Jak pachną kłamstwa

Bittersweet in the Hollow #2

by Kate Pearsall, Monika Orent (Translator)

Caball Hollow powoli wraca do normalności po burzliwym lecie, a rodzina Jamesów musi pogodzić się z ujawnieniem rodzinnych sekretów.

18-letnia Rowan James przez całe życie ukrywała nieprzyjemne prawdy i budowała wokół siebie mury, aby nie dopuszczać ich do siebie. Podobnie jak jej młodsza siostra Linden, która potrafi smakować uczucia innych, Rowan od dawna brzydzi się swoim darem (wyczuwa, gdy ktoś kłamie). Kiedy jej odwieczny wróg, Hadrian Fitch, największy ze wszystkich kłamców, pojawia się na jej werandzie – zakrwawiony, załamany i prosząc o pomoc, której tylko ona może udzielić – jej pierwszym odruchem jest nieufność.

Ale coś nowego czai się w lesie Caball Hollow. Teraz wszystko znika. Na początku są to drobne rzeczy — takie jak listy, zdjęcia i klucze. Potem jednak Rowan zauważa, że ludzie wokół niej tracą pamięć. A kiedy w środku miasta zostaje znalezione ciało sąsiada, Rowan wie, że istnieje związek pomiędzy tą śmiercią a innymi wydarzeniami w miasteczku.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mystery, Horror, Paranormal, Thriller, Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Brend · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy

I was a little disappointed by this as a sequel but it was a good book on its own.

While it failed to grab my attention as well as the first one, we're following well developed characters and a story that makes sense in the world that's been stablished. The things I would like to highlight as those I enjoyed the most are small in comparison to the overall plot, but leave room for more sequels in the future:
-The very ending
-The development of the story about the protagonist's parents, plus the confirmation we get on what could happen in the future.
-The participation of the other sisters
-The ambiance

[Books_the_Magical_Fruit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Pearsall has such a way with words. The opening paragraphs were so poetic and beautiful that I was sucked into the story immediately. The main character, Rowan, can detect foul smells from the mouths of those who are telling a lie. Throughout the book, I wondered to myself if I would like her gift, and no. No, I wouldn’t. The smells even ruin her enjoyment of a great meal, and I would be livid. Don’t mess with my food! 🤪

This genre is my jam. Appalachia with magical gifts, along with mystery and a touch of horror. It makes for some great reading.

Now, while it says that this is a companion to the book “Bittersweet in the Hollow”, I encourage you to read the first book, because you do get spoilers almost right away.

I look forward to more by this author!

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Discovering my third 5 star read in a 2 month time period has been some kind of wonderful!!! Discovering the Bittersweet in the Hollow series this year has also been some kind of wonderful!!!

And right now, I am utterly speechless!!!

Writing a review for this book is extremely difficult for me right now. All I want to do is word vomit all over this page. No. Seriously. I want to spend the next several minutes talking about every single chapter, character, and the atmosphere of Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue, specifically The Appalachian Mountains. I want to yammer on for the next hour about how this book, alongside, Bittersweet in the Hollow, made me feel and how my impatience is going to get the best of me on the fact that I have to wait until however many months until Kate Pearsall releases the next book in this series (hopefully Juniper’s story). But, I won’t. Yammering about this book would only lead to a ton of spoilers. And spoilers of any kind would be viewed as mean, rude, cruel, and straight disrespectful. So, in order to avoid that, I am going to keep this review short and to the point:

Just pick up this book. No. Better yet. Pick up this series!!! Add it to your TBR List for 2025. Find a nice and comfortable room, pour yourself your favorite drink, and be prepared to get sucked into the Appalachian Mountains. Be prepared to fall in love with The James Family Women. Be prepared to find entertainment in small town drama as well as the “best kept” family history secrets. But, most importantly, be prepared to spend 1-4 days trying to solve a deliciously written mystery that might keep you up all night saying “WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON???” over and over and over and over again!!!

💛Oooh how I am going to miss both Rowen Persephone James and Hadrian Finch!!!💛

Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

[ella (locked in) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little slow, and the ending felt pretty rushed, but I had a really fun time. Fingers crossed we get Juniper’s book soon 🤞🤞

3.5 stars rounded up 🐍🌳🦴🌱📚💚

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually can't even express how much I love this series!

