What do you think?
The Revenge Playbook
In this deliciously twisty YA novel, two girls ( enemies) at a boarding school must team up to take down the boy who hurt them– perfect for fans of Ace of Spades and Do Revenge.
Uyai and Fiyin may be roommates at Blue Waters Secondary School, but they are not friends. Uyai is popular and fierce– she dominates every room she walks into. Fiyin is nerdy and quiet– she’s easy to miss. Anyone who knows them (assuming they know who Fiyin is at all) would argue that, besides that shared dorm room, the two girls have absolutely nothing in common.
But they do.
Because both girls have been hurt. Humiliated. Taken advantage of. And both girls have just one boy to blame for it.
Fiyin thinks Uyai is an irresponsible mean girl. Uyai thinks Fiyin is an uptight loser. They both think the boy that hurt them deserves to suffer. But taking down one of the most popular guys in school isn’t a one-woman task. If they want to get their revenge before graduation, Uyai and Fiyin will need each other’s help– regardless of how they feel about each other.
After all, you don’t need to be friends to be teammates.
Uyai and Fiyin may be roommates at Blue Waters Secondary School, but they are not friends. Uyai is popular and fierce– she dominates every room she walks into. Fiyin is nerdy and quiet– she’s easy to miss. Anyone who knows them (assuming they know who Fiyin is at all) would argue that, besides that shared dorm room, the two girls have absolutely nothing in common.
But they do.
Because both girls have been hurt. Humiliated. Taken advantage of. And both girls have just one boy to blame for it.
Fiyin thinks Uyai is an irresponsible mean girl. Uyai thinks Fiyin is an uptight loser. They both think the boy that hurt them deserves to suffer. But taking down one of the most popular guys in school isn’t a one-woman task. If they want to get their revenge before graduation, Uyai and Fiyin will need each other’s help– regardless of how they feel about each other.
After all, you don’t need to be friends to be teammates.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
Rimma Onoseta
2 books84 followersRimma Onoseta is a Nigerian author who writes stories she wanted to read when she was younger: stories about young girls who are chaotic and fierce and who question what they’re taught. She invites you to connect with her online at rimmaonoseta.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 23, 2026
There is nothing I love more than watching two girls who absolutely can't stand each other realize they have one thing in common... they're about to make one terrible boy regret every decision he's ever made.😏
The Revenge Playbook had me completely invested in seeing Kola's downfall.
Uyai and Fiyin couldn't be more different. Uyai is the feared queen bee who walks through school like she owns it while Fiyin has spent years trying to disappear into the background. Uyai definitely gave off mean girl energy but the more I learned about her the more I realized that confidence can sometimes be armor.
Watching Fiyin slowly find her voice after years of being overlooked, bullied, and controlled by the people around her was satisfying. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, another twist showed up and had me questioning everything.
Set in a Nigerian boarding school...Blue Waters felt so vivid. The traditions, dorm life, school hierarchy, friendships, rivalries, and drama made the school feel like a character all on its own but beneath all the revenge and chaos is a story about something much bigger....
It's about the impossible standards placed on girls.
It's about double standards.
It's about controlling parents.
It's about bullying, shame, finding your voice, and learning that surviving isn't the same thing as living.
Both girls have been hurt in different ways and seeing them realize they weren't enemies after all was one of the strongest parts of the novel.
If you love boarding school drama, revenge plots, and stories where female characters choose themselves instead of staying silent... definitely add this one to your TBR.
Read if you love
🎓 Boarding school drama
♟️ Strategic revenge plots
👯 Enemies to reluctant allies
🖤 Morally gray female characters
📖 Dual POV
🌍 Nigerian setting
💥 Plot twists
👑 Mean girl × quiet girl
💪 Female empowerment
🎭 High school secrets and betrayal
The Revenge Playbook had me completely invested in seeing Kola's downfall.
Uyai and Fiyin couldn't be more different. Uyai is the feared queen bee who walks through school like she owns it while Fiyin has spent years trying to disappear into the background. Uyai definitely gave off mean girl energy but the more I learned about her the more I realized that confidence can sometimes be armor.
Watching Fiyin slowly find her voice after years of being overlooked, bullied, and controlled by the people around her was satisfying. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, another twist showed up and had me questioning everything.
Set in a Nigerian boarding school...Blue Waters felt so vivid. The traditions, dorm life, school hierarchy, friendships, rivalries, and drama made the school feel like a character all on its own but beneath all the revenge and chaos is a story about something much bigger....
It's about the impossible standards placed on girls.
It's about double standards.
It's about controlling parents.
It's about bullying, shame, finding your voice, and learning that surviving isn't the same thing as living.
Both girls have been hurt in different ways and seeing them realize they weren't enemies after all was one of the strongest parts of the novel.
If you love boarding school drama, revenge plots, and stories where female characters choose themselves instead of staying silent... definitely add this one to your TBR.
Read if you love
🎓 Boarding school drama
♟️ Strategic revenge plots
👯 Enemies to reluctant allies
🖤 Morally gray female characters
📖 Dual POV
🌍 Nigerian setting
💥 Plot twists
👑 Mean girl × quiet girl
💪 Female empowerment
🎭 High school secrets and betrayal
July 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I greatly appreciate it.
Uyai, the ultimate Regina George of Blue Water Boarding School seeks revenge on a boy Yola after publicly embarrassing her in front of the entire student body. Fiyin, her brother Etim's best friend and kind of girlfriend (girl idk lol), constantly gets wrapped into conflict with Uyai, but is willing to help her get her revenge after realizing the kind of person Uyai is.
As someone who likes a YA drama with diverse characters, this book would've been really good if I read this like 8 years ago (lol I didn't think 22 years old was too old for YA but I digress). I felt like even though the writing was good, this wasn't the most painfully interesting or really juicy book I thought it was going to be.
I initially thought the revenge would be more satisfying, but since I was pretty bored throughout the book and only seem intrigued when conflict was involved, it didn't really make me feel super excited or on the edge of my seat. I liked kind of exploring each of the characters pasts and understanding why they are the way they are, but idk I just wished it was more interesting instead of super slow.
