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The Lies of Mortals
— An addictive and unforgettable epic fantasy with action and intrigue, delicious banter, and a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance that will leave you breathless —
THE FATE OF ALL TO THE FATE OF ONE
The gods weren’t supposed to rebel, but one had.
Humans couldn’t cross The Veil, yet one did.
Locked away in a bloodline, a long-awaited power awakens.A great change is coming, and the realms will tremble when it unfolds.
There was a time when The Veil didn’t exist, and humans and fae occupied their respective realms without quarrel. But that was long ago, in an age before a fallen god waged war against the realms, and The Veil went up at the hands of the fae.
Now, an ancient prophecy is on the cusp of unfolding. And Auren Everton, a human with a talent for swordplay, surely didn’t expect to have direct ties to it.
Auren has always known she was destined for more, and fate seems to have given her an opportunity when she receives an invitation to compete in the king’s competition for a place in his King’s Guard. But the hand that the gods and the fates have dealt her is not what it seems. In a strange turn of events, she makes an enemy of the prince, finds herself on the run, and is brought face to face with the beings that history has taught her to fear.
When a fae High Lord with a mysterious, dark power takes an interest in her, the prophecy begins to unravel. Unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined, and as romance takes hold, Auren’s reality is shaken to its core. What she thought she knew of her realm, of the fae, of herself, is far from the truth. And what runs in her blood is crucial to the fate of every mortal.
In a realm of magic and betrayal, threats lurk around every corner, and there is more than one cunning fae vying for her.
If she embraces her fate, she can right the wrongs and bring about a new and prosperous age.
If she doesn’t, she will doom them all.
THE FATE OF ALL TO THE FATE OF ONE
The gods weren’t supposed to rebel, but one had.
Humans couldn’t cross The Veil, yet one did.
Locked away in a bloodline, a long-awaited power awakens.A great change is coming, and the realms will tremble when it unfolds.
There was a time when The Veil didn’t exist, and humans and fae occupied their respective realms without quarrel. But that was long ago, in an age before a fallen god waged war against the realms, and The Veil went up at the hands of the fae.
Now, an ancient prophecy is on the cusp of unfolding. And Auren Everton, a human with a talent for swordplay, surely didn’t expect to have direct ties to it.
Auren has always known she was destined for more, and fate seems to have given her an opportunity when she receives an invitation to compete in the king’s competition for a place in his King’s Guard. But the hand that the gods and the fates have dealt her is not what it seems. In a strange turn of events, she makes an enemy of the prince, finds herself on the run, and is brought face to face with the beings that history has taught her to fear.
When a fae High Lord with a mysterious, dark power takes an interest in her, the prophecy begins to unravel. Unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined, and as romance takes hold, Auren’s reality is shaken to its core. What she thought she knew of her realm, of the fae, of herself, is far from the truth. And what runs in her blood is crucial to the fate of every mortal.
In a realm of magic and betrayal, threats lurk around every corner, and there is more than one cunning fae vying for her.
If she embraces her fate, she can right the wrongs and bring about a new and prosperous age.
If she doesn’t, she will doom them all.
694 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
301 people are currently reading
4974 people want to read
About the author
Malarie Weber
1 book322 followersMalarie has had a passion for writing since she was young, and has always loved the worlds and realms of fantasy. She also has a particular fascination with ancient history and culture, which she enjoys weaving into her stories. She holds a bachelor's degree in Art from Texas State University, and when she's not writing, she can be found drawing or illustrating in her art room, or reading in her personal library. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband, and the two enjoy traveling abroad whenever possible.
Keep up with her on instagram: @abookshelfofmagic
Keep up with her on instagram: @abookshelfofmagic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 23, 2025
I wanted to love The Lies of Mortals so badly. It had such promise and I’ve followed the author for what feels like years.
Starting out the book has pages and pages of intro and lore and background. It felt like a Brandon Sanderson book, which I love. But it fell flat. I was expecting and deeper more intense writing based simply off the background.
While the beginning and setting up the story reminded me of The Realm Breaker it didn’t continue. As soon as got to the Auren and started the book moved too fast. Too much was happening too soon. We barely got to understand Auren as a character before we were whisked off to another world. Only to meet more characters and more background and more lore.
I loved the storyline itself but it was so detailed that it left very little to the imagination. Everything was spelled out for us, and alot of it was unnecessary details. Who was looking where, who was standing where, who was off in the background doing what. While I love a detailed book, there was too much. I didn’t have to guess or be involved in the story because it was all given to me.
For a debut novel, this was massive. So many extra details and sentence and paragraphs about info we didn’t need. The banter was fun, but too long. It took characters far too long to pieces information together. It felt drawn out. We already knew pieces and it didn’t need to be so long.
Auren and Niall are deemed “enemies to lovers” and I honestly didn’t feel that. Maybe annoyed to lovers/fated mates. But not enemies. Their banter was fun and flirty but a little immature to me. I wanted more chapters from Niall’s POV and to see things form his side more. But the book is based from Auren’s.
That being said, I thought the story itself and the tropes to be fun. I liked the worlds and the characters themselves! I did enjoy the book. Just a few things needed to be tweaked here and there.
Thank you Malarie Weber for letting me be an ARC reviewer!
Starting out the book has pages and pages of intro and lore and background. It felt like a Brandon Sanderson book, which I love. But it fell flat. I was expecting and deeper more intense writing based simply off the background.
While the beginning and setting up the story reminded me of The Realm Breaker it didn’t continue. As soon as got to the Auren and started the book moved too fast. Too much was happening too soon. We barely got to understand Auren as a character before we were whisked off to another world. Only to meet more characters and more background and more lore.
I loved the storyline itself but it was so detailed that it left very little to the imagination. Everything was spelled out for us, and alot of it was unnecessary details. Who was looking where, who was standing where, who was off in the background doing what. While I love a detailed book, there was too much. I didn’t have to guess or be involved in the story because it was all given to me.
For a debut novel, this was massive. So many extra details and sentence and paragraphs about info we didn’t need. The banter was fun, but too long. It took characters far too long to pieces information together. It felt drawn out. We already knew pieces and it didn’t need to be so long.
Auren and Niall are deemed “enemies to lovers” and I honestly didn’t feel that. Maybe annoyed to lovers/fated mates. But not enemies. Their banter was fun and flirty but a little immature to me. I wanted more chapters from Niall’s POV and to see things form his side more. But the book is based from Auren’s.
That being said, I thought the story itself and the tropes to be fun. I liked the worlds and the characters themselves! I did enjoy the book. Just a few things needed to be tweaked here and there.
Thank you Malarie Weber for letting me be an ARC reviewer!
May 19, 2025
3.5 - 3.75 ⭐️
(updating to round up to 4 star overall review instead of 3!)
First, thank you so much to Malarie for an ARC copy! This was one of my highly, highly anticipated reads and am eternally grateful for the opportunity to read it early. As you can see, I’m very conflicted with how I’d rate this book overall. I loved soo soo many aspects of it, but the lulls and what I didn’t love overshadowed a bit as well. I do think that others will genuinely love this & I’m definitely planning on continuing the series, especially with that ending!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
- First 30%: I was absolutely enthralled w the first 30% of the book! It started off SO fast paced and drew me in right off the bat. I also absolutely loved that I wasn’t sure where the story was going and was on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out.
- Vague love interest initially: I loved the fact that I didn’t immediately know who the love interest was. It was so, so fun constantly being surprised, and then when it was revealed who he was, I ATE IT UP 🙌🏼
- World building: I’m a SUCKER for good world building and the world/lore Malarie created was beautifully done. I could easily visualize myself in each of the territories and really enjoyed getting to know the different rulers of each territory and the politics of it all.
- Niall: Niall is shadow daddy goals; I loved how possessive and territorial he was and the banter between him and Auren had me giddy & smilin’ like a fool.
- The plot picked up again for me at the ~70% mark and I was totally hooked again. And the last ~85% to the end I was FULLY SAT for. It was action-packed, fast-paced, and set up a lot of really cool things for book 2. We def need answers about the Queen, what happened w her brother, & her guardian. All things I’m looking forward to in book 2. Plus that ending?! Absolutely brutal cliffhanger that I’ll be thinking about for a bit.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
- There was a pretty big lull for me 40-65% through. As I said, it started off super fast paced and plot-heavy, but then shifted to be seemingly more character-driven focusing only on Niall and Auren’s relationship. It left me wanting more on the plot front and I just felt less invested in the characters bc it was a bit of a 180 for me.
