Dual Review: The Conspiracy of Us & Map of Fates by Maggie Hall

Dual Review: The Conspiracy of Us & Map of Fates by Maggie HallTitle: The Conspiracy of Us (The Conspiracy of Us #1) by Maggie Hall
Publishing Info: January 13, 2015 by Penguin
Source: Audible
Genres: Young Adult, Thriller
Find it on the web: Buy from Amazon // GoodreadsDate Completed: June 14, 2016
Related Posts: The Ends of the World (The Conspiracy of Us #3)

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle—beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family--but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with.

Dual Review: The Conspiracy of Us & Map of Fates by Maggie HallTitle: Map of Fates (The Conspiracy of Us #2) by Maggie Hall
Publishing Info: March 8, 2016 by Penguin
Source: Audible
Genres: Young Adult, Thriller
Find it on the web: Buy from Amazon // GoodreadsDate Completed: July 13, 2016
Related Posts: The Ends of the World (The Conspiracy of Us #3)

Two weeks. 


That’s how long it took for Avery West’s ordinary life to change forever: In two weeks, she discovered she was heiress to a powerful secret society known as the Circle, learned her mother was taken hostage by the Circle’s enemies, and fell for a boy she’s not allowed to love, just as she found out another was her unwelcome destiny. 


Now, Avery crosses oceans in private jets to hunt for clues that will uncover the truth about the Circle, setting her mom and herself free before it’s too late. By her side are both the boys: Jack—steady, loyal, and determined to help her even at the expense of his own duty—and Stellan, whose connection to Avery grows stronger by the day despite her best intentions, making her question what she believes at every turn.

But at the end of a desperate hunt from the islands of Greece to the red carpet at Cannes comes a discovery that not only changes everything, but could bring the whole world to its knees. And now Avery is forced to face the truth: in the world of the Circle, no one is what they seem.

I ended up reading THE CONSPIRACY OF US and MAP OF FATES almost back-to-back because I just enjoyed these books so much! Since I waited a little while to write my review, the two end up blending together a little bit in terms of plot (as in, I remember everything that happened but I don’t want to accidentally include book two’s plot in my review of book one), I decided to review them both together! I was going to to hold my review to include the last book in the trilogy but it doesn’t come out until 2017 sooo that’s a bit too long to wait!

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If you’re in the mood for a political thriller, Maggie Hall’s books are what you need! I grabbed the first book on audio (I think on sale? I don’t remember how I grabbed it) and I’m so glad I did! The books span more than just politics but that’s probably the best broad category for them. Think of it as a sort of DAVINCI CODE type book! Family connections and secrets, international escapades, money, prestige, honor, history, and more, THE CONSPIRACY OF US and MAP OF FATES had me totally hooked.

I really enjoyed Avery’s character quite a lot. I think one thing I like about YA novels is that the main characters just sort of roll with whatever situation presents itself because teens can be so open-minded and willing to accept something wild. Sure, the same things could happen to adults but I like the ease of jumping into the plot and that’s exactly what Avery does! The books waste no time setting up the plot and introducing readers to Avery’s new destiny as an important part of the most powerful families in all of the world. I loved the surprises that constantly shook things up and Avery really handled everything realistically and quite well!

The mystery and intrigue is definitely my favorite part of this series. It’s so much fun to see authors relate history to fiction and I love that it sort of opens the doors to all of the “what if”s about where some historical descendants might be today. You start to wonder if secret societies and powerful families like the ones in these books are really possible because who knows? If they’re that secret, we would never know, and I think that’s a really cool concept. There are some slow mysteries and quick surprises and the way everything layers together is really fantastic. There’s always something new to discover and Maggie Hall does a great job of keeping her characters (and readers) on their toes!

Another favorite part of mine was the romance. Without giving things away, there is a sort of a love triangle in the book but it’s so well-handled that it doesn’t feel like a triangle at all. Avery has a complicated relationship with two of her new acquaintances and I really appreciated both guys in her life. One is a sweeping romance with epic gestures, protectiveness, education, and security. Another is full of banter, stubbornness, and tension but also has quite a different outcome. It’s hard to talk about it without giving things away but let’s say I have a favorite and things REALLY heat up with him in book two!

The only bad thing I’ve run into now is that I have to wait for the last book! Book three doesn’t come out until 2017 and I’m just dying to read it. I sort of binged these back-to-back and I wish I could have hopped right into the third book! It’s a world that I easily got lost in and I had so much fun with all of the characters, the clues, and the exciting international scenery. If you’re looking for a new international thriller, you have to read these books!

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Kept me hooked on: Secret Societies. Who doesn’t want to read about secret societies!? It’s not something you see too much of in books and I just love all the secrecy, mysteries, and connections!
Left me wanting more: Details. I just wanted a little bit more on the Union once there were a few reveals about it… but I’m guessing that’s what book three will be for too!

Addiction Rating
Read them!

Gah, these books are so good. They were just what I was looking for when I started and I just couldn’t get enough! I love the complicated relationships and everything that those entail (familial, platonic, and romantic).

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Hi, I'm Brittany!
Hi, I'm Brittany!

I'm an avid reader, candle-maker, and audiobook lover! Here you'll find book reviews, fun blog posts, and my other loves of photography & craft beer!

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