The characters that Kate has created feel so real and loveable.

I was so intrigued to see how this book would follow on from Bittersweet in the Hollow and I'm happy to say that it didn't disappoint! Both the writing and plot felt like a continuation of the first book. It flowed so well. I'm really hoping there will be a book for each of the sisters because I absolutely love the James family and I'm not ready to give them up anytime soon.

As a nature girly, I was so excited that this book was mainly set in the forest. It just gave such cosy yet spooky vibes. I loved it. It was so nice to get to see more of Rowan and see her really come into her own. The romance subplot was EVERYTHING I had hoped for. In fact, I didn't even know that I wanted it until the start of the book, but once it clicked in my brain I would have been devastated if they didn't develop a romantic relationship.

I will say that I definitely preferred the mystery in the first book to this one. That's not to say that this one wasn't good because I had a great time, I think I just preferred the first one.

I 100% recommend this series. I think this will be a series that I constantly tell everyone about because I really love it so far. I'm crossing all of my fingers that there will be more books in the series because I NEED them.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Amber's Book Cave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t the type of book I usually go for, but I found Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue to be such a satisfying read. Rowan’s journey, as she navigates her magical gift and untangles a murder mystery, was captivating. Caball Hollow’s dark, atmospheric setting, with its eerie small-town charm and hints of magical realism, pulled me in completely.

The romance subplot is minor, but the relationship between Rowan and Hadrian felt genuine, adding a nice layer of tension and heart to the story. While the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, the unfolding mystery kept me engaged and eager to uncover the truth. The conclusion tied everything together nicely while leaving room for more stories in this world.

Even though I didn’t read the first book (Bittersweet in the Hollow), this book stood strong on its own, with everything explained clearly. If you love YA mysteries with magical realism and a dash of small-town intrigue, this one is absolutely worth picking up!

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two brings readers back to the James sisters in Caball Hollow. In book one we followed Linden, who could taste the feelings of others. Book two follows Rowan, who can smell a lie. Like Linden, Rowan resents her "gift" and as a result, lives life jaded and distrusting.
When the biggest liar she's ever known shows up bloodied and bruised on her doorstep after disappearing with the surprising events at the end of book one, Rowan has no empathy. But when people in town, including her own mother, begin to lose small but important memories and items; she begrudgingly accepts help from Hadrian - but only if he's willing to make a deal.

The continuation of this story was once again enchanting with the family dynamic and the romanticized (without being overly flowery) Appalachian food and folklore. While there's a supernatural element, it never feels contrived/ridiculous. I'm excited to continue this series and eager to see which sister we follow next!

[Kasia (kasikowykurz) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wpadło i wypadło jednym uchem, ale pewnie wrócę jeszcze raz, bo nie wiedziałam, że to drugi tom ><

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for making my dreams come true with this ARC.

Bittersweet in the Hollow was my favorite YA read of 2024, one of my favorite overall reads of the year and I’m over-the-moon that Rowan is the subject of the second book.
Only months after the event of Bittersweet in the Hollow, Rowan finds herself angry (as always), aimless and itching for a fight with Hadrian Fitch who disappeared without saying goodbye. With the autumn chill comes strange happenings in Caball Hollow-items going missing, strangers showing up dead, and maybe most unusual of all magpies laughing in the woods of Appalachia. One night when Hadrian shows up at Rowan’s door asking for a favor she makes a deal to work with her nemesis in order to help her family and try to get answers to what plagues her community.

This book is the perfect “spooky season” YA offering. The women are fierce, the air is crisp and the mysteries will leave you guessing.

I deeply want to be a James sister and for honorary James status I recommend making yourself a cup of tea and enjoying this book by candlelight, extra credit for reading on a cold and windy fall night!

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK FOLKLORE-VIBES, MAGIC AND A GREAT MYSTERY, WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?

❤️ Such an enthralling mystery with twists and turns I couldn't foresee
❤️ Rowan is a great character, I loved how headstrong, stubborn, protective and not willing to take any crap she is
❤️ If you're looking for dark, almost creepy folklore vibes/ambience, then look no further!
❤️ The magic and the folklore of this world is so engaging and well made

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Inkslinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Lies on the Serpent's Tongue' by Kate Pearsall is billed as a companion title to 'Bittersweet in the Hollow.'