Uyai, the ultimate Regina George of Blue Water Boarding School seeks revenge on a boy Yola after publicly embarrassing her in front of the entire student body. Fiyin, her brother Etim's best friend and kind of girlfriend (girl idk lol), constantly gets wrapped into conflict with Uyai, but is willing to help her get her revenge after realizing the kind of person Uyai is.
As someone who likes a YA drama with diverse characters, this book would've been really good if I read this like 8 years ago (lol I didn't think 22 years old was too old for YA but I digress). I felt like even though the writing was good, this wasn't the most painfully interesting or really juicy book I thought it was going to be.
I initially thought the revenge would be more satisfying, but since I was pretty bored throughout the book and only seem intrigued when conflict was involved, it didn't really make me feel super excited or on the edge of my seat. I liked kind of exploring each of the characters pasts and understanding why they are the way they are, but idk I just wished it was more interesting instead of super slow.
August 23, 2026
Absolute banger. One of the most accurate portrayals of boarding school in Nigeria I've read. I had so many intense flashbacks to memories I'd buried deep down. Even though I was the Head Girl and at the top of the social pyramid, it was still a federal boarding school, so it was still hellish.
Granted, things were a bit softer here, but the dynamics are so damn accurate dawg.
Devoured this entire thing in 1 sitting in just a few hours because the writing is so perfectly paced for the story it's telling. I don't know how to say this...but it was so obvious that the author is a woman. Like, that sounds stupidly obvious, but so many thoughts and emotions I'd never been able to succinctly put into words were perfectly written in this book, and sometimes it felt like I was reading my own musings reflected back at me.
One thing I will say though is that things were pretty predictable. I'm not sure whether or not the author did it on purpose, but she seemed to be very obviously telegraphing all the twists that would come later.
Etim being gay and liking Ore, the angel statue having the recording device and Fiyin using that as leverage to stand up for herself, Fiyin being the snitch behind Uyai's troubles. I think the only thing I didn't see coming was Fiyin sleeping with Kola. Omo, e shock me die. I feel mad bad for her cause imagine that's your first experience. Regardless, being able to see everything coming didn't impact my enjoyment in any way, as my heart stayed beating fast all the way to the end.
The characters were so excellent bro. Both Uyai and Fiyin. It's not like I even particularly like either of them but they were so real and their struggles were universal and dear to my heart. I've rarely felt so understood lol, because I saw myself in all the girls. I was more the Type-A Head Girl like Alero, but I also harbored extremely wicked tendencies and have plotted some insane things against some people that left me scared about my own evil-ness, and I also feel crushed by the weight of parental expectations like Fiyin. I managed to break out of all those moulds many years after graduating and started living my own life, so reading this book also reminded me of how far I've come, and maybe not to be so hard on myself.
The plot was a bit meandering, but I honestly don't think that's a bad thing because the "lulls" were filled with genuinely interesting flashbacks and character work that just added more and more depth to the characters.
I just really hope this author keeps on writing. This story is so real and I hope more people find it.
Granted, things were a bit softer here, but the dynamics are so damn accurate dawg.
Devoured this entire thing in 1 sitting in just a few hours because the writing is so perfectly paced for the story it's telling. I don't know how to say this...but it was so obvious that the author is a woman. Like, that sounds stupidly obvious, but so many thoughts and emotions I'd never been able to succinctly put into words were perfectly written in this book, and sometimes it felt like I was reading my own musings reflected back at me.
One thing I will say though is that things were pretty predictable. I'm not sure whether or not the author did it on purpose, but she seemed to be very obviously telegraphing all the twists that would come later.
Etim being gay and liking Ore, the angel statue having the recording device and Fiyin using that as leverage to stand up for herself, Fiyin being the snitch behind Uyai's troubles. I think the only thing I didn't see coming was Fiyin sleeping with Kola. Omo, e shock me die. I feel mad bad for her cause imagine that's your first experience. Regardless, being able to see everything coming didn't impact my enjoyment in any way, as my heart stayed beating fast all the way to the end.
The characters were so excellent bro. Both Uyai and Fiyin. It's not like I even particularly like either of them but they were so real and their struggles were universal and dear to my heart. I've rarely felt so understood lol, because I saw myself in all the girls. I was more the Type-A Head Girl like Alero, but I also harbored extremely wicked tendencies and have plotted some insane things against some people that left me scared about my own evil-ness, and I also feel crushed by the weight of parental expectations like Fiyin. I managed to break out of all those moulds many years after graduating and started living my own life, so reading this book also reminded me of how far I've come, and maybe not to be so hard on myself.
The plot was a bit meandering, but I honestly don't think that's a bad thing because the "lulls" were filled with genuinely interesting flashbacks and character work that just added more and more depth to the characters.
I just really hope this author keeps on writing. This story is so real and I hope more people find it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This is a delightful and incisive look into Nigerian high school boarding life and the messy and deep relationship of teenage girls. From the start, I kind of adored Uyai; she's definitely the school's head mean girl, but she also takes absolutely no shit from anyone and fiercely defends those that she cares about (but not without ribbing them for good measure). Fiyin took a bit more time to grow on me; from Uyai's POV, she definitely seems more withdrawn and slightly pathetic, but from her own, you quickly see all that she has suffered in her years in this school and under the expectations of her highly religious family and that she has heaps of untold rage underneath the seemingly placid exterior. When the two girls team up to take down the boy at school who has wronged them both, they are really unstoppable.
What really makes this novel so rich is the setting itself; the boarding school is lovingly detailed with all its fun and not so fun traditions, from the prefects ordering the underclassmen around to them taking certain ones under their wing to the black market for snacks and the serious planning around prom. I really loved this glimpse into this school, and just for that, I would love to see more novels from this author.
The only reason I'm taking away a star is because there's a lot of plot points that suddenly appear at the end that get resolved within a chapter, and I think it could have used more time to breath. Also the ending itself is rather abrupt, but pretty satisfying.
All in all, this is a fun revenge YA story where the stakes aren't that high, but the emotions are deeply felt, and two very different girls can still find some common ground despite bullying and their extremely disparate personalities (but they're also way more similar than they first think). Can't wait for more from this author!
