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Luck Gods #2
Mother of Spades
It takes a queen to defeat a queen.
High school senior Aggie is ready to concentrate on important things like college essays, science projects, and her secret older boyfriend. There’s one major distraction, however: she’s a demigoddess with the power to control luck. Her mom is a demigoddess, too, the deadly Queen of Spades. When Aggie discovers how wicked her mother has become, she knows she has to win her back from the evil forces controlling her before it’s too late.
Aggie is shocked when she’s chosen to become the next queen of her suit. Accepting the role will give her the strength to defeat her mom—and save her. But in order to become queen, Aggie must first face a deadly trial, a heist to steal a dangerous treasure from the most powerful luck god of them all.
Mother of Spades is book 2 of The Luck Gods Series, a contemporary fantasy series featuring royal intrigue, slow-burn romance, and a mind-bending original magic system based on the four card suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
High school senior Aggie is ready to concentrate on important things like college essays, science projects, and her secret older boyfriend. There’s one major distraction, however: she’s a demigoddess with the power to control luck. Her mom is a demigoddess, too, the deadly Queen of Spades. When Aggie discovers how wicked her mother has become, she knows she has to win her back from the evil forces controlling her before it’s too late.
Aggie is shocked when she’s chosen to become the next queen of her suit. Accepting the role will give her the strength to defeat her mom—and save her. But in order to become queen, Aggie must first face a deadly trial, a heist to steal a dangerous treasure from the most powerful luck god of them all.
Mother of Spades is book 2 of The Luck Gods Series, a contemporary fantasy series featuring royal intrigue, slow-burn romance, and a mind-bending original magic system based on the four card suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2022
13 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
J. Gabriel Gates
15 books218 followersAuthor J. Gabriel Gates is a native of Marshall, Michigan. The son of an English teacher, his passion for the written word began at a young age. During college, another passion – for performing – led him to get his B.A. degree in theater from Florida State University.
During his years in Los Angeles, he appeared in a dozen national TV commercials and penned several screenplays while laying the groundwork for his career as a novelist.
J. Gabriel now lives in Michigan, where he is on the city council of his small town and is the executive director of a prominent arts organization.
His novels include horror novel "The Sleepwalkers," and dystopian sci-fi epic "Blood Zero Sky" as well as the YA fantasy books "Dark Territory: The Tracks Book 1," "Ghost Crown: The Tracks Book 2," "Shadow Train: The Tracks Book 3."
Look for his new urban fantasy novel "Girl of Hearts" coming in June of 2022!
During his years in Los Angeles, he appeared in a dozen national TV commercials and penned several screenplays while laying the groundwork for his career as a novelist.
J. Gabriel now lives in Michigan, where he is on the city council of his small town and is the executive director of a prominent arts organization.
His novels include horror novel "The Sleepwalkers," and dystopian sci-fi epic "Blood Zero Sky" as well as the YA fantasy books "Dark Territory: The Tracks Book 1," "Ghost Crown: The Tracks Book 2," "Shadow Train: The Tracks Book 3."
Look for his new urban fantasy novel "Girl of Hearts" coming in June of 2022!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 4, 2024
I really enjoyed all the twists of book 2! And that ending…I can’t wait to get into book 3. I really enjoy the different type of fantasy world Gates shows us. Demigod mafia based on the powers of the 4 suits is so different.
July 28, 2022
4.5 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎉
He has done it again. Book 1 (Girl of hearts) had me on the edge of my seat but Mother of spades has me reeling.
The book revisits Aggie and her crew through one epic, exhilerating journey.
It has tension, action packed scenes, an epic heist, betrayal, slow burn romance, all of the good stuff AND those plot twists!
Putting the book down was very hard. A real page turner if you ask me.
But sir, how dare you end with a cliffy like that?! The book has left me with more questions than answers. I am dying to uncover everything asap. Book 3 better come quick!
He has done it again. Book 1 (Girl of hearts) had me on the edge of my seat but Mother of spades has me reeling.
The book revisits Aggie and her crew through one epic, exhilerating journey.