- I felt like there was a lot of telling opposed to showing; I love when we’re slowly introduced to the bigger plots/themes/reveals and given breadcrumbs, but this aspect wasn’t present for me and none of it came as a surprise which left me feeling a little underwhelmed. This is just a personal preference though!
- I had a hard time emotionally connecting to the characters; I initially LOVED our FMC and how feisty she was, but then she almost wasn’t as feisty/memorable as the story progressed? It also felt like every person she came in contact with fell in love with her after knowing her for a brief period of time, which felt forced and unbelievable to me.
- I would’ve loved for there to be more yearning/tension between her and Niall; it felt kinda insta lust/love to me. But, they’re fated mates and Niall knows that essentially right away, so it makes sense. This is again just a personal preference.
- This felt very reminiscent of ACOMAF (Niall felt very Rhys-coded, Niall’s inner court felt very Azriel & Cassian, Firefall vs Starfall, there was a Tamlin character/situation, mountain court setting, fated mates but only one knows it and keeps it from the other, “climb the mountain” aspect, etc.) I think a lot of people would genuinely LOVE this aspect of the book, it just didn’t hit for me unfortunately because I was constantly pulled back into/had the comparison to ACOMAF in my head. Again a personal preference that I think a lot of readers would love.
- I typically love longer books (my digital copy of this was 830 pages) but felt this could’ve benefited by being shorter.
(updating to round up to 4 star overall review instead of 3!)
First, thank you so much to Malarie for an ARC copy! This was one of my highly, highly anticipated reads and am eternally grateful for the opportunity to read it early. As you can see, I’m very conflicted with how I’d rate this book overall. I loved soo soo many aspects of it, but the lulls and what I didn’t love overshadowed a bit as well. I do think that others will genuinely love this & I’m definitely planning on continuing the series, especially with that ending!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝:
- First 30%: I was absolutely enthralled w the first 30% of the book! It started off SO fast paced and drew me in right off the bat. I also absolutely loved that I wasn’t sure where the story was going and was on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out.
- Vague love interest initially: I loved the fact that I didn’t immediately know who the love interest was. It was so, so fun constantly being surprised, and then when it was revealed who he was, I ATE IT UP 🙌🏼
- World building: I’m a SUCKER for good world building and the world/lore Malarie created was beautifully done. I could easily visualize myself in each of the territories and really enjoyed getting to know the different rulers of each territory and the politics of it all.
- Niall: Niall is shadow daddy goals; I loved how possessive and territorial he was and the banter between him and Auren had me giddy & smilin’ like a fool.
- The plot picked up again for me at the ~70% mark and I was totally hooked again. And the last ~85% to the end I was FULLY SAT for. It was action-packed, fast-paced, and set up a lot of really cool things for book 2. We def need answers about the Queen, what happened w her brother, & her guardian. All things I’m looking forward to in book 2. Plus that ending?! Absolutely brutal cliffhanger that I’ll be thinking about for a bit.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
- There was a pretty big lull for me 40-65% through. As I said, it started off super fast paced and plot-heavy, but then shifted to be seemingly more character-driven focusing only on Niall and Auren’s relationship. It left me wanting more on the plot front and I just felt less invested in the characters bc it was a bit of a 180 for me.
- I felt like there was a lot of telling opposed to showing; I love when we’re slowly introduced to the bigger plots/themes/reveals and given breadcrumbs, but this aspect wasn’t present for me and none of it came as a surprise which left me feeling a little underwhelmed. This is just a personal preference though!
- I had a hard time emotionally connecting to the characters; I initially LOVED our FMC and how feisty she was, but then she almost wasn’t as feisty/memorable as the story progressed? It also felt like every person she came in contact with fell in love with her after knowing her for a brief period of time, which felt forced and unbelievable to me.
- I would’ve loved for there to be more yearning/tension between her and Niall; it felt kinda insta lust/love to me. But, they’re fated mates and Niall knows that essentially right away, so it makes sense. This is again just a personal preference.
- This felt very reminiscent of ACOMAF (Niall felt very Rhys-coded, Niall’s inner court felt very Azriel & Cassian, Firefall vs Starfall, there was a Tamlin character/situation, mountain court setting, fated mates but only one knows it and keeps it from the other, “climb the mountain” aspect, etc.) I think a lot of people would genuinely LOVE this aspect of the book, it just didn’t hit for me unfortunately because I was constantly pulled back into/had the comparison to ACOMAF in my head. Again a personal preference that I think a lot of readers would love.
- I typically love longer books (my digital copy of this was 830 pages) but felt this could’ve benefited by being shorter.
March 1, 2026
6 STARS FOR ME. BUY IT NOW.
This book was incredible. For her debut as an author Malarie came out guns blazing. Her writing style is impeccable. The world building was phenomenal. The time and detail she gave to creating a unique fantasy story in a saturated genre doesn't go unnoticed. She was able to create high lords, courts, magic, and even a shadow daddy with twists and details that I haven't read yet. Everything was unique and so fun to discover as I read page after page.
Niall & Auren are my favorite couple of all time. They are mature and realistic from start to finish. I absolutely loved the communication and build up to their love. I also LOVED and thoroughly appreciated the way we experienced the way the mating bond built between them. I felt like I experienced it in a way I haven't yet. It was Phenomenal.
Niall is hands down that shadow daddy of all shadow daddys. We get a spicy scene with his shadows...and he's down the hall...I mean...come on! The way he cares for his people and dotted on Auren the entire book will have you swooning.
Auren was an incredible FMC. She has trauma and has worked hard to earn her recognition with her sword wielding. From the moment she finds herself in a new territory she walked with grace and acceptance of her situation. She radiates grace, maturity, and wisdom. As she continues to learn more about herself and her path that is laid ahead of her she just continues to show up and step into her fate. I absolutely love her. Not to mention her ability to make friends wherever she goes and with whom ever...or..whatever..... LOVE IT!!
The supporting characters are all incredible. I cannot wait to spend more time with them in book two! Sorscha had me chuckling and laughing out loud or just smiling every time she was on the page. Roirdon had some great scenes! I love the history of Aremic and Morah. I look forward to watching more growth in them! Maeson was just a pleasure to the story line! I wanted to hug her at the end.
I just cannot recommend this book enough. Malarie did a spectacular job with this world. Everything was so well done. I found myself clearly able to envision the world and characters. While world building does take some time to get through sometimes-I never felt that with Malarie's writing of this world. Nothing took away from the story it all perfectly swept you into the world. It was so beautifully done. I know she's working hard on book two and while I cannot wait for it...I will wait patiently because she left herself big shoes to carry on in!!
This book was incredible. For her debut as an author Malarie came out guns blazing. Her writing style is impeccable. The world building was phenomenal. The time and detail she gave to creating a unique fantasy story in a saturated genre doesn't go unnoticed. She was able to create high lords, courts, magic, and even a shadow daddy with twists and details that I haven't read yet. Everything was unique and so fun to discover as I read page after page.
Niall & Auren are my favorite couple of all time. They are mature and realistic from start to finish. I absolutely loved the communication and build up to their love. I also LOVED and thoroughly appreciated the way we experienced the way the mating bond built between them. I felt like I experienced it in a way I haven't yet. It was Phenomenal.
Niall is hands down that shadow daddy of all shadow daddys. We get a spicy scene with his shadows...and he's down the hall...I mean...come on! The way he cares for his people and dotted on Auren the entire book will have you swooning.
Auren was an incredible FMC. She has trauma and has worked hard to earn her recognition with her sword wielding. From the moment she finds herself in a new territory she walked with grace and acceptance of her situation. She radiates grace, maturity, and wisdom. As she continues to learn more about herself and her path that is laid ahead of her she just continues to show up and step into her fate. I absolutely love her. Not to mention her ability to make friends wherever she goes and with whom ever...or..whatever..... LOVE IT!!
The supporting characters are all incredible. I cannot wait to spend more time with them in book two! Sorscha had me chuckling and laughing out loud or just smiling every time she was on the page. Roirdon had some great scenes! I love the history of Aremic and Morah. I look forward to watching more growth in them! Maeson was just a pleasure to the story line! I wanted to hug her at the end.
I just cannot recommend this book enough. Malarie did a spectacular job with this world. Everything was so well done. I found myself clearly able to envision the world and characters. While world building does take some time to get through sometimes-I never felt that with Malarie's writing of this world. Nothing took away from the story it all perfectly swept you into the world. It was so beautifully done. I know she's working hard on book two and while I cannot wait for it...I will wait patiently because she left herself big shoes to carry on in!!
