What do you think?
Rate this book
Deck of Lies #3
Death
All In
I never wanted to get in this deep, but I did go looking for the truth before I was prepared to handle it. But how do you close the lid on Pandora’s box? You can’t unlearn something, or forget a dark secret once it’s been revealed.
I have no choice but to do my part to bury the truth again -- this time, someplace no one will ever be able to find it. But that’s the problem with lies. Once you start pulling threads, everything unravels.
No one is who they seem to be...not even me.
I never wanted to get in this deep, but I did go looking for the truth before I was prepared to handle it. But how do you close the lid on Pandora’s box? You can’t unlearn something, or forget a dark secret once it’s been revealed.
I have no choice but to do my part to bury the truth again -- this time, someplace no one will ever be able to find it. But that’s the problem with lies. Once you start pulling threads, everything unravels.
No one is who they seem to be...not even me.
- GenresYoung Adult
211 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2012
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Jade Varden
11 books163 followersJade Varden writes young adult novels for teen readers. When she’s not crafting mysteries in her books, Jade also blogs practical writing tips for authors who self-publish. Jade currently makes her home in Louisville, Kentucky, where she enjoys reading and reviewing indie books by other self-published authors. Follow her on Twitter @JadeVarden. Visit Jade’s blog at http://jadevarden.blogspot.com/ for reviews, writing tips, self-publishing advice and everything else you ever wanted to know about reading and writing books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2012
For more of my reviews visit my blog: http://losttobooks.blogspot.co.uk
I started this book straight after I finished The Tower and even though I finished it yesterday it was too late to write this review. After the cruel cliff hanger I was left on in the second book I bought this book straight away and once again I wasn't able to put the series down. I love the detail Jade Varden writes in, the family history has obviously been thought about a lot and it is easy to follow. I'm not going to say too much about the storyline other than, Rain once again finds her life being turned upside down and herself being put in difficult situations, as the unpredictability of the book is what makes it so great.
The book link nicely with the second (The Tower) and it didn't take long to be enthralled in the story once more. Even though by the end of The Tower I knew who did what, Jade Varden once again surprised me by turning the story on its head again and continuing it in a way I'm sure no one will predict.
Overall I love this series and was sad that I finished the book so quickly as now I have to wait until the final chapter Judgement is released late this year!
I started this book straight after I finished The Tower and even though I finished it yesterday it was too late to write this review. After the cruel cliff hanger I was left on in the second book I bought this book straight away and once again I wasn't able to put the series down. I love the detail Jade Varden writes in, the family history has obviously been thought about a lot and it is easy to follow. I'm not going to say too much about the storyline other than, Rain once again finds her life being turned upside down and herself being put in difficult situations, as the unpredictability of the book is what makes it so great.
The book link nicely with the second (The Tower) and it didn't take long to be enthralled in the story once more. Even though by the end of The Tower I knew who did what, Jade Varden once again surprised me by turning the story on its head again and continuing it in a way I'm sure no one will predict.
Overall I love this series and was sad that I finished the book so quickly as now I have to wait until the final chapter Judgement is released late this year!
August 8, 2012
The Tower, Book 2 in Jade Varden's Deck of Lies series left us with a real cliff-hanger, so what did the third book Death deliver?
Death is a great third addition to this series of books, after the flood of revelations and lies that came out in The Tower, which got to the point of being near overwhelming, Death has a more mellow pace - it's like that period of disquiet (I certainly can't call it calm) that comes after a storm...or perhaps that odd come down you feel after a major adrenaline rush and reality begins to sink in. Rain/Chloe/? our protagonist is still in the thick of it, with lies, odd family connections and dirty deeds seeping out of every brick in the fancy mansion she lives in...
Rain continues her quest for the truth - but what truth that is continues to change: her hunt for her identity led to a murder, her hunt for a murderer led her to more of her own secrets... Death delivers a good dose of reflection on the previous rollercoaster of events from Books 1 and 2, whilst continuing to throw up more surprises. I really liked the development of Rain's character in this book - her experiences are certainly changing how she operates in the vicious world she's found herself in. The re-appearance of one of my favourite characters was also nicely dealt with - definitely some good potential there for the last book in the series Judgement.
