Ex Marks the Spot
Readers rate it 3.8 (9 on Hardcover)
385 pages · Released Dec 31, 2024 · Penguin
Content report card
Ex Marks the Spot parent’s guide: what’s inside
Violence
Substance use
What it offers
A note for parents
This is a contemporary YA romance with a treasure-hunt adventure set in Taiwan, focused on self-discovery and family reconnection. The story emphasizes cultural heritage, emotional growth, and healthy relationships, making it age-appropriate for mature teens. While there is some mild language and romantic content typical of YA, the book's primary strength lies in its positive messages about identity, belonging, and resilience.
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From the publisher
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 al... 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.
Shelved under
- Young Adult Fiction
- A mix driven
- Strong Character Development
- Unloveable Characters
- Diverse Characters
- emotional
- funny
- hopeful
- inspiring
- reflective
- sad
- Young Adult
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ISBN 9780593692721 · Penguin