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Heirs of Infamy
Two rivals from opposing gangs grow dangerously close in this dazzling YA debut set in 1940s San Francisco Chinatown.
Beneath the neon glare of postwar San Francisco, Chinatown is ruled by two rival crime families. East Phoenix deals in secrets and stealth, West Dragon in fists and fear. But 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 were never meant to cross again, not after he destroyed Alexis’s one shot to prove herself.
That changes when a daring heist surfaces—one with a bounty big enough to save both families from ruin. Defying her father’s orders, Alexis seizes the chance to redeem herself by striking an uneasy alliance with Zachary. As old wounds reopen and new sparks catch, survival means trusting the last person she thought she would.
Beneath the neon glare of postwar San Francisco, Chinatown is ruled by two rival crime families. East Phoenix deals in secrets and stealth, West Dragon in fists and fear. But 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 were never meant to cross again, not after he destroyed Alexis’s one shot to prove herself.
That changes when a daring heist surfaces—one with a bounty big enough to save both families from ruin. Defying her father’s orders, Alexis seizes the chance to redeem herself by striking an uneasy alliance with Zachary. As old wounds reopen and new sparks catch, survival means trusting the last person she thought she would.
Audible Audio
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Kyla Zhao
4 books415 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 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 8, 2026
Heirs of Infamy is a lush, fast paced historical that kept me hooked the whole way through. Kyla Zhao’s writing is excellent! The descriptions of 1940s San Francisco and the Chinese cultural elements were so vivid and evocative.
The romance between Alexis and Zachary was sooooo good. There’s tension and history and the knowledge that they can’t ever be together but oh boy do they want it. Alexis is the daughter of a crime boss, but she is kept separate from the going ons of the family. Her desperation to be seen and valued in the gang was a great counterpoint to Zachary’s struggle to break free from the life of crime that was chosen for him.
The heist was a fun plot point, because I’ll always love a good heist. I wish that we’d gotten a Zachary POV for it though, since Alexis is kind of outside of the action. The stakes felt a little lowered because we didn’t get a front row seat to the job.
Overall this was such a great time. I’ve been incredibly lucky with my advance copies this year, and this one is no exception! I think anyone who likes These Violent Delights or other Romeo/Juliet retellings will eat this one up. ❤️
•••••••••
This cover is GORGEOUS! Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the advance copy! ❤️
The romance between Alexis and Zachary was sooooo good. There’s tension and history and the knowledge that they can’t ever be together but oh boy do they want it. Alexis is the daughter of a crime boss, but she is kept separate from the going ons of the family. Her desperation to be seen and valued in the gang was a great counterpoint to Zachary’s struggle to break free from the life of crime that was chosen for him.
The heist was a fun plot point, because I’ll always love a good heist. I wish that we’d gotten a Zachary POV for it though, since Alexis is kind of outside of the action. The stakes felt a little lowered because we didn’t get a front row seat to the job.
Overall this was such a great time. I’ve been incredibly lucky with my advance copies this year, and this one is no exception! I think anyone who likes These Violent Delights or other Romeo/Juliet retellings will eat this one up. ❤️
•••••••••
This cover is GORGEOUS! Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the advance copy! ❤️
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley, for this ARC.
If you enjoy rich atmospheric stories, rival crime families, a high-stakes heist, and forbidden romance, this book is for you! Heirs of Infamy is a fantastic YA read.
I am so pleased to say this is the best ARC I've read this year. Kyla Zhao brings 1940s San Francisco Chinatown to life with the most atmospheric historical details and a rich Chinese background that shines throughout the story. We get a glimpse of how it feels to be in a country determined to look down on you because of your culture, and how that affects our two very different main characters. They grow apart only to meet again in order to push themselves forward. Their tension is addictive, and you can't help yourself from wanting more and more from them. And the romance?? Oh my, it's been a long time since I rooted so much for two people to be together. Everything is so well done that it keeps you hooked until the last page. And we get what we deserve at the end.
I couldn't put it down! I fell in love with how thoughtfully and uniquely the author creates her characters, with so much heart that you can imagine yourself being part of it all. This is a must-read book; I can't recommend it enough.
If you enjoy rich atmospheric stories, rival crime families, a high-stakes heist, and forbidden romance, this book is for you! Heirs of Infamy is a fantastic YA read.
I am so pleased to say this is the best ARC I've read this year. Kyla Zhao brings 1940s San Francisco Chinatown to life with the most atmospheric historical details and a rich Chinese background that shines throughout the story. We get a glimpse of how it feels to be in a country determined to look down on you because of your culture, and how that affects our two very different main characters. They grow apart only to meet again in order to push themselves forward. Their tension is addictive, and you can't help yourself from wanting more and more from them. And the romance?? Oh my, it's been a long time since I rooted so much for two people to be together. Everything is so well done that it keeps you hooked until the last page. And we get what we deserve at the end.
I couldn't put it down! I fell in love with how thoughtfully and uniquely the author creates her characters, with so much heart that you can imagine yourself being part of it all. This is a must-read book; I can't recommend it enough.
Want to Read
December 31, 2025i think i may need this a tiny bit more than oxygen.
arcs-to-read
June 23, 2026Everything about this sounds amazing 😍🫶🏼
July 12, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin and Kyla Zhao for giving me the opportunity to red this as an arc!
Heirs of Infamy is set during the 1940s in San Francisco and follows the story of Alexis, East Phoenix’s princess, and Zachary, member of the West Dragons.
First of all, this is clearly inspired by Romeo and Juliet. But the main reason why I picked this up is that it reminded me of These Violent Delights and I’ve been on the hunt for something similar since I read it. Well, I can say I enjoyed this and it definitely satisfied my need for something similar to TVD.
I mostly liked our main characters. i liked that Alexis isn’t afraid of recognising her privilege but she is a little reckless and immature at times. Zachary is great, he is more on the quiet side and sometimes I wished we got a little more from him.
The story was captivating but in some points it felt a little slow, but overall the pacing wasn’t bad. The heist element draws you in, and I think it’s the reason why I kept reading even during the slower moments. The ending felt a little rushed, I wish we got a little more about Alexis and Zachary’s future together.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin and Kyla Zhao for giving me the opportunity to red this as an arc!
Heirs of Infamy is set during the 1940s in San Francisco and follows the story of Alexis, East Phoenix’s princess, and Zachary, member of the West Dragons.
First of all, this is clearly inspired by Romeo and Juliet. But the main reason why I picked this up is that it reminded me of These Violent Delights and I’ve been on the hunt for something similar since I read it. Well, I can say I enjoyed this and it definitely satisfied my need for something similar to TVD.
I mostly liked our main characters. i liked that Alexis isn’t afraid of recognising her privilege but she is a little reckless and immature at times. Zachary is great, he is more on the quiet side and sometimes I wished we got a little more from him.
The story was captivating but in some points it felt a little slow, but overall the pacing wasn’t bad. The heist element draws you in, and I think it’s the reason why I kept reading even during the slower moments. The ending felt a little rushed, I wish we got a little more about Alexis and Zachary’s future together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for this advance copy!!
first of all, i really liked kyla zhao’s writing. this was my first book by her and i enjoyed her style and prose. i’m very excited to read more of her work in the future!
i thought that this book moved along pretty well and was overall a good story. i liked both main characters and the world building really interested me throughout. i hadn’t read anything like this before, rivals to lovers aside. the gangs set up in chinatown was fascinating and the 1940s time period added even more intrigue.
so why the low-ish rating if i liked everything?
honestly it feels forgettable for me. it didn’t blow me away, and the romance didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. the story was good, but not incredible. i think that it was done well, but i don’t see it sticking with me for a long time. it was a great vacation read and easy to move through. however, it’s just not necessarily something that i would read again.
that being said, i’m definitely eager to read more of kyla’s books, and i would even recommend this one for a fun and unique read!
