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Caldryn Parliament #3
Rogues Lie
A whisper campaign threatens Vanda Kavanagh’s hardwon position as Warden of Caldryn Parliament, but are the malicious rumors a personal attack or do they mask an uglier plot?
As Vanda investigates, long-hidden truths are revealed leading her to question everything she believed about herself.
In a city steeped in magic and political intrigue who can Vanda trust?
As Vanda investigates, long-hidden truths are revealed leading her to question everything she believed about herself.
In a city steeped in magic and political intrigue who can Vanda trust?
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2025
211 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books562 followersAustralian science fiction & fantasy author.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 5, 2025
****4.5****
I rounded down, but I'm wobbly about it, because half of me wants to round up instead. There's just a lot of information and I gobbled the book down, so my brain is still processing details. But I really enjoyed it, and I'm jumping into a series re-read. There's a decent chance that after the re-read, all the details will settle and I'll round up instead.
It isn't a book with a lot of action - it's more thoughtful and cerebral as it puzzles out the problem and the best approach given all the related politics. And there are some disappointments - betrayals or political plays by people we thought were friends. But those are counterbalanced by wonderful things - movement on her relationship with Justus, and finding out who her father is (I cried happy tears).
I really like this author. Her stories aren't action-filled shoot 'em ups, but rather explorations of humanity and society. I always feel thoughtful and inspired by them.
Immediate series re-read
Well, as I figured, after the re-read I adjusted to round up.
The series has so many layers, with thoughtful plotting and insightful speculation in the FMC's narrative, that refreshing my brain on the details of the previous book while letting this one settle in with a slower re-read to savor it really made a difference.
Again, these are not action-filled stories. They're more clever, akin to mystery plots, with lots of threads to untangle. They stay with me long after I finish reading, which is true of several other series in this author's backlist.
Can't wait for the next one!
I rounded down, but I'm wobbly about it, because half of me wants to round up instead. There's just a lot of information and I gobbled the book down, so my brain is still processing details. But I really enjoyed it, and I'm jumping into a series re-read. There's a decent chance that after the re-read, all the details will settle and I'll round up instead.
It isn't a book with a lot of action - it's more thoughtful and cerebral as it puzzles out the problem and the best approach given all the related politics. And there are some disappointments - betrayals or political plays by people we thought were friends. But those are counterbalanced by wonderful things - movement on her relationship with Justus, and finding out who her father is (I cried happy tears).
I really like this author. Her stories aren't action-filled shoot 'em ups, but rather explorations of humanity and society. I always feel thoughtful and inspired by them.
Immediate series re-read
Well, as I figured, after the re-read I adjusted to round up.
The series has so many layers, with thoughtful plotting and insightful speculation in the FMC's narrative, that refreshing my brain on the details of the previous book while letting this one settle in with a slower re-read to savor it really made a difference.
Again, these are not action-filled stories. They're more clever, akin to mystery plots, with lots of threads to untangle. They stay with me long after I finish reading, which is true of several other series in this author's backlist.
Can't wait for the next one!
December 5, 2025
Hmmm....
I like these stories. I like the characters and their characteristics.
What bogged me down was the long descriptions of the politics and the relationships therein. And there repetitive loops: like explaining Giddy and Vanda's relationship for one example. It began to seem like filler and I became impatient and started skimming in this story. I believe there is commentary about society and it's stratifications in these stories and I got that. And there also seems to be some world creation going on and it seemed like the characters and their stories were secondary to that creation. I will continue to read what comes next I hope for more depth and more activity for the characters.
Thank you, Jenny Schwartz
I like these stories. I like the characters and their characteristics.
What bogged me down was the long descriptions of the politics and the relationships therein. And there repetitive loops: like explaining Giddy and Vanda's relationship for one example. It began to seem like filler and I became impatient and started skimming in this story. I believe there is commentary about society and it's stratifications in these stories and I got that. And there also seems to be some world creation going on and it seemed like the characters and their stories were secondary to that creation. I will continue to read what comes next I hope for more depth and more activity for the characters.