July 11, 2025
I can't even begin to tell you how disappointed I am with this book. This was a highly anticipated book for me this year.
Let's start with the comparisons. It seems as though the author rewrote and recycled a bunch of things from insanely popular fantasy books that are out right now. I'm talking ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, and Flesh and Fire. Heavy on the ACOTAR series. I feel like a lot of the characters were recycled characters from those books as well, but they were less than. There was some originality but like a sliver in this over 600 page book. I read one review before starting the book that said if you like ACOTAR you'll like this book but I disagree because it's TOO similar. I get that books in general are recycled a lot, especially fantasy, but you have to change it so it's different enough. It was insanely hard not to compare something in every single chapter.
This book to me was just a lot of fluff. There's very little backstory to the characters and the world building was not that great. It started off strong with a little action but after that there was none at all. The stuff I think was supposed to be suspenseful...wasn't. I felt detached for almost all of it. Literally my favorite characters were Sorchsa and Remic. We didn't go to just one or two Lumeri celebrations but FOUR and it did absolutely nothing for the story but just take up space. And for 600+ pages I felt like Auren and Niall's relationship was rushed and weird.
It also really upsets me about Auren's brother and how little she cared about him. How little he was even mentioned or thought about.
We also were led to believe that Niall was this big bad, dangerous High Lord but we didn't see any of that. He was a less than, rewritten Rhysand but without the bite. I believe somewhere it says (maybe the description) that the FMC falls for the enemy. How is he the enemy? When was he even remotely scary or dangerous? Is he literally just the enemy because Breck said so? Or were we supposed to believe that he was the enemy just because we were told his power is the strongest?
I could honestly go on and on so I'll just end it with this:
This book just didn't do it for me and I'm sad to say that I won't be picking up the second. I honestly could have DNF'd it around 30% but I stuck it out because I was hoping it would get better. I don't think it was worth it and the cliffhanger at the end wasn't even enough to make me want to continue. It didn't make me want to find out what happens to these characters I care so little about. It just felt so anticlimactic and predictable.
Let's start with the comparisons. It seems as though the author rewrote and recycled a bunch of things from insanely popular fantasy books that are out right now. I'm talking ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, and Flesh and Fire. Heavy on the ACOTAR series. I feel like a lot of the characters were recycled characters from those books as well, but they were less than. There was some originality but like a sliver in this over 600 page book. I read one review before starting the book that said if you like ACOTAR you'll like this book but I disagree because it's TOO similar. I get that books in general are recycled a lot, especially fantasy, but you have to change it so it's different enough. It was insanely hard not to compare something in every single chapter.
This book to me was just a lot of fluff. There's very little backstory to the characters and the world building was not that great. It started off strong with a little action but after that there was none at all. The stuff I think was supposed to be suspenseful...wasn't. I felt detached for almost all of it. Literally my favorite characters were Sorchsa and Remic. We didn't go to just one or two Lumeri celebrations but FOUR and it did absolutely nothing for the story but just take up space. And for 600+ pages I felt like Auren and Niall's relationship was rushed and weird.
It also really upsets me about Auren's brother and how little she cared about him. How little he was even mentioned or thought about.
We also were led to believe that Niall was this big bad, dangerous High Lord but we didn't see any of that. He was a less than, rewritten Rhysand but without the bite. I believe somewhere it says (maybe the description) that the FMC falls for the enemy. How is he the enemy? When was he even remotely scary or dangerous? Is he literally just the enemy because Breck said so? Or were we supposed to believe that he was the enemy just because we were told his power is the strongest?
I could honestly go on and on so I'll just end it with this:
This book just didn't do it for me and I'm sad to say that I won't be picking up the second. I honestly could have DNF'd it around 30% but I stuck it out because I was hoping it would get better. I don't think it was worth it and the cliffhanger at the end wasn't even enough to make me want to continue. It didn't make me want to find out what happens to these characters I care so little about. It just felt so anticlimactic and predictable.
July 22, 2025
2.5✩
Well, this was... to put it bluntly, 20% originality and 80% ACOTAR.
I'm so sad I was disappointed by this book, because I had high hopes for it.
The part that was original was very well thought out. I quite liked the magic system and the lore, but that was completely underdeveloped. I really had potential, but I'm afraid the execution was lacking in many places.
First of all, there was so much fluff in the text that it suffocated the story. There were many, many unnecessarily detailed descriptions of things not very important for the storyline, whereas important plot development was rushed and over in a couple of pages.
Sadly, I had no feelings for the characters or the rest of the plot, since it basically felt like I was reading an ACOTAR retelling, and thus knew what was going to happen.
I was struggling through the entire book, and unfortunately couldn't wait for it to be over...
Well, this was... to put it bluntly, 20% originality and 80% ACOTAR.
I'm so sad I was disappointed by this book, because I had high hopes for it.
The part that was original was very well thought out. I quite liked the magic system and the lore, but that was completely underdeveloped. I really had potential, but I'm afraid the execution was lacking in many places.
First of all, there was so much fluff in the text that it suffocated the story. There were many, many unnecessarily detailed descriptions of things not very important for the storyline, whereas important plot development was rushed and over in a couple of pages.
Sadly, I had no feelings for the characters or the rest of the plot, since it basically felt like I was reading an ACOTAR retelling, and thus knew what was going to happen.
I was struggling through the entire book, and unfortunately couldn't wait for it to be over...
May 6, 2025
This book is everything I love about fantasy! I could not put it down.
Auren is in her late twenties. She has experienced some life in her small corner of the mortal lands. Fighting to make a living. She enters a competition to join the King’s Guard. Due to circumstances outside of her control, she is forced to flee and pushed beyond the boundary of the mortal realm through the Veil, which has been closed off to human entry, and into the fae realm.
Greeted by unexpectedly friendly fae, Auren must navigate her way through a whole world that is not what she was led to believe and fae court politics that she is more involved in than she knows.
With a slow burn romance that will have you on the edge of your seat tingling with the building butterflies, The Lies of Mortals is a binge worthy epic fantasy romance that will not disappoint.
The way Malarie writes is so finely detailed, but easy to follow. You end up with a high fantasy that is accessible to anyone.
Thank you Malarie for the opportunity to receive and review an ARC of The Lies of Mortals! I am utterly obsessed with this book and cannot wait until book 2 comes out.
Auren is in her late twenties. She has experienced some life in her small corner of the mortal lands. Fighting to make a living. She enters a competition to join the King’s Guard. Due to circumstances outside of her control, she is forced to flee and pushed beyond the boundary of the mortal realm through the Veil, which has been closed off to human entry, and into the fae realm.
Greeted by unexpectedly friendly fae, Auren must navigate her way through a whole world that is not what she was led to believe and fae court politics that she is more involved in than she knows.
With a slow burn romance that will have you on the edge of your seat tingling with the building butterflies, The Lies of Mortals is a binge worthy epic fantasy romance that will not disappoint.
The way Malarie writes is so finely detailed, but easy to follow. You end up with a high fantasy that is accessible to anyone.
Thank you Malarie for the opportunity to receive and review an ARC of The Lies of Mortals! I am utterly obsessed with this book and cannot wait until book 2 comes out.
May 8, 2025
“I would tear apart this world for you and give my life a thousand times over if it meant you were safe and unharmed.” 🖤⚔️✨.
You guys!!! This book is INCREDIBLE! It’s an epic high fantasy with a slow burn 🔥🔥. While reading this book you will be clutching your book to your chest and staying up in the wee hours for “one more chapter”. The world building and detail in this book is so refreshing, and it’s what I’ve been missing in most Romantasy books recently. I loved both the MMC and FMC as well! 🖤
@abookshelfofmagic, thank you for this wonderful and BEAUTIFUL arc. You created magic, and I’m grateful you shared it with me. 🖤✨
You guys!!! This book is INCREDIBLE! It’s an epic high fantasy with a slow burn 🔥🔥. While reading this book you will be clutching your book to your chest and staying up in the wee hours for “one more chapter”. The world building and detail in this book is so refreshing, and it’s what I’ve been missing in most Romantasy books recently. I loved both the MMC and FMC as well! 🖤
@abookshelfofmagic, thank you for this wonderful and BEAUTIFUL arc. You created magic, and I’m grateful you shared it with me. 🖤✨
April 14, 2025
Wow, what can I say. This book was incredible. If you love ACOTAR and Throne of Glass then I have no doubt this book is for you.