•pre-review•
rating and review to come once i gather my thoughts!
thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for this advance copy!!
first of all, i really liked kyla zhao’s writing. this was my first book by her and i enjoyed her style and prose. i’m very excited to read more of her work in the future!
i thought that this book moved along pretty well and was overall a good story. i liked both main characters and the world building really interested me throughout. i hadn’t read anything like this before, rivals to lovers aside. the gangs set up in chinatown was fascinating and the 1940s time period added even more intrigue.
so why the low-ish rating if i liked everything?
honestly it feels forgettable for me. it didn’t blow me away, and the romance didn’t leave a lasting impression on me. the story was good, but not incredible. i think that it was done well, but i don’t see it sticking with me for a long time. it was a great vacation read and easy to move through. however, it’s just not necessarily something that i would read again.
that being said, i’m definitely eager to read more of kyla’s books, and i would even recommend this one for a fun and unique read!
•pre-review•
rating and review to come once i gather my thoughts!
August 3, 2024
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 😩
Did Not Finish
July 25, 2026DNF at 24%.
I was really intrigued by the premise and enjoy a historical fiction where the characters come from a criminal background because it hits that craving for crime fiction, however, I really struggled to connect with Alexis. The pacing feels too slow and Alexis drives home the inequality too much so that it's hard for me to stay committed to her journey. It had the potential to be an interesting story, but I wish there was more action and a little less reflection. Alexis comes off as a strong-willed protagonist which I liked, but I wanted her to do so much more. I think even though I didn't like it, others may view it differently.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was really intrigued by the premise and enjoy a historical fiction where the characters come from a criminal background because it hits that craving for crime fiction, however, I really struggled to connect with Alexis. The pacing feels too slow and Alexis drives home the inequality too much so that it's hard for me to stay committed to her journey. It had the potential to be an interesting story, but I wish there was more action and a little less reflection. Alexis comes off as a strong-willed protagonist which I liked, but I wanted her to do so much more. I think even though I didn't like it, others may view it differently.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
| rating: 3 ⭐
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC!
Two former friends from rival Chinatown gangs come together again to pull off the heist of their lifetimes. Alexis is the Phoenix Princess, the daughter of the boss of the Eastern Phoenix gang. Zachary is an up-and-coming member of the Dragons. For four years, after a job gone wrong, Alexis and Zachary have been estranged. When a big heist brings the two rival gangs together in a tentative truce, Alexis and Zachary find themselves tangled again and feelings long since buried are brought back to the surface.
For a book that involved heists and rival gangs, the stakes were incredibly low. I didn't feel the urgency that the characters were supposedly feeling, which could be because Alexis was so far removed from the action.
Alexis and Zachary had their moments, but I wish we got a little more about their background and their friendship before the fallout. There was also this emphasis that the gangs are such at odds with each other and yet that conflict didn't touch Alexis and Zachary at all. I wish there was a little more tension between the two of them to make their reconciliation even buzzier.
I really appreciated the commentary on racism and the discrimination that Chinese Americans were going through at the time. I also really liked the sense of community and the messages about family. Alexis was realistic and Zachary was incredibly endearing!
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the e-ARC!
Two former friends from rival Chinatown gangs come together again to pull off the heist of their lifetimes. Alexis is the Phoenix Princess, the daughter of the boss of the Eastern Phoenix gang. Zachary is an up-and-coming member of the Dragons. For four years, after a job gone wrong, Alexis and Zachary have been estranged. When a big heist brings the two rival gangs together in a tentative truce, Alexis and Zachary find themselves tangled again and feelings long since buried are brought back to the surface.
For a book that involved heists and rival gangs, the stakes were incredibly low. I didn't feel the urgency that the characters were supposedly feeling, which could be because Alexis was so far removed from the action.
Alexis and Zachary had their moments, but I wish we got a little more about their background and their friendship before the fallout. There was also this emphasis that the gangs are such at odds with each other and yet that conflict didn't touch Alexis and Zachary at all. I wish there was a little more tension between the two of them to make their reconciliation even buzzier.
I really appreciated the commentary on racism and the discrimination that Chinese Americans were going through at the time. I also really liked the sense of community and the messages about family. Alexis was realistic and Zachary was incredibly endearing!
July 29, 2026
The description of this book sold me with the opposing gang families, forbidden romance, and heist mission. It was fast-paced and fun so I was able to fly through it. I also enjoyed the setting of northern California because SF and the city names were all familiar to me. The inclusion of Chinese culture was beautiful, fascinating, and refreshing. However, the characters seemed very simple and surface-level, which I know can be an issue for YA books. Issues were too conveniently and neatly resolved, which did not allow for much emotional investment in the story. I also did not need to be reminded of Alexis being the Phoenix Princess every other page, because it felt like that was the only thing she had going for herself. Lastly, the writing and slang seemed too modern for a story supposedly taking place in 1940s SF. Overall, I think if I was a teenager, I would have enjoyed this more but at this point in my life I need my books to be complex and convoluted to truly entertain me. So this might just be a case of "it's not you (the book), its me."
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited to read this book when I read the synopsis and saw the cover. I thought it was so beautiful, but unfortunately I felt like it was missing some aspects that would have helped me enjoy it even more. The pacing was one thing I didn’t enjoy. It was slow, so it took me a while to get into the mood of the book. The main characters, Zachary and Alexis, the romance between them wasn’t my favorite. I felt like the romance was missing sparks; I just didn’t feel the tension in their romance, wish we got more buildup and yearning. Another thing was, when I read the synopsis, there was a heist, but I guess the heist wasn’t present enough in the book! Really sad I didn’t love this book because I love historical romance and was missing the high-stakes feeling.
Some things I liked: 🖤ྀིྀི
⭑.ᐟ historical romance
⭑.ᐟ 1940's san francisco
⭑.ᐟ Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers!!
Some things I liked: 🖤ྀིྀི
⭑.ᐟ historical romance
⭑.ᐟ 1940's san francisco
⭑.ᐟ Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book. It was reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet since Alexis and Zachary are on two opposite sides. It was interesting to see Alexis’ relationship with her father. She is so eager to prove herself to him and to be part of the Phoenix. I liked the relationship between our MCs. They both went through so much together and being reunited again was very touching. There were some plot twists I didn’t expect. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed, perhaps there’s a sequel coming? I also had trouble believing that it was set in the 40s. There were elements lacking to me to fully transport me to this era, maybe in the description of the surroundings and the names chosen for the characters. I still had a fun time with this book and would recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.
July 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC
4 stars might even round to 5. One of my favorite romances I've read this year. 🤍
I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page, it completely pulled me in and never let go. It was incredibly fun, fast-paced, and so addictive. One of my favorite aspects was the setting. Since I'm from the Bay Area, it was such a fun experience seeing San Francisco woven into the story. Recognizing places I've grown up visiting made the world feel even more immersive and added such a personal touch to my reading experience.
The romance was easily the highlight for me. The tension, the chemistry, the longing, and even the betrayal were all fantastic. Every interaction between the main characters felt meaningful, and their relationship developed in a way that felt genuine and earned. I absolutely childhood friends to lovers. I honestly haven't read a romance this believable and emotionally compelling in a long time. You could just feel the tension and chemistry dripping. It was delicious to read.
I really liked the characters themselves. They're both flawed, layered, and incredibly well-developed. Neither of them felt one-dimensional, and watching them navigate their own struggles while growing together made them easy to root for.
The ending?! Makes me think there will be more to explore. I’m excited to see if Kyla will write a sequel I really hope so. The only thing that took me out of the story were their names lol since Zachary and Alexis were not common names in the 1940s.
This comes out OCTOBER 12
4 stars might even round to 5. One of my favorite romances I've read this year. 🤍
I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page, it completely pulled me in and never let go. It was incredibly fun, fast-paced, and so addictive. One of my favorite aspects was the setting. Since I'm from the Bay Area, it was such a fun experience seeing San Francisco woven into the story. Recognizing places I've grown up visiting made the world feel even more immersive and added such a personal touch to my reading experience.