This is a delightful and incisive look into Nigerian high school boarding life and the messy and deep relationship of teenage girls. From the start, I kind of adored Uyai; she's definitely the school's head mean girl, but she also takes absolutely no shit from anyone and fiercely defends those that she cares about (but not without ribbing them for good measure). Fiyin took a bit more time to grow on me; from Uyai's POV, she definitely seems more withdrawn and slightly pathetic, but from her own, you quickly see all that she has suffered in her years in this school and under the expectations of her highly religious family and that she has heaps of untold rage underneath the seemingly placid exterior. When the two girls team up to take down the boy at school who has wronged them both, they are really unstoppable.
What really makes this novel so rich is the setting itself; the boarding school is lovingly detailed with all its fun and not so fun traditions, from the prefects ordering the underclassmen around to them taking certain ones under their wing to the black market for snacks and the serious planning around prom. I really loved this glimpse into this school, and just for that, I would love to see more novels from this author.
The only reason I'm taking away a star is because there's a lot of plot points that suddenly appear at the end that get resolved within a chapter, and I think it could have used more time to breath. Also the ending itself is rather abrupt, but pretty satisfying.
All in all, this is a fun revenge YA story where the stakes aren't that high, but the emotions are deeply felt, and two very different girls can still find some common ground despite bullying and their extremely disparate personalities (but they're also way more similar than they first think). Can't wait for more from this author!
July 21, 2026
Huge thanks to Little Brown Books, @coloredpagesbt, @thenovl, @rimmaonoseta, and @hachetteus for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates at a boarding school in High School. The book gives you an inside look at how the boarding school life can be. Sometimes parents make this choice for their kids, not knowing that sometimes, it's worse in there. 'The Revenge Playbook' depicts this just right. Uyai was my favorite from the beginning because she just took absolutely no crap from anyone. She was a badass with an upstanding presence (I wasn't feeling the mean girls vibes though) Even though she's a hard ass, she cares deeply when needed.
Fiyin was very quiet and reserved. She had a withdrawn personality at the school. Rightfully so though. She grew up with super strict parents, whom were also religious nuts. We all know where that leads to. She has a lot of internalized anger from all the crap people at school and at home have put her through. Uyai and Fiyin are not friends by any means necessary. They have nothing in common. Uyai feels important, and she sees Fiyin as pathetic. After a boy named Kola wronged both of them, it's time for both Uyai and Fiyin to get their lick back, because the hate is actually real here! Also, let's not forget that plot twist that will have you saying...WHOA!
It's been a while since I've read a YA book, and I'm glad I picked up a diverse book that got my attention. The book is filled with drama and sweet revenge. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the adults though, it's always awful; seeing how some parents treat their kids, especially some fathers. Sometimes, you just have to put your foot down and have to let them know your feelings. I'm really looking forward to reading more from Rimma Onoseta.
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates at a boarding school in High School. The book gives you an inside look at how the boarding school life can be. Sometimes parents make this choice for their kids, not knowing that sometimes, it's worse in there. 'The Revenge Playbook' depicts this just right. Uyai was my favorite from the beginning because she just took absolutely no crap from anyone. She was a badass with an upstanding presence (I wasn't feeling the mean girls vibes though) Even though she's a hard ass, she cares deeply when needed.
Fiyin was very quiet and reserved. She had a withdrawn personality at the school. Rightfully so though. She grew up with super strict parents, whom were also religious nuts. We all know where that leads to. She has a lot of internalized anger from all the crap people at school and at home have put her through. Uyai and Fiyin are not friends by any means necessary. They have nothing in common. Uyai feels important, and she sees Fiyin as pathetic. After a boy named Kola wronged both of them, it's time for both Uyai and Fiyin to get their lick back, because the hate is actually real here! Also, let's not forget that plot twist that will have you saying...WHOA!
It's been a while since I've read a YA book, and I'm glad I picked up a diverse book that got my attention. The book is filled with drama and sweet revenge. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the adults though, it's always awful; seeing how some parents treat their kids, especially some fathers. Sometimes, you just have to put your foot down and have to let them know your feelings. I'm really looking forward to reading more from Rimma Onoseta.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt @thenovl @rimmaonoseta for my gifted copy‼️
Ace of Spades meets Mean Girls in this twisty YA novel where getting revenge on someone who wronged you is sweet. But getting revenge on the person who bullied you and made your life hell is even sweeter especially when they never saw it coming.
Uyai and Fiyin were roommates at boarding school but one thing they weren’t is friends and Uyai made sure her actions showed just that. Uyai’s presence was loud around school yes she was a mini Regina George and Fiyin was practically invisible they had absolutely nothing in common . . . . until they did . . . His name was Kola. You might think it’s your typical girl drama and he played them both but their hate for Kola runs deeper than a petty relationship and he must suffer the consequences of his actions. Not only will their plan blindside him like the plate of beans thrown upside Uyai’s head. But there’s a twist in the plot that will make everyone’s mouth drop. Even I didn’t see that coming it definitely made me scream CHECKMATE‼️
This is Rimma Onoseta’s second novel and I’ve officially added her to my favorite YA authors list. The beginning starts a bit slow with the revenge plot but the drama along the way kept me hooked. One thing I’d like to point out is how trash all of the adults were even the teachers. The way Uyai and Fiyin were both treated by their fathers was disgusting and of course their moms stood on the sideline watching it all unfold.
One message young readers can take from this is that it’s okay to stand up for yourself even if it means standing up to your parents about what you believe in. Overall, this was a great book if you’re a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo, Ibi Zoboi, or Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé you should read this book‼️
Ace of Spades meets Mean Girls in this twisty YA novel where getting revenge on someone who wronged you is sweet. But getting revenge on the person who bullied you and made your life hell is even sweeter especially when they never saw it coming.
Uyai and Fiyin were roommates at boarding school but one thing they weren’t is friends and Uyai made sure her actions showed just that. Uyai’s presence was loud around school yes she was a mini Regina George and Fiyin was practically invisible they had absolutely nothing in common . . . . until they did . . . His name was Kola. You might think it’s your typical girl drama and he played them both but their hate for Kola runs deeper than a petty relationship and he must suffer the consequences of his actions. Not only will their plan blindside him like the plate of beans thrown upside Uyai’s head. But there’s a twist in the plot that will make everyone’s mouth drop. Even I didn’t see that coming it definitely made me scream CHECKMATE‼️
This is Rimma Onoseta’s second novel and I’ve officially added her to my favorite YA authors list. The beginning starts a bit slow with the revenge plot but the drama along the way kept me hooked. One thing I’d like to point out is how trash all of the adults were even the teachers. The way Uyai and Fiyin were both treated by their fathers was disgusting and of course their moms stood on the sideline watching it all unfold.