The Lies of Mortals is an epic fantasy with everything you love in your romantasy books. From huge world building to delicious banter. From fated mates to ‘Touch her and 💀’.
You’ve got found family, prophecies and of course just the one bed 😉
The story follows our FMC Auren, a human living in the human realm. As a skilled fighter she enters a competition to join the Kings guard. She manages to best the Prince in a dual and subsequently must flee for her own safety. During her escape she manages to cross the veil separating the human and fae realms, something no human has done for a thousand years. She enters the fae realm where she discovers more about herself than she ever thought possible and how her fate linked to an ancient prophecy.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It was one of those books you can’t put down, ‘just one more chapter’. I am already itching to get my hands on book 2.
The Lies of Mortals is an epic fantasy with everything you love in your romantasy books. From huge world building to delicious banter. From fated mates to ‘Touch her and 💀’.
You’ve got found family, prophecies and of course just the one bed 😉
The story follows our FMC Auren, a human living in the human realm. As a skilled fighter she enters a competition to join the Kings guard. She manages to best the Prince in a dual and subsequently must flee for her own safety. During her escape she manages to cross the veil separating the human and fae realms, something no human has done for a thousand years. She enters the fae realm where she discovers more about herself than she ever thought possible and how her fate linked to an ancient prophecy.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It was one of those books you can’t put down, ‘just one more chapter’. I am already itching to get my hands on book 2.
April 9, 2025
What a beautiful captivating journey this was. I have to say I'm astounded this is the author's debut book. Even though it's labeled as an epic fantasy I did not have any issues following along. I never even had to flip back to the glossary for reference because the way it's written is so easily understood.
This book is definitely world building and is pretty long so be prepared for that but it's fun to go through each Court and learn what each has to offer. There's something to love about each one but I think my Viking loving heart prefers The Highland Court 😏
If you love fantasy romance stories like ACOTAR you'll really enjoy this one. There's something about the MMC Niall that reminds me a bit of Rhysand. He's very swoon worthy for sure with all his doting.
The FMC Auren is strong in her own right and has worked hard to be who she is which I found very appealing. And she's 29! I love that we got an older FMC in this book
I loved the found family aspect and all the new friends Auren made (especially Maeson and Wrynn 😉)
All in all I enjoyed this read and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author. I know this is just the beginning and I'm excited to see where this story goes.
This book is definitely world building and is pretty long so be prepared for that but it's fun to go through each Court and learn what each has to offer. There's something to love about each one but I think my Viking loving heart prefers The Highland Court 😏
If you love fantasy romance stories like ACOTAR you'll really enjoy this one. There's something about the MMC Niall that reminds me a bit of Rhysand. He's very swoon worthy for sure with all his doting.
The FMC Auren is strong in her own right and has worked hard to be who she is which I found very appealing. And she's 29! I love that we got an older FMC in this book
I loved the found family aspect and all the new friends Auren made (especially Maeson and Wrynn 😉)
All in all I enjoyed this read and I cannot wait to see what comes next from this author. I know this is just the beginning and I'm excited to see where this story goes.
May 20, 2025
“Do you crave my darkness?”
When I stumbled upon The Lies of Mortals this past month, I had this gut feeling that this book was gonna be life-altering for me. Like, do you ever just see a cover of a novel that you find randomly on the internet and just KNOW it’s gonna be something big for you? That’s it’s going to consume you and make you fall in love with both the characters, the story, and the storytelling? My gut has never steered me wrong when it comes to just knowing that, and now, having gotten to experience this book in all its glory, has proven all the same that my gut was right.
The Lies of Mortals is, without a doubt, one of my new all-time favorite epic high fantasy romance reads! Learning this was Malarie’s debut is insane??? Because this book is so good I couldn’t put it down for days at a time??? Couldn’t and still cannot stop screaming about it??? The Lies of Mortals may just be one of THE BEST fantasy books I’ve ever read.
“You are my awakening and my sweet destruction.”
Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you — this book is THICKKKKKK but the world building, the tension, the lore of the lands, the big & little details, the complex magic + power system, THE TROPES — all STUNNING — and so absolutely unique it’s so refreshing to see a new take in fantasy novels like this— it’s some of the best things you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading in a high fantasy novel. Exceptional descriptive storytelling and visuals for everything in the fae realms — one of my favorites and one of the most compelling things for me in a romantic fantasy read.
“He’d lived hundreds of years, seen multiple lifetimes worth of all that this world had to offer, and yet I made him feel alive?”
Malarie, I adore you and can’t thank you enough for letting me be a part of this debut release of yours! You’re an absolute gem of an author & I can promise you now that I’ll never be able to stop talking about everything related to a certain high fae lord from Calledan. Simply, I can’t recommend this book enough. Go read it.
In the meantime, I’m gonna be hiding out in my room waiting for my physical copy to arrive and all the while wishing I had a Niall of my own. Also, I can’t even rate this book as high as I want because 272829377229 star rating doesn’t exist here.
What to expect in The Lies of Mortals:
🗡️ epic high fantasy
🗡️ shadow daddy fae lord
🗡️ slow burn romance
🗡️ found family
🗡️ touch her & d!e
🗡️ headstrong fmc who wields swords
🗡️ prophecies + meddling gods
🗡️ one bed
🗡️ fated mates
🗡️ banter, banter, banter
🗡️ hidden identity / chosen one
The Lies of Mortals releases May 20th, 2025!
When I stumbled upon The Lies of Mortals this past month, I had this gut feeling that this book was gonna be life-altering for me. Like, do you ever just see a cover of a novel that you find randomly on the internet and just KNOW it’s gonna be something big for you? That’s it’s going to consume you and make you fall in love with both the characters, the story, and the storytelling? My gut has never steered me wrong when it comes to just knowing that, and now, having gotten to experience this book in all its glory, has proven all the same that my gut was right.
The Lies of Mortals is, without a doubt, one of my new all-time favorite epic high fantasy romance reads! Learning this was Malarie’s debut is insane??? Because this book is so good I couldn’t put it down for days at a time??? Couldn’t and still cannot stop screaming about it??? The Lies of Mortals may just be one of THE BEST fantasy books I’ve ever read.
“You are my awakening and my sweet destruction.”
Don’t let the size of this book intimidate you — this book is THICKKKKKK but the world building, the tension, the lore of the lands, the big & little details, the complex magic + power system, THE TROPES — all STUNNING — and so absolutely unique it’s so refreshing to see a new take in fantasy novels like this— it’s some of the best things you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading in a high fantasy novel. Exceptional descriptive storytelling and visuals for everything in the fae realms — one of my favorites and one of the most compelling things for me in a romantic fantasy read.
“He’d lived hundreds of years, seen multiple lifetimes worth of all that this world had to offer, and yet I made him feel alive?”
Malarie, I adore you and can’t thank you enough for letting me be a part of this debut release of yours! You’re an absolute gem of an author & I can promise you now that I’ll never be able to stop talking about everything related to a certain high fae lord from Calledan. Simply, I can’t recommend this book enough. Go read it.
In the meantime, I’m gonna be hiding out in my room waiting for my physical copy to arrive and all the while wishing I had a Niall of my own. Also, I can’t even rate this book as high as I want because 272829377229 star rating doesn’t exist here.
What to expect in The Lies of Mortals:
🗡️ epic high fantasy
🗡️ shadow daddy fae lord
🗡️ slow burn romance
🗡️ found family
🗡️ touch her & d!e
🗡️ headstrong fmc who wields swords
🗡️ prophecies + meddling gods
🗡️ one bed
🗡️ fated mates
🗡️ banter, banter, banter
🗡️ hidden identity / chosen one
The Lies of Mortals releases May 20th, 2025!
May 20, 2025
3.75-4 ⭐️ First I want to say thank you for my ARC copy of this novel. I loved the details in court descriptions, from start to finish the world building was intriguing to me. TLOM didn’t feel so much as an enemies to lovers/slow burn as I felt both characters showed a high interest in each other rather quickly. With that being said though I do love the relationship between the two main characters. The banter and witty remarks had me gasping and laughing out loud. I also didn’t mind the length of the novel as I found it to really pick up in the second half, and wanted to read more as I saw it slowly coming to an end. I do wish there was a little bit more moments for the readers to piece together on their own. I also felt like Auren really leaned into her role without much resistance or internal conflict. Those small comments aside, I really did enjoy this book. The glossary and artwork were amazing additions and the cover is stunning. As a debut novel I felt it was very well thought out and you can feel how much the author put into crafting this world for us and I just wanted more! Auren is so relatable and I loved to see a woman looking for her place as so many other fantasy/romatasy novels FMC are all so young whereas this character is nearing her 30s. The characters have become instant favourites of mine and I am excited to see what becomes of their fates in the upcoming novels.