Though I had the latter on my TBR list, I never quite got around to checking it out, but the set-up for book two sounded even more interesting to me.

Unfortunately, 'bittersweet' is a good choice of words for my feelings on this story.

The tale has plenty of great concepts and interesting possibilities, but they're just not executed that well. Pearsall has a tendency to sort of just cough up those pieces in what appears to be some random location, though we all know that's not the case, and often with little or no development.

To be honest, I found the writing to be a bit unpolished. While the author is capable of lovely lines.. her elegant sentences cannot make up for the fact she doesn't seem to have a solid understanding of how to tie them together. The result is sort of a jittery mess, sort of like someone's second or third attempt at dancing if they had only ever seen what it looked like beforehand.

Character development is also weak and with that.. insubstantial connections between those characters that are clearly supposed to have deep bonds and shared purpose. From familial attachments to love interests, it's all very bland.

Time spent dwelling on overly detailed magical concoctions only makes that all worse. While I love to be able to visualize scenes as much as anyone, there's a point where too much focus is being wasted on them.. and that was the case here.

I really think I could have enjoyed this story with a lot more fine-tuning. I certainly could have liked the main character much more and fallen for Hadrian, they just didn't get the development they deserved.

Hopefully, when Pearsall gets a few more books behind her, a lot of those things will smooth out.. because I do see potential in her.



PURCHASE LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BLACKWELL'S | BOOKSAMILLION | BOOKSHOP.ORG | GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS | INDIGO | KOBO | PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE | WATERSTONES

[‧₊˚ ellie ♡ (إيلي) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Kate Pearsall is back to me earlier and brought me back to the secluded small town of Caball Hollow with Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue! Set a month after the events of Linden’s book, this new gothic paranormal thriller focuses on Rowan James and Hadrian Fitch, along with a new set of interconnected, intriguing mysteries that can only be solved by a girl who can detect lies and a boy shrouded in secrets. What I initially loved about these books was how fast they were to get through, but Pearsall has a way of delivering a haunting yet realistic tone to her books that will transport you to the Appalachian Mountains as you read. She also knows how to work her characters through good slow burn romantic tension. All of the characters feel like family to me, and I trust that this author will give justice to the future of this series given the ending of this second installment opens up possibilities for where book 3 might head to. The James women are absolutely amazing and will once more be in shelves on 07/01/25!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Rowan James is fiercely protective of her family which is one of the reasons Hadrian Fitch, their family’s farm hand, rubbed her the wrong way. Rowan can detect lies, and knew Hadrian wasn’t being truthful. But it was more than Hadrian’s lies that got under Rowan’s skin. They had an ongoing back and forth (mostly thanks to Rowan) in the last book. I knew they were going to make a great couple!

The James women and residents of Cabal Hollow are still recovering after the shocking events of the summer. Also, Rowan is still bitter over the vandalism of their family’s diner that caused so much damage and almost put them out of business. The case is still unsolved, and Rowan is determined to find those responsible. However, Rowan’s grandmother has had enough of her attitude and decides to send her on a volunteer assignment for the Forestry Service where they need help repairing a lookout cabin. Rowan will have to stay there on and off to complete the work.

Rowan encounters danger on a few fronts. Ginseng poachers, with the payouts so high are willing to do just about anything to illegally harvest the roots and strange happenings with the Bone Tree. Then there’s the people intent on tracking and proving the existence of the Moth-Man and the Wampus Cat, one particularly annoying group there for a podcast.

It’s hard to write a review that does this story justice because the story is so unique and layered! Magical gifts, interesting characters, a gorgeously described setting, more than one mystery with a suspicious death (or two), and beautiful writing! So many things to recommend and I loved every page!

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is book two in the series, with a separate romance and mystery, but I highly recommend reading Bittersweet in the Hollow first because the events in the last book factor in heavily into this one. Utterly loved both stories!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so excited for everyone to read this. What a follow up. Loved this loved this. Loved also the reference to the true star of West Virginia, pepperoni rolls. Cannot WAIT for everyone to have this in their hands and to read more in this world. 4.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital arc in exchange for my honest feedback.