One message young readers can take from this is that it’s okay to stand up for yourself even if it means standing up to your parents about what you believe in. Overall, this was a great book if you’re a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo, Ibi Zoboi, or Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé you should read this book‼️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates at a boarding school, and they are only weeks away from graduation. Uyai has a dominating presence, a loud and in charge type personality. Fiyin is the quiet one, spending her time in the library or tucked out of the way. They have nothing in common until they decide to come together to take revenge on a boy that has humiliated them.
I appreciated being immersed into all the aspects of Nigerian culture – the language, school system, relationships, styles – I felt fully present within the story. As characters, Uyai and Fiyin were robust, coming together in both their school and home settings. Uyai may not have been likeable, but she was well written. Surrounding characters supported the movement throughout the story.
While the synopsis states this is a story of revenge, it also felt like it was about young, hurting people intent on hurting others. It felt like a community of misplaced pain and humiliation; more like Mean Girls, fueled by grudges and a need to carry that pain to others.
The story wove in important topics around family and loyalty, about how differently females can be treated compared to male counterparts, as well as how we need to sometimes look out for ourselves. There was very little sense of community, and there was very little presence, adult or otherwise, to help bring anyone together. Things came together in a twisty, somewhat satisfying end, though personally I had hoped for there to be a hint of learning to work through pain instead of continuing to react to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the advanced digital copy or The Revenge Playbook. All thoughts are my own.
I appreciated being immersed into all the aspects of Nigerian culture – the language, school system, relationships, styles – I felt fully present within the story. As characters, Uyai and Fiyin were robust, coming together in both their school and home settings. Uyai may not have been likeable, but she was well written. Surrounding characters supported the movement throughout the story.
While the synopsis states this is a story of revenge, it also felt like it was about young, hurting people intent on hurting others. It felt like a community of misplaced pain and humiliation; more like Mean Girls, fueled by grudges and a need to carry that pain to others.
The story wove in important topics around family and loyalty, about how differently females can be treated compared to male counterparts, as well as how we need to sometimes look out for ourselves. There was very little sense of community, and there was very little presence, adult or otherwise, to help bring anyone together. Things came together in a twisty, somewhat satisfying end, though personally I had hoped for there to be a hint of learning to work through pain instead of continuing to react to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for Young Readers for the advanced digital copy or The Revenge Playbook. All thoughts are my own.
July 22, 2026
An advance copy was provided to me for free by the publisher.
Filled with drama and unexpected twists, The Revenge Playbook will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Fiyin and Uyai are roommates, enemies, and complete opposites who reluctantly team up to get the best of a troublesome classmate. As their plans take unexpected turns, they learn they are more alike than they think.
There are so many things to love about this book and I was especially drawn to how Onoseta balances a vivid and engaging setting. You are thrust into Blue Waters Secondary School, a boarding school in Nigeria, and all of the scheming and alliances needed to survive until graduation. Fiyin and Uyai are varying ends of the social hierarchy and the tension of their collaboration was so fun to read. The banter and negotiating that occurs kept me reading and the unexpected twists forces me to reevaluate what I thought I knew about each character.
I also loved how Onoseta wove in sharp critique on gender roles and expectations. Both Fiyin and Uyai have to navigate unfair double standards and figure out ways to get what they want, even if goes against the perception of how girls should behave. I enjoyed how they both reflect those unnecessary limitations to those around them as the story progressed. They both get messy and I was delighted to see what they would do next.
✨ If you are looking for a twisty story with girls leaning in their power, The Revenge Playbook should be on your reading list.
Filled with drama and unexpected twists, The Revenge Playbook will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Fiyin and Uyai are roommates, enemies, and complete opposites who reluctantly team up to get the best of a troublesome classmate. As their plans take unexpected turns, they learn they are more alike than they think.
There are so many things to love about this book and I was especially drawn to how Onoseta balances a vivid and engaging setting. You are thrust into Blue Waters Secondary School, a boarding school in Nigeria, and all of the scheming and alliances needed to survive until graduation. Fiyin and Uyai are varying ends of the social hierarchy and the tension of their collaboration was so fun to read. The banter and negotiating that occurs kept me reading and the unexpected twists forces me to reevaluate what I thought I knew about each character.
I also loved how Onoseta wove in sharp critique on gender roles and expectations. Both Fiyin and Uyai have to navigate unfair double standards and figure out ways to get what they want, even if goes against the perception of how girls should behave. I enjoyed how they both reflect those unnecessary limitations to those around them as the story progressed. They both get messy and I was delighted to see what they would do next.
✨ If you are looking for a twisty story with girls leaning in their power, The Revenge Playbook should be on your reading list.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is very obviously aimed under my age group, but I still enjoyed this!
Uyai is a stubborn girl who has grown tough skin. She doesn’t let things get to her and has really commendable confidence in herself, especially considering she’s in high school. Fiyin is basically the polar opposite. She’s shy and reserved, and is the pastor’s daughter. Unlikely circumstances have these girls teaming up together (it’s blackmail, Uyai is ruthless) to dismantle Kola’s reputation. These girls are cunning and come up with some downright evil (for high school, anyway) plans to do so.
The characters are both drastically different, and we get chapters from both POV’s which adds layers to the book. Both have dealt with family issues, and both have been publicly humiliated. They have responded very differently to these events, and it’s interesting to watch the girls slowly empathize with each other. Uyai learns a smidge of kindness and Fiyin grows a backbone.
The writings was easy to follow, although there were parts of the book I couldn’t necessarily 100% understand because I believe the writing was slang. No big issue, context clues are important and helped me get the gist of things.
Great and fun read for a YA group, with plenty of shenanigans and drama to keep it interesting.
This is very obviously aimed under my age group, but I still enjoyed this!