Deck of Lies is a fantastic YA mystery series, with plenty of twists and fans of soaps like Dallas, Days of Our Lives and Sunset Beach, will love the mad hookups and random family relationship relevations. Jade's writing is style is vivid and concise, helping you to completely immerse yourself in her stories.
Overall Verdict: 4.5* If you're not already into this series and enjoy a good contemporary YA read, then you're missing out! I can't wait for Judgement...
Death is a great third addition to this series of books, after the flood of revelations and lies that came out in The Tower, which got to the point of being near overwhelming, Death has a more mellow pace - it's like that period of disquiet (I certainly can't call it calm) that comes after a storm...or perhaps that odd come down you feel after a major adrenaline rush and reality begins to sink in. Rain/Chloe/? our protagonist is still in the thick of it, with lies, odd family connections and dirty deeds seeping out of every brick in the fancy mansion she lives in...
Rain continues her quest for the truth - but what truth that is continues to change: her hunt for her identity led to a murder, her hunt for a murderer led her to more of her own secrets... Death delivers a good dose of reflection on the previous rollercoaster of events from Books 1 and 2, whilst continuing to throw up more surprises. I really liked the development of Rain's character in this book - her experiences are certainly changing how she operates in the vicious world she's found herself in. The re-appearance of one of my favourite characters was also nicely dealt with - definitely some good potential there for the last book in the series Judgement.
Deck of Lies is a fantastic YA mystery series, with plenty of twists and fans of soaps like Dallas, Days of Our Lives and Sunset Beach, will love the mad hookups and random family relationship relevations. Jade's writing is style is vivid and concise, helping you to completely immerse yourself in her stories.
Overall Verdict: 4.5* If you're not already into this series and enjoy a good contemporary YA read, then you're missing out! I can't wait for Judgement...
January 2, 2013
WOW!
Okay, because the killer was revealed within the first few pages, I thought there wouldn’t be much of a storyline to this book after that, since the big secret had been given away. BUT OH NO! The revelation of the killer doesn’t bring a sense of resolution but opens even more doors to more questions as another twist had been unleashed.
I think Rain actually matured in this book. She thought more about things in this book rather than jumping to conclusions as she did previously. She became more independent and learned that she can only trust herself and her friend/crush River. I actually loved every single character. They are all fundamental to the book (well obviously) and I even love how every one of them has their own terrible secret that has either to do with Laurel’s death and Rain’s past. They have a really messed up family and on more than one occasion I had to stop and mentally see how everyone was connected to each other.
Poor Rain! How many secrets and revelations does this girl need to face?! And SAWYER and his secret! Arghh whyyyyyy!!!
Everything gets more complicated in this book and Rain’s past and family tree becomes even more dysfunctional and twisted.....but I LOVED IT! It was like a story book version of ‘Desperate Housewives’’ or a very tense soap drama filled with dirty family secrets.
Okay, because the killer was revealed within the first few pages, I thought there wouldn’t be much of a storyline to this book after that, since the big secret had been given away. BUT OH NO! The revelation of the killer doesn’t bring a sense of resolution but opens even more doors to more questions as another twist had been unleashed.
I think Rain actually matured in this book. She thought more about things in this book rather than jumping to conclusions as she did previously. She became more independent and learned that she can only trust herself and her friend/crush River. I actually loved every single character. They are all fundamental to the book (well obviously) and I even love how every one of them has their own terrible secret that has either to do with Laurel’s death and Rain’s past. They have a really messed up family and on more than one occasion I had to stop and mentally see how everyone was connected to each other.
Poor Rain! How many secrets and revelations does this girl need to face?! And SAWYER and his secret! Arghh whyyyyyy!!!
Everything gets more complicated in this book and Rain’s past and family tree becomes even more dysfunctional and twisted.....but I LOVED IT! It was like a story book version of ‘Desperate Housewives’’ or a very tense soap drama filled with dirty family secrets.