[Patty (IheartYA311) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, great writing. This was an enchanting and original read. Magical, mysterious, and spooky - just my kind of book! I enjoyed the character development and pacing as well.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book, and really looking forward to returning to this magical Appalachian world. But I was disappointed, sadly, and felt unsatisfied after finishing the book.

I won't go into a rehashing of the synopsis, but just straight to my opinions. The first book in the series did a great job of combining a realistic setting with magical elements and using that to craft a compelling and engaging story. This book did not. First, I think it relied too heavily on the first book to set up a lot of the conflict and tension in this story. A reader who had not read the first book would be completely and totally lost. I read the first book a while ago, and I was still confused at several points, trying to remember who this was, or why this or that was a big deal, or what happened when.

A central theme of the book was the relationship between Hannibal and Rowan, but much of that set-up was in the first book (and there really wasn't much of it in that installment). So the reader goes into this book just being "told" that they like each other, except that Rowan doesn't want to like Hannibal, because he lies. But even that plot line was muddied by all of the other stuff that was going on--ginseng poachers and YouTubers hunting for the Moth Man and Forest Rangers and people losing things and long-lost sisters and Wampus Cats. I could not keep anything straight. We'd go off on one tangent about Forest Rangers looking out for ginseng poachers and then that would be abruptly abandoned to mention how random people in town were forgetting things, only to have that be an aside while the sisters tried to find their long-lost aunt. I know that all of these story threads were supposed to come together at the end, but they were not woven together seamlessly and intricately. They were all tangled up, and confusing at best--just a mess at worst.

I wanted to like this book, and if another installment in the series comes out, I will probably give it a try. But if you are going to read this book, I would recommend reading this book immediately after this first one, and trying to read it in as few sittings as possible. That may help with some of the confusion and keeping track of all the characters and story lines.

[Madlen Zagorska · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dream date.Cute.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and Penguin Young Readers Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Lies on the Serpent's Tongue on January 7, 2025.

This might be the first time in a long time when I wished a book were 100 pages longer. I also had NO IDEA I was picking up a sequel (I think it's supposed to be an interconnected standalone?), so it might have filled in some gaps had I read Bittersweet in the Hollow first. But this book had SO MUCH POTENTIAL for greatness if we'd just had a bit more time with the plot and characters.

The writing is gorgeous, the setting is super atmospheric and spooky, and I was really intrigued by the characters. But there were so many references to the first book to fill in certain gaps that I found myself confused at times. It felt like the previous book left off a massive cliffhanger, and this book picks up where it leaves off, but from a different sister's perspective. And while I love the idea for that narrative style, I just wish we'd had more explanation and time to get to know the characters within their own story.

I honestly can't say what I really learned about Rowan in this book? She has older sister vibes, can navigate the forest really well, is stubborn and hot-headed at times, and can smell lies. That's about it. I'm not sure what actual growth she went through? It almost felt like she was more of a placeholder for the reader to step into a scary Appalachia story.

And the romance was... not in the room with us? Once again, there are references to their past and interactions in THE PREVIOUS BOOK but we barely see them spend time together on the page in this book. Plus, he apparently reveals himself to be MOTH MAN at the end of the last book? And now he's the love interest in this book? Like girl what is happening.

The plot twists and suspense were great, but everything just felt so rushed because there were not enough pages of this book. Give me a 400-page book with all the lore and family history and relationships played out, and this could've easily been 5 stars.

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dark, atmospheric story that builds beautifully on the foundations of its predecessor. This second installment in the series dives even deeper into the hauntingly magical world of Caball Hollow, delivering twists, rich lore, and a romance that I have been cheering for since the first book.

I absolutely love the folksy, Appalachian setting—it’s so refreshing to see a contemporary fantasy rooted in such a culturally rich and underexplored region. Pearsall weaves the setting seamlessly into the narrative, giving the story a grounded, almost otherworldly feel that feels as much a character as Rowan or Hadrian. The family journal entries detailing the rhythms of the land—growing, harvesting, and the passage of time—add so much to these stories.

Rowan’s gift, the ability to smell lies, makes her a fascinating protagonist. Her struggles with trust felt so real, especially when paired with her complicated dynamic with Hadrian. I was already intrigued by them in the first book, so getting their story here was immensely satisfying. I loved how their arcs unfolded against the backdrop of mystery and danger. That ending melted my cold heart.