May 18, 2025
”I would tear this world apart for you and give my life a thousand times over if it meant you were safe and unharmed”
This book had me from the get go! I have been so incredibly excited for this book and now that I’ve finished it I cannot get enough!! I need book two YESTERDAY.
I am in love with so many characters, I literally cannot choose a favourite right now. Malarie’s descriptive writing style makes me feel like I’m inside the book! And a special shout out to the detailed map and glossary which were incredibly helpful. I haven’t been this excited for a series in a while and I need to know what happens next!
Thank you so much Malarie for letting me be an ARC reader and now I will forever be dreaming of Niall and cinnamon sugar toast!!
This book had me from the get go! I have been so incredibly excited for this book and now that I’ve finished it I cannot get enough!! I need book two YESTERDAY.
I am in love with so many characters, I literally cannot choose a favourite right now. Malarie’s descriptive writing style makes me feel like I’m inside the book! And a special shout out to the detailed map and glossary which were incredibly helpful. I haven’t been this excited for a series in a while and I need to know what happens next!
Thank you so much Malarie for letting me be an ARC reader and now I will forever be dreaming of Niall and cinnamon sugar toast!!
May 6, 2025
If I could give this book 6 stars I would! This is the 2nd book to make it to my "top reads" list for 2025!
*This will likely contain spoilers*
If you like books that are immersive, with a slow burn enemies to lovers sub plot, then you'll LOVE The Lies of Mortals. I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I saw the author post on Threads that she was looking for Arc readers. The book sounded really good, and as a new creator I decided to go ahead and shoot my shot. I applied and was so excited when I received the message that I had been selected. Man, was I pleasantly surprised!
I'm not sure what kind of sorcery Weber used when she was writing this, but the pages are laced with pure magic. From the start, this book grabbed me and pulled me in. It pulled me straight in through the pages and into the world right next to our FMC Auren. Every time I sat down to read, I was immediately right there walking beside her and living the story right along with her. Weber has done such a beautiful job at lacing hints of foreshadowing and easter eggs through out. She leaves no question unanswered! I normally struggle with books that are overly descriptive because the way it's written tends to make me skip over it to get back to the story. Something about how Weber has written this made me want to read every detail instead of skimming over it like I normally would (Crescent City anyone? I still think the first 4 chapters of House of Earth and Blood could simply not exist.).
While LoM is high fantasy, I was not expecting the slow shift to fated mates, enemies to lovers, romantasy that happened so seamlessly that I didn't realize it had even happened until more than half way through. I kept expecting the big bad to happen, for there to be a moment of "okay we have to go stop this thing" but it never came. I'm not even mad about it either! You can tell that this book was straight world and plot building. Weber is absolutely setting us up for the next book to absolutely slap with action and adventure. I fear our hearts may be broken as well because this book spent important time getting me attached to characters. So naturally, I now fear for their safety.
"I would tear the world apart for you and give my life a thousand times over if it meant you were safe and unharmed."
Niall has officially taken my #2 spot for book boyfriends. He would happily burn the world to ash if it meant Auren was safe and there is just something about that, that hits all the right spots. The yearning between Niall and Auren is so delicious. I tend to not be into spice in books, simply because I always seem to find my way into the most outrageous spice scenarios. Personally, I like the spice to make sense. I want plot with spice, not spice with a sprinkle of plot. I want the spice to make sense even if that spice is with a Fae. A human body simply won't just bend any which way you want it. I know it's a fiction book, and realistically anything can happen, but when the spice just doesn't makes sense, it takes me right out of the book. Weber does a fantastic job at creating tension and yearning between Niall and Auren while pushing the story forward in a way that the carefully placed spice makes sense to the story. I absolutely loved the creative spin she put on not only fated mates, but how the two interact with each other through that bond.
I'm so glad that she's already working on book 2, so that I don't have to wait so long to return back to The Mountain Court and find out what's going to happen!
*This will likely contain spoilers*
If you like books that are immersive, with a slow burn enemies to lovers sub plot, then you'll LOVE The Lies of Mortals. I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I saw the author post on Threads that she was looking for Arc readers. The book sounded really good, and as a new creator I decided to go ahead and shoot my shot. I applied and was so excited when I received the message that I had been selected. Man, was I pleasantly surprised!
I'm not sure what kind of sorcery Weber used when she was writing this, but the pages are laced with pure magic. From the start, this book grabbed me and pulled me in. It pulled me straight in through the pages and into the world right next to our FMC Auren. Every time I sat down to read, I was immediately right there walking beside her and living the story right along with her. Weber has done such a beautiful job at lacing hints of foreshadowing and easter eggs through out. She leaves no question unanswered! I normally struggle with books that are overly descriptive because the way it's written tends to make me skip over it to get back to the story. Something about how Weber has written this made me want to read every detail instead of skimming over it like I normally would (Crescent City anyone? I still think the first 4 chapters of House of Earth and Blood could simply not exist.).
While LoM is high fantasy, I was not expecting the slow shift to fated mates, enemies to lovers, romantasy that happened so seamlessly that I didn't realize it had even happened until more than half way through. I kept expecting the big bad to happen, for there to be a moment of "okay we have to go stop this thing" but it never came. I'm not even mad about it either! You can tell that this book was straight world and plot building. Weber is absolutely setting us up for the next book to absolutely slap with action and adventure. I fear our hearts may be broken as well because this book spent important time getting me attached to characters. So naturally, I now fear for their safety.
"I would tear the world apart for you and give my life a thousand times over if it meant you were safe and unharmed."
Niall has officially taken my #2 spot for book boyfriends. He would happily burn the world to ash if it meant Auren was safe and there is just something about that, that hits all the right spots. The yearning between Niall and Auren is so delicious. I tend to not be into spice in books, simply because I always seem to find my way into the most outrageous spice scenarios. Personally, I like the spice to make sense. I want plot with spice, not spice with a sprinkle of plot. I want the spice to make sense even if that spice is with a Fae. A human body simply won't just bend any which way you want it. I know it's a fiction book, and realistically anything can happen, but when the spice just doesn't makes sense, it takes me right out of the book. Weber does a fantastic job at creating tension and yearning between Niall and Auren while pushing the story forward in a way that the carefully placed spice makes sense to the story. I absolutely loved the creative spin she put on not only fated mates, but how the two interact with each other through that bond.
I'm so glad that she's already working on book 2, so that I don't have to wait so long to return back to The Mountain Court and find out what's going to happen!
July 2, 2025
Very pretty world was drawn up in this book, but that’s all that happened. There was very little plot happening. She just galavants from court to court, and we never get any answers. What about all the people from the human world in the first part of the book????? We’re just supposed to forget they exist.
And enemies to lovers? Really?
She was told by one person “he’s a bad dude not go near him” and that made them enemies? I think not. The bond between the 2 main characters is seriously over-hyped. Like, he’s obsessed with her because she can hold a sword. What’s new?
The bad god dude is talked about and alluded to but never comes into the action. There’s actually ZERO action in this book at all considering the big bad is still this mythical god who isn’t supposed to exist substantially at the moment.
Way too long for not enough meat of the story.
And enemies to lovers? Really?
She was told by one person “he’s a bad dude not go near him” and that made them enemies? I think not. The bond between the 2 main characters is seriously over-hyped. Like, he’s obsessed with her because she can hold a sword. What’s new?
The bad god dude is talked about and alluded to but never comes into the action. There’s actually ZERO action in this book at all considering the big bad is still this mythical god who isn’t supposed to exist substantially at the moment.
Way too long for not enough meat of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
DNF at 28%
This is just a long drawn out ripoff of ACOTAR, I mean come on…. As soon as the mysterious dark haired High Lord of the Mountain Court showed up I knew it was going to go south. So disappointing after waiting for the release of this book.
This is just a long drawn out ripoff of ACOTAR, I mean come on…. As soon as the mysterious dark haired High Lord of the Mountain Court showed up I knew it was going to go south. So disappointing after waiting for the release of this book.