It has tension, action packed scenes, an epic heist, betrayal, slow burn romance, all of the good stuff AND those plot twists!
Putting the book down was very hard. A real page turner if you ask me.
But sir, how dare you end with a cliffy like that?! The book has left me with more questions than answers. I am dying to uncover everything asap. Book 3 better come quick!
Read
July 31, 2022Mother of Spades is the sequel to Girl of Hearts, which I very much enjoyed earlier this summer. It has a unique magic/worldbuilding system based on card playing suites, which drew me in straightaway. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the second book in the series nearly as much as the first.
The book continues Aggie's story as she takes on the role of Six of Hearts, and faces a possibility of becoming, not just a member of this suite, but its queen. The plot was strong, like the first volume, with some great twists and turns.
But, and this could totally be my mood and not the fault of the book, I found Aggie's narration kind of hard to take? It's a very young-sounding YA voice, with lots of contemporary slang and pop culture references that were a bit grating. I may just not have been in the mood for this style of book, and it's still a great story with a very cool world!
The book continues Aggie's story as she takes on the role of Six of Hearts, and faces a possibility of becoming, not just a member of this suite, but its queen. The plot was strong, like the first volume, with some great twists and turns.
But, and this could totally be my mood and not the fault of the book, I found Aggie's narration kind of hard to take? It's a very young-sounding YA voice, with lots of contemporary slang and pop culture references that were a bit grating. I may just not have been in the mood for this style of book, and it's still a great story with a very cool world!
August 5, 2022
Thrilling rollercoaster ! Your gonna want to strap in!
J. Gabriel Gates has reignited the excitement of reading! This incredible series is delicious, I devoured every word and just couldn't get enough!
This mission is a rollarcoaster of thrills, spills, twists and turns, shocks and so so much more, the character development, the story line, the magic, only a genius like Gates could deliver such a brilliant read, where you experience such connections with the characters and story that you gasp, swear, and laugh out loud! Complete insanity - I want more! You can't leave it there Gates, we NEED more!
J. Gabriel Gates has reignited the excitement of reading! This incredible series is delicious, I devoured every word and just couldn't get enough!
This mission is a rollarcoaster of thrills, spills, twists and turns, shocks and so so much more, the character development, the story line, the magic, only a genius like Gates could deliver such a brilliant read, where you experience such connections with the characters and story that you gasp, swear, and laugh out loud! Complete insanity - I want more! You can't leave it there Gates, we NEED more!
September 4, 2022
Loved this 2nd in the series about Aggie and her Mom both being luck gods! One good and one evil, will they be able to find common ground? Aggie is on a quest and will have to face new challenges and lots of fights. I never know which way the story will go and keep flipping those pages!
August 11, 2022
Mafia meets Poker Face
And they’re baaaack! If there’s one quote that would describe the entire book, this would be it:
“What about you? You staying out of trouble?”
“Not at all, Sweet,” he deadpanned. “I’m a Valentine.”
But there’s even more family drama this time around and it’s not just the House of Hearts. Aggie’s two best friends are havings issues with their respective mothers – Molly’s is enjoying her newfound post-divorce polyamory a wee too much for her daughter’s comfort and Claudette’s is using her head trauma as an excuse for her daughter to continue doing housework. At let’s not forget Aggie’s mom – the Queen of Spades – begins to go over to the dark side (again).
Usually, the question is about what one would sacrifice in order to defind family. In this book, it’s what Aggie is willing to sacrifice in order to go up against her Queen Mother.
Who has the trump card in this showdown – and how long has it been up someone’s sleeve? How many wild cards are there (and they who you think they are)? Is following suit going to be productive or destructive for this house of cards? Will Aggie learn how to know when to hold ‘em or know when to fold ‘em?
Find out when Luck Gods #3 gets released!
Call me biased (don’t care), but I LOVED the plug for ‘Israeli skincare cream that had all but cured her ichthyosis vulgaris’.
תודה רבה!
