The Lie Spinners

The Deception Dance #2

by Rita Stradling

Raven’s made a promise to the Grand Marquis of Hell, and she’s about the break it.

With the help of demon-killer Stephen Tapper, Raven Smith faced Hell on Earth to stop the demon-apocalypse (or more like, put it on hold), by making a deal with the Grand Marquis of he would not open the gates of hell if she promised not to fall in love with anyone until he returned for her.

But then the earth-witch Madeline shows up in Raven's hometown (aka her prison), calling in Raven's life-debt. Month’s ago, Stephen traveled to Thailand to track down a magician called The Spider, but within days of arriving, Stephen vanished. Every person, witch, and demon-killer sent to find Stephen has been hunted down, outnumbered, and murdered by demons. Now the demons have made a send in Raven Smith…or Stephen dies.

Going to Thailand might possibly be the stupidest decision Raven could ever make...there are a thousand reasons why Raven should stay guarded, protected, safe. And only one reason why she shouldn't.

Stephen.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Fiction

340 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2013

About the author

Rita Stradling is a USA Today Bestselling Author with an all-consuming addiction to popcorn.

She writes young adult and new adult romances about flawed people who find their perfect together (often these people are dragon-shifters, werewolves, or have magical powers).

Rita believes in soulmates, happily ever afters, and that love can overcome any obstacle.

Reviews

[Lakshmi C · Rating 3 out of 5]

You would assume that dealing with a demon, saving your sister, nearly dying would earn respect. You would be wrong. All Raven gets for her troubles is restraints where she is not even allowed to talk to most people.
She is surrounded by people who reveal things selectively, hide a lot of information from her and are disappointed when she makes poor decisions.
I share Raven's frustration on this issue. How is she supposed to make an informed decision without all the information.
Andras makes a deal with her where she cant fall in love with anyone else without bringing about the end of the world. Andras will return but she doesn't know when or in what form. Love is forbidden for the eternally damned, when Andras is unexpectedly on the receiving end of this emotion, he is obsessed and will do anything to hold on to that feeling.
Madeline returns and invokes Raven's life debt to save Stephen. Could something worse happen? Fate hears this and delivers new dangers and villains - Raum and the Spider.
In this book the villains steal the show. Spider was a classic psychopath and Raum had powers which could complicate the lives of his victims.
The series focuses on Perception - how we interpret things around us and the possibilities we can anticipate. Everything is hiding in plain sight, neither Raven or the reader can guess who the master mind is. This is a huge plus for me, I like to be surprised.
Andras was missing most of the time and this disappointed me. He is portrayed as the villain but I think he is the most compelling character in the series. The story felt incomplete without him somehow, like oreos without the creamy centre. This was the only thing that bothered me.
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from LoP.

This was an awesome and engrossing 2nd book in The Deception Dance series. It was so engrossing I had to take my time to read it so I got all of the info. Stephen is such a great guy and I want Raven to get him.back so they can save the world from the demons and be together. Rita did an awesome job creating this world. I want more!

[BookLoversLife]

Gonna have to put this aside for a while. Just can't get into it.

[Renee Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raven owes a life debt to an earth witch, Madeline. In order to fulfill the debt that Madeline calls in, she had to find Stephen and bring him to Madeline. Raven is supposed to do this alone, but ends up with her sister, Linnie, and she of her guards in tow. They must travel to Thailand to find Stephen. There's a lot of deception and intrigue involved. They tangle with odd beings that like to fight to the death, magicians and lesser demons. Raven and Linnie manage to leave her guard behind but before long, Linnie is caught up in a strange web and Raven is on her own. She finds Stephen but the intrigue doesn't stop there and she can't tell Stephen why he had to go with her. Once again she is assigned a guard and Stephen but still has to figure out how to get Linnie back. This is one of those books you just can't put down. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the third book. They're all stand alone books, but should definitely be read in order. I love this series!

[BookSLoth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a bit of a take it or leave it for me. It was slow moving, with key elements suddenly thrown into the story with little or no context (ex, Raven gets nosebleeds if she kisses boys then some quickly told reason about her thinking she was cursed??). Throughout the book Raven seems to like Nicholas, but doesn't? but then at the end she liked Stephen? I don't know. There were characters that really served no purpose other than to clutter up the plot and slow the progression of the book down (Tobias Jr). Overall, it's a storyline with potential but could use some work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jae Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lie Spinners is a book about the main character, Raven. In the beginning of the story she is being guarded day and night, and she seems kind of lonely. Her sister Linnie lives in the same house and they at least have each other. They are both safe from harm.