May 1, 2025
Arc review!! TLOM
I had the pleasure of reading this ARC and I loved this book so much. There is so much I want to say about it!
This novel is a first in its coming series and it focused on a lot of building the magical world, establishing FMC, building a love interest and new found friendships/family. There is a LOT of content but writers voice was really lovely and made all the information really digestible and easy to understand when it came to magic, powers, and the history of the fae/gods and universe of the book. While there was a lot of unpacking to do during this book the ending had me wanting to grab the next book in the series for more. I can tell this is just the tip of the iceberg for what Malarie Weber has in store for us.
Now here’s the stuff I REALLY loved about the book:
*the glossary and pronunciations of the names of the characters cities was top tier and she didn’t miss anything throughout the book. It made it so easy to go back and reference when I needed to clarify how to pronounce a name or remember what a term was throughout my read.
*illustrations- the map and chapter headings were so gorgeous. I love seeing the physical representation of the courts on a map so I can imagine it as I’m following the story. And the cover art is stunning!Would love to see more art this in the future books
*descriptive story telling- I need a calledan cup STAT. I loved the descriptions of the food, drinks, clothing and little details that the author included in this story it really added to the atmosphere of the courts and I really felt immersed in the worlds.
*adult fantasy- I loved that the FMC was in her late 20s and isn’t a teen!! This was spicy at times but the overall story didn’t get lost in the slow burn romance aspect.
*mythology Easter eggs- this book has tons of nods to mythology and the author wove them into the storyline seamlessly.
If you want a slow burn epic romantasy or to be the first to jump on a new series I HIGHLY recommend the lies of mortals!!
I had the pleasure of reading this ARC and I loved this book so much. There is so much I want to say about it!
This novel is a first in its coming series and it focused on a lot of building the magical world, establishing FMC, building a love interest and new found friendships/family. There is a LOT of content but writers voice was really lovely and made all the information really digestible and easy to understand when it came to magic, powers, and the history of the fae/gods and universe of the book. While there was a lot of unpacking to do during this book the ending had me wanting to grab the next book in the series for more. I can tell this is just the tip of the iceberg for what Malarie Weber has in store for us.
Now here’s the stuff I REALLY loved about the book:
*the glossary and pronunciations of the names of the characters cities was top tier and she didn’t miss anything throughout the book. It made it so easy to go back and reference when I needed to clarify how to pronounce a name or remember what a term was throughout my read.
*illustrations- the map and chapter headings were so gorgeous. I love seeing the physical representation of the courts on a map so I can imagine it as I’m following the story. And the cover art is stunning!Would love to see more art this in the future books
*descriptive story telling- I need a calledan cup STAT. I loved the descriptions of the food, drinks, clothing and little details that the author included in this story it really added to the atmosphere of the courts and I really felt immersed in the worlds.
*adult fantasy- I loved that the FMC was in her late 20s and isn’t a teen!! This was spicy at times but the overall story didn’t get lost in the slow burn romance aspect.
*mythology Easter eggs- this book has tons of nods to mythology and the author wove them into the storyline seamlessly.
If you want a slow burn epic romantasy or to be the first to jump on a new series I HIGHLY recommend the lies of mortals!!
May 19, 2025
Y’all. I don’t even know if I can put into words how much a loved this book, but I’ll do my best!
For a debut novel, this book was amazing! And it’s also MASSIVE. But no complaints here! The Lies of Mortals was full of so much world building and lore, and I could not get enough of either. The magic system in this world also felt really unique, and I loved that.
Knowing this story had fated mates, I will say that I thought the FMC’s mate was going to be someone else at the start of the book. There’s an explanation about that later on, and I’m interested to see how that dynamic plays out later in the overall story.
Speaking of fated mates, I absolutely adored the way we were able to experience the mating bond alongside our FMC, Auren. It was a delight to have that described so well that I could almost feel and imagine that in real life. And also, Niall may just be one of my new favorite MMCs. The way he dotes on Auren throughout the entire book had me swooning. 🖤
The found family in this story was also wonderful. I always forget how much I love that particular trope until I get to experience a really great found family in a book. And this was one of those times! The side characters were amazing, and I can’t wait to learn and see more of each of them.
The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so you’ve been fair warned about that. But it still ends in a way that left me feeling somewhat hopeful about what’s to come for our main group!
I cannot wait to see what’s in store in Book 2 of this series! Thank you so much to @abookshelfofmagic for the gifted ARC and for the opportunity to read this book early. I can easily say that this will be one of my favorite reads all year! 💚
For a debut novel, this book was amazing! And it’s also MASSIVE. But no complaints here! The Lies of Mortals was full of so much world building and lore, and I could not get enough of either. The magic system in this world also felt really unique, and I loved that.
Knowing this story had fated mates, I will say that I thought the FMC’s mate was going to be someone else at the start of the book. There’s an explanation about that later on, and I’m interested to see how that dynamic plays out later in the overall story.
Speaking of fated mates, I absolutely adored the way we were able to experience the mating bond alongside our FMC, Auren. It was a delight to have that described so well that I could almost feel and imagine that in real life. And also, Niall may just be one of my new favorite MMCs. The way he dotes on Auren throughout the entire book had me swooning. 🖤
The found family in this story was also wonderful. I always forget how much I love that particular trope until I get to experience a really great found family in a book. And this was one of those times! The side characters were amazing, and I can’t wait to learn and see more of each of them.
The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so you’ve been fair warned about that. But it still ends in a way that left me feeling somewhat hopeful about what’s to come for our main group!
I cannot wait to see what’s in store in Book 2 of this series! Thank you so much to @abookshelfofmagic for the gifted ARC and for the opportunity to read this book early. I can easily say that this will be one of my favorite reads all year! 💚
April 22, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ / 5
The moment I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down! The writing is exceptional, and the story flows effortlessly. I adored the FMC and MMC as well as all the delightful supporting characters. I particularly enjoyed the unique twist of some of the magical beings being sentient. Our FMC Auren is strong yet incredibly kind and caring. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense surrounding the identity of our MMC, as several characters competed for Auren’s attention. There was never a dull moment, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring each unique court. The world-building was perfect! This book stands as one of my favorite romantasy reads, and I promise it’ll be your next favorite as well!
Tropes:
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Shadow Daddy
✨ He Falls First
✨ One Bed
✨ Found Family
✨ Prophecy
✨ Touch Her and ⚰️
✨ Fae & Magic
🌶️ 🌶️ / 5
The moment I picked up this book, I couldn’t put it down! The writing is exceptional, and the story flows effortlessly. I adored the FMC and MMC as well as all the delightful supporting characters. I particularly enjoyed the unique twist of some of the magical beings being sentient. Our FMC Auren is strong yet incredibly kind and caring. I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense surrounding the identity of our MMC, as several characters competed for Auren’s attention. There was never a dull moment, and I thoroughly enjoyed exploring each unique court. The world-building was perfect! This book stands as one of my favorite romantasy reads, and I promise it’ll be your next favorite as well!
Tropes:
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ Shadow Daddy
✨ He Falls First
✨ One Bed
✨ Found Family
✨ Prophecy
✨ Touch Her and ⚰️
✨ Fae & Magic
May 20, 2025
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Thank you so much to the beautiful Malarie Weber for providing me with an ARC of this amazing book! From the moment I started chapter 1 I was sucked into this story. Auren is such a strong and beautiful female knight who is a human that ends up on the wrong side of the veil with the “evil” fae. I loved seeing her grow throughout this story especially with Niall. Niall is the most powerful fae and is one of multiple rulers in the fae realms. Niall is book boyfriend material 100000 percent! I love the banter between Auren and Niall, I also enjoyed the world building and the writing/detail that went into every single character in this story! As I was getting closer and closer to the end my heart was starting to race! I need book two immediately!!! Thank you so so so much to Malarie for giving me the opportunity to review my new obsession!📚💕
-Fated Mates❤️🔥
-Chosen One⚔️
-Meddling Gods⚡️
-Found Family🥰
-Epic Romantasy👑
-One Bed🛏️
Thank you so much to the beautiful Malarie Weber for providing me with an ARC of this amazing book! From the moment I started chapter 1 I was sucked into this story. Auren is such a strong and beautiful female knight who is a human that ends up on the wrong side of the veil with the “evil” fae. I loved seeing her grow throughout this story especially with Niall. Niall is the most powerful fae and is one of multiple rulers in the fae realms. Niall is book boyfriend material 100000 percent! I love the banter between Auren and Niall, I also enjoyed the world building and the writing/detail that went into every single character in this story! As I was getting closer and closer to the end my heart was starting to race! I need book two immediately!!! Thank you so so so much to Malarie for giving me the opportunity to review my new obsession!📚💕
-Fated Mates❤️🔥
-Chosen One⚔️
-Meddling Gods⚡️
-Found Family🥰
-Epic Romantasy👑
-One Bed🛏️
April 24, 2025
I absolutely devoured this. I immediately fell in love with the characters and the story telling was addicting. It has everything you would want in a romantic fantasy; a captivating FMC (who is actually older than 18!!), descriptive world building, a great found family, amazing banter, and possibly my new favorite book love interest?! I may be obsessed.
