Review: Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

I received this book via the publisher Listening Library, Viking Books for Young Readers. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
Narrator: Yu-Li Alice Shen
Published by Listening Library, Viking Books for Young Readers on 2024-12-31
Age Range: 12+
Length: 384 pages
Length: 9 hours and 1 minute
Listening Speed: 2x
Reviewing Advanced Listening Copy, eARC from the publisher Listening Library, Viking Books for Young Readers
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2024 Audiobook Challenge, 2024 COYER Unwind

A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .

This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking things: the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.

There's just one major problem: to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way Gemma can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, she finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.

Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao is a contemporary YA that follows two rivals on a treasure hunt that spans the globe. Gemma Sun has spent her life wishing for more family and to learn more about her Taiwanese culture. It is her and her mom against the world because as far as she knew her grandparents were gone. But when a lawyer shows up with the contents of her grandfather’s will, she’s shocked to learn that he only just passed, and he’s left a clue to a scavenger hunt for her to know him better. The only catch….she has to travel to Taiwan, and her best chance of getting there is asking her high school rival and ex-boyfriend for help.

Gemma is an interesting character. Her growth throughout the story is what struck a chord with me. The story opens on her high school graduation. Gemma is excited and nervous about what the next chapter in her life will bring her. However her nerves stem from not knowing how she will afford it. Her mom already works two jobs to care for them, Gemma can’t ask her for more. So when the lawyer shows up with news about her grandfather and the first clue to a scavenger hunt, she hopes that an inheritance is at the end.

Traveling to Taiwan is a bonus. She’s always felt less than because she doesn’t know her culture. Her mom wanted to fully assimilate which means they didn’t eat Taiwanese foods or speak the language. So asking Xander for help is a blow to her ego. Xander is from the same culture except he speaks fluently their language and knows their customs and foods. She feels insecure around him, asking for his help. Xander has formed a program called TARP, which is going for two weeks to Taiwan to explore the culture. He initially is reluctant to help her, but surprises her with an expenses paid trip.

I loved the immersive nature of the book. The author does a fantastic job of using the appropriate language and then saying what it is so that as the book goes and Gemma is learning so are you as the reader. The scavenger hunt/treasure hunt adds some mystery and intrigue to the story. Gemma has always loved puzzles, and it seems so did her grandfather. I loved figuring them out with her, and it is something she shares with Xander. Their relationship builds naturally throughout the book. The enmity that is between them seems mostly one sided, and it is through Gemma’s maturing that she recognizes that.

Overall, I really enjoyed Ex Marks the Spot. I loved the setting and how the author introduces and immerses us into the culture. The treasure hunt was so much fun, and the romance that buds between Gemma and Xander is sweet. If you are a fan of puzzles, romance, and travel, I highly recommend it.

Audiobook Note: I also received an ALC of this book so I listened as I followed along at my normal 2x speed. The narrator is great. I liked listening as I personally struggle with languages and get stuck on pronunciations. It was nice to be able to hear how certain words were pronounced. If you are a fan of listening, I highly recommend it.

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