The romance was easily the highlight for me. The tension, the chemistry, the longing, and even the betrayal were all fantastic. Every interaction between the main characters felt meaningful, and their relationship developed in a way that felt genuine and earned. I absolutely childhood friends to lovers. I honestly haven't read a romance this believable and emotionally compelling in a long time. You could just feel the tension and chemistry dripping. It was delicious to read.
I really liked the characters themselves. They're both flawed, layered, and incredibly well-developed. Neither of them felt one-dimensional, and watching them navigate their own struggles while growing together made them easy to root for.
The ending?! Makes me think there will be more to explore. I’m excited to see if Kyla will write a sequel I really hope so. The only thing that took me out of the story were their names lol since Zachary and Alexis were not common names in the 1940s.
This comes out OCTOBER 12
Did Not Finish
August 18, 2026The idea of this book was right up my alley, Star-crossed lovers, rival gangs, 1940s setting, and a heist at the center.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't working for me at all and I ended up DNF-ing @ 49%. Very one dimensional characters, lots of heavy handed descriptions of the era and setting, and not much intrigue. It definitely had that YA feeling and I would put it on the younger side of YA. The culture in the book was interesting but I struggled to get invested in any part of the book. The relationship was rushed and repaired awful quickly, the situations they stumbled into were too easily resolved. It just wasn't the right book for me, certainly think middle school me would have appreciated it!
Unfortunately, this one wasn't working for me at all and I ended up DNF-ing @ 49%. Very one dimensional characters, lots of heavy handed descriptions of the era and setting, and not much intrigue. It definitely had that YA feeling and I would put it on the younger side of YA. The culture in the book was interesting but I struggled to get invested in any part of the book. The relationship was rushed and repaired awful quickly, the situations they stumbled into were too easily resolved. It just wasn't the right book for me, certainly think middle school me would have appreciated it!
August 29, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC of Heirs of Infamy. I really enjoyed the storyline and setting of this. Thought I felt the FMC had a bit of a repetitive inner dialogue when it came to expressing her intentions & goals throughout the book. The descriptions of the settings and build up of the relationships were really great. It was a fun read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kyla Zhao’s YA debut dives into a new side of San Francisco’s vast history through a novel filled with high stakes and thrills that will keep you turning the pages.
I first discovered Kyla’s books a few weeks before her debut novel, The Fraud Squad, was published. Since then I’ve talked with her on Instagram DM’s several times and when she asked for beta readers for her newest project — her debut YA novel about rival crime families set in San Francisco during the 1940’s— I jumped at the chance, and had the honor of being one of the first people to read this novel and see it transform from a first draft to the final product that is now in our hands.
Alexis Sung is an amazing protagonist. She is in such a unique position that makes her hyperaware of how her family is treated and the way Chinese-Americans and Chinese immigrants are viewed in a time period where the ideologies of their birth country were opposite to the ones of the country they came to build their lives in. But she is also ignorant due to her privilege as the daughter of a crime boss, often being unafraid to use her name to her advantage or speak her mind without fear of repercussions. While Alexis has the best intentions at heart, her own need to stand out and be respected in a world run by men, make up for past mistakes, and help her East Phoenix family sometimes leads to her making mistakes.
On the other hand, Zachary Ren is more tame, calculating and quiet. He and Alexis live such opposite lives where they each have what the other wants, and them having such opposite goals creates an interesting dynamic throughout the novel.
I thought the pacing of the story was well balanced between high stakes moments and the day to day lives of the characters that let us get to know them better. Apart from Alexis and Zachary, we have other characters that are integral to the plot like Alexis’ father and his right hand men, Zachary’s West Dragon boss, and their classmates at Galileo High.
While there is not a lot of worldbuilding since the story is set in a real city in a specific time period, San Francisco is a city that I love very much, holding many memories of summers spent in the Bay Area. Being familiar with the city helped me appreciate the research and attention to detail Kyla put into building her own version of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1940’s. It was interesting to see how much the city has changed culturally from stories like Kyla’s made through research, or from people who’ve seen it grow like my extended family there.
Exploring San Francisco through Kyla’s eyes was such a joy. The love she has for the city translates through the book’s pages, and seeing her grow as an author has been such a privilege. From her debut novel The Fraud Squad to her first historical fiction novel, Heirs of Infamy, it’s been such an honor and privilege to have been here along for the ride so far, and I know there is so much more to come.
Thank you, Kyla, for trusting me with your story. I can’t believe that after years I have the finished version in my hands!
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!
Did Not Finish
August 12, 2026DNF at 31% (Read through Chapter 14)
This book isn’t terrible; I just never felt immersed in the story.
I liked the Chinese culture that is woven throughout this novel. However, I never felt like this book takes place in the 1940s.
I think my biggest issue with this book was that everything felt pretty surface level, especially when it comes to the characters.
Alexis is a nice enough girl; however, she often read like a whiny 12-year-old to me, instead of a 17-year-old. I understand how badly she wants to work for her father in the East Phoenix, but a lot of her actions felt immature for her age.
I also didn’t love how in the third of the book that I read, Alexis and Zachary were repeatedly pretending to be a couple in love or being mistaken for being a couple in love. It felt repetitive, and like the author was really pushing for these two to fall in love rather than letting it happen more naturally.
Also, I was expecting this book to have the heist more at the forefront; instead, the heist was more in the background.
I probably could’ve pushed through, as it’s a relatively short book. However, I don’t see myself rating this higher than 2-2.5 stars; so I’d rather set it aside and read something that I find more interesting.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
This book isn’t terrible; I just never felt immersed in the story.
I liked the Chinese culture that is woven throughout this novel. However, I never felt like this book takes place in the 1940s.
I think my biggest issue with this book was that everything felt pretty surface level, especially when it comes to the characters.
Alexis is a nice enough girl; however, she often read like a whiny 12-year-old to me, instead of a 17-year-old. I understand how badly she wants to work for her father in the East Phoenix, but a lot of her actions felt immature for her age.
I also didn’t love how in the third of the book that I read, Alexis and Zachary were repeatedly pretending to be a couple in love or being mistaken for being a couple in love. It felt repetitive, and like the author was really pushing for these two to fall in love rather than letting it happen more naturally.
Also, I was expecting this book to have the heist more at the forefront; instead, the heist was more in the background.
I probably could’ve pushed through, as it’s a relatively short book. However, I don’t see myself rating this higher than 2-2.5 stars; so I’d rather set it aside and read something that I find more interesting.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My rating is 4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
rival crime families 🤝 1940s San Francisco Chinatown 🤝 high-stakes heist 🤝 "wait... are we enemies or are we flirting?"
A HISTORICAL HEIST ROMANCE??? you really didn't have to sell it to me twice.
because give me rival families, complicated history, forbidden romance and a heist that could either save everyone or completely ruin their lives...yeah. i'm listening.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁.
what i loved was THE SETTING.
1940s San Francisco Chinatown??? loved it.
the historical atmosphere was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.
there's something about the combination of the neon-lit Chinatown setting, rival crime families, underground dealings and all the tension surrounding the characters' lives that made the whole thing feel incredibly cinematic and i really appreciated that the historical setting wasn't just there for decoration.
the characters are also dealing with racism, sexism, family expectations and questions of identity and belonging, and i thought those themes added a lot more depth to the story.
it wasn't just "look! historical mafia!" there was actually a lot more underneath it.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
And then we have ALEXIS AND ZACHARY.
because obviously i was here for the romance too.
these two have HISTORY.
they were once friends, then everything went wrong and now they're on opposite sides of rival crime families...so naturally the solution is "let's work together on a dangerous heist."
what could possibly go wrong???😭
i really enjoyed watching them slowly navigate all the resentment and mistrust between them.
the chemistry was definitely there, and i loved the whole:
"i don't trust you."