Thank you, Jenny Schwartz
November 30, 2025
excellent
I’m loving this series. Really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for the next one. Some great new characters, and an update in the power balance. Yeah
I’m loving this series. Really enjoyed this book, and can’t wait for the next one. Some great new characters, and an update in the power balance. Yeah
Read
November 30, 2025This one is my favorite so far! I can’t wait for the next one!
December 5, 2025
These books continue to both frustrate and fascinate. It addresses interesting topics that make you think, but also the tend to circle the same topics for pages with very little happening. It will continue to read this series because this book did indicate some interesting developments, I just wish some topics wouldn’t be beaten to death by pondering.
December 2, 2025
Good, but the weakest book in this series so far. Quite a bit of philosophical rambling that could have been shortened. The book appears to have been rushed to print too quickly, as it definitely needed another round of editing to correct typos and other obvious errors. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes, however.
December 3, 2025
More tell than show
For every page of forward moving plot there were two of info dumping history or ward intricacies. No climax, no rising action, just a pretty steady pace of a do so story. It's like a really long intro scene for the rest of the series.
For every page of forward moving plot there were two of info dumping history or ward intricacies. No climax, no rising action, just a pretty steady pace of a do so story. It's like a really long intro scene for the rest of the series.
December 8, 2025
Super interesting politics! Man, I need the rest of the series badly. I did think that the explanations were a little bit repetitive. Some information was already known in the previous books or said in other chapters. A litte freshen up doesn't hurt, but I'd liked it if it was less or maybe shorter.
December 1, 2025
Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more.
Rating: 5 ⭐️✨
Jenny Schwartz’s Caldryn Parliament series is one of those series where the books just get more brilliant and more highly complex as the series progresses. The writing, the incredible characters, and this labyrinthine storytelling is beyond amazing.
The formidable character of Vanda Kavanagh, Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is one of the most compelling, powerful portraits of a woman who is secure with herself, her intelligence, integrity and her ability to navigate the intricacies of intergalactic politics, hundreds of years of internalized/weaponized familial legacies and the current cultural environment. All to further the ideals and hidden plans she’s been formulating all along.
Vanda isn’t flashy or dramatic. She’s controlled, a knife of a woman, in flawless grey colors, forming alliances and brilliantly devising scenarios to forward her ideas and plans for progress and protection of the Realm. Schwartz , with incredible craft,builds this magnificent character and then allows the reader to watch , in intriguing detail, as she continues her labyrinthine path towards her goals and own individual development. It’s a journey that is impossible to begin and then stop without seeing it through. The twists and unexpected changes in plot are fabulous. And continue to the end.
What a character and series!
There’s a no spice romance that’s evolving from friendship into a something more. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies.
Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, has fast become one of my all time favorite characters.
There’s no way to go about describing the complexities and depths of world politics here that Schwartz has and continues to craft. Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more. And it all works perfectly alongside political and military power dynamics.
To follow this character of Vanda in her increasingly complex journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, mental agility, politics and scheming but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. A fantastic series on every level.
The only drawback? Waiting until the next book is released.
Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!
Caldryn Parliament:
Stars Die #1
Hexes Fly #2
Rogues Lie #3
Ghosts Cry #4 - June 30,2026
Rating: 5 ⭐️✨
Jenny Schwartz’s Caldryn Parliament series is one of those series where the books just get more brilliant and more highly complex as the series progresses. The writing, the incredible characters, and this labyrinthine storytelling is beyond amazing.
The formidable character of Vanda Kavanagh, Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is one of the most compelling, powerful portraits of a woman who is secure with herself, her intelligence, integrity and her ability to navigate the intricacies of intergalactic politics, hundreds of years of internalized/weaponized familial legacies and the current cultural environment. All to further the ideals and hidden plans she’s been formulating all along.