August 29, 2012
Review originally posted at arielavalon.com
Rain has figured out who really killed Laurel, but this is only the beginning. She very quickly finds that the Von Shelton's own her, and when they want secrets to hide, they stay hidden. Rain has a plan, she will see to it that River will not ever see trial, no matter what.
I cannot tell a lie. I thought this series was a trilogy and now I am horribly disappointed because I blew through this book in the small span of a morning and now I get to play the waiting game. Sure, the cliffhanger was missing this time around, but there are still so many twists, so many secrets, and so many confrontations that have yet to be seen.
The first two books were full of twists and turns, but they had nothing on this book. The characters are still their same fabulous selves. There was a lot more River in this book, love that. Sawyer is so many different kinds of messed up. He's one of those characters that I want to like, but I hate him too, so I am left feeling horribly sorry for him. He is just so unbalanced.
This series is strong, mysterious, and addicting. Go read it!
Rain has figured out who really killed Laurel, but this is only the beginning. She very quickly finds that the Von Shelton's own her, and when they want secrets to hide, they stay hidden. Rain has a plan, she will see to it that River will not ever see trial, no matter what.
I cannot tell a lie. I thought this series was a trilogy and now I am horribly disappointed because I blew through this book in the small span of a morning and now I get to play the waiting game. Sure, the cliffhanger was missing this time around, but there are still so many twists, so many secrets, and so many confrontations that have yet to be seen.
The first two books were full of twists and turns, but they had nothing on this book. The characters are still their same fabulous selves. There was a lot more River in this book, love that. Sawyer is so many different kinds of messed up. He's one of those characters that I want to like, but I hate him too, so I am left feeling horribly sorry for him. He is just so unbalanced.
This series is strong, mysterious, and addicting. Go read it!
January 23, 2013
“Death” by Jade Varden is the third in the Deck of Lies series and after I reviewed the first two I had to continue to find out what happens next. The storyline moves so fast and there are so many turns and twists that I sometimes felt in a soap opera but somehow it never felt as cheap and easy as that word would suggest. Far from it.
Since the first book the main character struggles with finding out her real identity and with a murder case that involves her family and friends, several possible love interests and the confusion that arouses whenever a new piece of information turn the tables and casts a new light on her situation.
It is a rollercoaster of a read and I would have thought that I would have lost interest in the continuous changes and turns but the author keeps the pace just perfectly from overload. I had to remind myself that this is a piece of fiction as some parts of the plot were a little far-fetched this time in my opinion but it was great fun to read and very entertaining.
Since the first book the main character struggles with finding out her real identity and with a murder case that involves her family and friends, several possible love interests and the confusion that arouses whenever a new piece of information turn the tables and casts a new light on her situation.
It is a rollercoaster of a read and I would have thought that I would have lost interest in the continuous changes and turns but the author keeps the pace just perfectly from overload. I had to remind myself that this is a piece of fiction as some parts of the plot were a little far-fetched this time in my opinion but it was great fun to read and very entertaining.
March 26, 2014
I have to say when I was given this book I was really excited. Seeing as I have read all the others before I wanted so bad to know who murder Laurel. And now I know, the only problem with knowing is that it isn't going according to plan. The culprit should be in jail and seeing the face of death themselves. Instead someone innocent is in jail and I don't know if she'll ever get out or be happy.
After all a girl whose whole life has been turned topsy turvy in such a short time deserves to be happy. And thinking that Sawyer is the perfect one is not the game plan anymore. I want River to be the one, I'm not sure if he will be but that is my hope!
The author has an amazing talent for drawing you in more and more. I want more!!!! I am happy to say that this has exceeded anything I ever imagined.
After all a girl whose whole life has been turned topsy turvy in such a short time deserves to be happy. And thinking that Sawyer is the perfect one is not the game plan anymore. I want River to be the one, I'm not sure if he will be but that is my hope!
The author has an amazing talent for drawing you in more and more. I want more!!!! I am happy to say that this has exceeded anything I ever imagined.