The mystery itself is gripping—objects vanishing, memories slipping away, a John Doe, and a general discontent in the community. Pearsall masterfully keeps readers guessing, with each twist catching me off guard. The stakes feel personal, drawing readers deeper into the secrets of the Hollow and the James family in particular.

I couldn’t put this book down, devouring it in both print and the fantastic tandem audio format. I had another book to read and I just couldn't stop listening/reading this one. The narrator brings these characters to life so vividly. I truly hope Kate Pearsall continues to write about these sisters and their world because I can’t get enough of this series.

If you’re a fan of eerie, beautifully crafted stories with complex characters, rich settings, and a touch of romance, check this one out!

Thanks to Storygram and Penguin Teen for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[|Stephanie| · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where you go, I go," he whispers.

LIES ON THE SERPENT'S TONGUE brings us back to the James sisters in Caball Hollow. Something is happening to the Bone Tree and once again the sisters, with help from a certain Moth Man need to figure out what is going on before it's too late.

I really enjoyed being back in the Bittersweet in the Hollow world and not just because of the whimsical small town or the James family who I grew to love, but for Rowan and Hadrian who had a lot of unfinished business from book one. They never lacked chemistry, and this book showed that in spades. But with secrets, a decaying Bone Tree and the Otherworld slowly seeping into Caball Hollow, the pair had many obstacles working against them. But I'm happy to say by the end I was satisfied with how certain aspects came together even if we are still left with so many unknowns. I am keeping my fingers crossed the author plans to write a book for each of the James sisters. Oh, and a novella about their parents please because I have been rooting for them and hoping for a happily ever after.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy. All quotes listed are from uncorrected text.

Memorable Quotes

If the four sisters were one body, Linden would be the heart, Juniper the spirit, and Sorrel the brains. I'm not sure what they'd say I would be. Maybe the muscle. Or the mouth.

"I pledge my loyalty to you," he says. "And even if you don't believe that, you know your blood in my veins means I will always tell you the truth."

The truth is, I so badly want to trust him. To let myself feel all the things I've tried so hard to lock away. To let myself want him.

"Rowan, every time I've called you my love, has it been a lie?"

[briar ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋆⋆⋆⅔ — don't have much to say about this. the writing was really beautiful, and i enjoyed the plot. i will say that the romance was very hasty towards the end. rowan and hadrian very much have chemistry, and there's a romantic tension underlying most of their interactions, yes, but i feel like they don't interact that much for them to be all "i love you, i'd die for you" like they were in the last few chapters. 90% of the book is about the bone tree/missing memories plot, and only 10% is romance, so i felt like their relationship should have been left more ambiguous. but anyway, this was really pretty. and i think the ending is possibly hinting at a juniper and james darrow book??? which i am very much seated for, if the author ever goes that route.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.

[✭breanna✫ · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG OMG OMG I freaking loved the first book



I’m so happy that I finally got to read this book! The first one is one of my faves of all time!! This story follows a different James sister, Rowan and we get to see her explore this world with the moth winged man and these poachers looking for ginseng, with some romance sprinkled in! This one didn’t grasp my attention quite like the first book however I love watching this world grow and we are learning more about the James Women’s magic along with the other side! I cannot wait for the next book!

[szyszka_czyta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kobiety z rodu James obdarzone są niezwykłymi zdolnościami. Aster potrafi wyczuwać kłamstwa po zapachu. Mieszkańcy miasteczka próbują wrócić do normalności po wydarzeniach z pierwszego tomu, jednak napięcie ponownie narasta, gdy niektórzy tracą pamięć bądź drobne przedmioty, a w środku miasta znajdują ciało. Aster wikła się w niebezpieczną sprawę, gdzie będzie musiała zdecydować komu może ufać oraz jak wysoką cenę gotowa jest zapłacić za dotarcie do tajemnic.

„Jak pachną kłamstwa” drugi tom Gdzie słychać szepty. Ponownie wracamy do małego miasteczka Caball Hollow, ale tym razem narratorką powieści będzie Aster, siostra Tili. Ponownie autorka stworzyła przyjemną historię, pełną niezwykłego klimatu, gdzie zioła i magia odgrywają dużą rolę. Małomiasteczkowy klimat, tajemnice przeszłości oraz magia rodzinnych więzów ponownie przyciągną czytelnika. Historia pełna nieufności, zdrad i rodzinnych sekretów. Zagadka jest dobrze skonstruowana, wielowątkowa, pełna zaskoczeń i nieoczywistych rozwiązań. Relacja Aster i Hadriana powoduje napięcie i wprowadza nutkę pikanterii. Autorka w zgrabny sposób łączy magiczne elementy z ludowym folklorem. Szczegółowe opisy oraz fragmenty z Księgi Górskich Mądrości Rodziny Jamesów nadają realizmu tej powieści.

Bardzo przyjemnie spędziłam czas z tą serią i jestem ciekawa czy będzie kolejne spotkanie z pozostałymi siostrami, polecam 💚

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the James family, set in Cabal Hollow in the Appalachian mountains.

This time we are reading in Rowan's POV. In the first book, Rowan wasn't especially my favorite of the James sisters, but I loved it so I gave her a chance anyway. I loved this book even better somehow.

The Appalachian setting, the mystery, and the mountain folklore were the perfect mix to hook me from the very first chapter. I would recommend this in any classroom setting wishing to juxtapose and discuss folklore crossover and similarities with that of folklore in the UK. It's fascinating.

I can't wait to see if this series will continue. There are more James family members and I'm still very invested!

Thank you to Randomhouse for sending me a complimentary digital book through Netgalley. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Ellen McClure · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I saw that this book was coming into existence, I knew I had to read it. Having really enjoyed the folklore and mystery of book one, I had high hopes this would continue for this and I wasn't disappointed. Rowan took a long time to like but, once I bought in, she made the book worthwhile. Also, the relationship she shares with Hadrian is pretty good too. The wholesome quality of the small town setting really shown through and the mystery at the end had all the twists I could handle. Did I see any of it coming? A little more than before (my sleuthing is getting better). Is Kate Pearsall writing another one about the James Sisters? She better be! Girl, you can't end it like that and not give me a proper ending!

[vanessa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to Bittersweet in the Hollow, a book about a magical family living in a small Appalachian town, tinged with mystery and even a bit of horror (also cryptids!), Lies on the Serpents Tongue follows another James sister, Rowan, who can taste lies.
I loved this book almost as much as I loved the first one, I think Kate Pearsall is such a beautiful writer, and the world she creates is full of magic, whimsy, mystery, pain, and love. The setting is so immersive, the characters and their relationships are wonderful, and the mystery/thriller aspects are gripping while still feeling cozy. I love this series, and really hope there is more to come.

*Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!

[Erin Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 17 for 2025! 5/5 stars for this cozy appalachian sequel! Highly recommend this series! A little witchy, a little folky

[sylwiaczyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

W tej części poznajemy Aster James, dziewczynę, która potrafi wyczuwać kłamstwa… dopóki jej dar nie zaczyna milknąć. Autorka po raz kolejny tworzy historię przesiąkniętą realizmem magicznym i emocjami 🌿

Muszę przyznać, że sprawa z poprzedniego tomu wciągnęła mnie trochę bardziej, ale za to w tej części zdecydowanie mocniej polubiłam wątek romantyczny (Hadrian totalnie skradł sceny, w których się pojawiał 😎).
Było kilka elementów, które poprowadziłabym inaczej. Momentami miałam wrażenie, że autorka skupia się na rzeczach, które ostatecznie niewiele wnoszą do fabuły. Ale może jest to celowy zabieg, który ma nas wyprowadzić w maliny 🤭 Za to końcowo rozwiązanie historii było tak dobrze przemyślane, że daję ogromnego plusa.
Nie mam wątpliwości, że sięgnę po kolejny tom, bo czuję, że Caball Hollow jeszcze nie odkryło przede mną wszystkich sekretów 🫣

Ps. KSIĄŻKI Z TEJ SERII MOŻNA CZYTAĆ OSOBNO 🙌🏻

[seli · Rating 5 out of 5]

miss pearsall that ending was DIABOLICAL

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

ok wait i actually really loved this one!