Ex Marks the Spot
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.
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.
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Community Reviews
In this endearing American Chinese coming-of-age novel, the story centers around Gemma Sun, a high school student longing for a broader family beyond just her and her mother. Financial challenges have always been present, forcing her to mature faster than she would have preferred. Gemma takes her academics seriously, aiming for excellent grades to qualify for scholarships. Additionally, her mother, in an attempt to assimilate her completely into American culture, has eradicated all traces of Asian culture from their lives. English is the only language Gemma speaks, and her native culture is completely foreign to her.
Enter Alex (or Xander, as he prefers), Gemma's co-valedictorian at graduation and her nemesis. Xander is popular, seemingly carefree, and comes from a wealthy family that speaks fluent Mandarin. During his graduation speech, he compares everyone to a box of chocolates, leaving the audience in laughter. Gemma wonders how she can possibly follow up on such a captivating speech.
Suddenly, after the graduation ceremony, a man tries to approach Gemma and her mother, prompting her mother to rush them home. Later, Gemma learns that the man was her grandfather's lawyer, attempting to deliver a package intended for her and her mother. Shocked, Gemma discovers that her grandfather has recently passed away, contrary to what her mother had told her when she was young.
Gemma's grandfather has left behind a puzzle that either she or her mother must solve. However, there's a catchâGemma must travel to Taiwan. To assist her, Xander's program, designed to help Chinese American students connect with their roots, offers a way for her to travel to Taiwan.
Similar to "Love In Taipei," this novel immerses readers in the culture of Taiwan, where the barely there counselors are just young college students with a relaxed approach to the rules, thus allowing Gemma to go off on her own to solve the treasure hunt her grandfather wants her to embark on. Despite their initial dislike for each other, as Gemma and Xander embark on this journey together, Gemma learns more about her culture, herself, and the story of her grandfather. She also discovers that things are not always as they seem, including Xander.
While this book is targeted toward Young Adult readers and is a stand alone, I could easily see this novel turn into a series.
Enter Alex (or Xander, as he prefers), Gemma's co-valedictorian at graduation and her nemesis. Xander is popular, seemingly carefree, and comes from a wealthy family that speaks fluent Mandarin. During his graduation speech, he compares everyone to a box of chocolates, leaving the audience in laughter. Gemma wonders how she can possibly follow up on such a captivating speech.
Suddenly, after the graduation ceremony, a man tries to approach Gemma and her mother, prompting her mother to rush them home. Later, Gemma learns that the man was her grandfather's lawyer, attempting to deliver a package intended for her and her mother. Shocked, Gemma discovers that her grandfather has recently passed away, contrary to what her mother had told her when she was young.
Gemma's grandfather has left behind a puzzle that either she or her mother must solve. However, there's a catchâGemma must travel to Taiwan. To assist her, Xander's program, designed to help Chinese American students connect with their roots, offers a way for her to travel to Taiwan.
Similar to "Love In Taipei," this novel immerses readers in the culture of Taiwan, where the barely there counselors are just young college students with a relaxed approach to the rules, thus allowing Gemma to go off on her own to solve the treasure hunt her grandfather wants her to embark on. Despite their initial dislike for each other, as Gemma and Xander embark on this journey together, Gemma learns more about her culture, herself, and the story of her grandfather. She also discovers that things are not always as they seem, including Xander.
While this book is targeted toward Young Adult readers and is a stand alone, I could easily see this novel turn into a series.
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