"well, you have to trust me."
"unfortunately, i think i might."
kind of energy.
give me star-crossed lovers with a complicated history and i'm probably going to eat it up every time.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
BUT...the beginning was a little slower for me.
i was interested in the premise from the start, but it took me a while to become completely invested in the story.
once the heist really got underway, though??? THAT'S when i was hooked.
the second half definitely pulled me in more, and i found myself wanting to keep reading because i needed to know whether everything was actually going to work.
there were also moments where i wanted a little more from the romance.
i liked Alexis and Zachary together, but i didn't always feel that OMG I AM LOSING MY MIND OVER THESE TWO level of chemistry.
the potential was absolutely there...i just wanted a little more time for the emotional side of their relationship to really hit me.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
overall, Heirs of Infamy was a really enjoyable historical romance with a genuinely fun premise.
i loved the setting, the heist, the family drama and i really enjoyed Alexis and Zachary's complicated relationship.
it isn't a perfect book for me, and i think the beginning could have grabbed me a little faster, but once the story got moving, i was invested and i especially appreciated how much the story explores the pressure of family expectations and the feeling of trying to figure out who you are when everyone else has already decided who you're supposed to be.
so if you like historical fiction with heists and rival crime families, friends to rivals to lovers with forbidden romance, slow burn with complicated family dynamics...this is definitely worth picking up.
My final thoughts;
i came for the rival crime families...
i stayed for the heist...and apparently i will ALWAYS fall for two people who absolutely should not trust each other being forced to work together. 😭🖤💰
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
rival crime families 🤝 1940s San Francisco Chinatown 🤝 high-stakes heist 🤝 "wait... are we enemies or are we flirting?"
A HISTORICAL HEIST ROMANCE??? you really didn't have to sell it to me twice.
because give me rival families, complicated history, forbidden romance and a heist that could either save everyone or completely ruin their lives...yeah. i'm listening.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁.
what i loved was THE SETTING.
1940s San Francisco Chinatown??? loved it.
the historical atmosphere was probably one of my favorite parts of the book.
there's something about the combination of the neon-lit Chinatown setting, rival crime families, underground dealings and all the tension surrounding the characters' lives that made the whole thing feel incredibly cinematic and i really appreciated that the historical setting wasn't just there for decoration.
the characters are also dealing with racism, sexism, family expectations and questions of identity and belonging, and i thought those themes added a lot more depth to the story.
it wasn't just "look! historical mafia!" there was actually a lot more underneath it.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
And then we have ALEXIS AND ZACHARY.
because obviously i was here for the romance too.
these two have HISTORY.
they were once friends, then everything went wrong and now they're on opposite sides of rival crime families...so naturally the solution is "let's work together on a dangerous heist."
what could possibly go wrong???😭
i really enjoyed watching them slowly navigate all the resentment and mistrust between them.
the chemistry was definitely there, and i loved the whole:
"i don't trust you."
"well, you have to trust me."
"unfortunately, i think i might."
kind of energy.
give me star-crossed lovers with a complicated history and i'm probably going to eat it up every time.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
BUT...the beginning was a little slower for me.
i was interested in the premise from the start, but it took me a while to become completely invested in the story.
once the heist really got underway, though??? THAT'S when i was hooked.
the second half definitely pulled me in more, and i found myself wanting to keep reading because i needed to know whether everything was actually going to work.
there were also moments where i wanted a little more from the romance.
i liked Alexis and Zachary together, but i didn't always feel that OMG I AM LOSING MY MIND OVER THESE TWO level of chemistry.
the potential was absolutely there...i just wanted a little more time for the emotional side of their relationship to really hit me.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ ݁.
overall, Heirs of Infamy was a really enjoyable historical romance with a genuinely fun premise.
i loved the setting, the heist, the family drama and i really enjoyed Alexis and Zachary's complicated relationship.
it isn't a perfect book for me, and i think the beginning could have grabbed me a little faster, but once the story got moving, i was invested and i especially appreciated how much the story explores the pressure of family expectations and the feeling of trying to figure out who you are when everyone else has already decided who you're supposed to be.
so if you like historical fiction with heists and rival crime families, friends to rivals to lovers with forbidden romance, slow burn with complicated family dynamics...this is definitely worth picking up.
My final thoughts;
i came for the rival crime families...
i stayed for the heist...and apparently i will ALWAYS fall for two people who absolutely should not trust each other being forced to work together. 😭🖤💰
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
October 13, 2026
Set against a backdrop of gritty 1940s post-war San Francisco Chinatown, this story follows two young people as they navigate family loyalty, criminal activity, while also struggling to achieve their own dreams in the process.
Zhao takes us deep into the crime family of Alexis Sung, the daughter of the head of the East Phoenix syndicate. It was an intriguing look into this noir era, but this time from the perspective of a Chinese-American teen. I was drawn into this complex underworld that explores questions of what one is willing to do to prove their loyalty to their family and to their clan. Juxtaposed against Alexis is the boy she's always cared for, Zachary who also happens to be a rising soldier for the rival West Dragon gang. Unlike Alexis, Zachary was adopted into the West Dragons as a means to survive, but he aspires to find a way out. The heist that both syndicates agree to undertake together could be his chance for freedom.
As the story unfolds, we see the toll that the Red Scare is taking on the Chinese-American community, shedding light on the discrimination and classism that was rife in San Francisco during this time period. Zhao also plants little bits of historical fact throughout the story that added some fun layers to it as well. In one scene, there is some discussion about new clothes being made from a fabric blend called polyester that is hard for even those in the military to get their hands on. An interesting tidbit that showcases things that were new in the 1940s that are commonplace now. I found those moments very appealing and a nice way to weave in some history that wasn't as serious along with the very real moments that were.
The high-stakes heist becomes the backbone of the plot as Alexis and Zachary work together to pull it off. I loved how devious and clever Alexis's mind was as she comes up with ways for them to gather information they need to pull off the job. She is determined, stubborn, and so incredibly brave throughout this story. Zach as the side character love interest, sees her as she truly is and doesn't pander to her as the Phoenix Princess like others do. This creates a fun dynamic between them because Alexis is equal parts annoyed and relieved by Zachary's attitude toward her. It keeps the pace of both the heist and their growing attraction to one another tense and intriguing. I know some have said they didn't feel as emotionally connected to the romance aspect of this novel. But I felt that it stayed very true to this time period, the culture for these characters, and to the characters themselves in terms of how they struggle to fight their growing connection. It not only puts their respective families at risk, it puts their own lives at risk as well.
In addition to the suspense of the heist and the slow-burn romance for these characters are the layered themes that are woven within this narrative. It brings up questions about whether or not loyalty to one's family outweighs the things they're willing to do to maintain power. Whether or not love and trust can withstand betrayal, if love is worth the risk of losing one's life or family, and if gaining the respect and admiration of one's parent outweighs following your own dreams and the freedom to choose your own path. I can see all of these themes being relatable ones to the young adult readers this book is geared towards.
This is the first book of Kyla Zhao's that I've read and it was well paced, intriguing, full of family drama, historical detail and romance. It will not be the last novel of hers that I will read. I'm looking forward to what this author has in store for us next. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts on it.
Zhao takes us deep into the crime family of Alexis Sung, the daughter of the head of the East Phoenix syndicate. It was an intriguing look into this noir era, but this time from the perspective of a Chinese-American teen. I was drawn into this complex underworld that explores questions of what one is willing to do to prove their loyalty to their family and to their clan. Juxtaposed against Alexis is the boy she's always cared for, Zachary who also happens to be a rising soldier for the rival West Dragon gang. Unlike Alexis, Zachary was adopted into the West Dragons as a means to survive, but he aspires to find a way out. The heist that both syndicates agree to undertake together could be his chance for freedom.