And they’re baaaack! If there’s one quote that would describe the entire book, this would be it:
“What about you? You staying out of trouble?”
“Not at all, Sweet,” he deadpanned. “I’m a Valentine.”
But there’s even more family drama this time around and it’s not just the House of Hearts. Aggie’s two best friends are havings issues with their respective mothers – Molly’s is enjoying her newfound post-divorce polyamory a wee too much for her daughter’s comfort and Claudette’s is using her head trauma as an excuse for her daughter to continue doing housework. At let’s not forget Aggie’s mom – the Queen of Spades – begins to go over to the dark side (again).
Usually, the question is about what one would sacrifice in order to defind family. In this book, it’s what Aggie is willing to sacrifice in order to go up against her Queen Mother.
Who has the trump card in this showdown – and how long has it been up someone’s sleeve? How many wild cards are there (and they who you think they are)? Is following suit going to be productive or destructive for this house of cards? Will Aggie learn how to know when to hold ‘em or know when to fold ‘em?
Find out when Luck Gods #3 gets released!
Call me biased (don’t care), but I LOVED the plug for ‘Israeli skincare cream that had all but cured her ichthyosis vulgaris’.
תודה רבה!
September 8, 2024
FYI, I am writing this review after finishing the whole series (Book 1-4 and Novella).
Mother of Spades was an amazing sequel to Girl of Hearts. I enjoyed it more than the first book.
After the events of Book 1 and the Novella "The Thief and the Lucky Boy" we find Rachel, Aggie's mother, struggling and coping with being the Queen of the Spades, trying to revive the suit that was once thought to be decimated in the past. Aggie, on the other hand, is rising up the ranks within the Valentines while still trying to deal with her SATs and high school life, all the while trying to figure out her new situationship with the Jack of Hearts. In her quest to gain more power and attempt to bring back her mom, Aggie is tasked with her Queen trial which puts her in greater danger.
This Book features one of my favorite characters ever, DQ and we see our other favorite characters including Cleo and Junior (make sure to read that NOVELLA).
Ultimately, there is a lot of action, peril, combat, shocking twists and the start of the discard pile building up. This was my second favorite book of the series.
Mother of Spades was an amazing sequel to Girl of Hearts. I enjoyed it more than the first book.
After the events of Book 1 and the Novella "The Thief and the Lucky Boy" we find Rachel, Aggie's mother, struggling and coping with being the Queen of the Spades, trying to revive the suit that was once thought to be decimated in the past. Aggie, on the other hand, is rising up the ranks within the Valentines while still trying to deal with her SATs and high school life, all the while trying to figure out her new situationship with the Jack of Hearts. In her quest to gain more power and attempt to bring back her mom, Aggie is tasked with her Queen trial which puts her in greater danger.
This Book features one of my favorite characters ever, DQ and we see our other favorite characters including Cleo and Junior (make sure to read that NOVELLA).
Ultimately, there is a lot of action, peril, combat, shocking twists and the start of the discard pile building up. This was my second favorite book of the series.
July 31, 2022
This is book two in the Luck Gods series. I loved the first book and preordered this book. I was exited to dive into this YA fantasy series yet again.
I was hooked from the start. Riding the roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, screamed, gasped, and cursed my way through this book. It gets a solid 5 stars from me!
I honestly don't have words for all of my feelings towards this book. I am suspicious of a beloved character from the first book. I'm angry with this character and also want something to happen to redeem themselves.
Aggie is finding herself slowly and I'm ready for her to become badass on her own. I feel like she's getting there. Poor thing needs it with not knowing who she can trust!
So many emotions on what is going on with the people around Aggie. I need answers!
The ending isn't wrapped up nice and tidy. It will make you curse Mr. Gates and hope that he get's the next book out ASAP! I'm hooked.
I was hooked from the start. Riding the roller coaster ride of emotions. I laughed, screamed, gasped, and cursed my way through this book. It gets a solid 5 stars from me!
I honestly don't have words for all of my feelings towards this book. I am suspicious of a beloved character from the first book. I'm angry with this character and also want something to happen to redeem themselves.