Uyai is a stubborn girl who has grown tough skin. She doesn’t let things get to her and has really commendable confidence in herself, especially considering she’s in high school. Fiyin is basically the polar opposite. She’s shy and reserved, and is the pastor’s daughter. Unlikely circumstances have these girls teaming up together (it’s blackmail, Uyai is ruthless) to dismantle Kola’s reputation. These girls are cunning and come up with some downright evil (for high school, anyway) plans to do so.
The characters are both drastically different, and we get chapters from both POV’s which adds layers to the book. Both have dealt with family issues, and both have been publicly humiliated. They have responded very differently to these events, and it’s interesting to watch the girls slowly empathize with each other. Uyai learns a smidge of kindness and Fiyin grows a backbone.
The writings was easy to follow, although there were parts of the book I couldn’t necessarily 100% understand because I believe the writing was slang. No big issue, context clues are important and helped me get the gist of things.
Great and fun read for a YA group, with plenty of shenanigans and drama to keep it interesting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We follow Uyai and Fiyin, two girls from a border school, who hate each other. Bot of them struggling with their own past and personality, while trying to survive the hierarchy of their school.
Until one day, they start working together to seek revenge on a schoolmate that wronged them both.
I know I'm not necessarily the right age group for this and that might be a reason why I couldn't fully get into it, but I also found it lacked many things altogether.
Both characters dealt with somewhat of a traumatic family situation, since both of them have terrible fathers and while it is addresses and reason for the way they are, I feel like its not handled with the depth it should have. Uyai has a very honest conversation with her mother about how unfairly and misogynistic she's been treated. And Fiyin has the same conversation with her (Uyai), as she's been consistently bullied by the whole school.
We also have mentioning of cult- like behavior from Fiyin's father, that isn't really resolved.
And while they kinda work together, it's always overshadowed by the sheer ridiculousness of their behaviors.
Uyai is just a plain bully. The whole school is kinda just a bunch of terrorizing children, enabled by the terrorizing adults.
The ending is only halfway satisfying and the book lacks depth overall.
I do appreciate the insight of the culture a lot.
Until one day, they start working together to seek revenge on a schoolmate that wronged them both.
I know I'm not necessarily the right age group for this and that might be a reason why I couldn't fully get into it, but I also found it lacked many things altogether.
Both characters dealt with somewhat of a traumatic family situation, since both of them have terrible fathers and while it is addresses and reason for the way they are, I feel like its not handled with the depth it should have. Uyai has a very honest conversation with her mother about how unfairly and misogynistic she's been treated. And Fiyin has the same conversation with her (Uyai), as she's been consistently bullied by the whole school.
We also have mentioning of cult- like behavior from Fiyin's father, that isn't really resolved.
And while they kinda work together, it's always overshadowed by the sheer ridiculousness of their behaviors.
Uyai is just a plain bully. The whole school is kinda just a bunch of terrorizing children, enabled by the terrorizing adults.
The ending is only halfway satisfying and the book lacks depth overall.
I do appreciate the insight of the culture a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2026
3.5*
When I first read the blurb for this book, I loved the idea of two enemies teaming up to take down a boy. This was a very intriguing premise as Fiyin and Uyai are 2 roommates who don’t even like each other but come together to create a revenge plan to humiliate a boy who has wronged them both. The Nigerian boarding school setting was interesting as there were various social standings and schemes the students controlled and it was fun to see these differences played out through the story.
Fiyin and Uyai are complete opposites: Fiyin is a quiet, good girl and Uyai is loud and unapologetically herself as both girls tell their individual stories through a dual POV. The story focuses heavily on their memories of pivotal moments in their life to show how they got to where they are today and provides them with detailed character depth and development as I really enjoyed getting to know them. The novel does seem to focus too much on these back stories as I thought the revenge plot would be the star of the show but there isn't even a glimpse of that until page 75 and then it doesn't fully get going until almost halfway! I also liked the side characters including Etim, Ore and Alero.
However, I did love the revenge aspect once it fully got underway. I liked how 2 very different people put their differences and dislike aside to create some devious pranks. I did think that the first revenge prank was a little too tame and disappointing for what I was expecting but his retaliation really steps it up and I liked how this made them think bigger to pull off something even better. The ending felt a little anticlimactic as the revenge plot seemed to end without much fallout but there’s a big twist which really surprised me and made up for it!
I thought the revenge storyline was actually more of a subplot as the main focus of the story was on the 2 girls and how wildly different their experiences are, both at school and at home. I didn't mind this, it’s just not exactly what I was expecting from the plot. I did like how this revenge bond between the two didn't automatically make them friends with a nice happy ending and instead they still hated each other which was refreshing to see. I also really loved the shock ending with Fiyin as she finally takes control of her life and it was great to see this side to her.
Overall, this is fun YA novel with an array of complex characters that really make the story. I enjoyed the revenge aspect even though it felt more like a subplot and I liked the dynamics of the different students as they navigate this time just before graduation.
When I first read the blurb for this book, I loved the idea of two enemies teaming up to take down a boy. This was a very intriguing premise as Fiyin and Uyai are 2 roommates who don’t even like each other but come together to create a revenge plan to humiliate a boy who has wronged them both. The Nigerian boarding school setting was interesting as there were various social standings and schemes the students controlled and it was fun to see these differences played out through the story.
Fiyin and Uyai are complete opposites: Fiyin is a quiet, good girl and Uyai is loud and unapologetically herself as both girls tell their individual stories through a dual POV. The story focuses heavily on their memories of pivotal moments in their life to show how they got to where they are today and provides them with detailed character depth and development as I really enjoyed getting to know them. The novel does seem to focus too much on these back stories as I thought the revenge plot would be the star of the show but there isn't even a glimpse of that until page 75 and then it doesn't fully get going until almost halfway! I also liked the side characters including Etim, Ore and Alero.
However, I did love the revenge aspect once it fully got underway. I liked how 2 very different people put their differences and dislike aside to create some devious pranks. I did think that the first revenge prank was a little too tame and disappointing for what I was expecting but his retaliation really steps it up and I liked how this made them think bigger to pull off something even better. The ending felt a little anticlimactic as the revenge plot seemed to end without much fallout but there’s a big twist which really surprised me and made up for it!
