Aces Wild

In Aces Wild by Amanda DeWitt, what happens in Vegas isn't just limited to a roll of the dice or a spin of the wheel. This thrilling YA adventure takes an unexpected turn when an all-asexual online friend group bands together to infiltrate a high-stakes gambling club in a daring bid to save one of their own from a deep-seated family scandal. With Las Vegas as their electrifying backdrop, these friends navigate a world of secrets and deception, proving that true loyalty knows no bounds.

At its core, Aces Wild follows Jack Shannon, a teenager who, unlike most kids his age who join typical school clubs, manages a secret blackjack ring in his private school's basement. As the son of a powerful Las Vegas casino mogul, Jack’s life has always been a blend of glamour and high-stakes gaming. However, the glittering facade begins to crumble when Jack's mother is arrested, accused of connections to organized crime. While his sister, Beth, sees this as a pivotal moment for their family to turn over a new leaf, Jack is convinced that there's more to his mother’s arrest than meets the eye.

Jack suspects the orchestrator behind this mess is none other than Peter Carlevaro, a rival casino owner and mobster with a personal vendetta. Determined to clear his mother’s name, Jack concocts a scheme to infiltrate Carlevaro's exclusive gambling den to uncover the incriminating evidence that can set her free. But Jack knows he can't do it alone.

Enter Jack’s asexual online support group, a band of loyal friends who prove that their bond goes far beyond the virtual world. Together, they form a motley crew of ingenious, daring, and resourceful individuals up to the challenge. From hacking security systems to outwitting seasoned gamblers, each friend brings a unique skill to the table, making them a formidable team against the dangers lurking in Vegas’s underworld.

As Jack dives deeper into the glittering yet treacherous world of high-stakes gambling, he must confront unsettling truths about his family and navigate the complexities of asexual love. Balancing these personal challenges with their heist, Jack and his friends learn that sometimes, finding yourself is the greatest gamble of all.

Aces Wild is a gripping tale of friendship, courage, and the search for identity, set against the dazzling and dangerous backdrop of Las Vegas. Amanda DeWitt masterfully weaves a story that is as much about the heist as it is about the journey of self-discovery, making it a must-read for fans of heart-pounding adventure and poignant coming-of-age narratives.