Aggie is finding herself slowly and I'm ready for her to become badass on her own. I feel like she's getting there. Poor thing needs it with not knowing who she can trust!
So many emotions on what is going on with the people around Aggie. I need answers!
The ending isn't wrapped up nice and tidy. It will make you curse Mr. Gates and hope that he get's the next book out ASAP! I'm hooked.
December 26, 2025
Book 2 of Gates' Luck God series picks up where Girl of Hearts (book 1) finishes.
Aggie, still trying to get through her senior year of high school, prep for college and turn in assignments on time has found out that her mother is no longer missing and unfortunately is now Queen of an evil suit. Can she get to her and convince her that she isn't evil? If not, then another queen will have to battle her.
Luckily, or unluckily, Aggie is chosen to become the Queen of hearts pitting mother against daughter. Throw in some side drama within the suit of hearts, some power plays being tested against the other suits, and ancient powers/magic that seem to be running the show....you have a great fast paced story.
A great second chapter, cannot wait to read what is going on in the suit of diamonds in book 3.
Aggie, still trying to get through her senior year of high school, prep for college and turn in assignments on time has found out that her mother is no longer missing and unfortunately is now Queen of an evil suit. Can she get to her and convince her that she isn't evil? If not, then another queen will have to battle her.
Luckily, or unluckily, Aggie is chosen to become the Queen of hearts pitting mother against daughter. Throw in some side drama within the suit of hearts, some power plays being tested against the other suits, and ancient powers/magic that seem to be running the show....you have a great fast paced story.
A great second chapter, cannot wait to read what is going on in the suit of diamonds in book 3.
August 3, 2022
Book 2 was on fire! Angie spends months secretly training with the Valentines and falling for Jake but she isn’t the only one who holds secrets. Rachel battles the morbus obelisk inside her but can’t win and secretly builds an army. Molly plays double agent selling her best friends secrets to the Diamond’s, Jake has a secret agenda with the Ace and no one knows what’s going to happen next. When I say this book will have to twisting and turning on the journey I mean it. I loved that Aggie developed more confidence in this book. She still has a long ways to go but seeing her slowly come into herself is awesome and she’s clearly destined to be a great leader. Another player enters the game as well and the ending leaves you on the edge of your seat wanting more. ❤️♠️💎♣️
March 14, 2023
⭐️ RATING 4.5 ⭐️
The second installment of the Luck God series exceeded all of my expectations! It had everything I look for in a fantasy - lots of adventure, power struggles, shifting alliances, plot twists, and a dash of romance.
This book gave me all the feels. I laughed out loud, screamed, and cried. I didn’t know whether to root for Aggie saving her real family or her found family. It was a wild ride, and I loved every second of it.
I highly recommend this book, but make sure to check out Girl of Hearts first. If you don’t, you’ll be sad (and really lost).
The author was kind enough to gift me a copy of this book, but I am happily leaving this review voluntarily.
The second installment of the Luck God series exceeded all of my expectations! It had everything I look for in a fantasy - lots of adventure, power struggles, shifting alliances, plot twists, and a dash of romance.
This book gave me all the feels. I laughed out loud, screamed, and cried. I didn’t know whether to root for Aggie saving her real family or her found family. It was a wild ride, and I loved every second of it.
I highly recommend this book, but make sure to check out Girl of Hearts first. If you don’t, you’ll be sad (and really lost).
The author was kind enough to gift me a copy of this book, but I am happily leaving this review voluntarily.
August 15, 2022
Mother of Spades, book two in the Luck Gods series, did NOT disappoint. Between schoolwork and the budding relationship with her boyfriend, Aggie has a lot to focus on. Her mother’s new role as the Queen of Spades is changing her mother, and not for the good. When Aggie finds out she’s been selected to be the next Queen of Hearts, she has serious doubts. Why was she chosen? Does she really have to go through with this?