Vanda isn’t flashy or dramatic. She’s controlled, a knife of a woman, in flawless grey colors, forming alliances and brilliantly devising scenarios to forward her ideas and plans for progress and protection of the Realm. Schwartz , with incredible craft,builds this magnificent character and then allows the reader to watch , in intriguing detail, as she continues her labyrinthine path towards her goals and own individual development. It’s a journey that is impossible to begin and then stop without seeing it through. The twists and unexpected changes in plot are fabulous. And continue to the end.
What a character and series!
There’s a no spice romance that’s evolving from friendship into a something more. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies.
Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, has fast become one of my all time favorite characters.
There’s no way to go about describing the complexities and depths of world politics here that Schwartz has and continues to craft. Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more. And it all works perfectly alongside political and military power dynamics.
To follow this character of Vanda in her increasingly complex journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, mental agility, politics and scheming but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. A fantastic series on every level.
The only drawback? Waiting until the next book is released.
Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!
Caldryn Parliament:
Stars Die #1
Hexes Fly #2
Rogues Lie #3
Ghosts Cry #4 - June 30,2026
December 4, 2025
Rating: 5 ⭐️✨
Jenny Schwartz’s Caldryn Parliament series is one of those series where the books just get more brilliant and more highly complex as the series progresses. The writing, the incredible characters, and this labyrinthine storytelling is beyond amazing.
The formidable character of Vanda Kavanagh, Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is one of the most compelling, powerful portraits of a woman who is secure with herself, her intelligence, integrity and her ability to navigate the intricacies of intergalactic politics, hundreds of years of internalized/weaponized familial legacies and the current cultural environment. All to further the ideals and hidden plans she’s been formulating all along.
Vanda isn’t flashy or dramatic. She’s controlled, a knife of a woman, in flawless grey colors, forming alliances and brilliantly devising scenarios to forward her ideas and plans for progress and protection of the Realm. Schwartz , with incredible craft,builds this magnificent character and then allows the reader to watch , in intriguing detail, as she continues her labyrinthine path towards her goals and own individual development. It’s a journey that is impossible to begin and then stop without seeing it through. The twists and unexpected changes in plot are fabulous. And continue to the end.
What a character and series!
There’s a no spice romance that’s evolving from friendship into a something more. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies.
Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, has fast become one of my all time favorite characters.
There’s no way to go about describing the complexities and depths of world politics here that Schwartz has and continues to craft. Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more. And it all works perfectly alongside political and military power dynamics.
To follow this character of Vanda in her increasingly complex journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, mental agility, politics and scheming but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. A fantastic series on every level.
The only drawback? Waiting until the next book is released.
Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!
Caldryn Parliament:
Stars Die #1
Hexes Fly #2
Rogues Lie #3
Ghosts Cry #4 - June 30,2026
Jenny Schwartz’s Caldryn Parliament series is one of those series where the books just get more brilliant and more highly complex as the series progresses. The writing, the incredible characters, and this labyrinthine storytelling is beyond amazing.
The formidable character of Vanda Kavanagh, Warden of Caldryn Parliament, is one of the most compelling, powerful portraits of a woman who is secure with herself, her intelligence, integrity and her ability to navigate the intricacies of intergalactic politics, hundreds of years of internalized/weaponized familial legacies and the current cultural environment. All to further the ideals and hidden plans she’s been formulating all along.
Vanda isn’t flashy or dramatic. She’s controlled, a knife of a woman, in flawless grey colors, forming alliances and brilliantly devising scenarios to forward her ideas and plans for progress and protection of the Realm. Schwartz , with incredible craft,builds this magnificent character and then allows the reader to watch , in intriguing detail, as she continues her labyrinthine path towards her goals and own individual development. It’s a journey that is impossible to begin and then stop without seeing it through. The twists and unexpected changes in plot are fabulous. And continue to the end.
What a character and series!
There’s a no spice romance that’s evolving from friendship into a something more. Just a fantastic science fiction thriller, multiple magical mysteries, a cast of incredibly powerful multidimensional characters, and enough hidden political agents and agendas for a number of galaxies.
