The Liars

by Krysti Gardner

disclaimer: previously published as A Serpent After The Crown Book 1 & 2, Ebook version.

There is a dark palace that sits high on stone walls. Inside is a tempest that defies and rules all. With his elite warriors, he will conquer everything.

Be afraid...Obey...and bow to the Blood King.

Born as an alpha, but raised as an omega, Avina Sinclair known in town for her unique beauty has lived simply as a merchant of the Southern territory. But, one fateful night would change the course of her life, when faced with a deadly challenge against a dangerous rogue pack.

Now, with the eyes of the dreaded Blood King upon her, her life of simplicity becomes a tangled web of secrecy, deceit and desire.

634 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.15
spice 🌶🌶 slow burn 🔥 lots of banter with dirty talk and tension hierarchy of alpha, omega and beta
main fml helpes her adopted parents out by selling there produced to villager she is a alpha but dosent act like typical alpha she kepted herself subdued and treat all with same kindness
when suddenly while on the way home she intercept 4 rogue and a young lad who turned out to be the blood kings brother so what's he do to thank her offer her a job lol

she finally meets her fated mate inside the castle after a bar fight and a mix up and instead of claiming her he keep her at arms length with secret of why he can't claim her it pushes her towards love interest number 2 who will win the maidens heart ?

so many uncovered secret happen and plot twist i didn't see coming some for the better she know how to fight due to being trained by her brother but gets so much after unlocking her Wolf

ml1 commander or something more? annoyingly tease and add fuel to the flame but won't fallow through with his bound however it down explain why and you see him struggle
ml2 has his own bounder however express himself is straight forward towards the fml

this had me backing both mls at one point but happy how it ended

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. The plot thickens, the tension stays coiled until the very end, and the slow burn burns! (🌶️🌶️) I even found myself turning back several pages at times to reread and make sure I didn't miss something foreshadowing what happens next. There are subtle cues that show the dedication the author put in to developing the plot. All through the book, readers follow the story from Avinia's POV. We know what she knows, which leaves more questions at times than answers. There are several switches of POV to other characters, but they aren't nearly as telling as Avinia. I feel like most readers could relate to Avinia at some point in the story. She feels injustice to her core and cannot stand aside or watch it happen. She cares for people wholly and is willing to risk herself to help a stranger. She has felt loss deeply. The battle within herself is often the loudest of them all. She holds back at times to prevent herself from drawing too much attention, afraid of the danger it could bring in the dangerous world she lives in.

I read another review docked a star for the use of bold/italics and I honestly liked that because to me it indicated when they were using the "alpha voice" instead of speaking normally. (But that's an omegaverse trait). Aside from that, I did find several minor typos that need fixed and stylistic edits that I'd prefer, but overall this book could be the start of a spectacular world that I wouldn't hesitate to dive back into or recommend. If you enjoyed either the Broken Kingdoms series, Plated Prisoner series or Quicksilver, you'd enjoy this!

This was an ARC e-book review, but I plan to continue to read from this author on KU or whatever platform she is published.

[Destiny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liars by Krysti Gardner pulled me in right from the start with its dark fantasy world full of power, danger, and secrets. The looming palace, the ruthless Blood King, and the constant sense that something bigger is unfolding kept me completely hooked. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, another twist or hidden layer appeared, which made the story feel intense and unpredictable.


Avina Sinclair was a really fascinating heroine to follow. Being born an alpha but raised as an omega already sets her apart, and watching her get pulled from her quiet merchant life into something far more dangerous kept me invested the entire time. I especially enjoyed the tension in her relationships with Ayden and Xavier—both dynamics added emotional depth and intrigue. Overall, this felt like a strong and addictive start to the series and definitely left me wanting the next book

[Alicia Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received as an ARC to review. The plot was great and I couldn’t put the book down and so 4 stars for that! Definitely a story that pulled me in and was engaging. The FMC was an amazing and strong character and the relationship with MMC was a masterful slow burn.

The story does needs another edit. Switching back and forth between first and second person at times. Had modern day slang combined with historical and that was hard for me personally to digest. Great bones for a story and just need some edits!

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the base of the story is good but it needs heavy editing. There is such thing as too detailed, having paragraphs describing how a character is looking at another or grabbed another was excessive and pulled me out of the story many times. It was 570+ pages (on the kindle) with only 17 chapters so sometimes it felt like one giant run on sentence. I had a hard time trying to figure out the time setting of the story since sometimes it felt old where one has to walk or ride horses everywhere, but then there would be a random automobile. It is also supposed to be a werewolf story but the mmc’s only shifted 1-3 times if at all.

[F.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I didn’t actually look for but once I started to read was totally captivated by the detailed descriptions and pull of being within that world. This writer wrote this book perfectly. A few twist and turns, some near the end actually made me cry. The main characters were perfectly depicted and you grew to love ,hate , tolerate and empathise with them throughout the book. I highly recommend this book for anyone. Please note the tw at the start for your own mental health as requested by the author. 5* all the way from me

[Laura R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Avina is living just outside of town with her foster family, selling produce in the market. While her family is considered lower class omegas, Avina has a secret: she’s actually an alpha. When she stumbles on a boy while walking home, she never could have imagined how much her life would change in that moment. Now, with the Blood King watching her, she’ll have to do whatever it takes to survive the palace. And as more and more secrets come to light, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems.

Things I really liked about this are really the world building and the plot. I enjoyed the whole mate thing and while I’m not a fan of love triangles, I did like how things were explained. I also liked the fact that Avina was a strong FMC with a lot of power and attitude. I have to say, I liked a lot of the plot twists as I didn’t see them coming. But, I think the biggest thing holding this back from being five stars is the writing itself as it became almost a chore to read through the overly descriptive language. There were a few too many times that I felt myself being pulled out of the story because of it, as well as the random switching of POVs at times that left me a bit disoriented until I figured out what was going on. That being said, I think this has the potential to be absolutely amazing in so many ways, it just needs a little bit more editing in terms of removing some of the over-the-top descriptions.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Liars by Krysti Gardner. From the start, the author’s writing stands out, her descriptions are vivid and immersive without ever feeling overdone. It really pulls you into the world and keeps you there.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the FMC. She isn’t a helpless victim waiting to be saved; she comes in with an existing skill set and actually uses it. She’s observant, intelligent, and guided by a strong moral compass, which makes her feel both capable and grounded. It’s refreshing to read a character who thinks things through and actively engages with what’s happening around her.
As the story progresses, everything starts to click into place in the most satisfying way. The pace picks up, the tension builds (slow burn 🌶️🌶️), and the backstory weaves seamlessly into the present. That moment when all the pieces come together? Absolute chef’s kiss.
This was one of those books I didn’t want to put down, but unfortunately, being an adult with responsibilities got in the way. If you’re looking for a gripping read with a strong, smart lead and a payoff that truly delivers, this one is definitely worth your time

[Andrea G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it is still early in the year but hello my first couldn’t put down (finished in 24 hours), quickest 5 star read! I will say check the trigger warnings before starting this book due to references of SA.

When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down I am not exaggerating! I loved everything about this book. Krysti did a fantastic job at keeping the reader on the edge of their seats with the twist and turns going on in this novel. If you are looking for a book that is beautifully written, an amazing plot, fantastic world building and OH MY the yearning tension between your FMC and MMC this is for you! You will experience all the feels while turning the pages of this book.

[Nicholette LeGros · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader.

I enjoyed the plot of this book. The author did a great job of weaving a good story that I finished in two days. I appreciate that the story felt closed out.

I will say that it is a long read and could benefit from some editing. I found some repetitive word usage and punctuation issues. I also felt the book didn't need to be quite as long as it was. There was overindulgence in the way things were narrated.

All in all, I'd recommend if you do not mind a few unfinished details or long-winded writing.

[Madison Eggleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liars by Krysti Gardner is a dark fantasy romance. In this world there is power, danger, and secrets. With a ruthless Blood King this book kept me on my toes when I thought I got it all figured out the story took a turn with so many twists. I was hooked from the beginning. The heroine Avina Sinclair was really fascinating. I loved the tension between the two males Ayden and Xavier they both added so much. I can’t wait for the second book to find out what happens next!!!!

[Stephanie Dunigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to the author for this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

I loved this book! I really enjoyed the multiple pov’s. The characters felt authentic and interesting. I always love a good plot twist and this book gave me plenty. The story was unique and detailed. I Hated to put it down. The relationships in this book had me guessing to the very end which ones would actually work out. It was the perfect ending!

[Katherine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The twists and the choices are amazing. I couldn’t tell where it was gonna end up and it was highly suspenseful. The slow burn and the fmc not being a damsel in distress really pulled me in and made this an amazing read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lust, lies sins and sacrifices!
The story has complex characters with complex backgrounds and interactions. I really enjoyed the book . The authors word smith was smooth and flowing during descriptions and interactions of the characters including their internal thoughts. It definitely keeps the reader’s attention as the story evolves with twists and turns as well as a surprise ending!

[Hailey Willmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really captivated me. There were twists and turns, the characters all experience growth and change. Overall I definitely recommend if you love a good werewolf shifter romance book. Theres intrigue, deception, lies, and a love triangle. What’s not to love?

[Dayna Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. the story is brilliant and keeps you guessing all the time. it has so much yearning coupled with fated mates and stolen moments. I would highly recommend reading this book, and I can't wait to read the next one to see how the story evolves.

I was an ARC reader for this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Heidi Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely recommend

This book is thick. It's face paced and enjoyable. There's plenty of twist and turns that I didn't see coming.

[Kayla Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It did have me hooked that I wanted to know more but it does need to be heavily revised.

Issues were: it was too detailed to describe simple things to where it actually ruined the flow of the story. I had to go back and reread a simple sentence multiple times. Going off of that, there were big words used to describe something simple instead of just saying someone was happy or joyful that I had to look up the definition to find out what we were trying to describe which then I had to reread that part of it to be able to keep reading. That was all just part of it being too detailed that it ruined the flow. My brain was so focused on all the words that I would totally forget or be confused on where the story was going. I’m a simple person, I don’t need all the fancy/extra words. You’ve already painted the picture, don’t try to overdo it with more.

Next thing, I have no idea what time frame this is written in. The way the characters speak makes it seem like it’s set back in time along with there being merchants and booths. Even the talk of kings and queens and living situations gave the time period an older feel but then next thing you know, they’re traveling via automobile. So that was confusing throughout the book.

Another thing is, the way it was written kept changing. Like you would be in the MFC POV and next thing you know, it’s referring to she/her. Why would the female character be referring to herself or talking about herself as a she/her? She isn’t. Later started catching on that when that happened, it was supposedly switching to the male perspective but we were never prompted that it was changing so therefore it seemed like the female character was referring to herself in a weird way.

Moving on, this was supposed to be a shifter werewolf book and I don’t think any of the MMC shifted and the MFC only shifted maybe 3 times. It didn’t give the vibe that it was a shifter book. It mentions being a pack and pack life a little bit but nothing of it truly gave the vibe that this was a shifter werewolf book.

Something that was mentioned quite a bit is how powerful the MFC is supposed to be and has alpha blood but I don’t think we ever really got to see this power from her or get to truly experience it. We get little things here and there but that’s it. But I’m one that really loves a strong and powerful MFC and with how strong she was supposed to be, she actually seemed to fall flat.

Personal opinion, I did not like this love triangle thing that was going on. With it being a shifter book and MFC found her fated mate right away, I didn’t see the point of there being a third option because naturally that one wouldn’t be picked. I actually wanted the MFC to pick Xavier over Ayden 😂

To things that I did like:
I like that there was a mention of a second chance mate. I don’t think I’ve ever read a werewolf book where that’s been mentioned and I did like that. Obviously that’s where the love triangle kind of comes into play here. A lot of shifter books can instantly start off where the mate has been denied so then they have to figure out their place in the pack and blah blah blah but the second chance mate was a good idea to throw in that if you reject your mate, there is another option out there.
I liked the unknown part of who was actually king. That part of it all kept you guessing on who it actually was. Throughout the book you’re lead to believe one thing but then you kept getting these crumbs, that no, this person is in charge and making decisions but how are they doing that if they’re not king? So that part I liked because it kept me thinking and wondering.

So overall I don’t think it was a bad book, it just needs to be edited more. Having a second opinion on it before it was totally put out to the public would’ve helped more. I do think there was a little bit of a lack on planning for this book because there’s a couple things that just don’t meet up and make sense. Too many things were all over the place. There is potential for something like this to be great though.

[Leah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favourite book this year. The Liars is full of twists and turns as we follow Avina through her becoming the wolf she was born to become. The story is full of both action and romance, one I could not put down. The character of Avina is full of fight and I loved watching how her relationships with Ayden and Xaviera develop through the story. It brought me through so many different emotions, at some points I was even laughing out loud. There are so many deceits throughout this book, that it has me surprised at some of the realizations the characters have. I didn't see some of them coming. I wish there were more books in this series, as I'm not ready to be done with these characters!

I did enjoy the brief world building before getting too far into the story, bringing the reader into lives of the characters. The chapters, however, are quite long making it hard to say "just one more chapter".

[Lisa Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc copy review.

I really liked the story itself. The world building was good and the plot twists were not obvious too far in advance. However, the descriptive language was a bit over the top and the book could do with a good edit. There were many errors that really threw me off especially in pronouns where I had to reread paragraphs to figure out who was doing what. The other annoying thing was the repetitive description of her heart beat being a bird trapped in a cage. At times it made me want to throw my iPad across the room. If I could I would deduct a half star for these issues. If I hadn’t liked the characters so much that I wanted to see their outcome the combination of issues might have resulted in a dnf. I hope the author either has or can correct some of the editing problems so that it will be a true 4 or 5 star read for future readers.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a refreshing different take on how a lot of other shifters books go.

In the beginning of the book it took me a while to get into. The timeframe is unknown and slightly confusing, but not bothering for the story.

It is a werewolf shifter book, but not much shifting going on. And there are no internal dialogues with their wolves. Which I did miss a bit, I would’ve loved to get to know her wolf.

Absolutely loved the second chance mate in the picture without having lost or rejected the first.

I would definitely recommend and hope the author will write many more books.

[Meghan Denney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline is amazing and the slow burn definitely captured my attention. I had a bit of a hard time following some of the slang language when i thought it was not modern so that confused me a bit. Once i got my head wrapped around that it was all good . The twists were great and i super enjoyed the rivalry going on between a couple of the male characters . Worth a read for sure. I will say it was not as spicy as I was anticipating.

[Malaea Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️

Honestly, the plot of this book is my favorite I’ve read in some time and really kept me hooked. I loved the world building, and the character complexities. It was refreshing having MC’s that I couldn’t completely like or dislike throughout the book because non of them were perfect. They all had character flaws, often that were addressed quickly. Overall an immersive story with a captivating event sequence that had me not wanting to put the story down. I look forward to reading more.

Thanks to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader.

[Di T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for next book. Absolutely loved this book. Action, drama lies, twists and turn. The story is well written, the characters and the scenery vividly described . I was hooked from beginning and found this book hard to put down.

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense fantasy story that keeps your interest piqued from beginning to end. With a kingdom still reeling from the blood kings rule, everything is not as it seems in the castle or the land and the men that enter Avina’s life just lead to more questions.