This will be a great read if you’re looking for an epic fantasy plot that has some romance sprinkled in. I will be waiting (not so) patiently for the next book!
This will be a great read if you’re looking for an epic fantasy plot that has some romance sprinkled in. I will be waiting (not so) patiently for the next book!
June 18, 2025
Such a good fricking book. The characters and plot. Uh YES PLEASE! I was already loving it by the very beginning. I love the tension and banter. I love the ability to care but protect yourself. I can’t believe how fast I went through this book. I ate it up.
May 26, 2025
What a debut from Malarie Weber!!!!
The Lies of Mortals was everything I could have ever hoped for in a romantasy! The world building is epic. The characters are lovable. The plot is all consuming. The magic systems are complex, but straightforward and the smut is steamy by it also relatable. I paced myself once I hit 30% with this read because even early on I knew I didn't want it to end. The last 25 pages had my jaw on the floor, and my biggest complaint is I now have to wait however long for the next book in the series.
Weber captivates the reader from the first chapter, and builds the world as she builds the plot. She pulls the reader in immediately like Rebecca Yarros, and builds a deeply complex world as seen in fantasy novels by Sarah J. Maas. Comparisons aside Weber's writing is uniquely her own. She writes so vividly the story ends up painted in your mind. I felt as though I was there with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them, which is something I love in novels.
5 stars overall. 4 stars for the spice!
The Lies of Mortals was everything I could have ever hoped for in a romantasy! The world building is epic. The characters are lovable. The plot is all consuming. The magic systems are complex, but straightforward and the smut is steamy by it also relatable. I paced myself once I hit 30% with this read because even early on I knew I didn't want it to end. The last 25 pages had my jaw on the floor, and my biggest complaint is I now have to wait however long for the next book in the series.
Weber captivates the reader from the first chapter, and builds the world as she builds the plot. She pulls the reader in immediately like Rebecca Yarros, and builds a deeply complex world as seen in fantasy novels by Sarah J. Maas. Comparisons aside Weber's writing is uniquely her own. She writes so vividly the story ends up painted in your mind. I felt as though I was there with the characters, experiencing everything alongside them, which is something I love in novels.
5 stars overall. 4 stars for the spice!
July 27, 2025
I wanted to give this more stars because ultimately I did like it! But the storyline is SO close to ACOTAR that I actually cringed at points. It does have its own flavor and it’s a good read but a little too recycled from SJM for me.
June 18, 2025
if you want ACOTAR regurgitated, look no further.
I wanted to like it so bad but honestly guys i’m so sorry but this is not written well at all. I feel like I know absolutely nothing about our FMC besides she’s the prophecy. ok? what about her past? her goals? her feelings about anything? it felt so surface and like the only goal in the book was to reveal this prophecy and her mate (don’t get me started on the mates thing bc it’s a carbon copy of something we’ve read before. nothing new was tried even a little bit). I truly loved the first 20 or so percent. I felt like I was reading about a super BA female warrior who had ideas and goals. I understand things go sour for her, and her having to flee was interesting. but rly as soon as we get introduced to NIAL (hate that name btw) the book is ALLLL about him. I fucking hated it. I was holding out so hard for an amazing climax and idk yall. I wanna believe it can get better but if they are OTP i’m gonna hate the rest of the books.
I wanted to like it so bad but honestly guys i’m so sorry but this is not written well at all. I feel like I know absolutely nothing about our FMC besides she’s the prophecy. ok? what about her past? her goals? her feelings about anything? it felt so surface and like the only goal in the book was to reveal this prophecy and her mate (don’t get me started on the mates thing bc it’s a carbon copy of something we’ve read before. nothing new was tried even a little bit). I truly loved the first 20 or so percent. I felt like I was reading about a super BA female warrior who had ideas and goals. I understand things go sour for her, and her having to flee was interesting. but rly as soon as we get introduced to NIAL (hate that name btw) the book is ALLLL about him. I fucking hated it. I was holding out so hard for an amazing climax and idk yall. I wanna believe it can get better but if they are OTP i’m gonna hate the rest of the books.
June 14, 2025
ACOTAR copy. From courts, to high lords, to about every detail of the fae, the shadow daddy and his guy friends. The king and castle and competition there was throne of glass vibes.
The character development and attachment takes place mainly over 1 week which is way too fast.
The character development and attachment takes place mainly over 1 week which is way too fast.
May 29, 2025
I really wanted to love this but there were just way too many similarities to ACOTAR for it to feel original.
June 9, 2025
DNF at 21% -
This is literally a copy of ACOTAR.
This is literally a copy of ACOTAR.
April 22, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️
First off, thank you so much to Malarie for sending me an ARC of this book! I’ve loved her booksta account for years and am so happy that I was chosen to read her debut romantasy!
If you’re a fan of ACOMAF and TOG, then this book is absolutely for you! It checks ALL the romantasy boxes!
The Lies of Mortals is the first book in an immersive high fantasy romance experience that sets the tone for the rest of the series. It has well thought out/intricate world building and the plot is interesting and has a lot of potential! The world building really stood out the most - it was picturesque and magical and ethereal. The amount of detail that went into the creation and description of each fae court and the varying characters in each was absolutely incredible.
The book was told from the FMC’s POV but I would have liked to have gotten the MMC’s POV a time or two to give us a little more perspective but hopefully we’ll get multi-POV’s in the next book! I also thought it was so refreshing that we have an FMC that is older than 18 years old…thank god! Especially since she is building connections and relationships with fae who are centuries old!
All of the characters all had interesting back stories and set the tone for growth and development in the books to come! But, I definitely want to feel more connected to the side characters in the next book because I feel like we really only got to know the FMC and by default, the MMC. But the introduction of the gods and fates made the story more intriguing and multifaceted, so I’m excited to see how they will develop the storyline in the future!
The FMC and MMC were the focal point of the story, apart from the world building. Their relationship developed a little faster than I would have liked but it was filled with snark, banter and sexual tension…my favorites! And I wouldn’t exactly call this “enemies to lovers” but their journey was fun to watch unfold. Especially the delicious slow burn between fated mates...that’s my jam! However, I do feel like the plot kind of took a backseat to these two storylines. I like where the author is heading but I want to see more plot woven into the world-building to make it flow a little more smoothly. But for this being a debut, it was very well done and through!
I’m excited to read the next book to see where the story picks up from that cliffhanger ending! I have to say, I was expecting a role reversal at the end, but I’m not mad about where Malarie left us hanging! I will definitely be reading book two and can’t wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds!
Tropes to get excited about!
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Slow burn romance
🖤 Fated mates
🖤 Delicious banter
🖤 He falls first
🖤 One bed
🖤 Found family
🖤 Prophecy
🖤 Chosen one
🖤 Fae & magic
🖤 Touch her and ☠️
🖤 Shadow Daddy
1.5 🌶️
First off, thank you so much to Malarie for sending me an ARC of this book! I’ve loved her booksta account for years and am so happy that I was chosen to read her debut romantasy!
If you’re a fan of ACOMAF and TOG, then this book is absolutely for you! It checks ALL the romantasy boxes!
The Lies of Mortals is the first book in an immersive high fantasy romance experience that sets the tone for the rest of the series. It has well thought out/intricate world building and the plot is interesting and has a lot of potential! The world building really stood out the most - it was picturesque and magical and ethereal. The amount of detail that went into the creation and description of each fae court and the varying characters in each was absolutely incredible.
The book was told from the FMC’s POV but I would have liked to have gotten the MMC’s POV a time or two to give us a little more perspective but hopefully we’ll get multi-POV’s in the next book! I also thought it was so refreshing that we have an FMC that is older than 18 years old…thank god! Especially since she is building connections and relationships with fae who are centuries old!