As the story unfolds, we see the toll that the Red Scare is taking on the Chinese-American community, shedding light on the discrimination and classism that was rife in San Francisco during this time period. Zhao also plants little bits of historical fact throughout the story that added some fun layers to it as well. In one scene, there is some discussion about new clothes being made from a fabric blend called polyester that is hard for even those in the military to get their hands on. An interesting tidbit that showcases things that were new in the 1940s that are commonplace now. I found those moments very appealing and a nice way to weave in some history that wasn't as serious along with the very real moments that were.
The high-stakes heist becomes the backbone of the plot as Alexis and Zachary work together to pull it off. I loved how devious and clever Alexis's mind was as she comes up with ways for them to gather information they need to pull off the job. She is determined, stubborn, and so incredibly brave throughout this story. Zach as the side character love interest, sees her as she truly is and doesn't pander to her as the Phoenix Princess like others do. This creates a fun dynamic between them because Alexis is equal parts annoyed and relieved by Zachary's attitude toward her. It keeps the pace of both the heist and their growing attraction to one another tense and intriguing. I know some have said they didn't feel as emotionally connected to the romance aspect of this novel. But I felt that it stayed very true to this time period, the culture for these characters, and to the characters themselves in terms of how they struggle to fight their growing connection. It not only puts their respective families at risk, it puts their own lives at risk as well.
In addition to the suspense of the heist and the slow-burn romance for these characters are the layered themes that are woven within this narrative. It brings up questions about whether or not loyalty to one's family outweighs the things they're willing to do to maintain power. Whether or not love and trust can withstand betrayal, if love is worth the risk of losing one's life or family, and if gaining the respect and admiration of one's parent outweighs following your own dreams and the freedom to choose your own path. I can see all of these themes being relatable ones to the young adult readers this book is geared towards.
This is the first book of Kyla Zhao's that I've read and it was well paced, intriguing, full of family drama, historical detail and romance. It will not be the last novel of hers that I will read. I'm looking forward to what this author has in store for us next. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts on it.
July 7, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader’s Copy from NetGalley
Thank you so much to Kyla Zhao, Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for sending me this ARC of Heirs of Infamy to review!
What started out as a solid 4-4.5 star book, ended up being a perfect 5 stars after those last ten chapters. Wow.
Heirs of Infamy is a wonderful YA debut which explores themes of identity and belonging amidst the backdrop of post-war San Francisco Chinatown, delving into the difficult lives of two teenagers caught in gang crimes. Kyla Zhao paints an atmospheric picture of what it's like to grow up as an immigrant minority during the 1940's in America, while also struggling to figure out one's own desires and place in the big vast world.
I started this book with no expectations, and I was completely blown away by Zhao's ability to convey the protagonist's emotions in such a nuanced, real, and raw way, that made me personally feel their entire spectrum. I felt all of Alexis's fear, anxiety, indecisions, and heartbreak in my own chest, holding my breath as the heist was taking shape, and feeling butterflies during Alexis and Zachary's intimiate moments.
I truly felt for Alexis and the way her relationship with her dad was so intricately layered and complicated really shattered my heart, because it’s so easy to “know” how to act in different situations as an outsider looking in, but seeing Alexis truly do her very best to show and prove herself and earn her place in this gang and continue to be undermined and overlooked… I felt for her. The desperation she had which, I think many people might take as stupidity or ignorance, really just stems from wanting to overcome prejudice and stereotypes, not just the daughter of a crime boss, but also as an immigrant living in post-war America. I’d never read another time-piece before, but the way the author communicated exactly what minorities faced during these times made Alexis’s journey even more emotionally engaging.
And of course there’s Zachary, who is also so layered despite his perfect outward appearance. Someone who, at first glance, seems like a good-looking gang-member steadily rising through the ranks without a second thought, is actually an orphaned kid who was forced into this difficult criminal life which stripped him of all innocence much too early. I really loved his dynamic with Alexis, the bickering and the palpable tension was chef's kiss. And the way the author wrote their intimate, heart-felt moments was just so so beautiful! During those last ten chapters when all feelings were heightened and tension was at an all time peak, I would start crying at random moments just from the thought of these two babies hurting each other and hurting themselves. Their circumstances were so goddamn complicated and convoluted that there was no clear way out no matter how I thought about it, so I cried such big tears of joy when I read the last chapter and saw how they not only reconciled but stood up for themselves and their dreams and wanted to build something only they could have together.
Overall, a beautifully rich and intricate heist story, with a nuanced point of view and an innocent, butterflies-inducing love story.
Thank you so much to Kyla Zhao, Penguin Young Readers Group, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for sending me this ARC of Heirs of Infamy to review!
What started out as a solid 4-4.5 star book, ended up being a perfect 5 stars after those last ten chapters. Wow.
Heirs of Infamy is a wonderful YA debut which explores themes of identity and belonging amidst the backdrop of post-war San Francisco Chinatown, delving into the difficult lives of two teenagers caught in gang crimes. Kyla Zhao paints an atmospheric picture of what it's like to grow up as an immigrant minority during the 1940's in America, while also struggling to figure out one's own desires and place in the big vast world.
I started this book with no expectations, and I was completely blown away by Zhao's ability to convey the protagonist's emotions in such a nuanced, real, and raw way, that made me personally feel their entire spectrum. I felt all of Alexis's fear, anxiety, indecisions, and heartbreak in my own chest, holding my breath as the heist was taking shape, and feeling butterflies during Alexis and Zachary's intimiate moments.
I truly felt for Alexis and the way her relationship with her dad was so intricately layered and complicated really shattered my heart, because it’s so easy to “know” how to act in different situations as an outsider looking in, but seeing Alexis truly do her very best to show and prove herself and earn her place in this gang and continue to be undermined and overlooked… I felt for her. The desperation she had which, I think many people might take as stupidity or ignorance, really just stems from wanting to overcome prejudice and stereotypes, not just the daughter of a crime boss, but also as an immigrant living in post-war America. I’d never read another time-piece before, but the way the author communicated exactly what minorities faced during these times made Alexis’s journey even more emotionally engaging.
And of course there’s Zachary, who is also so layered despite his perfect outward appearance. Someone who, at first glance, seems like a good-looking gang-member steadily rising through the ranks without a second thought, is actually an orphaned kid who was forced into this difficult criminal life which stripped him of all innocence much too early. I really loved his dynamic with Alexis, the bickering and the palpable tension was chef's kiss. And the way the author wrote their intimate, heart-felt moments was just so so beautiful! During those last ten chapters when all feelings were heightened and tension was at an all time peak, I would start crying at random moments just from the thought of these two babies hurting each other and hurting themselves. Their circumstances were so goddamn complicated and convoluted that there was no clear way out no matter how I thought about it, so I cried such big tears of joy when I read the last chapter and saw how they not only reconciled but stood up for themselves and their dreams and wanted to build something only they could have together.
Overall, a beautifully rich and intricate heist story, with a nuanced point of view and an innocent, butterflies-inducing love story.
September 15, 2026
Book 72 of 2026: Heirs of Infamy by Kyla Zhao
The saying “never judge a book by its cover” was completely proven wrong here, because the cover was exactly what intrigued me in the first place and prompted me to request this ARC. I went into this story completely blind, not even knowing whether it was fantasy or historical fiction, and as is so often the case, I’m incredibly glad I did.
Set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1940s and centered around Chinese-American crime families, the story is rich in culture, history, and the atmospheric thrill of the era. The book includes numerous fascinating references to the Roaring Twenties, World War II, the Chinese Civil War, and the communist era in China. The reality for Chinese Americans during this time is portrayed authentically (at least in my eyes) and perfectly illustrates just how harsh those times truly were.