November 29, 2012
ORIGINAL POST AT: Little Book Star
Rate: 4.5/5
Death is the third book of the Deck of Lies series so I will try to not have spoilers in this review. Everything gets more complicated in this book. I was hooked on to it and the story gets super better. More twists and revelations will come right at your face, and by the time you think you’re going to bed, you’ll be tempted to read one more page, then the next, and the next, until you finish the whole book. Like the rest of the books, the summary doesn’t say much which can be a good or bad thing. So let me sum it up for you.
Rain is your ordinary high school girl who received a scholarship to this very respectable school which eventually lead her to all this craziness, trouble, overwhelming situation. As she discovers who murdered her schoolmate, Laurel, she also discovers more about her family (well, her fake family). This book is spooky and creepy (in a good way) which makes it a really great mystery read! It is set in modern day California, with very realistic characters.
Rain really stepped up in this book and she showed us readers that she had enough of all the lies being said to her by her so-called family, the Von Sheltons (how fancy). She changed since the first book which I really liked. She is more independent and we really get to see her bad-ass attitude, especially with her real father which she has every right to be. She learned that she has nobody to trust except herself and her loyal friend River. The rest of the characters will really piss you off because they’re those rich, selfish people that you just want to punch. Each of them has a secret that has something to do with Laurel’s death and Rain’s past. Just follow along because sometimes it kind of got a little teeny weeny just a tad confusing, and sometimes things were repetitive.
To sum it up, everything that happens in this book is important and contributes to all the mysteries happening. Jade Varden did a fantastic job and I really recommend this to everyone, especially if you are into mysteries. I can’t wait to read the last book which is coming up soon – Judgement.
Rate: 4.5/5
Death is the third book of the Deck of Lies series so I will try to not have spoilers in this review. Everything gets more complicated in this book. I was hooked on to it and the story gets super better. More twists and revelations will come right at your face, and by the time you think you’re going to bed, you’ll be tempted to read one more page, then the next, and the next, until you finish the whole book. Like the rest of the books, the summary doesn’t say much which can be a good or bad thing. So let me sum it up for you.
Rain is your ordinary high school girl who received a scholarship to this very respectable school which eventually lead her to all this craziness, trouble, overwhelming situation. As she discovers who murdered her schoolmate, Laurel, she also discovers more about her family (well, her fake family). This book is spooky and creepy (in a good way) which makes it a really great mystery read! It is set in modern day California, with very realistic characters.
Rain really stepped up in this book and she showed us readers that she had enough of all the lies being said to her by her so-called family, the Von Sheltons (how fancy). She changed since the first book which I really liked. She is more independent and we really get to see her bad-ass attitude, especially with her real father which she has every right to be. She learned that she has nobody to trust except herself and her loyal friend River. The rest of the characters will really piss you off because they’re those rich, selfish people that you just want to punch. Each of them has a secret that has something to do with Laurel’s death and Rain’s past. Just follow along because sometimes it kind of got a little teeny weeny just a tad confusing, and sometimes things were repetitive.
To sum it up, everything that happens in this book is important and contributes to all the mysteries happening. Jade Varden did a fantastic job and I really recommend this to everyone, especially if you are into mysteries. I can’t wait to read the last book which is coming up soon – Judgement.
December 3, 2012
(Source: Purchased from Amazon.co.uk for only 77p!)
This is book 3 in the ‘Deck of Lies’ series, and kicks off where book 2 ‘The Tower’ left off. **Warning, some unavoidable spoilers for books 1 and 2 **
Rain has just worked out who killed Laurel Riordan and she’s about to confront them. What she doesn’t though is that the lies are nowhere near over. Although she may think she knows who killed Laurel, she has no idea just how many people are involved, and what other lies are still hidden.
Rain is still getting her head around her convoluted family tree, and the whole Glory/Chloe/Rain thing, never mind trying to work out why Laurel was killed, and getting River out of jail. But once again, as soon as she uncovers the truth about one secret, a whole load more are uncovered!
Can Rain ever get to the bottom of the Von Shelton’s secrets and lies? Can Rain get River out of jail? And what will it cost her if she does?
