Anywhere else, they’d be vermin. At the Mandel Academy, they’re called prodigies. The most exclusive school in New York City has been training young criminals for over a century. Only the most ruthless students are allowed to graduate. The rest disappear.
Flick, a teenage pickpocket, has risen to the top of his class. But then Mandel recruits a fierce new competitor who also happens to be Flick’s old flame. They’ve been told only one of them will make it out of the Mandel Academy. Will they find a way to save each other—or will the school destroy them both?
There are two different kinds of criminals in this book; the ones who fight for power, and those who fight to discover themselves. Flick never wanted to rule anything with an iron fist. If he were to try his hand at gambling for power - and succeed - he would end up risking everything he ever believed in. He could end up like his omnipotent father; a man he hates with a passion that burns within his veins like a lit match to fuel. Or he could lose... scratch that. Flick is too dang good for that.
Anyway, the story really beings with a man by the name of Lucian Mandel approaching Flick. He offers Flick money in exchange for getting a few files for him. When Flick accomplishes the task at hand, Mandel stays true to his word, pulls out his wallet, and hands Flick the money he was entitled to. So, with everything being said and done, Flick leaves with his money. However, what happens when you take your wallet out in front of a pickpocket? You never see it again, of course!
Flick walked away from the man hundreds of dollars richer.
But Mandel isn't some dim witted crook as Flick expected.
When Flick opens the wallet, he is surprised to see a business card with Mandel's name on it. The card states that, now that Flick knows Mandel's full name, he is obligated to meet with him once more. Flick, ever so curious, decides to take Mandel up on his offer.
The next day, Flick encounters Mandel again. There, Mandel finally tells Flick why he is so interested in him. Long ago in the 1870's, Mandel's great-great-grandmother founded an institution for the poor, orphaned, and dangerous. This institution was known as Mandel Academy. From the day it was founded, Mandel Academy was worshiped by all Americans. Mandel Academy gave hope and a future for those who were destined to lead a bleak life. The school was known for taking desolate young men and women and morphing them into something extraordinary. This was a place for those who had been forgotten. This was the place that offered redemption.
However, things aren't always as they seems.
Mandel Academy doesn't save people from their lives. The academy doesn't redeem them. The school makes them better at what they do. They also manage to give these people a higher standing in the community. Therefore, serial killers suddenly become our senators. Pickpockets become presidents of large companies. And no one ever cares that these people are their superiors. Why? First of all, their past is wiped clean. Second of all, if anyone were to attempt to expose one of Mandel's graduates, they would be dealt with swiftly and immediately.
Flick is reluctant to go to the academy. Going with Mandel would mean being a pawn in a very large bet. Mandel pleads with Flick and threatens him in hopes of getting him to agree to attend the academy. In the end, Flick accepts the proposition and takes his place at Mandel Academy. However, Flick doesn't go because of Mandel's childish threats. He goes because he knows Mandel is hiding something. Something about the one person who made his life a living hell.
His father.
Wow... I.... wow! This book literally left me speechless. When I finished this book, I could not formulate a coherent thought on how amazing this book is. Kristin Miller actually managed to accomplish something I had thought impossible. She wrote a book in a guy's POV. Now, that's not what is so amazing. The amazing part is that she actually managed to make the guy sound like a guy. If you read a lot of YA like me, you will find that this is very rare, even for male authors. Flick was had very manly characteristics, and I'm not talking about the stereotypical kind of male characteristics. He was actually a human character! I really have to hand that to Miller. She did one heck of a job with her character work.
I'd like to take a moment to talk about the things that amused me.
When Flick entered found the library for the first time, he said, "It seems to be the sole library at the Mandel Academy, and I thought I'd fine some reading material that could give me hope for the human race." Also upon entering the premises of the Mandel Academy, he called it, "A Hogwarts for hustlers." Please excuse me while I go and laugh my head off.
Oh, Flick also gets into a fight about a week after attending the academy. Basically, he smashes the dude's head against the wall and, while the boy he hurt is bleeding profusely, takes a bite out of his burger.
No joke.
I think Flick has reached the ultimate capacity of awesomeness.
While reading this book, you will notice many grammatical errors. This is a result of the book being compromised, or sabotaged. They also have changed some of the course descriptions in the book to make them seemingly innocent. Well, as innocent as the art of persuasion can be.
To end my review I would like to say one final thing:
This whole book is based on a true story.
My rating:
Five out of Five Stars!
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