I thought the revenge storyline was actually more of a subplot as the main focus of the story was on the 2 girls and how wildly different their experiences are, both at school and at home. I didn't mind this, it’s just not exactly what I was expecting from the plot. I did like how this revenge bond between the two didn't automatically make them friends with a nice happy ending and instead they still hated each other which was refreshing to see. I also really loved the shock ending with Fiyin as she finally takes control of her life and it was great to see this side to her.
Overall, this is fun YA novel with an array of complex characters that really make the story. I enjoyed the revenge aspect even though it felt more like a subplot and I liked the dynamics of the different students as they navigate this time just before graduation.
July 22, 2026
Uyai and Fiyin may be roommates at Blue Waters Secondary School, but they are not friends. Uyai is popular and fierce—she dominates every room she walks into. Fiyin is nerdy and quiet—she’s easy to miss. Anyone who knows them (assuming they know who Fiyin is at all) would argue that, besides that shared dorm room, the two girls have absolutely nothing in common.
My Rating: 4.2 stars
Oh! I loved this twisty young adult, coming-of-age plot involving revenge against someone who hurt them. This book held my attention and didn't let go. I was hooked from the very beginning. Uyai was a character I really disliked at the beginning, but little by little, I started to understand her. Still didn't like her toward the end lol. Flyin was my favorite of the two girls, she is the quiet one who lets people push her around, but her character development toward the end was everything. I loved how she became her own person. And the ending—please tell me we will get a second book. idk if it's a novella; I want to know what Flyin is going to do with the information she has. Highly recommend reading.
My Rating: 4.2 stars
Oh! I loved this twisty young adult, coming-of-age plot involving revenge against someone who hurt them. This book held my attention and didn't let go. I was hooked from the very beginning. Uyai was a character I really disliked at the beginning, but little by little, I started to understand her. Still didn't like her toward the end lol. Flyin was my favorite of the two girls, she is the quiet one who lets people push her around, but her character development toward the end was everything. I loved how she became her own person. And the ending—please tell me we will get a second book. idk if it's a novella; I want to know what Flyin is going to do with the information she has. Highly recommend reading.
March 31, 2026
This book was about 2 very different girls from the same boarding school. They both team up to get back at a guy that has wronged both of them. There is some different twists and turns here and there.
I thought we spent a lot of time in the book just getting like a “lead up” to the plot of the book and not so much time with the actual plot. We do learn about each of the characters though, which I enjoyed. I didn’t really sympathize with the one FMC just because she really was just rude most of the time. I think getting both sides with 2 FMC’s was nice so you can see more than one side. I also liked getting to know about the side characters and their relationships.
The ending was kind of ambiguous which I don’t mind but I feel some points were just left open so we don’t know how things turn out.
Some translations to English weren’t translated super well so I had a hard time understanding somethings but other than a few things here and there I think things were good.
Rated 3.5/5
Thank you Little Brown YR and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
I thought we spent a lot of time in the book just getting like a “lead up” to the plot of the book and not so much time with the actual plot. We do learn about each of the characters though, which I enjoyed. I didn’t really sympathize with the one FMC just because she really was just rude most of the time. I think getting both sides with 2 FMC’s was nice so you can see more than one side. I also liked getting to know about the side characters and their relationships.
The ending was kind of ambiguous which I don’t mind but I feel some points were just left open so we don’t know how things turn out.
Some translations to English weren’t translated super well so I had a hard time understanding somethings but other than a few things here and there I think things were good.
Rated 3.5/5
Thank you Little Brown YR and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 stars
Two young women decide they will get theirs in this tale about exacting revenge. Both characters have distinct personalities and motives, but their focus is singular.
My favorite elements of this read are the cultural details that come through about the community, expectations, religious details, and other beliefs and expectations. I enjoyed watching the characters operate in this space.
I did experience a central challenge throughout the novel: more telling than showing. YA can be really smart, and I felt like some of the presentation was too simplistic and lacked nuance here. The foundation is good, but the details could be refined IMO.
This was my first experience with this author, and I'd recommend this book for folks interested in experiencing YA in a culture that may be distinct from their typical expectations.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Two young women decide they will get theirs in this tale about exacting revenge. Both characters have distinct personalities and motives, but their focus is singular.
My favorite elements of this read are the cultural details that come through about the community, expectations, religious details, and other beliefs and expectations. I enjoyed watching the characters operate in this space.
I did experience a central challenge throughout the novel: more telling than showing. YA can be really smart, and I felt like some of the presentation was too simplistic and lacked nuance here. The foundation is good, but the details could be refined IMO.
This was my first experience with this author, and I'd recommend this book for folks interested in experiencing YA in a culture that may be distinct from their typical expectations.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 29, 2026
A compelling story of two young ladies, who don't really like each other, who decide to join forces to obtain revenge on a classmate.
Now the story was enjoyable, but it did take me a bit longer to read it than I would have liked (The father of one of the young ladies was a preacher, it did trigger me, and i cried at times for what her parents put her through). Despite that, it was an emotional and thought provoking read. After watching the Facts of life as a kid, I used to wonder what the boarding school life would be like. After reading this, I'm glad i never attended one ( although my experience from high school still sucked).
The revenge subplot didn't seem to show up until about halfway through the book. And then, it didn't seem the main focus. It felt more like it focused on the two ladies (and their relationship to each other.
If you like messy high school stories, then I think you would like this book
I recieved a copy of the book vua the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
Now the story was enjoyable, but it did take me a bit longer to read it than I would have liked (The father of one of the young ladies was a preacher, it did trigger me, and i cried at times for what her parents put her through). Despite that, it was an emotional and thought provoking read. After watching the Facts of life as a kid, I used to wonder what the boarding school life would be like. After reading this, I'm glad i never attended one ( although my experience from high school still sucked).
The revenge subplot didn't seem to show up until about halfway through the book. And then, it didn't seem the main focus. It felt more like it focused on the two ladies (and their relationship to each other.
