My quibble would be that I felt the two characters felt older than seniors in High School. The premise of two teens being allowed to conduct what is described as a "daring heist"—"one score big enough to save both families" in the book description--even though others were involved in the heist stretched disbelief a bit.
I still very much enjoyed this title & can't wait to see what this author writes in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have never been in a crime family in San Fransisco during the 1940s, but Heirs of Infamy sure did have me holding my breath and stressing out like my life depended on this heist! With heart-pounding stakes and characters so intriguing I couldn't help but turn the page, Kyla Zhao has done it again.
October 28, 2025
This book was a fun time! I loved the world building and the descriptions of the delicious food and old San Francisco. The writing was engaging and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed the culture and the perception of our main character.
September 18, 2025
Kyla's crafted a tightly paced heist that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end! I can't wait to see the final project :)
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Note: I beta read the close to final manuscript.
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Note: I beta read the close to final manuscript.
Want to Read
January 23, 2026Oh this is giving Foul Lady Fortune and I am all for it!!! I've been waiting for something to fill the hole Rosalind and Orion left bc I miss them so much 😭
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an instant page turner. I will recommend to others and I actually might reread for fun. Thank you NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
rtc
January 25, 2026
I got to beta read this manuscript, and you all are not ready!
I *adored* HEIRS OF INFAMY and had a blast reading it. Kyla has deftly woven such relevant, timely themes and rich historical details into a captivating, tense YA heist novel that sparkles with vivid characters, a compelling romance, and gorgeous prose.
It’s fun, it’s twisty, and it’s incredibly atmospheric. You’re sure to fall in love with Alexis and Zachary.
I *adored* HEIRS OF INFAMY and had a blast reading it. Kyla has deftly woven such relevant, timely themes and rich historical details into a captivating, tense YA heist novel that sparkles with vivid characters, a compelling romance, and gorgeous prose.
It’s fun, it’s twisty, and it’s incredibly atmospheric. You’re sure to fall in love with Alexis and Zachary.
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