All of the characters all had interesting back stories and set the tone for growth and development in the books to come! But, I definitely want to feel more connected to the side characters in the next book because I feel like we really only got to know the FMC and by default, the MMC. But the introduction of the gods and fates made the story more intriguing and multifaceted, so I’m excited to see how they will develop the storyline in the future!
The FMC and MMC were the focal point of the story, apart from the world building. Their relationship developed a little faster than I would have liked but it was filled with snark, banter and sexual tension…my favorites! And I wouldn’t exactly call this “enemies to lovers” but their journey was fun to watch unfold. Especially the delicious slow burn between fated mates...that’s my jam! However, I do feel like the plot kind of took a backseat to these two storylines. I like where the author is heading but I want to see more plot woven into the world-building to make it flow a little more smoothly. But for this being a debut, it was very well done and through!
I’m excited to read the next book to see where the story picks up from that cliffhanger ending! I have to say, I was expecting a role reversal at the end, but I’m not mad about where Malarie left us hanging! I will definitely be reading book two and can’t wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds!
Tropes to get excited about!
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Slow burn romance
🖤 Fated mates
🖤 Delicious banter
🖤 He falls first
🖤 One bed
🖤 Found family
🖤 Prophecy
🖤 Chosen one
🖤 Fae & magic
🖤 Touch her and ☠️
🖤 Shadow Daddy
April 20, 2025
Dark fantasy. Enemies-to-lovers. Prophecy. Betrayal. And a heroine whose bloodline could save—or doom—the realms.
What if everything you believed about your world was a lie? What if the monsters in your stories weren’t monsters at all—and you were the weapon meant to destroy them, or save them?
In The Lies of Mortals, Malarie Weber delivers a sweeping, high-stakes fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout. The story begins with a world broken by war, where humans and fae have been divided by a mystical Veil since the fall of a god. That fragile balance is about to shatter—and Auren Everton is the key.
Auren, a skilled swordswoman and fierce dreamer, enters a royal competition hoping for glory. What she finds instead is a deadly game of politics, betrayal, and ancient prophecies. When her blood awakens a long-dormant power, she’s thrust into a conflict older than kingdoms. She clashes with a brooding fae High Lord whose interest in her might be more dangerous than any blade. And as sparks fly and secrets unravel, Auren is forced to question everything about her past, her magic, and the destiny written in her blood.
This isn’t just a story of magic and mayhem—it’s about choice, identity, and the cost of embracing your power. With lush worldbuilding, slow-burn romance, and tension that never lets up, The Lies of Mortals is the kind of fantasy that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
If you love morally gray fae, fierce heroines, reluctant alliances, and fated love set against a backdrop of ancient magic and rising war—The Lies of Mortals needs to be your next read.
The Lies of Mortals is not just a book—it’s an experience. Its rich world-building, intricate plot, and morally complex characters make it a standout in the fantasy genre.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, ACOTAR & TOG, that doesn’t pull punches, The Lies of Mortals is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and ultimately transformed by this unforgettable tale.
TROPES:
🗡 enemies to lovers
🗡 he falls first
🗡 slow burn romance
🗡 fated mates
🗡 found family
🗡 chosen one
🗡 fae & magic
🗡 touch her and die 💀
🗡 prophecy
What if everything you believed about your world was a lie? What if the monsters in your stories weren’t monsters at all—and you were the weapon meant to destroy them, or save them?
In The Lies of Mortals, Malarie Weber delivers a sweeping, high-stakes fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout. The story begins with a world broken by war, where humans and fae have been divided by a mystical Veil since the fall of a god. That fragile balance is about to shatter—and Auren Everton is the key.
Auren, a skilled swordswoman and fierce dreamer, enters a royal competition hoping for glory. What she finds instead is a deadly game of politics, betrayal, and ancient prophecies. When her blood awakens a long-dormant power, she’s thrust into a conflict older than kingdoms. She clashes with a brooding fae High Lord whose interest in her might be more dangerous than any blade. And as sparks fly and secrets unravel, Auren is forced to question everything about her past, her magic, and the destiny written in her blood.
This isn’t just a story of magic and mayhem—it’s about choice, identity, and the cost of embracing your power. With lush worldbuilding, slow-burn romance, and tension that never lets up, The Lies of Mortals is the kind of fantasy that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
If you love morally gray fae, fierce heroines, reluctant alliances, and fated love set against a backdrop of ancient magic and rising war—The Lies of Mortals needs to be your next read.
The Lies of Mortals is not just a book—it’s an experience. Its rich world-building, intricate plot, and morally complex characters make it a standout in the fantasy genre.
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, ACOTAR & TOG, that doesn’t pull punches, The Lies of Mortals is a must-read. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and ultimately transformed by this unforgettable tale.
TROPES:
🗡 enemies to lovers
🗡 he falls first
🗡 slow burn romance
🗡 fated mates
🗡 found family
🗡 chosen one
🗡 fae & magic
🗡 touch her and die 💀
🗡 prophecy
May 15, 2025
Malarie Weber’s debut novel, The Lies of Mortals, follows Auren—a seemingly normal human who joins a contest to gain a spot in the ranks of the king’s guard. But after an accidental injury to the prince, Auren finds herself chased over the veil and into the mysterious fae lands. There, she uncovers her destiny as part of an ancient prophecy, finds love, and builds meaningful friendships.
Weber has put together a richly detailed world that’s definitely intriguing. However, at times, this detail leans towards telling rather than showing, leaving little room for the reader to infer or discover elements on their own. While the depth of the world-building is impressive, those long, detailed explanations can slow things down a bit—especially in a debut opener. I like to have some details left hanging until much later so I can piece things together on my own.
If you like stories with fated mates, you’ll likely enjoy the fast-blooming romance between Auren and her love interest. Their quick bond feels justified by the whole fate-driven angle. Plus, the quirky supporting characters—like Auren’s new friends and the charming creatures she meets—add a really fun element to the story.
As the novel progresses, the initial spark of mystery surrounding the ancient prophecy and Auren’s personal growth fades a bit as the romance takes center stage. Moments that could have delved deeper into the mystery or explored Auren’s evolving identity end up focusing largely on her love story, which sometimes makes the overall plot feel secondary.
At times, The Lies of Mortals draws a few too many details from other well-known romantasy series. Quite a number of familiar plot points and character dynamics pop up that, while they might appeal to fans of those series, can make it hard to see this story as something totally unique. That familiarity kept pulling me out of the world, which was a bit of a letdown.
Overall, The Lies of Mortals shows serious promise, especially with its immersive world-building and genuine friendships. Tightening up the pacing and giving the story a more distinct voice could really make it shine. If you enjoy a blend of human heroics in magical realms with a fated, whirlwind romance, this might just be your cup of tea—just be prepared for a longer read with some familiar tropes along the way.
Thanks so much to Malarie Weber for letting me be an advanced reader of this story in exchange for my honest review!
Weber has put together a richly detailed world that’s definitely intriguing. However, at times, this detail leans towards telling rather than showing, leaving little room for the reader to infer or discover elements on their own. While the depth of the world-building is impressive, those long, detailed explanations can slow things down a bit—especially in a debut opener. I like to have some details left hanging until much later so I can piece things together on my own.
If you like stories with fated mates, you’ll likely enjoy the fast-blooming romance between Auren and her love interest. Their quick bond feels justified by the whole fate-driven angle. Plus, the quirky supporting characters—like Auren’s new friends and the charming creatures she meets—add a really fun element to the story.
As the novel progresses, the initial spark of mystery surrounding the ancient prophecy and Auren’s personal growth fades a bit as the romance takes center stage. Moments that could have delved deeper into the mystery or explored Auren’s evolving identity end up focusing largely on her love story, which sometimes makes the overall plot feel secondary.
At times, The Lies of Mortals draws a few too many details from other well-known romantasy series. Quite a number of familiar plot points and character dynamics pop up that, while they might appeal to fans of those series, can make it hard to see this story as something totally unique. That familiarity kept pulling me out of the world, which was a bit of a letdown.
Overall, The Lies of Mortals shows serious promise, especially with its immersive world-building and genuine friendships. Tightening up the pacing and giving the story a more distinct voice could really make it shine. If you enjoy a blend of human heroics in magical realms with a fated, whirlwind romance, this might just be your cup of tea—just be prepared for a longer read with some familiar tropes along the way.
Thanks so much to Malarie Weber for letting me be an advanced reader of this story in exchange for my honest review!
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