The Truth Is A Lie

by Rania Stone, Jonas Saul (editor)

Sometimes we live the lie, become the lie ...

In the heart of Athens, where ancient history meets the present, Sophia arrives to study tourism at a private college. Little does she know, her life is about to take a dark turn. Enter Fotini, a charismatic friend who opens the door to a tight-knit circle, introducing Sophia to the intriguing personalities of her Nasos, Maria, Stephanos, and Nataly.

However, the vibrant Athenian nights take a sinister turn when one of her friends is murdered at a party attended by everyone. As Sophia grapples with the shocking loss, she begins to unravel the intricate web of deceit that shrouds her new friends. In a city known for its myths and mysteries, the boundaries between truth and lies blur, and everyone becomes a suspect.

The Truth is a Lie is a psychological thriller. With every revelation, the story takes unexpected turns, challenging the reader’s perception and trust. As Sophia delves deeper, she discovers that the truth she seeks may be more elusive and dangerous than the lies she thought she knew.

Because you should never trust your friends …

314 pages, Hardcover

Published May 8, 2024

About the author

Hey there. I'm Rania Stone, the storyteller behind six novels and a dozen children's books that are brimming with adventure and magic.

📚✨ When I'm not lost in the world of words, I'm the Greece Coordinator at Imagine Greece Retreats, curating literary escapes on the stunning island of Amorgos.

Some of my novels have recently been translated into English!

I've been crafting stories for over two decades, drawing inspiration from the beauty that surrounds me in Greece.

Now, I invite you to join me on this literary journey, whether it's through the pages of my books or in person at Imagine Greece Retreats - www.imaginegreeceretreats.com. Let's make our own stories amidst the captivating landscapes of Amorgos.

Reviews

[Luba Le Roux · Rating 3 out of 5]

great quick read,loved the greek setting

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Truth Is A Lie" by Rania Stone is a twisted and suspenseful psychological thriller that focuses on a complex web of deceit and the blurring of boundaries between truth and lies. With unexpected turns and a surprising twist at the end, the book leaves you feeling satisfied.

The story is set in Athens, Greece, with its historical and mythical backdrop adding a layer of atmosphere to the suspense.

The book is presented in two parts. The first part is told from Sophia's point of view as she attempts to discern what is real and whom she can trust. The second part takes the reader back two years to understand how Nasos, Fotini, Nataly, Stefanos, and Maria became a tight-knit group of friends and why they are inseparable.

Sophia moves to Athens to study at a prestigious school. Upon her arrival, she is pulled into a seemingly friendly circle of friends. However, when a murder occurs, she begins to unravel the lies and secrets that everyone is hiding. The "truth" is more elusive and dangerous than the "lies" Sophia thought she knew.

This book features Fotini, or Faye, from "There Will Be Blood," but I must say that as Fotini, she doesn't have the same sass and charm that Faye had.

[Sharra Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morning! I finished “The Truth is a Lie” by Rania Stone! Y’all! I loved it. It definitely kept me guessing. I did not predict the ending!

As someone that struggles with anxiety, I appreciated how she handled that aspect of the main character. It was shown as a real issue.

I also really enjoy the Greek setting. I’ve read a few of her books. Greece is almost another character in her books. Her love of Greece definitely shows.

Go! Grab this book! Go! Now! Hurry up!

[Lyndi Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Truth is a Lie 'unputdownable' and I kept reading to find out what was really going on and to learn how it played out. The foreshadowing laid the groundwork so the twists made sense without giving away the ending early and the ending was satisfying. I enjoyed the shifts in point of view as reveals. A great read for those who like stories that build in intensity until everything comes apart and the betrayals are divulged.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Truth Is A Lie” by Rania Stone is a gripping, twist-filled story that kept me guessing until the very end. I especially appreciated how the author brought awareness to anxiety in a way that felt honest and deeply relatable. The shifting points of view added layers to the mystery and gave insight into each character’s motivations. A suspenseful and thought-provoking read that constantly leaves you wondering whose story you can trust.

[Samantha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Rania. This book had me intrigued from the start. I love a book with twists and this one did not disappoint. Being written from different character perspectives meant that you eventually built up the full picture of the events. The character of Fotini was explored well, but I'm not sure if I like or dislike her! A great read overall :)

[Greg Kitzmiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors style in this book is uniquely refreshing. The style caused repetitive dialogue which could be off putting for some readers. The twists kept me guessing right up to the final pages. The authors ability to develop and present a cast of characters was amazing. I look forward to more from her.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story about Sophia who leaves her loving , affluent family on a beautiful Greek island to attend college in Athens. She becomes involved with a group of friends led by the manipulative, Fotina. It’s a story about the loss of innocence, intrigue, murder and drugs. Fast paced and unputdownable. The characters are well defined and believable. I recommend this book and this author.

[Kari Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

What happens when the people you think you can trust make you doubt not only them but yourself? Who is telling the truth and who's lying? Is anyone as they seem?

This is great book. I love how it tells major parts of the story from different points of view. Highly recommend. Plan to read more by Rania Stone.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense, atmospheric, and endlessly deceptive, “The Truth is a Lie” throws Sophia into a dazzling friend group where charm hides something rotten. After a murder shatters their circle, every clue twists back on itself, and trust becomes a deadly gamble. A sharp thriller where the truth is always one step out of reach!

[Deborah C · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression was "this feels like what would happen if Mean Girls took place in Greece, only darker". The story seemed to be pretty straightforward... Until the first twist. And the second. And the third. I gave up trying to guess the ending! Read in one day!

[T.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It twists, It turns

This story takes you back to school, the cliques, that one obnoxious group of entitled kids who seem to not get into trouble no matter what they do. The story me had me guessing all the way through. Well worth the journey!

[Tricia Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a book that has a main character you can truly relate to is a rare find. I loved this book.

[iella nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliché theme but clean delivery; easy perspectives and dialogue kept me hooked during my busiest week.

[Angela Doman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! Can’t wait to read more from this author…

The twist really surprised me! There’s a lot of surprises