This was a great third instalment in this series. I thought that we had maybe uncovered all the lies in the last two books, but there are just more and more! I have totally given up on trying to keep track of the Von Shelton and Riordan family trees because nobody is biologically who you expect them to be!
There was a little romance in this book, and again, it’s a bit complicated! We even seem to be incubating another love triangle, and I’m not sure how this one is going to work out!
Overall; I enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to find out how it all ends in book 4 ‘Judgement’.
7.5 out of 10.
This is book 3 in the ‘Deck of Lies’ series, and kicks off where book 2 ‘The Tower’ left off. **Warning, some unavoidable spoilers for books 1 and 2 **
Rain has just worked out who killed Laurel Riordan and she’s about to confront them. What she doesn’t though is that the lies are nowhere near over. Although she may think she knows who killed Laurel, she has no idea just how many people are involved, and what other lies are still hidden.
Rain is still getting her head around her convoluted family tree, and the whole Glory/Chloe/Rain thing, never mind trying to work out why Laurel was killed, and getting River out of jail. But once again, as soon as she uncovers the truth about one secret, a whole load more are uncovered!
Can Rain ever get to the bottom of the Von Shelton’s secrets and lies? Can Rain get River out of jail? And what will it cost her if she does?
This was a great third instalment in this series. I thought that we had maybe uncovered all the lies in the last two books, but there are just more and more! I have totally given up on trying to keep track of the Von Shelton and Riordan family trees because nobody is biologically who you expect them to be!
There was a little romance in this book, and again, it’s a bit complicated! We even seem to be incubating another love triangle, and I’m not sure how this one is going to work out!
Overall; I enjoyed this book, and I can’t wait to find out how it all ends in book 4 ‘Judgement’.
7.5 out of 10.
December 1, 2012
Wow! So, I know its hard to believe, especially considering all the lies uncovered and truths revealed in the first two books, but there was even more in this one. And I was SO right to hold onto my love for River!!
Thankfully, there was a lot more of him in this one! YAY!
Anyways, Rain (aka Chloe, aka Glory) is now getting ready to face change, severe change. She is trying to find a way to get River out of jail and prove his innocence. Well… he does get it, but then she goes in.
In a way, I really don’t like that. I don’t like that she spend sooo much time trying to find the truth, but to no end. I mean. I like happy endings, and so far, she has consistently gotten the short end of the stick, time and again. And I feel soo bad for her. But I still like her so much, because she is stronger for it. She fights for it, and for what she believes in.
I still love River… and I still don’t like Sawyer (aka Tom). I still hate the Von Sheltons, and the Riordans (and basically everyone in that freaking town)
I cannot wait for Judgment, the final book, and I am SO routing for Rain and hoping she does have her happy ending.
But I do want justice. I don’t want the bad guy to get away scot free. Sure, having affairs and having a ton of illegitimate children isn’t a crime, but killing is (and I wont spoil it for someone who hasn’t read the first two books, ) but the killer needs to have consequences because she is all kinda of messed up.
Great book!!
Review by Theresa Jones at her blog
Thankfully, there was a lot more of him in this one! YAY!
Anyways, Rain (aka Chloe, aka Glory) is now getting ready to face change, severe change. She is trying to find a way to get River out of jail and prove his innocence. Well… he does get it, but then she goes in.
In a way, I really don’t like that. I don’t like that she spend sooo much time trying to find the truth, but to no end. I mean. I like happy endings, and so far, she has consistently gotten the short end of the stick, time and again. And I feel soo bad for her. But I still like her so much, because she is stronger for it. She fights for it, and for what she believes in.
I still love River… and I still don’t like Sawyer (aka Tom). I still hate the Von Sheltons, and the Riordans (and basically everyone in that freaking town)
I cannot wait for Judgment, the final book, and I am SO routing for Rain and hoping she does have her happy ending.
But I do want justice. I don’t want the bad guy to get away scot free. Sure, having affairs and having a ton of illegitimate children isn’t a crime, but killing is (and I wont spoil it for someone who hasn’t read the first two books, ) but the killer needs to have consequences because she is all kinda of messed up.