Vanda Kavanagh, the Warden of Caldryn Parliament, has fast become one of my all time favorite characters.
There’s no way to go about describing the complexities and depths of world politics here that Schwartz has and continues to craft. Utterly brilliant. Contains science fiction, magical systems, mythology and more. And it all works perfectly alongside political and military power dynamics.
To follow this character of Vanda in her increasingly complex journey, the reader must absolutely start with the first book and continue reading forward. But the path is full of action, mental agility, politics and scheming but never at the expense of forgetting about the human factor. A fantastic series on every level.
The only drawback? Waiting until the next book is released.
Cover by Jenny Schwartz . I adore these covers!
Caldryn Parliament:
Stars Die #1
Hexes Fly #2
Rogues Lie #3
Ghosts Cry #4 - June 30,2026
December 12, 2025
3.5 rounded down. I liked it much better than the second instalment. There are 3 downsides :
1) the author repeats a lot of information from previous books and from this book itself. For exemple I read that Giddy fed on magic but could eat if he wished five times at least.
2) the climax of the story happens off-screen. There’s a game plan that is discussed . Then, next chapter, the MC refers that it went according to plan.
3) this one is a bit spoilery : Vanda, for her one opportunity to blackmail her grandmother, the thorn on her side since the beginning of book one, does NOT ask the right to choose her own successor ? I don t understand why she asked for participation to a party instead. A party that she expressly mentioned was just a nice thing to do on her side but nothing more.
Aside from those elements, I liked the intrigue , the story is interesting because the political problem has a political solution. Very neetly tied in the intrigue of the whole series as well. The characters continue to be diverse and interesting. There are a few revelations which were great.
All in all a very good book with a few nitpicks.
1) the author repeats a lot of information from previous books and from this book itself. For exemple I read that Giddy fed on magic but could eat if he wished five times at least.
2) the climax of the story happens off-screen. There’s a game plan that is discussed . Then, next chapter, the MC refers that it went according to plan.
3) this one is a bit spoilery : Vanda, for her one opportunity to blackmail her grandmother, the thorn on her side since the beginning of book one, does NOT ask the right to choose her own successor ? I don t understand why she asked for participation to a party instead. A party that she expressly mentioned was just a nice thing to do on her side but nothing more.
Aside from those elements, I liked the intrigue , the story is interesting because the political problem has a political solution. Very neetly tied in the intrigue of the whole series as well. The characters continue to be diverse and interesting. There are a few revelations which were great.
All in all a very good book with a few nitpicks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
Addictive in the best way possible and yet...
When it comes to this series, you could say I have mixed feelings about it. For one, the story itself is very interesting and captivating. I feel myself drawn to what is happening and I just can't get enough :-) I also really like the FMC Vanda and some of the other characters. My main issue with this book or series is the “non-friendly” wording/writing style, it lacks warmth in a sense. Additionally, there is too much of the FMC’s inner-dialogue than there is interaction with the other characters. Basically what I am trying to say is that it would have been much better if the story were a bit lighter when it comes to the wording, the interactions between the characters and most of all with the very complicated magic system depicted on this series. Having said all that, I would still recommend you give this a try since I just couldn’t stop reading it 🥰 PS. The story continues on Book 4 which will be released by mid 2026.
When it comes to this series, you could say I have mixed feelings about it. For one, the story itself is very interesting and captivating. I feel myself drawn to what is happening and I just can't get enough :-) I also really like the FMC Vanda and some of the other characters. My main issue with this book or series is the “non-friendly” wording/writing style, it lacks warmth in a sense. Additionally, there is too much of the FMC’s inner-dialogue than there is interaction with the other characters. Basically what I am trying to say is that it would have been much better if the story were a bit lighter when it comes to the wording, the interactions between the characters and most of all with the very complicated magic system depicted on this series. Having said all that, I would still recommend you give this a try since I just couldn’t stop reading it 🥰 PS. The story continues on Book 4 which will be released by mid 2026.
December 3, 2025
Omg!! How is it possible that these books keep getting better?
So many things happening. So much wrapped up and so many new things and possibilities opened. I always try to keep my reviews spoiler free but there's so many things happening in this book it's almost impossible. I will say I approached the percentage getting closer to the end of the book with Dread because I didn't want it to finish. Every pre-order is worth it and this series has become a one click purchase as soon as I see a book is coming. For any new reader coming at the series I will recommend strongly reading book 1 and 2 first because there are a lot of convoluted story arcs that really tie together but I will also say that the author has managed to create a completely submersive storyline that feels like a full book is finished far quicker than you want :)
So many things happening. So much wrapped up and so many new things and possibilities opened. I always try to keep my reviews spoiler free but there's so many things happening in this book it's almost impossible. I will say I approached the percentage getting closer to the end of the book with Dread because I didn't want it to finish. Every pre-order is worth it and this series has become a one click purchase as soon as I see a book is coming. For any new reader coming at the series I will recommend strongly reading book 1 and 2 first because there are a lot of convoluted story arcs that really tie together but I will also say that the author has managed to create a completely submersive storyline that feels like a full book is finished far quicker than you want :)
December 14, 2025
Fluctuating between 3-4. So, I guess rounding up to 4. I really like the main character actions in Vanda. Most of the secondary characters are so complex they draw you in also. However, it's the overall complexity that is starting to drown the storyline. I felt like I was slogging through a ton of repetition and inner monologue to get to the actual plot. The convoluted political intrigue takes a huge header off the board also by going into the AI/alien realm. I thought Vanda would at least get the 4th ward up, (maybe in book 4) but things did seem to drag quite a bit. The relationship between Vanda and Justus was a way-back focus in this also but did swing to the forefront very briefly to at least garner some solidity. I hope it at least develops a part of the track in the next book.
December 8, 2025
LOVE THIS SERIES
Jenny Schwartz gets better with every book. Her implicit and intriguing story telling makes reading her books such a pleasure. They are a true escape, but also a deep connection to our world.
The character development and strategic positioning in the novels is such that I am completely unable to predict the outcome, which I had always been able to do.
These are truly mystery novels and for that I will continue to want more and more.
Keep writing Ms. Schwartz, and your devoted readers like me will continue to buy your books.
Enjoy, the holidays and new year. But, please take time to write Book 4. 😀
Jenny Schwartz gets better with every book. Her implicit and intriguing story telling makes reading her books such a pleasure. They are a true escape, but also a deep connection to our world.
The character development and strategic positioning in the novels is such that I am completely unable to predict the outcome, which I had always been able to do.
These are truly mystery novels and for that I will continue to want more and more.
Keep writing Ms. Schwartz, and your devoted readers like me will continue to buy your books.
Enjoy, the holidays and new year. But, please take time to write Book 4. 😀
December 7, 2025
Series keeps on getting better
I deliberately took my time to read ‘Rogues lie” for two main reasons. The first being to savour the character development. Gotta love the increasing depth of the main characters (including Giddy). And also of the augmenting characters especially Sloane. Secondly, of course, is the twisty thoughtful plot which continues to intrigue and delight. As always you make me think more deeply with your explorations of such concepts of maintaining a peaceful realm and parasocial relationships.
I deliberately took my time to read ‘Rogues lie” for two main reasons. The first being to savour the character development. Gotta love the increasing depth of the main characters (including Giddy). And also of the augmenting characters especially Sloane. Secondly, of course, is the twisty thoughtful plot which continues to intrigue and delight. As always you make me think more deeply with your explorations of such concepts of maintaining a peaceful realm and parasocial relationships.
December 10, 2025
Juicy revelations in this 3rd book
Power machinations testing moral codes is the overarching theme of this series that combines magic and future tech in a cosmic setting. The author's political theorizing is mind expanding. Yet the story is cozy because of the author's ability to flesh out characters you can really care about. What I like best about this book are the delicious revelations and the fast pace of the plot twists. They are all perfect and satisfying. But hurry up, Jenny, with the next ward's activation!
Power machinations testing moral codes is the overarching theme of this series that combines magic and future tech in a cosmic setting. The author's political theorizing is mind expanding. Yet the story is cozy because of the author's ability to flesh out characters you can really care about. What I like best about this book are the delicious revelations and the fast pace of the plot twists. They are all perfect and satisfying. But hurry up, Jenny, with the next ward's activation!
December 10, 2025
Really the first half of Book 4
Ms Schwartz has built an excellent universe, weaving aspects of science, fantasy, mystery, suspense and a sprinkling of romance. Her skillful writing intrigues and has kept me up til the wee hours reading to the finish.
I gave this book 4 stars, rather than the 5 stars I gave books 1 & 2, because there's a lot more explication and less story than the first two books. I'm assuming the payoff will be in book 4, Ghosts Cry, coming in June 2026.
I can hardly wait! 😎
Ms Schwartz has built an excellent universe, weaving aspects of science, fantasy, mystery, suspense and a sprinkling of romance. Her skillful writing intrigues and has kept me up til the wee hours reading to the finish.
I gave this book 4 stars, rather than the 5 stars I gave books 1 & 2, because there's a lot more explication and less story than the first two books. I'm assuming the payoff will be in book 4, Ghosts Cry, coming in June 2026.
I can hardly wait! 😎
December 13, 2025
Meh. The first book was great. This one, not so much. The author seems to be running out of steam from a plot development perspective. Not much happens in this book. It felt like she just needed to get a certain number of words on the page. This could have been better as a few chapters instead of an entire novel. She also seems to be having issues, as many authors do, with the ending. The chapters are moving along a a slow and sready pace, then BANG! Everything comes to a finale in an instant.
I'll read the next book, but I'm getting frustrated with the series.
I'll read the next book, but I'm getting frustrated with the series.
December 13, 2025
That was a LOT of information! This book diverted from the past two and was more abstract is it’s mystery solving. I love these books, I also feel as though I’ve not quite understood some of the nuances because it was just such a word heavy read. Always takes a bit to get into the writing style but once I do I DEVOUR. This could’ve been described as a filler but instead it was a connecter, filling in information, tying up and setting up questions and answers. Well done again Ms Schwartz can’t wait for the next!
December 15, 2025
Fantastic
I eagerly look forward to each new release. Never expected to enjoy a political drama so much, even though adding space and magic sounds like cheating. The politics is all seen through the personal lens, however, and that keeps it really engaging. The characters are not caricatures, they develop and unfold naturally. The action feels unhurried, but moves along efficiently and at a good pace. The space and the magic are well structured, interesting and consistent. And also sit in the background to the personal story of the MC as it unfolds. Highly recommended!
I eagerly look forward to each new release. Never expected to enjoy a political drama so much, even though adding space and magic sounds like cheating. The politics is all seen through the personal lens, however, and that keeps it really engaging. The characters are not caricatures, they develop and unfold naturally. The action feels unhurried, but moves along efficiently and at a good pace. The space and the magic are well structured, interesting and consistent. And also sit in the background to the personal story of the MC as it unfolds. Highly recommended!
December 16, 2025
Great series
If you enjoy realistic political intrigue this series is for you. Vanda’s position as Ward keeper requires her to maintain the protective wards around Caldryn Parliament, the centre of power for humanity. But she can’t do that without becoming involved with political manoeuvring and that requires her to uncover people’s hidden motives. Chuck in an unlikely romance, alien species, some scary but hidden SAIs and of course the various magic users and you have a complex society with webs of inter-connecting powers. It will keep you guessing.