If you like messy high school stories, then I think you would like this book
I recieved a copy of the book vua the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
It’s their sixth and final year at Blue Waters boarding school in Nigeria, and roommates Fiyan and Uyai barely tolerate each other. Fiyan, the only daughter of a hugely popular evangelical preacher, is suffocating under the expectations of her parents while finding some solace in a tentative romance with Erin, Uyai’s twin. Uyai’s considerable power over all the other students is based on manipulation and fear; Fiyan has considered her an enemy since Uyai began to bully her during the first week of the first year of school. As the year progresses, the two continue their rivalry and with each metaphorical (and occasional physical) blow thrown, more about their complex characters comes to light. Plenty of grim moments enlivened by bits of humor - such as Fiyan’s account of why she thinks she might be pregnant. Fans of boarding school stories will especially appreciate the Nigerian setting. Earc from Edelweiss.
July 22, 2026
The Revenge Playbook
by Rimma Onoseta
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this YA novel by Rimma Onoseta. The author knows how to write a relatable story that anyone can enjoy. This is a story of unlikely companions Uyai and Fiyin that will have you mad, disappointed and then have you cheering them on in solidarity for conspiring together for the ultimate get back against a common enemy. This is a tale that includes bullying, becoming a better version of oneself and the hardships of being vulnerable young adults experiencing life.
P.S. I despised Kola's litte creepy self, Uyai's dad pissed me off soooo bad!!! I hate double standards between how son's and daughters are treated. They're all equal so need to be treated as such. Fiyin and Uyai's type of revenge was freaking hilarious 😂!!!!
Thanks again for the gifted copy of the book for my review. @coloredpagesbt @thenovl @rimmaonoseta
#therevengeplaybooktour #coloredpagesbooktours
by Rimma Onoseta
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this YA novel by Rimma Onoseta. The author knows how to write a relatable story that anyone can enjoy. This is a story of unlikely companions Uyai and Fiyin that will have you mad, disappointed and then have you cheering them on in solidarity for conspiring together for the ultimate get back against a common enemy. This is a tale that includes bullying, becoming a better version of oneself and the hardships of being vulnerable young adults experiencing life.
P.S. I despised Kola's litte creepy self, Uyai's dad pissed me off soooo bad!!! I hate double standards between how son's and daughters are treated. They're all equal so need to be treated as such. Fiyin and Uyai's type of revenge was freaking hilarious 😂!!!!
Thanks again for the gifted copy of the book for my review. @coloredpagesbt @thenovl @rimmaonoseta
#therevengeplaybooktour #coloredpagesbooktours
June 30, 2026
⭐
THE REVENGE PLAYBOOK by Rimma Onoseta (July 21, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Books for the eArc
Two girls, Uyai and Fiyin, have both been humilated. They team up to enact revenge.
THE REVENGE PLAYBOOK is a YA revenge thriller that is both frustrating
and boring. This has a very slow start, and by the 25% mark, the story seemed to be going nowhere. The plot wasn't plotting. It was all drama for the first part. Don't get me wrong...I love drama. But...Where was the revenge? Why was I over 50% in, and the "revenge playbook" had yet to start? When it did start, it was childish, and honestly didn't help the book.
From the title alone, I expected thrills. For me, this did not deliver.
THE REVENGE PLAYBOOK by Rimma Onoseta (July 21, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Little Brown Books for the eArc
Two girls, Uyai and Fiyin, have both been humilated. They team up to enact revenge.
THE REVENGE PLAYBOOK is a YA revenge thriller that is both frustrating
and boring. This has a very slow start, and by the 25% mark, the story seemed to be going nowhere. The plot wasn't plotting. It was all drama for the first part. Don't get me wrong...I love drama. But...Where was the revenge? Why was I over 50% in, and the "revenge playbook" had yet to start? When it did start, it was childish, and honestly didn't help the book.
From the title alone, I expected thrills. For me, this did not deliver.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Revenge Playbook by Rimma Onoseta is a Young Adult novel set in a Nigerian boarding school. As someone who attended a boarding school, this book brought back so many memories, with the details painted by the author - I even remembered the smell of the sick bay in my school, even though there were a lot of differences between the school I attended and the fictional Blue Waters secondary school. I enjoyed reading this book more than I expected. The ending wasn't the usual "everyone learns and becomes good" but I found that new and satisfying.
I got the ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via Netgalley. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers via Netgalley. This is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Revenge was had. The hazing that the older kids did to the younger ones is sort of hardcore in my opinion. I enjoyed the way Uyai and Fiyin were opposites but at the same time could collaborate for a common goal. This book made me question if I should just feel bad for everyone. It also was an interesting commentary on how parents actions can impact and influence kids not only in how they feel about themselves but others as well. These kids took an eye for an eye very seriously. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to be on the bad side of Uyai and Fiyin.
March 14, 2026
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I think as an English reader knowing this book was translated to English, it was a little bit of a challenge. There were some phrases that they tried to translate and did not translate well. There were times I had to use a whole page full on context clues as to know what someone said.
The overall story line was good but maybe not my cup of tea. Good revenge ideas!
I think as an English reader knowing this book was translated to English, it was a little bit of a challenge. There were some phrases that they tried to translate and did not translate well. There were times I had to use a whole page full on context clues as to know what someone said.
The overall story line was good but maybe not my cup of tea. Good revenge ideas!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this twisty YA novel, two girls team up to take down a boy who has done them wrong. Rimma brings us Uyai, a popular girl and her roommate, Flyin, a nerdy girl. They are enemies and Uyai actually coerces Flyin to team with her to bring this boy down. The plot full of twists and surprises, and we get to learn lots about the Nigerian culture and language. It is a fun read and there is a good lesson at the end, but it is a twisty ride to get there.
July 28, 2026
This was a decently written YA boarding school drama, which is normally right up my alley, but for some reason I never could quite get into this one. I think part of my issue is I went in expecting more of the revenge plot, and that didn't even become part of the story until about 50% into the book which made the beginning feel fairly slow. I also found Uyai a prickly FMC, and it was hard to get on her side with how she treats others, especially Fiyin. Overall, I think some would enjoy this book, especially if they like a lot of character exploration.
Tropes
* Revenge Plot
* Boarding School
* Family Drama
2.5 stars
Tropes
* Revenge Plot
* Boarding School
* Family Drama
2.5 stars
August 3, 2026
In a Nigerian boarding school, 3 girls share a dorm room. One is quiet and blends in the background when around others. One is liked by everyone and helps younger students. One has been out for herself and mean spirited to many students. They discover that they really are not that different from each other. Most of them have problems at home. Two of them make a plan to get back at a boy who has been treating them terribly. Then the plot twist...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Revenge Playbook by Rimma Onoseta is a YA story that includes a whole lot of revenge, a mix of blackmailing and a dash of back stabbing and I was all for it! The scheming and drama kept me invested and entertained throughout the entire story.