Great book!!
Review by Theresa Jones at her blog
November 21, 2012
Rain finds out even more secrets about her family, and it's incredible to read how many secrets and lies there really are within one family. It makes you wonder how many secrets your own family is hiding from you, and if you found out one, would it lead you to find out all of them. River, Rain's friend who was accused of murdering Laurel, is now out of jail on Rain's behalf. It sounds like a good thing until Rain is now the suspect in the murder case, to cover up Carysn's doing.
I loved the relationships that continued to develop over the course of the three books, especially throughout the lies. My favorite relationship had to be the one developing between Sawyer and Rain, that is until his secret with Laurel is discovered. I give Rain a lot of credit for discovering the truth, and then dealing with it, though in her own way.
My mind might have exploded a million times every time I read about a new secret and filled in a new space on Rain's family tree. It gets intense and it makes you want to keep track of all the family members, though I didn't because I think I would have just gotten frustrated. However, I did enjoy the book, and cannot wait to read the final one. I'm hoping there aren't too many surprises, but I can only imagine.
I loved the relationships that continued to develop over the course of the three books, especially throughout the lies. My favorite relationship had to be the one developing between Sawyer and Rain, that is until his secret with Laurel is discovered. I give Rain a lot of credit for discovering the truth, and then dealing with it, though in her own way.
My mind might have exploded a million times every time I read about a new secret and filled in a new space on Rain's family tree. It gets intense and it makes you want to keep track of all the family members, though I didn't because I think I would have just gotten frustrated. However, I did enjoy the book, and cannot wait to read the final one. I'm hoping there aren't too many surprises, but I can only imagine.
August 13, 2013
Synopsis: "All In
I never wanted to get in this deep, but I did go looking for the truth before I was prepared to handle it. But how do you close the lid on Pandora’s box? You can’t unlearn something, or forget a dark secret once it’s been revealed.
I have no choice but to do my part to bury the truth again -- this time, someplace no one will ever be able to find it. But that’s the problem with lies. Once you start pulling threads, everything unravels.
No one is who they seem to be...not even me."
My Review: I don't know how Jade Varden keeps these twists and surprises coming! I totally did not see Seraphina coming (and you will have to read for yourself to find out who or what that is). I really like how Rain remains true to character, she doesn't suddenly become grown up or to understand everything, taking it easy. She is truly naïve and thinks that even when she catches someone in a lie that they will still do the right thing when she confronts them. I am actually happy with where she ended up at the conclusion of this book, I think it is the best place for her at the time, but I really can't wait to see what is going to happen in Judgment!! Will all the lies be revealed or will they all be swept under the rug like usual?
I never wanted to get in this deep, but I did go looking for the truth before I was prepared to handle it. But how do you close the lid on Pandora’s box? You can’t unlearn something, or forget a dark secret once it’s been revealed.
I have no choice but to do my part to bury the truth again -- this time, someplace no one will ever be able to find it. But that’s the problem with lies. Once you start pulling threads, everything unravels.
No one is who they seem to be...not even me."
My Review: I don't know how Jade Varden keeps these twists and surprises coming! I totally did not see Seraphina coming (and you will have to read for yourself to find out who or what that is). I really like how Rain remains true to character, she doesn't suddenly become grown up or to understand everything, taking it easy. She is truly naïve and thinks that even when she catches someone in a lie that they will still do the right thing when she confronts them. I am actually happy with where she ended up at the conclusion of this book, I think it is the best place for her at the time, but I really can't wait to see what is going to happen in Judgment!! Will all the lies be revealed or will they all be swept under the rug like usual?
October 14, 2012
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
The third in a series of YA reads that kept me reading from book to book. Chloe/Rain is still learning more about her family in this book, I couldn't even fathom that there was more to learn about this quirky von Shelton family, but there was and probably is!
The third in a series of YA reads that kept me reading from book to book. Chloe/Rain is still learning more about her family in this book, I couldn't even fathom that there was more to learn about this quirky von Shelton family, but there was and probably is!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews