“In her YA debut, Zhao delivers a cinematic portrait of postwar San Francisco . . . The simmering romance builds up to a sizzle, and the story skillfully weaves in themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and parental loss. An atmospheric heist thriller wrapped up in a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This fast-paced read centers family as one of its major themes. The idea of blood
relations versus found family winds its way through the narrative. . .This perfect blend of heist-driven adrenaline and slow-burn romance is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.” —School Library Journal
“Love between Chinese American teens from rival crime families proves dangerous in this taut blend of historical fiction and high-stakes heist novel . . . a briskly entertaining and noir-like adventure.” —Publishers Weekly
“A richly told historical tale that crackles with tension, whether it’s in the chemistry sizzling between Alexis and Zachary or the meetings between rivals. The life-or-death stakes hang over every scene, effectively propelling the story onward. A stellar young adult title from a strong new voice in the category.” —Booklist
“Transportive, atmospheric, and simmering with tension, Heirs of Infamy demands to be read in one sitting. I fell in love with Alexis and Zachary: our scheming star-crossed lovers, who dream of a better future for one another.” —Allison Saft, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Starlight
“Atmospheric and utterly addictive, Heirs of Infamy has everything I could want in a novel: the neon-lit underworld of San Francisco Chinatown and its rival crime families, a twisty, high-stakes heist that will keep you guessing, and a romance at once tender and full of suspense.”
—K. X. Song, New York Times bestselling author of The Night Ends with Fire
“Heirs of Infamy brings its unique setting of 1940s San Francisco to life with atmospheric historical details, a compelling cast where even minor characters dazzle in their scenes, and a sizzling forbidden romance . . . A lush, gripping story of navigating a violent heritage borne by life on the margins and making one’s own destiny.” —Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow
“[A] glittering historical romance. Fast-paced and bleeding romantic chemistry, I was transported right into Zhao’s vivid world of San Francisco and never wanted to leave!” —Kaylie Smith, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Phantasma
“An absolute must-read . . . With twists as sharp and clever as the characters themselves, Kyla Zhao has crafted a breathtaking, heart-pounding tale of ambition, belonging, and identity—proving once again that she is an author to watch.” —Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of I Hope This Doesn’t Find You
“Heirs of Infamy had me holding my breath and stressing out like my life depended on this heist! With heart-pounding stakes and characters so intriguing I couldn’t help but turn the page, Kyla Zhao has done it again.” —Sonido Reyes, National Book Award finalist for The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School
“Heirs of Infamy instantly draws readers into a glittering world of rival empires, hidden alliances, and high-stakes betrayals—where loyalties shift and nothing is ever quite as it seems. A dazzling blend of romance and intrigue, it effortlessly captures the thrill of the perfect heist and the pull of forbidden love.” —Alexandra Brown Chang, New York Times bestselling author of By Invitation Only