"And when has getting in trouble ever stopped anyone?"
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates who despise each other but decide to team up and get the ultimate revenge on their common. It was going down at Blue Waters Secondary School! Things definitely got messy and then I couldn't not help but gasp when the reverse uno card was played.
For all the drama and chaos that unfolded, I appreciated the bigger message that sometimes the only way to get what you want is to put yourself first, even if it means being a little selfish and things get messy.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!
4.5 stars rounded up
"And when has getting in trouble ever stopped anyone?"
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates who despise each other but decide to team up and get the ultimate revenge on their common. It was going down at Blue Waters Secondary School! Things definitely got messy and then I couldn't not help but gasp when the reverse uno card was played.
For all the drama and chaos that unfolded, I appreciated the bigger message that sometimes the only way to get what you want is to put yourself first, even if it means being a little selfish and things get messy.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy!
4.5 stars rounded up
July 22, 2026
The Revenge Play book is a YA drama full of diverse characters, gossip and two characters sabotaging each other! I really enjoyed reading the mischief these students at this boarding group got into. If you need a YA book that will have you reminiscing on your days as a teenager and have similar vibes to Mean Girls then this would be a great pick for you!
July 13, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5⭐️ - I liked the boarding school aspect and the two main character perspectives. It was a good book but I didn’t love it.
3.5⭐️ - I liked the boarding school aspect and the two main character perspectives. It was a good book but I didn’t love it.
August 5, 2026
The book took way to long to get to the revenge part. The last 15% was the best but of the book.
September 6, 2026
I enjoyed this book, especally the dynamic between Uyai and Fiyin. their relationship was my favorite part of the book. It was a fun YA with a great message on standing up for yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read the full review with representation information and trigger warnings on my blog.
3.5 stars rounded up
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates at their prestigious boarding school, but they couldn’t be more different. Their lives entangle when Uyai discovers that Fiyin had sex with her twin brother and had a pregnancy scare from it. They end up able to bond over being more similar to each other than they thought, but that bond may not last forever due to the complicated web of drama they find themselves in.
I agree with the description of the book that this book is twisty, but it seemed like in the case of a lot of the plot twists, there was no foreshadowing leading up to it so it really felt like they were just plot twists for the sake of surprising the reader. I did also find it awkwardly paced — the description of the book talks about Uyai and Fiyin teaming up to take down the boy who wronged both of them, but they do not actually agree to team up until halfway through the book, and it’s only because Uyai is blackmailing Fiyin. The twists and their friendship would’ve been more impactful if it was just genuinely two different girls teaming up to take down a boy, and not Fiyin being forced to participate. Because of that, I struggled to sympathize with Uyai.
Fiyin does get an ending that was somewhat satisfying to me, but because of the way the book was paced and the twists were written, it didn’t seem to make much sense. Fiyin does have character growth, but it seems like it happens all at once at the end, with nothing that led up to it. Uyai’s plotline about her situation with her family was compelling, but it also felt like it lingered in an unresolved way. There was a lot to like about this book, but I think it could have benefited from more editing.
The side characters were interesting, and I would’ve liked them to be more fleshed out, especially Victoria. She seemed kind of interesting. The school as a setting was compelling, where you could see why the brutality and strict structure of the school could lead the students to develop the opposite type of character than those in charge of the school expected all the restrictions would cause them to develop. To me, that was the strongest part of the book. I hoped to see the creepy male teacher getting some sort of consequence, but unfortunately he did not. That is frequently realistic, though, so it did show how the environment shaped the girls and boys who attended the school.
I’m not super sure what the message of the book was supposed to be. I think there are some positive messages in the book about standing up for yourself, though. I’m not sure if that was exactly what was intended, but that’s what I got out of the book.
The Revenge Playbook releases July 21 from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Books and Rimma Onoseta for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
3.5 stars rounded up
Uyai and Fiyin are roommates at their prestigious boarding school, but they couldn’t be more different. Their lives entangle when Uyai discovers that Fiyin had sex with her twin brother and had a pregnancy scare from it. They end up able to bond over being more similar to each other than they thought, but that bond may not last forever due to the complicated web of drama they find themselves in.
I agree with the description of the book that this book is twisty, but it seemed like in the case of a lot of the plot twists, there was no foreshadowing leading up to it so it really felt like they were just plot twists for the sake of surprising the reader. I did also find it awkwardly paced — the description of the book talks about Uyai and Fiyin teaming up to take down the boy who wronged both of them, but they do not actually agree to team up until halfway through the book, and it’s only because Uyai is blackmailing Fiyin. The twists and their friendship would’ve been more impactful if it was just genuinely two different girls teaming up to take down a boy, and not Fiyin being forced to participate. Because of that, I struggled to sympathize with Uyai.
Fiyin does get an ending that was somewhat satisfying to me, but because of the way the book was paced and the twists were written, it didn’t seem to make much sense. Fiyin does have character growth, but it seems like it happens all at once at the end, with nothing that led up to it. Uyai’s plotline about her situation with her family was compelling, but it also felt like it lingered in an unresolved way. There was a lot to like about this book, but I think it could have benefited from more editing.
The side characters were interesting, and I would’ve liked them to be more fleshed out, especially Victoria. She seemed kind of interesting. The school as a setting was compelling, where you could see why the brutality and strict structure of the school could lead the students to develop the opposite type of character than those in charge of the school expected all the restrictions would cause them to develop. To me, that was the strongest part of the book. I hoped to see the creepy male teacher getting some sort of consequence, but unfortunately he did not. That is frequently realistic, though, so it did show how the environment shaped the girls and boys who attended the school.
I’m not super sure what the message of the book was supposed to be. I think there are some positive messages in the book about standing up for yourself, though. I’m not sure if that was exactly what was intended, but that’s what I got out of the book.
The Revenge Playbook releases July 21 from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Books and Rimma Onoseta for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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