Set in Shanghai and Seattle, Calculated is a gritty, modern day blend of The Count of Monte Cristo and Mission Impossible.
She has many names – Octavia, Double 8, Phoenix, Josephine. She’s a math prodigy, a calculating genius and everyone wants her.
In seventeen-year-old Jo River’s complicated world of numbers, there’s no such thing as coincidence. When she is betrayed by someone she loves, kidnapped by the world’s most wanted smuggler, and forced to use her talent to shore up a criminal empire, Jo deems her gift a curse—until she meets Red.
Fellow captive and unlikely sage, Red teaches Jo to harness her true potential, so she can do more than just escape. Before he dies, Red reveals a secret about her enemies and makes her vow to right his wrongs. But Jo has a vow of her own. With help from Chan, a bitter billionaire, and Kai, his off-limits son, Jo rises into a new role, ready to take down those who ruined her life. Until a mathematical error comes back to haunt her with a threat much more dangerous than the criminals on the loose.
To beat the odds, Jo must decide who she really is and if risking everything is worth it.
After all, history is not made—it’s calculated.
With themes of revenge and forgiveness, loss and identity, brainpower versus brutality, and the triumph of right over might, it will resonate with readers everywhere.
I haven’t read The Count of Monte Cristo, but I sure loved the movie. When I saw it was a comp title for this book, I couldn’t pass it up.
The first several chapters alternate between past and present. Jo in the past is portrayed as an excited prodigy eager to begin her first job in China. Present Jo is a jaded, bitter young woman who is imprisoned, forced to use her gift for illegal activities, and was betrayed by her family. I couldn’t wait to see what she’d experienced to alter her life so completely. It soon becomes obvious she’s not only incredibly intelligent and determined, but is also a survivor.
Because of her gift, Jo bases everything on numbers – they don’t lie and they make sense to her. But she soon learns there’s more to life than numbers and ideas that aren’t as concrete such as forgiveness, love, and finding your purpose. How perhaps there are no coincidences and fate puts you exactly where you’re needed and can make a difference in the world. Revenge isn’t everything.
With the setting in Shanghai, I felt as if I got to experience a bit of the city and Chinese culture while reading this book. I also appreciated how the author didn’t try to dumb-down any of the complex financial and mathematical details even though I might not have understood them. The plot is incredibly intricate, full of action, and well-paced. The last several chapters are like watching perfectly placed dominoes topple one after the other. Some plot points may have fallen into place a bit too easily, but I still enjoyed this book and was pleasantly surprised to learn there will be a sequel. I’ll absolutely be adding it to my list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
I like math.:-) I think I would enjoy this book. Good review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really liked how Jo applied the laws of math to make decisions. May not have understood all of it, but it sounded logical, lol. Thanks, Priscilla!
LikeLike
Even though I detest math personally, I love books and movies where it factors strongly into the plot. Great review, Teri!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes – same here! Good Will Hunting will always be a fav (although it’s much more than math), and I remember a TV show (the name escapes me – Numbers maybe?) that involved math and I loved the storylines.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, Numbers! I used to watch that one too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love revenge stories, and I loved the show Numb3rs. Sounds like this book would be one I’d really enjoy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aaahh! That’s the show I was trying to remember in my comment to Mae. Sounds like this one may be for you, Staci.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that it is set in Shanghai. It’s one of those places around the world which has always been so vibrant in my mind. And the plot sounds incredibly wild. My TBR is getting so big today ❤️ Wonderful review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tessa! I always enjoy books with foreign settings that make you feel like you’ve really experienced part of it – this one definitely did. This is one of those books I knew I’d probably like, but it turned out to be better than expected. Always a good thing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reading the premise brought back horrible memories of Algebra…but it sounds like a great read. The setting is terrific. Thanks for sharing your review, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Algebra I actually enjoyed, Jill – for me, it was Geometry, lol. Thanks for visiting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds interesting. I earned a living with math for about 18 years. Not my favorite, but I can do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t know that, Craig – but I can’t imagine doing it every day. Not one of my favorite subjects, but I still find it fascinating in books and movies, like Mae said.
LikeLiked by 1 person
While I don’t consider myself a math expert by any stretch of the imagination, numbers and their significance do fascinate me. This sounds like an intriguing read, Teri. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, Jan! I remember being fascinated by The DaVinci Code with some of the riddles involving math. And I’ve learned some things about the significance of numbers on your blog, also.
LikeLike
This sounds very interesting, Teri. I like The Count of Monte Cristo and am busy reading A Gentleman in Moscow which is also about betrayal and captivity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m a fan of revenge stories, so I’d probably enjoy that one also, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A Gentleman in Moscow is not about revenge it is about making the most of your circumstances. He mentions the Count of Monte Cristo with a statement that he can’t survive his circumstances by plotting revenge, but rather by using his circumstances to their best advantage like Robinson Crusoe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that seems a very good one with an excellent plot Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure was, Sophie – didn’t take me long to plow through this one.
LikeLike
I like learning about other cultures and loved The DaVinci Code, so this sounds interesting- thanks, Teri!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I, Jacquie. Almost makes you feel like you had a mini-visit, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like this book was crafted with the precision and quality of a Swiss watch. Thanks for sharing, Teri.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An apt description, Mark!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, that sounds like a great book, Teri. I’m no math genius, but I love playing with numbers. I’m keeping an eye out for this one.
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m far from a math genius, but sure loved this intricately plotted book, Jina. It just released today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review! I definitely like the sound of this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think there’s a sequel, so I’ll definitely be looking out for it. Thanks, Yvonne!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Man, this sounds good.. And I hate math. 🤭
I’m going to have to read this, thank you for the fantastic review! ☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew I’d like this book, but didn’t expect to enjoy it that much. I’ll definitely be looking out for the next book by this author.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With a recommendation like that, how can I not be interested? I’m so curious now. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person