This YA novel centers on the daughter of a cartel boss who was born into a life of crime. Though she never had a choice, she has always possessed a burning desire to prove her worth. As a young woman in the 1940s—and specifically as a Chinese woman—she struggles to find her place in the family while aiming to become their first female gang member. At the same time, she grew up pampered and protected, never wanting for anything—just like a true princess. On the other side of the spectrum is a brilliant young man from a rival family who grew up with nothing and had to turn to crime at the age of eleven just to support himself and his father. He wants a way out but desperately needs the money to finance his dream of attending college to become an engineer. This contrast brilliantly showcases the dual sides of the San Francisco Chinese crime scene.
The story begins when both protagonists are 14 during the FMC’s first heist, which ends in a near-death experience and the shocking realization that her best friend belongs to the rival gang. After a four-year time jump, the story picks up with the FMC still trying to make amends for her past mistakes and eager to prove herself. When an opportunity for a major heist arises, both families pool their resources and select these two smart, seemingly innocent young people for the job, as they blend in much easier than older, highly suspicious gang members. During the preparations, they devise a brilliant plan, only to realize that their childhood feelings run much deeper than they ever imagined.
This was a truly intriguing and compelling story. I particularly enjoyed the rich historical and cultural elements. The heist itself was highly gripping, even if some of their actions felt a bit too obvious for my taste. The character arc—evolving from a spoiled princess looking for a way into the underworld to a young woman who realizes that being recognized as a gang member isn't everything—was beautifully executed. I flew through this book in 24 hours and can definitely recommend it!
The saying “never judge a book by its cover” was completely proven wrong here, because the cover was exactly what intrigued me in the first place and prompted me to request this ARC. I went into this story completely blind, not even knowing whether it was fantasy or historical fiction, and as is so often the case, I’m incredibly glad I did.
Set in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1940s and centered around Chinese-American crime families, the story is rich in culture, history, and the atmospheric thrill of the era. The book includes numerous fascinating references to the Roaring Twenties, World War II, the Chinese Civil War, and the communist era in China. The reality for Chinese Americans during this time is portrayed authentically (at least in my eyes) and perfectly illustrates just how harsh those times truly were.
This YA novel centers on the daughter of a cartel boss who was born into a life of crime. Though she never had a choice, she has always possessed a burning desire to prove her worth. As a young woman in the 1940s—and specifically as a Chinese woman—she struggles to find her place in the family while aiming to become their first female gang member. At the same time, she grew up pampered and protected, never wanting for anything—just like a true princess. On the other side of the spectrum is a brilliant young man from a rival family who grew up with nothing and had to turn to crime at the age of eleven just to support himself and his father. He wants a way out but desperately needs the money to finance his dream of attending college to become an engineer. This contrast brilliantly showcases the dual sides of the San Francisco Chinese crime scene.
The story begins when both protagonists are 14 during the FMC’s first heist, which ends in a near-death experience and the shocking realization that her best friend belongs to the rival gang. After a four-year time jump, the story picks up with the FMC still trying to make amends for her past mistakes and eager to prove herself. When an opportunity for a major heist arises, both families pool their resources and select these two smart, seemingly innocent young people for the job, as they blend in much easier than older, highly suspicious gang members. During the preparations, they devise a brilliant plan, only to realize that their childhood feelings run much deeper than they ever imagined.
This was a truly intriguing and compelling story. I particularly enjoyed the rich historical and cultural elements. The heist itself was highly gripping, even if some of their actions felt a bit too obvious for my taste. The character arc—evolving from a spoiled princess looking for a way into the underworld to a young woman who realizes that being recognized as a gang member isn't everything—was beautifully executed. I flew through this book in 24 hours and can definitely recommend it!
October 15, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was drawn to this book thanks to the gorgeous cover, then intrigued by the Chinatown noir setting, and the heist plotline is what finally sold me...and thankfully, I was not disappointed!
The story centers around Alexis—daughter of the boss of East Phoenix gang—and Zachary—underling for the West Dragon gang. Theirs is the typical Romeo & Juliet/West Side Story situation; they used to be friends, but their affiliations are strong (however unwanted, in Zachary's case) and their affections for each other are ultimately doomed.
Or are they?
I loved their chemistry right from the beginning. I really connected to Zachary's tsundere-style affections, in that while he isn't very vocal, he feels deeply and the choices he made—to support and protect Alexis, even at the expense of his loyalty to the Dragons—spoke for him. And the fact that they are vulnerable with each other, never using that information shared in confidence against each other (at least not on larger, more dangerous and unforgivable scale), I found it so affirming. Even when they tried to betray each other, their emotions still got the better of themselves, their longing for each other simply too strong.
And I need to talk about how much I LOVED the author's characterization of Alexis. There is a very thin line between writing a character that is inexperienced vs. a character that is stupid or lacking common sense. Thankfully, while Alexis was inexperienced in terms of jobs or "missions", she is skilled in other ways that count—networking, seducing, mediating, planning, etc. It felt like a very strong balance of ego and naïveté, never too overconfident but also not too underprepared. The roundabout quest to gaining her father's approval, while expected, was a really enjoyable journey for me, too.
I'm not usually one for politics or historical fiction, but I soaked up the noir vibes and enjoyed how the racial implications of the time period colored the plot, heavily guiding the plot and characters' decisions (the Red Scare from the POV of AAPI characters was fascinating). Also, so very random, but I loved the author's attention to clothing; the descriptions of the 50s dresses and skirts and suits and hats contrasted with more traditional pieces like Alexis's qipaos was so cool and immersive.
All that to say, I had a really fun time reading this story and would definitely recommend if you like noir vibes, YA historical fiction, or Our Violent Delights by Chloe Gong; think of this as that book's emotionally mature younger sister. I look forward to picking up the author's other titles and seeing what future works she has in store.
Solid 4 out of 5 ⭐️s
I was drawn to this book thanks to the gorgeous cover, then intrigued by the Chinatown noir setting, and the heist plotline is what finally sold me...and thankfully, I was not disappointed!
The story centers around Alexis—daughter of the boss of East Phoenix gang—and Zachary—underling for the West Dragon gang. Theirs is the typical Romeo & Juliet/West Side Story situation; they used to be friends, but their affiliations are strong (however unwanted, in Zachary's case) and their affections for each other are ultimately doomed.
Or are they?
I loved their chemistry right from the beginning. I really connected to Zachary's tsundere-style affections, in that while he isn't very vocal, he feels deeply and the choices he made—to support and protect Alexis, even at the expense of his loyalty to the Dragons—spoke for him. And the fact that they are vulnerable with each other, never using that information shared in confidence against each other (at least not on larger, more dangerous and unforgivable scale), I found it so affirming. Even when they tried to betray each other, their emotions still got the better of themselves, their longing for each other simply too strong.
And I need to talk about how much I LOVED the author's characterization of Alexis. There is a very thin line between writing a character that is inexperienced vs. a character that is stupid or lacking common sense. Thankfully, while Alexis was inexperienced in terms of jobs or "missions", she is skilled in other ways that count—networking, seducing, mediating, planning, etc. It felt like a very strong balance of ego and naïveté, never too overconfident but also not too underprepared. The roundabout quest to gaining her father's approval, while expected, was a really enjoyable journey for me, too.
I'm not usually one for politics or historical fiction, but I soaked up the noir vibes and enjoyed how the racial implications of the time period colored the plot, heavily guiding the plot and characters' decisions (the Red Scare from the POV of AAPI characters was fascinating). Also, so very random, but I loved the author's attention to clothing; the descriptions of the 50s dresses and skirts and suits and hats contrasted with more traditional pieces like Alexis's qipaos was so cool and immersive.
All that to say, I had a really fun time reading this story and would definitely recommend if you like noir vibes, YA historical fiction, or Our Violent Delights by Chloe Gong; think of this as that book's emotionally mature younger sister. I look forward to picking up the author's other titles and seeing what future works she has in store.
Solid 4 out of 5 ⭐️s
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
i have been craving a good heist book, and heirs of infamy was exactly that. set in 1940s san francisco, this was immersive, fast-paced, and so easy to get hooked on. as someone who has always dreamt of visiting sf someday, kyla zhao made the city come alive in the book, and even though it was technically a historical setting, the descriptions were vivid, and if i closed my eyes, i could imagine all the locations right in front of me.
i have enjoyed kyla’s writing before and so i went in knowing that i would enjoy this. and what do you know? i did. the way she writes and the way she packs emotion into every sentence, making you feel what the characters are going through…oh yeah, i loved it. given the seriousness of the setting, the 1940s post-war america, i loved how kyla portrayed the struggles of being a minority in the country, all the while being burdened by family pressures and trying to figure out who you want to be. i loved the heist, and the planning scenes were definitely one of my favourites. i also enjoyed seeing how the gang wars were portrayed, and all the machinations and planning that went into running a gang like that. it made the story feel so much more real.
from that first chapter itself, alexis had my heart. her complex relationship with her dad, being seen as a “princess” and not someone who can stand strong on her own; i related to her so much. she was determined and brave, and honestly, i think she could have pulled off this heist on her own if she needed to. so many characters in the story, including her own father, made the mistake of underestimating her, and she proves them wrong easily. and of course there’s zachary, who’s such an interesting and layered character. he was surprisingly charming and lovable. though he has seen a meteoric rise in the gang, he is an orphan forced into this life, and wants to get out. he and alexis had such a fun dynamic; the rivals-to-lovers of it all, with the bickering, the flirting and the tension (on top of planning a heist) was soo fun.
the story really picks up towards the end, and those last few chapters are heart racing and leave you on the edge of your seat. the tension is quite heightened and every page you turn, you just want alexis and zachary to get their happy ending, which thankfully, they do.
overall, heirs of infamy was super fun and based on how it ended, i sure hope we get a sequel or a spin off!
thank you g.p. putnam's sons books for sending me an e-arc!
i have enjoyed kyla’s writing before and so i went in knowing that i would enjoy this. and what do you know? i did. the way she writes and the way she packs emotion into every sentence, making you feel what the characters are going through…oh yeah, i loved it. given the seriousness of the setting, the 1940s post-war america, i loved how kyla portrayed the struggles of being a minority in the country, all the while being burdened by family pressures and trying to figure out who you want to be. i loved the heist, and the planning scenes were definitely one of my favourites. i also enjoyed seeing how the gang wars were portrayed, and all the machinations and planning that went into running a gang like that. it made the story feel so much more real.
from that first chapter itself, alexis had my heart. her complex relationship with her dad, being seen as a “princess” and not someone who can stand strong on her own; i related to her so much. she was determined and brave, and honestly, i think she could have pulled off this heist on her own if she needed to. so many characters in the story, including her own father, made the mistake of underestimating her, and she proves them wrong easily. and of course there’s zachary, who’s such an interesting and layered character. he was surprisingly charming and lovable. though he has seen a meteoric rise in the gang, he is an orphan forced into this life, and wants to get out. he and alexis had such a fun dynamic; the rivals-to-lovers of it all, with the bickering, the flirting and the tension (on top of planning a heist) was soo fun.
the story really picks up towards the end, and those last few chapters are heart racing and leave you on the edge of your seat. the tension is quite heightened and every page you turn, you just want alexis and zachary to get their happy ending, which thankfully, they do.
overall, heirs of infamy was super fun and based on how it ended, i sure hope we get a sequel or a spin off!
thank you g.p. putnam's sons books for sending me an e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Genre 📚: YA Historical Fiction, Romance
Tropes 💁♀️: Forbidden love, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Heist schemes
Rep ✔️: Full cast of Chinese American characters
CW ⚠️: Loss of a loved one, grief, racism, gang activity, gun violence, sexual assault (by police officer)
Rating ⭐️: 3.5/5
A Romeo & Juliet love story set in 1940s Chinatown? With all the heart-fluttering C-drama tropes? Yeah, I was in. As soon as the gang leader’s daughter locked eyes with the rival gang’s foot soldier and they had their own “Is she a Capulet?” moment — I was ready to rumble.
FMC Alexis is the daughter and heir to the East Phoenixes, one of the most notorious crime families in San Francisco. The crime life is all Alexis has ever known, and she wants to play a more major role in it. Be taken seriously. She finally has the opportunity to do so when their rivals, the West Dragons, approach them with a proposition: They call a temporary truce, and they work together to pull off one big, life-altering heist.
Alexis partners up with the Dragons’ youngest and smartest member, MMC Zachary, to lead the operation. They knew each other as kids but haven’t spoken in years, since they first discovered they were on opposing sides. Once they’re collaborating and spending all their time together, the lines blur. Rather than an enemy, Alexis sees an old friend. She sees someone with hopes and dreams. And she begins to wonder if she can have dreams.
It was hard to connect to Alexis at first, as her entire identity was tied to the Phoenixes. But, eventually, I saw a young girl who merely craved her father’s approval and worked for it the only way she knew how. Even if that meant betraying the boy she came to love. Now, THAT drama? Ooh, that drama was deliciously painful.
And, like I mentioned, I was totally here for the romance tropes. I was most surprised, however, by how much I enjoyed the heist storyline. I loved following the couple through the city as they gathered intel and set up their plan. Swoony and badass.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Heirs of Infamy will be released on October 13, 2026.
Tropes 💁♀️: Forbidden love, Enemies to lovers, Forced proximity, Heist schemes
Rep ✔️: Full cast of Chinese American characters
CW ⚠️: Loss of a loved one, grief, racism, gang activity, gun violence, sexual assault (by police officer)
Rating ⭐️: 3.5/5
A Romeo & Juliet love story set in 1940s Chinatown? With all the heart-fluttering C-drama tropes? Yeah, I was in. As soon as the gang leader’s daughter locked eyes with the rival gang’s foot soldier and they had their own “Is she a Capulet?” moment — I was ready to rumble.
FMC Alexis is the daughter and heir to the East Phoenixes, one of the most notorious crime families in San Francisco. The crime life is all Alexis has ever known, and she wants to play a more major role in it. Be taken seriously. She finally has the opportunity to do so when their rivals, the West Dragons, approach them with a proposition: They call a temporary truce, and they work together to pull off one big, life-altering heist.
Alexis partners up with the Dragons’ youngest and smartest member, MMC Zachary, to lead the operation. They knew each other as kids but haven’t spoken in years, since they first discovered they were on opposing sides. Once they’re collaborating and spending all their time together, the lines blur. Rather than an enemy, Alexis sees an old friend. She sees someone with hopes and dreams. And she begins to wonder if she can have dreams.
It was hard to connect to Alexis at first, as her entire identity was tied to the Phoenixes. But, eventually, I saw a young girl who merely craved her father’s approval and worked for it the only way she knew how. Even if that meant betraying the boy she came to love. Now, THAT drama? Ooh, that drama was deliciously painful.
And, like I mentioned, I was totally here for the romance tropes. I was most surprised, however, by how much I enjoyed the heist storyline. I loved following the couple through the city as they gathered intel and set up their plan. Swoony and badass.
**Much thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Heirs of Infamy will be released on October 13, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NetGalley eARC — Heirs of Infamy transports us to 1940s San Francisco Chinatown, where Alexis Sung is the daughter of a notorious crime boss. This organization, East Phoenix, is all she’s ever known, but Alexis has never permitted to join any of the meetings or missions due to her gender. She is intertwined with this crime world (known as the untouchable Phoenix Princess), but has never allowed to be apart of it, as she so desperately wants. Alexis will do anything to meet the standards and approval of her father.
The story starts with one of Alexis’ lowest points: on her first lookout mission, her team runs headfirst into their nemesis, the West Dragons— not only ruining the assignment, but leading Alexis to realize her very best friend, Zachary, has been working among her enemies this entire time.