If you enjoy realistic political intrigue this series is for you. Vanda’s position as Ward keeper requires her to maintain the protective wards around Caldryn Parliament, the centre of power for humanity. But she can’t do that without becoming involved with political manoeuvring and that requires her to uncover people’s hidden motives. Chuck in an unlikely romance, alien species, some scary but hidden SAIs and of course the various magic users and you have a complex society with webs of inter-connecting powers. It will keep you guessing.
December 5, 2025
5 stars as always
Jenny Schwartz is an intelligent world maker who has created a universe that causes a reader to expand their mind while providing very believable characters facing very interesting and often somewhat familiar problems with a magical twist.
Waiting for the next installation of a series is the greatest challenge. Recommend re-reading the last volume(s) before the next ones come out!
Jenny Schwartz is an intelligent world maker who has created a universe that causes a reader to expand their mind while providing very believable characters facing very interesting and often somewhat familiar problems with a magical twist.
Waiting for the next installation of a series is the greatest challenge. Recommend re-reading the last volume(s) before the next ones come out!
December 1, 2025
Fun light read
This third book in the series holds up, with the usual complement of entertaining characters and situations. The books are decently well written and plotted, and don't require a lot more from the reader than to enjoy a pleasant story with no seriously dark moments. Enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This third book in the series holds up, with the usual complement of entertaining characters and situations. The books are decently well written and plotted, and don't require a lot more from the reader than to enjoy a pleasant story with no seriously dark moments. Enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
December 1, 2025
I really enjoyed living in this world for the past week, reading all three (currently released) books in a short space of time.
I found this book slightly more dense in terms of lore keeping and world building with less focus on the relationships and typical act structure, but still found it very enjoyable.
I look forward to the next instalment!
I found this book slightly more dense in terms of lore keeping and world building with less focus on the relationships and typical act structure, but still found it very enjoyable.
I look forward to the next instalment!
December 2, 2025
Fabulous series that keeps getting better
So this series is space opera meets urban fantasy. Take the imperial politics of Ann Leckie and stir together with the found family of Becky Chambers and a dash of Mercy Thompson and you have this series. The author can't write fast enough for me!
So this series is space opera meets urban fantasy. Take the imperial politics of Ann Leckie and stir together with the found family of Becky Chambers and a dash of Mercy Thompson and you have this series. The author can't write fast enough for me!
December 5, 2025
Leaves you wanting more!
Seriously, I want it to be longer. I need more. I love this whole thought provoking world! I'm not political but the interplay between all the different faction heads is fascinating. I also love Giddy and his costumes and Vonda's romance with Justice.❤️❤️❤️
Seriously, I want it to be longer. I need more. I love this whole thought provoking world! I'm not political but the interplay between all the different faction heads is fascinating. I also love Giddy and his costumes and Vonda's romance with Justice.❤️❤️❤️
December 8, 2025
I loved the first two books in this series, and political fantasy is probably one of my all-time favourite book categories (e.g. like Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison), but this one was too convoluted. Political doesn't need to mean confusing with cryptic, 'philosophical' conversations and weird world-building (re AI and human roles outside the Caldryn Parliament world).
December 14, 2025
Excellent read
I love Jenny's writing and have enjoyed every book I've read so far. The Cameron Parliament series is set in a complex world with intrigue and secrets revealed. This book..... Oh my. I often spot plot twists coming from a mile away but not this time. And all I can say is well done.
I can't wait to read what happens next.
I love Jenny's writing and have enjoyed every book I've read so far. The Cameron Parliament series is set in a complex world with intrigue and secrets revealed. This book..... Oh my. I often spot plot twists coming from a mile away but not this time. And all I can say is well done.
I can't wait to read what happens next.
December 19, 2025
Rogue's Lie, book three of the Caldryn Parliament series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Vanda is one of my favorite Schwartz characters, and I am really enjoying the progression of the series. I enjoy that Vanda is no-nonsense, deliberative, and develops strong, true relationships with others. Family, on the other hand, she doesn't want to turn her back on any of them.
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