Wow – this book really took me on a rollercoaster ride. Between the relationships with Aggie and her friends and family, the drama between the suits, and the ‘but wait, there’s more’ plot twists, I couldn’t put this book down. We see a lot of growth in Aggie over the course of this book and I’m beyond excited to know what’s in store for her. With other characters, however, some endeared themselves to me further, while others certainly did not.
This is a great, page-turner of a series to dive into if you’re a fan of YA urban fantasy!
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
Wow – this book really took me on a rollercoaster ride. Between the relationships with Aggie and her friends and family, the drama between the suits, and the ‘but wait, there’s more’ plot twists, I couldn’t put this book down. We see a lot of growth in Aggie over the course of this book and I’m beyond excited to know what’s in store for her. With other characters, however, some endeared themselves to me further, while others certainly did not.
This is a great, page-turner of a series to dive into if you’re a fan of YA urban fantasy!
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
May 31, 2023
This book was great!! Girl of Hearts was a great intro, maybe a bit messy, and it got a little silly at times, (but I think that was just Aggie’s transition from typical teenager to coming into her power)but still a delightful introduction to this world and magic system.
Now THIS ONE?? HOLY COW!!! Absolutely chock FULL of twists and turns!!! It’s one thing after another!! It kept me on my toes, kept me reading, and…
SPOILER ALERT:
CLIFF-HANGER OF CLIFFHANGERS!!! It was like Game of Thrones level cliffhanger!!
WHY???????
Can’t wait til Daughter of Diamonds!
Now THIS ONE?? HOLY COW!!! Absolutely chock FULL of twists and turns!!! It’s one thing after another!! It kept me on my toes, kept me reading, and…
SPOILER ALERT:
CLIFF-HANGER OF CLIFFHANGERS!!! It was like Game of Thrones level cliffhanger!!
WHY???????
Can’t wait til Daughter of Diamonds!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Omg! What can I say about this book? I LOVED it! This book still has me reeling. I was at 62% and stayed up past midnicht just to finish it it was so good!! The plot twists, the adventure, the slow burning romance. It angered me, made me laugh and had me on the edge of my seat! I still can't believe that ending!! 🤯 The perfect follow up to The Girl of Hearts! I can't wait for everyone to read this one too!
Omg! What can I say about this book? I LOVED it! This book still has me reeling. I was at 62% and stayed up past midnicht just to finish it it was so good!! The plot twists, the adventure, the slow burning romance. It angered me, made me laugh and had me on the edge of my seat! I still can't believe that ending!! 🤯 The perfect follow up to The Girl of Hearts! I can't wait for everyone to read this one too!
Read
August 24, 2022So I thought I was hooked before. Mother of Spades just pulled me in even further to the world of the Luck Gods. Aggie's desire to save her mom pulls me along as she fights to survive everything, to become powerful enough to face the greatest fight of her life. Okay, Gates, you need to hurry up and get the next book out quick! Don't leave me hanging for too long. I have got to know how this turns out!
August 12, 2023
Second book started out much better than the first. The mc broke the fourth wall or whatever it’s called and it added to the story I think. Overall the story is just so…far fetched. Even for a fantasy. Like sure magic isn’t real but a physicist that doesn’t question magic? And then it just keeps detailing…idk I have one more boom to read but I’m not sold. Good writing though. The author has some good ideas and is talented.
March 2, 2025
I enjoyed the second book in this series. It continues to follow Aggie & her mother on their journey. There’s some tasks, twists & lots of action in this book. The pacing was great & enough was going on that kept you wanting to read more. I’m also glad I read the novella (the thief & the lucky boy) before reading the second book as it tied in nicely with the ending of the book :)
And what a cliff hanger at the end, look forward to reading the next book.
And what a cliff hanger at the end, look forward to reading the next book.
February 5, 2024
All the things you want in a sequel and more
I love the characters in the book. The world of the suites is incredible. The world building is amazing. It's an emotional rollercoaster with a cliff hanger at the end that is breath catching. I can't to start book 3 to find out what comes next for all the suites and characters
I love the characters in the book. The world of the suites is incredible. The world building is amazing. It's an emotional rollercoaster with a cliff hanger at the end that is breath catching. I can't to start book 3 to find out what comes next for all the suites and characters
March 14, 2024
SO GOOD!