It doesn't last long, however. Madeline the earth witch shows up and calls upon Raven to help her find Stephen. Raven must do it or die trying, due to a life debt she owes Madeline. Raven and Linnie end up in Thailand and start looking for Stephen, who has also saved both of their lives. When they find him, he is playing the part of a medical student named Nathan.

Soon the sisters are embroiled in the The Spider's evil plot for power. Linnie is kidnapped and Raven must do as she's told. As Raven and Stephen (AKA Nathan) figure out the pieces to the puzzle, one thing becomes clear...they better figure this out and do it fast.

Enjoyable story, with a goodly amount of action, and the characters are very well done and believable. Recommended reading to all readers who like the supernatural genre!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better!!!

This series just gets better and better!!! Do yourself a favor and start reading this series! You will not be disappointed! Sooo glad book 3 comes out in June!!!

[Avishi Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Kept me on my toes. I thought Andras was epic until I met Stephan. And I would love to have a sister like Linnie.
The characters are so well written that they feel real.

[Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid second entry in The Deception Dance series. Looking forward to this trilogy's conclusion!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*s
So good!
review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
The Lie Spinners is an excellent sequel to The Deception Dance and the title was so fitting too. We join Raven a year after she made her deal with Andras where she promised she would not fall in love with anyone and he wouldn’t open the gates of hell and unleash the demons unto the world. Raven has spent the last year attending college, training to fight, living with Albert, being shadowed by soldiers - so she’s secluded from everyone…. But she’s safe & protected and there is no sign of Andras…. But Andras isn’t the only one after Raven, there’s a bounty on her head and even though Andras has put safe guards in place, there are some willing to risk everything to use Raven. That’s where Madeline comes in and calls in the life debt that Raven owes forcing her to take on a mission to find Stephen, who has disappeared, last known to be in a magician’s lair. When she tries to track him down, she finds herself in a 2 way catch 22 situation…. Both leading to her death but Stephen’s life means more to her, she will find him & she does in Thailand…but that just thickens the plot, in more ways than one. So yes, I loved this sequel, everything about it actually. Raven as always is a likeable character, I think she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, knowing that she is at risk wherever she is. She has demons trying to kill her on one side and on the other is an army to scared to talk to her incase she falls in love with them and incites Andras’s wrath. I have to admit that is a good thread of the story because it’s inevitable really. I like that she will do anything for anyone, put herself on the line, give her life for those she holds dear, those are admirable qualities and she even has an awesome sense of humour. There is a nice romance in this story, I won’t say who with but I loved it, I loved the connection they felt between them, they really fit together and I totally fell for ‘him’. It was so nice to see Raven get a piece of happiness even though she was well aware she shouldn’t. The storyline was brilliant this time around too, the setting was beautiful and the beaches with its party vibe played well into the story. I don’t really want to say too much about the plot because everything has the potential to be a spoiler but it was great, we are introduced to some higher up demons, magicians, learn about how magicians are made etc. I really liked the explanation of the higher up demons, there seems to be some sort of hierarchy using Lords, Marquis kind of titles and this tells us of their standing, I would like to know more about this, more about their powers too because we get a little in this and it made me interested for more. I think the whole world set up is intriguing & imaginative but that really came across in this which unfortunately I can’t elaborate on but when you read it, you will know what I mean and it was so full of twists & turns that I really felt the pressure of her time limit & was kept guessing right up until the big reveal which is so rare for a book to give me. The book is definitely full of action, plots, twists, turns, excitement, fear, life or death scenarios & some good old lovin’, where one girl will stop at nothing to protect the world and those she loves. I’m very curious about where it will all go now especially after seeing what went on in this and how the demons plan to use it to their advantage…. Cryptic I know, but read it & all will become clear.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lie Spinners" the second book in "The Deception Dance " series begins when Raven Smith, to satisfy her life-debt to the earth-witch Madeline is sent to Thailand to find Stephen Tapper who disappeared after he began hunting for a dark magician called "the Spider". Racing against time she finds him working incognito at a rundown bar in Koh Phangan only to have to match wits with the sinister manipulative Spider after he puts a spell on the harbour to bar her escape before kidnapping her sister Linnie.

Resonating with shades of the Biblical prophecy of Revelations and reminiscent of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series, the plot begins a year after Raven makes a deal with Andras to keep the Gates of Hell shut and not to kill her in return for spending a month with him and not falling in love with anyone before his return in a new body. But what she doesn't expect is to contend with the soul-bound who've been promised a reward if one of them kills her or having to fulfill a life-debt that could mean her death if she fails to bring Stephen back.

The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, heating up when Raven's sister Linnie is kidnapped, and put into a deep sleep in the Spider's web. With twists , turns and shocking surprises the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from the first page to an exciting confrontation at the end. Rita Stradling cleverly builds intensity and suspense as Raven and Stephen strategise to find a way to release Linnie and escape only to have their every step manipulated by an unseen force. Yet for all the violence, pain and misery the tension is often diluted in earlier chapters with the verbal sparring between the two sisters and Linnie's infatuation with Richard Jones.

New and familiar faces add to the complexity, drama and flavour of this intoxicating story. Training to defend herself Raven feels alone, her emotions scattered, afraid to love anyone even Stephen who she relies on and trusts above anyone else. Raven tends to act before thinking and is often reckless because of her impulsiveness. Kind and rational Stephen (aka Nathan) the Tapper brother with a hero complex hides his feelings for Raven when they meet again in Thailand, but soon sparks fly as their attraction grows only to have it crushed by a cruel deception.

Of the other characters in the story who add zest and energy to the plot Linnie Smith, Raven's sister is flirtatious, immature and very melodramatic; the demon Chauncey Halverson blunt and overbearing; and Richard Jones domineering and judgmental. But again it is the antagonists that add a frightening chill to the tale, like cold, calculating Andras; manipulative and deceptive May; and the ambitious, brutal and inhuman Spider.

Rita Stradling weaves a tale in "The Lie Spinners" that grips your imagination and keeps you captivated until the climax. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will look for the third book in this captivating dance.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel! Really entertaining and enjoyable. Better than the first book. This is not a stand alone book. To really understand the story you need to start with the first book. The series is worth your time and credit.

Really good story, fast paced, full of action, suspense, deceit, twists and turns. The plot just keeps getting better.

This book starts a year after the first book ends. When Madeline the Witch calls in Ravens life-debt they set out to rescue Stephen. This is just where the story begins. Things never go as planned especially when dealing with Demons.

I enjoyed all the characters more this time the old and the new. The characters just had more personality, were more rounded and interesting.

I will definitely continue with this series.

Sorrel Brigman does the narration for this installment of the series. I enjoyed the narration much more this time around. She does a good job. I really like the fact that there is more emotion and volume in her voice compared to the first book. She is able to convey the humor/sarcasm from the characters as well. (That was missing from the first book.) At times there is a little to much emphasis put on each individual word in the narrative part of the story especially in the beginning of the book. She also needs to work on her accent voice for Stephen. Overall though for me her voice fits the story better. Hopefully she will be the narrator for the next installment.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book two of The Deception Dance Series
Picking up a year after The Deception Dance ends, Raven is now safely attending school and receiving training along with an army of bodyguards. However, Raven knows that the demon Andras will soon be coming back for her. Before Raven can worry about Andras, however, the earth witch Madeline calls in Raven's life debt for bringing Raven back to life a year ago. If Raven does not carry out Madeline's wishes, Raven will slowly rot. Madeline wants Raven to travel to Thailand and bring back Stephen who was tracking down a mysterious magician called the Spider.. Everyone else that Madeline has sent there has vanished.

I am glad to see Raven grow in personal strength in this book. She has received some training and has gained confidence. I don't like that she is still being used as a pawn and isn't filled in on very important information pertaining to her, but still told she is making stupid mistakes. Really, she is doing what any nineteen year old woman would do and it is easy to emphasize with her. The Deception Dance is filled with a lot more action throughout the entire story and we get to meet more exciting demons, witches and magicians. Thailand is a great setting with it's rich folklore and fun party scene with the Full Moon Parties of Koh Phangan, all of it is described vividly. There are definitely loose ends to tie up here and much more that I would like to know, so I'll be looking forward to the next book in the series.

This book was provided for free in return for an honest review by the author.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the book - wow. Could not stop reading. Total surprise ending - was not expecting it at all. It broke my heart (I even cried) but I loved the final twist. All in all, amazingly creative & brilliant. I super enjoyed the Deception Dance as well, but I think that the Lie Spinners was even more imaginative. It really created a new world with fantastic creatures (mostly demonic) but made it totally believable. The whole “spider” aspect was crazy, and the imagery was super vivid. On the whole, the book was less gory / action driven / apocalyptic than the first book, which I appreciated, but more suspenseful and mysterious. It was not at all formulaic and shocked and surprised me on multiple occasions. I also like how the love story really evolves from the first book and deepens. It’s not just about Raven and multiple potential love interests, but a real relationship with serious sexual tension. Also, all the characters from the first book play a part, but there are a host of new and engaging characters. The author really makes the setting of Thailand come alive too, especially the tourist party scene. The plot is complex, which becomes more apparent towards the end, but it is not too confusing. By the end of the book, I was so sucked into the story, I really did not want it to end as soon as it did, but I’m sure there will be a 3rd book coming, hopefully before too long…

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

HATE! HATE! HATE! this feeling when I want to read a continuation but it is not published yet=) This time my 'hate' is a synonym of "adore it"
Actually, I favour Rita Stradling's style. This novel is never boring. Every turn of the plot is unexpectable, it take my breath several times. One of them made me opened my mouth, closed the book and sat still without blinking (no spoilers, I ama good girl).
This is the third series of Young-Adult category which I read. Firstly, I read Twilight Saga, than The Hunger Games and now The Deception Dance . You know, this is much more better than The Twilight Saga. I hope, that Stradling's series will be filmed one day.
And in some ways it is more interesting that now-loved-by-everyone The Hunger Games series. There is no tediousness, no one from characters dives me mad here.
As for me, it worth to break a prohibition of my eye-doctor do not read more than an hour per day.
I wish all the best to Rita Stradling and hope to read the third book where (I believe) the answers on lots of my quetions will be found=)

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to hug this book. I want to hug it so badly, but hugging a kindle is kind of awkward, on account of my flabby arms, and it's lack of girth. It's like I'm hugging myself. Which is not a bad thing, until your family walks in and thinks your a complete weirdo for giving yourself affection.

The Lie Spinners picks up right where we left Raven, Linnie, and Stephen in the Deception Dance. Raven is still the dark girl. Insecure, scared, tough, sarcastic, and strong. I love reading her. She's who I would want to be in her situation.

Stradling writes an amazing sequel. I was hooked from the get go and couldn't put it down. So much new information was given, but I still want to read the next book in the series. This can't be the end!!!

All the characters in this book for the major to the minor are so quirky and unique. I love them. Stephen is so swoon worthy. Andras is so gross. Linnie is just adorable.

The writing was great, I don't think I recall any typos. But I wasn't looking for them either. I was just lost in the story. Overall I highly recommend The Deception Dance and the Lie Spinners. Thank you so much Rita for letting me read this book.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complex, fascinating, exciting and yet heart breaking sequel to The Deception Dance. The story grabs you by the throat at the very beginning and does not let you go even at the end. It leaves you holding your breath for the next book in the series and mind boggled as to how Raven will cope in the coming year. I loved every word of it. It is not a stand alone story, you need to read the first in the series to really understand this intricate, thrilling book. The sad truth of Ravens life draws you in and your heart aches for her, she is torn as to what is best for her to do and who she can trust. Her determination, resilience, and loyalty makes her character shine and you can not help but become even more attached to her. The narration brings the characters and the emotions to life. She fits the voices well to most of the characters and I particularly liked the accent she gave Steven, it was quite endearing but not particularly Norwegian. Duplicity, manipulation, deceit and action run through this story, keeping you wondering what will happen next and if everyone will survive.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book-‘Demon Dance’ and was looking forward to the second book. I am glad to say that it is so much more than what I was expecting.

Rita Stradling creates an intense plot that is edgy, thrilling and has many OMG moments. There is a whole new world of demons and demon hunters-a world of deceit, treachery, and cold-blooded politics; where everyone has a hidden agenda and will do anything to achieve it.

The story is exciting, more gripping and fast-paced as compared to the first book, and I was disappointed when it ended. Characters mature so does the author. Many new characters are introduced in this book, and there are surprises at every turn of the page.

A bit of editing may still be required, along with a thorough once over. Couple of spelling and grammar mistakes were visible, but these are minor hiccups, easily reparable.

To sum-up-the book is a good read, and I would recommend it to everyone. Rita has done a good job and is definitely an author to watch out for.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gretel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked book 1, The Deception Dance, well enough, but The Lie Spinners truly changed my perspective on book 1 and stayed with me for long after the book was over. Where the Deception Dance perhaps lacked characters for me to love and identify with, the Lie Spinners brought some of my favorite minor characters more to the forefront and added new characters, whether major or minor, that were just more well done this time around. The imagery in this installment is captivating, and the pace is consistently fast.

Whether intended or not, the ideas presented in this series are complex enough I can imagine discussing them in a literature class, but the story is presented simply enough for one to enjoy just for entertainment purposes - the perfect combination.

[Lelouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

I started reading the book without having first read the first book. It was a little confusing at first, but I was able to understand the premise and what was going on. Then I read the first book and re-read this book and it made a lot more sense. I'd recommend reading the first book first.

My main gripes with the first book was the characters; i couldn't really relate to them and their decision making. A few times I still get that feeling, like when Raven doesn't tell Albert anything but runs off with madeline, and then later when she tells her sister who nearly screws it up. But overall I liked how the characters interacted better. I liked the pacing of the story; the mix of plot/dialog/action was good.

As others mentioned, the narrator changed. I'm not too fond of changing narrators in a series in general, but I don't think it was terrible. She did a fine job.

[Lauren Polydys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book in exchange for an honest review.

The story picks up a year after the ending events of the last book. Raven is being isolated to make sure she does not fall in love and break her deal with Andras. Then Madeline shows up and calls in Raven's life debt and tells her to find Stephen. From there Raven goes on another journey that includes demon encounters and even more lies than the first book. Through out the novel Raven has a hard time deciding who she can trust and even questions if she can trust herself.
The story entrances you just as much as the first one. The ending catches you totally off guard and leaves you begging for more. This is a sequel you do not want to miss.

[Cheryl Duval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Rita Stradling seems to have perfected the "this isn't what I was expecting" in the story. When I started The Lie Spinners, book two of The Deception Dance, I was absolutely sure that I knew how the story would continue. Was I ever wrong!! This book was intriguing, exciting and intense. The author's writing is wonderful, her description of the scenery, demons and people allowed me to picture everything she was writing about. The narrative is amazing. This story ended with a twist that I never saw coming and I can't wait until her next book comes out. I highly recommend this series.

[iliana G · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD!!!!!

why?why?why did you do this to me??i need more..i need to know whats happening i am truly close to hating you.
Ok i also love you cause the book was amazing!!!!
A trip to Thailand,demons,magic and as in the previous book whatever you think is going to happen...well don't...amazing plot amazing turns and twists!!!!

A perfection of unexpected events and results and of course an end cliffhanger (which i hate but in this book i loved) which leaves you at the same time full of a story that you travelled you and completed you and still left you hanging and craving for more.

I really do not think there are many words i can say about this book besides a definete MUST read!!!

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Adventure than the First Book...

Raven is back in this sequel to the The Deception Dance but this time she is in Thailand.

This book starts off about a year after the first one and Raven races off to rescue Stephen.

The world that the author has created is very vivid, full of action and intensity,
however, this book felt as though it was missing something or "someone".

Overall, another entertaining read but it was not as good as the first book.

Sorrel Brigman did well with the narration

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

[Ivi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book so much! Rita Stradling did a great job with this one and now I cant wait to see what will happened next!!!First book wasn't so intense and I grab this one because at the end I just fell in love in Stephan and I needed to found out what will happened next and I'm so glad that I did even though I have to wait for 3rd book , but I really hope that will be worth . I highly recomended this series!!

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book caught my eye because I think we all know some Lie spinners in our life. lol I enjoyed this book but I did not read the first book in the series so I had to caught up. I think the character of Raven is great and I this book was fun to read. Not what I thought it would be about some times I like to surprise myself by just diving into a book with out much back knowledge. * I received this book from LibraryThing giveaway in exchange for an honest review*

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in a series, but I didn't find it hard to follow without reading the first book. I couldn't seem to put this book down and found myself quickly lost within the pages. The characters and storyline were well developed. Now to read book one. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Lori Franklin Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read this for free in exchange for an honest review from librarything.com.

OMG, where to start? I am officially hooked on this series! This book blows the first out of the water! I have to find out when the next one is coming out because I MUST know what happens next!

You will not go wrong with this book. Ms. Stradling wows with this series!

[Jenny_acc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following in the steps of the first book of the series, this one was full of twists and kept me interested the whole time. At parts i felt like it was a bit slow, like trying to fill the pages rathen than move the plot along, but the last 100 pages were so awesome that i just have to read the third book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Received this book via a LibrayThing Giveaway***
The Lie Spinners is genuinely quite funny and smart. In this sequel to The Deception Dance the author has managed to wow me with a twist that I didn't see coming.

Rita Stradling is a name to watch out for in the Paranormal genre.