East Phoenix has always been successful and respected, but years later the societal tides began to change as the Red Scare permeated throughout the US. Chinese businesses began losing money, high connections were cut loose, and police were harassing more and more people in Chinatown. Finding an opportunity for vindication, Alexis plants the idea of running a major heist on imported Asian art pieces in collaboration with the West Dragons to gain their wealth back. But what she didn’t expect was that Zachary would be her teammate and point of contact for this mission.
It was fascinating to see San Francisco during this time period, especially from the perspective of Chinese Americans. We see familiar holidays and traditions of Dongzhi Festival and Chinese New Year. We also see modern parallels of the over-generalizations of Asians, and the easy violence and ostracism by white people due to political tensions.
Through this novel, Alexis questions the life set out for her, the life she’s desperately worked towards, and a possibility of a life outside of East Phoenix. I found this to be an intriguing YA book, albeit a bit predictable, with a satisfying ending.
The story starts with one of Alexis’ lowest points: on her first lookout mission, her team runs headfirst into their nemesis, the West Dragons— not only ruining the assignment, but leading Alexis to realize her very best friend, Zachary, has been working among her enemies this entire time.
East Phoenix has always been successful and respected, but years later the societal tides began to change as the Red Scare permeated throughout the US. Chinese businesses began losing money, high connections were cut loose, and police were harassing more and more people in Chinatown. Finding an opportunity for vindication, Alexis plants the idea of running a major heist on imported Asian art pieces in collaboration with the West Dragons to gain their wealth back. But what she didn’t expect was that Zachary would be her teammate and point of contact for this mission.
It was fascinating to see San Francisco during this time period, especially from the perspective of Chinese Americans. We see familiar holidays and traditions of Dongzhi Festival and Chinese New Year. We also see modern parallels of the over-generalizations of Asians, and the easy violence and ostracism by white people due to political tensions.
Through this novel, Alexis questions the life set out for her, the life she’s desperately worked towards, and a possibility of a life outside of East Phoenix. I found this to be an intriguing YA book, albeit a bit predictable, with a satisfying ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you like Chloe Gong's These Violent Delights, you're sure to enjoy this one.
Alexis Sung is the daughter of a gangster, but she herself is not part of the East Phoenixes, though she longs to follow in her father's footsteps. Born into the underbelly, it's all she's ever known. So, when a plan to get rich involves their enemies, the West Dragons, and her former childhood friend turned enemy, Zachary, she takes it as an opportunity to prove herself as a worthy member of the East Phoenixes to her father.
This novel actually surprised me; I did go into this thinking it'd be worse, but it was a pleasant surprise to read about fictionalized gangs of 1940s SF Chinatown. It had its juvenile moments, but this is YA, so it was to be expected. However, I am grateful the author made Alexis an older teen that had a head on her shoulders for the most part; though some moments felt a little too forced for the plot's sake.
As someone of Cantonese descent, it was lovely to read with familiarity. I don't think this novel is a resource for anything Cantonese, but it had enough sprinkled here and there that if you're aware of the culture, you would at least appreciate it. Even if I wish for more, there's maybe not a huge need for it, lest it get cluttered and the original story gets lost.
Alexis and Zachary's romance was fun to read, too. I think there was just enough of it that I wasn't wanting more for buildup reasons.
As characters, Alexis and Zachary are a bit shallow, but there was only so much room to work in that they're foils; Alexis wants the gang life and Zachary had no choice but to join and now he wants a life that isn't it. I think Alexis was too childishly focused on wanting to be a Phoenix.
Regardless, a really fun read. I'll definitely check out future novels by Zhao if they're to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC!
Alexis Sung is the daughter of a gangster, but she herself is not part of the East Phoenixes, though she longs to follow in her father's footsteps. Born into the underbelly, it's all she's ever known. So, when a plan to get rich involves their enemies, the West Dragons, and her former childhood friend turned enemy, Zachary, she takes it as an opportunity to prove herself as a worthy member of the East Phoenixes to her father.
This novel actually surprised me; I did go into this thinking it'd be worse, but it was a pleasant surprise to read about fictionalized gangs of 1940s SF Chinatown. It had its juvenile moments, but this is YA, so it was to be expected. However, I am grateful the author made Alexis an older teen that had a head on her shoulders for the most part; though some moments felt a little too forced for the plot's sake.
As someone of Cantonese descent, it was lovely to read with familiarity. I don't think this novel is a resource for anything Cantonese, but it had enough sprinkled here and there that if you're aware of the culture, you would at least appreciate it. Even if I wish for more, there's maybe not a huge need for it, lest it get cluttered and the original story gets lost.
Alexis and Zachary's romance was fun to read, too. I think there was just enough of it that I wasn't wanting more for buildup reasons.
As characters, Alexis and Zachary are a bit shallow, but there was only so much room to work in that they're foils; Alexis wants the gang life and Zachary had no choice but to join and now he wants a life that isn't it. I think Alexis was too childishly focused on wanting to be a Phoenix.
Regardless, a really fun read. I'll definitely check out future novels by Zhao if they're to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
This book was fine. It wasn’t bad but nothing was ever great. I just wanted more, I wanted to feel more immersed in the world, more connected to the characters, more excited about the romance. Instead, I was mildly entertained, vaguely interested, and overall, just had an okay time.
One of my biggest issues with this book was the pacing. It was sooo slow to start, picked up about halfway through, but then lost me again during the “heist”. Speaking of which…this book was supposed to be this daring impossible heist, and I was excited for it. When the book started to pick up steam, it was when the plans for the heist were coming together, and you know what happens during the heist…I have no idea because WE DIDN’T SEE THE HESIT!!!! The MMC actually did the heist, and since this is not a dual POV, we didn’t get to see what happened. All that build up for what, for Zachary to walk in and say it got done, LAME.
Now that that’s out of the way, there were some things I enjoyed about this book. The setting was really well done; Chinatown in SF during the 1950s was gorgeous and I loved the way the author described both the beauty and the hardships of the time, particularly the way the author captured what it was like to be Chinese during this time period. I also enjoyed the gangs. The author made it a point to give background and stories about both of the gangs, so I really got a full picture about these two and why they are enemies, instead of the common “they just hate each other and that’s that” that so many books have. I also enjoyed the romance, though I wish it had more tension, like friends to enemies to lovers, so much potential, but it fell a little flat for me.
Overall, it was okay, and if you are wanting a historical fiction book with a little action, some romance, and a decent plot, you might enjoy this.
This book was fine. It wasn’t bad but nothing was ever great. I just wanted more, I wanted to feel more immersed in the world, more connected to the characters, more excited about the romance. Instead, I was mildly entertained, vaguely interested, and overall, just had an okay time.
One of my biggest issues with this book was the pacing. It was sooo slow to start, picked up about halfway through, but then lost me again during the “heist”. Speaking of which…this book was supposed to be this daring impossible heist, and I was excited for it. When the book started to pick up steam, it was when the plans for the heist were coming together, and you know what happens during the heist…I have no idea because WE DIDN’T SEE THE HESIT!!!! The MMC actually did the heist, and since this is not a dual POV, we didn’t get to see what happened. All that build up for what, for Zachary to walk in and say it got done, LAME.
Now that that’s out of the way, there were some things I enjoyed about this book. The setting was really well done; Chinatown in SF during the 1950s was gorgeous and I loved the way the author described both the beauty and the hardships of the time, particularly the way the author captured what it was like to be Chinese during this time period. I also enjoyed the gangs. The author made it a point to give background and stories about both of the gangs, so I really got a full picture about these two and why they are enemies, instead of the common “they just hate each other and that’s that” that so many books have. I also enjoyed the romance, though I wish it had more tension, like friends to enemies to lovers, so much potential, but it fell a little flat for me.
Overall, it was okay, and if you are wanting a historical fiction book with a little action, some romance, and a decent plot, you might enjoy this.
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