Bag of Lies

by Ricky Dean Wyrick

What happens when childhood friends join opposite sides of the Civil War? Can friendship survive? How do you bring yourself to kill your best friend? Bag of Lies introduces a broken world where the closest of brothers become hated enemies. Brimming with danger, deceit, and espionage, the epic struggle is laced with betrayal and grief. Follow Michael and Lucky as they sift through loyalty and lies, discovering that nothing is as it seems. Does Lucky pull the dagger from his back and plunge it into Michael's heart? Or is there something more sinister at play in his Bag of Lies?This suspenseful, faith-based adventure may first appear like historical fiction, but nothing could be further from the truth. Things are not as they seem. A shocking plot-reveal, several chapters in, dramatically changes the perceived genre and cleverly weaves a series of secrets and lies into a fantasy adventure filled with peril and betrayal.Discovering the true nature of the novel is part of its charm. To say more would ruin the experience.

317 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2020

About the author

Ricky Dean Wyrick’s suspenseful faith-based fiction features unexpected wit, surprising plot twists, and unusual depth. Hidden in plain sight, he weaves insightful details into his writing that can only be discovered upon a second read. Also an award-winning artist, characters from his latest novel are sometimes discovered lurking in the backgrounds of his hand-crafted canvas paintings.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Book Reviewer, I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Bag of Lies, the debut novel by Ricky Dean Wyrick. for my honest review.

At first, it appears to be a historical fiction book set in the Civil War era. But, as you continue reading, a unique twist reveals this isn’t a historical fiction story about the North vs. the South.

Bag of Lies takes you on a journey and plunges you into the middle of a Civil War where it is sometimes hard to figure out who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Michael and a handful of his friends are soldiers in this war, but as friends become enemies and strangers seem like friends, Michael isn’t sure whom he can trust. Michael is sent on a special mission and is afraid of failing. As he attempts to accomplish his mission, more clues as to the true setting and actual story are revealed as Michael faces many struggles and challenges.

There are a couple scenes where Mr. Wyrick head hops, causing the reader to reread a paragraph or two to figure out whose point of view that particular section is coming from.

Ricky Dean Wyrick has woven a very unusual story with interesting twists and turns. Bag of Lies is the first book of a series. The end of Bag of Lies offers enough resolution to satisfy the reader, but also leaves a hint of things to come to whet the reader’s appetite for the next book in the Broken World Series.

Bag of Lies is a well-written, unique story. It is a tale of war, courage, friendship, betrayal, and much more. There is also an inspirational aspect to the story, and there is some mild profanity. If you’re looking for a Civil War story unlike any you’ve read before, I suggest you pick up Bag of Lies. You’re in for a treat!

In my opinion, this story is suitable for middle grade through adult.

I enjoyed Bag of Lies and look forward to the next book in the Broken World Series.

I give Bag of Lies by Ricky Dean Wyrick 4 stars.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A war within a war. A revolt within a revolt. A civil war is raging. Neutrality is not an option. You must choose a side. What if your best friend turns out to be your worst enemy?

Hide and seek is more than a kid’s game in this high-octane story of suspense, intrigue, double-crosses and betrayal. When four boyhood friends suddenly find themselves plunged into the midst of a civil war, nothing is as it seems. Think This Present Darkness and Lord of the Ring meets The Red Badge of Courage.

What happens when freedom is given to a broken world? is at the core of this delightful page-turner. With  memorable characters and a unique, engaging storyline, this faith-based adventure is a kick in the pants! Kernels of biblical truth are artfully tucked into this cleaver, creative, story. Unwrapping them is half the fun!

Additionally, the weft of history and fantasy is expert. The pacing is nimble, with each chapter flowing seamlessly into the next. Elements of intrigue and mystery nip at the narrative’s heels, propelling it inexorably forward. Young adults and anyone who enjoys a lithe, creative story with enough plot twists to rival the El Toro at Six Flags Grand Adventure will enjoy this story.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely not a book I would normally pick up. Not because I don't enjoy suspense because I definitely do, I just typically will read them when there's an added element of romance thrown in. That being said I though this book was good. Definitely filled with twists and turns that were not expected. The story takes you on a journey to the Civil War where childhood friends find themselves at a cross road. There is lots of intrigue, suspense and betrayal to keep you engaged and reading. The author does a great job at weaving Biblical truths into the story. It definitely makes for an intriguing adventure.

Although I thought there was enough resolution at the end of the story there is somewhat of a hint of what it yet to come in a second book. I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy reading war type stories full of suspense and a twinge of fantasy. This could also be read by an older middle schooler.

[Violet Perry (Just a Bookish Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I'd like to thank the wonderful author of this book for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
This has got to be one of the best books ever written! Why isn't this, like, a bestseller? It has everything a great book needs, complex characters, a zillion plot twists (it's awesome! :), realistic situations, and much, much more. I truly loved this novel to the core.
For my full review, click on the link below:
https://justabookishblog.wixsite.com/...