OMG! The second book is just WOW! I really like the concept of the luck gods, the world building and the story are interesting. I love the characters too, they are complex and flawed but real and I like the fact that we see other povs than Aggie's too. I can't wait for the next book!
OMG! The second book is just WOW! I really like the concept of the luck gods, the world building and the story are interesting. I love the characters too, they are complex and flawed but real and I like the fact that we see other povs than Aggie's too. I can't wait for the next book!
January 11, 2025
Wow!!! This series is so much fun to read!! The characters are like-able and full of personality and wit . The twists and turns with all the action makes for an exciting ride. Relationships and friendships are made while others are broken! The ending was a mouth opener and I can’t wait to read the next book!! Such a great fantasy series!! 😊
November 10, 2025
Like nearly every book 2 in a series, nothing resolves and everything gets worse before it can be better. 😸
I am unclear as to if there will be any actually good characters, but as I am on Team Chloe, it helps not wonder about that too much. 😆
p.s. the marrage rules in this world remind me of political unions in the 1600s. 😂
I am unclear as to if there will be any actually good characters, but as I am on Team Chloe, it helps not wonder about that too much. 😆
p.s. the marrage rules in this world remind me of political unions in the 1600s. 😂
November 19, 2025
Can’t get enough
This series is truly special. I said in my review of book one that the storyline is original and I still stand by that. From the world building, to the slow burn romance relationship. The four suits are a lot like God gangs. Not something I’ve ever read before. It’s been a while since I’ve stumbled upon something like this.
This series is truly special. I said in my review of book one that the storyline is original and I still stand by that. From the world building, to the slow burn romance relationship. The four suits are a lot like God gangs. Not something I’ve ever read before. It’s been a while since I’ve stumbled upon something like this.
August 7, 2022
This book was just as good as the first one! I
There were many times my jaw dropped and I had to keep going to see what happened next!! I’m mostly upset it ended on such a cliffhanger! I need the next book!! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
There were many times my jaw dropped and I had to keep going to see what happened next!! I’m mostly upset it ended on such a cliffhanger! I need the next book!! I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 27, 2022
A great second book in the series, with plenty of action and more intrigue and secrets among the suits. Fantastic world building, I love the idea of good and bad charm magic. I look forward to reading the next book!
June 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The back and forth between charm and hex gave me major Scythe vibes. The plot, the tension, the family love and loyalty, and everything in-between was immersive and enjoyable. Can't wait for book 3!
July 20, 2024
Great!
This is the second book in a series. I’m sucked in and can’t wait to see what happens next. I love Aggie, I’m conflicted about Jack, Rachel is the dumbest smart person I know, and don’t even get me started on Molly!
This is the second book in a series. I’m sucked in and can’t wait to see what happens next. I love Aggie, I’m conflicted about Jack, Rachel is the dumbest smart person I know, and don’t even get me started on Molly!
July 31, 2025
This is a TEN star read for me!! I don't usually take the time to write reviews, but this book was so good!! I love the realness of the fmc and was BEYOND surprised by something the mmc did!!! I can't decide if I hate him or if he just needs a butt whooping. Even the minor characters stand out.
September 25, 2022
Intriguing premise, and each book brings new twists and treachery. Who to trust? How to get through it all? And how can it possibly be resolved in a way that won't leave me completely undone?
October 7, 2022
excellent!!!
An amazing rich story you don’t want to miss!!! The writing and world building is excellent, the characters are so well conceptualized
An amazing rich story you don’t want to miss!!! The writing and world building is excellent, the characters are so well conceptualized
November 27, 2024
luck gods
This series is amazing. Book two definitely left you on a cliff hanger. Luck , gods, love , war , a wedding, and death all in one.
This series is amazing. Book two definitely left you on a cliff hanger. Luck , gods, love , war , a wedding, and death all in one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews