What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales of Fenest #3
Farewell to the Liar
The final installment of The Tales of Fenest. Detective Cora Gorderheim must make a terrible choice: her sister's life, or the future of the Union.
There's power in stories. But power can be deadly. Detective Cora Gorderheim is a detective no longer. Stripped of her badge by the corrupt chief inspector, Cora's job now is to protect her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller. Ruth must tell her tale of the Tear widening if people are to know the truth of what's happening in the Union of Realms. But Lowlander Chambers Morton wants the Wayward to change their election story, and will stop at nothing to achieve this – including murder. Keeping Ruth alive in Fenest is hard enough, but when the sisters set sail for West Perlanse the dangers come thick and fast. And slowly Cora realizes she must make a terrible choice: her sister's life, or the future of the Union. 'Melding noir with the fantasy genre, this is a rather clever read, one which feels especially prescient for our reality' SCIFINOW
There's power in stories. But power can be deadly. Detective Cora Gorderheim is a detective no longer. Stripped of her badge by the corrupt chief inspector, Cora's job now is to protect her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller. Ruth must tell her tale of the Tear widening if people are to know the truth of what's happening in the Union of Realms. But Lowlander Chambers Morton wants the Wayward to change their election story, and will stop at nothing to achieve this – including murder. Keeping Ruth alive in Fenest is hard enough, but when the sisters set sail for West Perlanse the dangers come thick and fast. And slowly Cora realizes she must make a terrible choice: her sister's life, or the future of the Union. 'Melding noir with the fantasy genre, this is a rather clever read, one which feels especially prescient for our reality' SCIFINOW
528 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2021
4 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Fields
3 books27 followersDK Fields is the writing partnership of novelists David Towsey and Katherine Stansfield.
They both write individually: David’s zombie-western The Walkin’ Trilogy is published by Quercus. Katherine’s historical crime fiction series, Cornish Mysteries, is published by Allison & Busby. She is also a poet.
They both write individually: David’s zombie-western The Walkin’ Trilogy is published by Quercus. Katherine’s historical crime fiction series, Cornish Mysteries, is published by Allison & Busby. She is also a poet.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Want to read
June 22, 2021When you request for the book three, get approved but you haven't even started the trilogy...💀
August 30, 2021
What a heartwarming end to a great trilogy!
Farewell to the Liar is a wonderful combination of crime noir and fantasy, and focuses on the power of storytelling. It has political intrigue and police procedurals that fans of Rivers of London and Dresden Files would appreciate. Stories within the story are compelling and thought-provoking. D. K. Fields' prose is immersive and beautiful.
The world-building is well-done and richly imagined. Each place has its own culture and beliefs that make them distinct from one another. The scenes were described in detail that it's not hard to imagine it.
All characters are well-written and three-dimensional. The protagonist, Cora is a complex and flawed character. She makes mistakes and I love how strong she is. Seeing her grow and flourish throughout the trilogy is just awesome.
Overall, Farewell to the Liar is an engaging read. It's much more than solving crimes with fantasy elements, it also deals with fundamental issues on ecology, corruption, and politics.
Thank you so much Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the DRC> All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Farewell to the Liar is a wonderful combination of crime noir and fantasy, and focuses on the power of storytelling. It has political intrigue and police procedurals that fans of Rivers of London and Dresden Files would appreciate. Stories within the story are compelling and thought-provoking. D. K. Fields' prose is immersive and beautiful.
The world-building is well-done and richly imagined. Each place has its own culture and beliefs that make them distinct from one another. The scenes were described in detail that it's not hard to imagine it.
All characters are well-written and three-dimensional. The protagonist, Cora is a complex and flawed character. She makes mistakes and I love how strong she is. Seeing her grow and flourish throughout the trilogy is just awesome.
Overall, Farewell to the Liar is an engaging read. It's much more than solving crimes with fantasy elements, it also deals with fundamental issues on ecology, corruption, and politics.
Thank you so much Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the DRC> All thoughts and opinions are mine.
August 3, 2021
This was a great, albeit occasionally a little confusing, finish to this trilogy.
What seemed like a police investigation into a gruesome murder quickly became something much deeper over the course of books one and two. In a world where stories literally determine the outcome of elections, and storytellers are deeply important to each Fenestrian culture, especially the election Storytellers, fired police officer Cora Gorderheim has critical decisions to make about dealing with the corruption in Fenest, as revealed by Cora’s murder investigation and by Ruth.
Newly fired for being a little too good at ferreting out the truth, Cora has to protect her older sister, now the Wayward Storyteller. It’s a harrowing job, as Ruth has other critical duties to fulfil, taking the pair out of Fenest, and there are many attempts to silence the Storyteller. And it all comes down, after Ruth’s telling of the final election story, to deciding who gets to decide the outcome of the election: the voters, or corrupt government officials eager to build walls, lie and murder people to hide the truth of an increasingly dangerous situation creating a stream of refugees out of the Lowlands.
The authors do a great job ratcheting up the dangers and tension, while again embedding two more terrific novella-length stories, told this time by the Rustans and the Waywards, within the larger narrative.
Meanwhile, Cora has to confront her feelings about her parents, Ruth, and herself, making this the toughest, in some ways, of the three books to read. She’s been brimming with anger, and has made poor decisions throughout the three books, and is finally faced with a terrible, gut wrenching choice at the end. It’s been a difficult journey in so many ways for this character, and well handled by the authors.
Additionally, the choices faced by Fenest, and who these people want to be and how they define themselves are relevant and timely questions.
I literally picked the first book up on a whim, and because I thought the cover looked great. I’m glad I did, and more glad I followed the series through to its end. It’s been a deliberate, thought provoking journey.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for a review.
What seemed like a police investigation into a gruesome murder quickly became something much deeper over the course of books one and two. In a world where stories literally determine the outcome of elections, and storytellers are deeply important to each Fenestrian culture, especially the election Storytellers, fired police officer Cora Gorderheim has critical decisions to make about dealing with the corruption in Fenest, as revealed by Cora’s murder investigation and by Ruth.
Newly fired for being a little too good at ferreting out the truth, Cora has to protect her older sister, now the Wayward Storyteller. It’s a harrowing job, as Ruth has other critical duties to fulfil, taking the pair out of Fenest, and there are many attempts to silence the Storyteller. And it all comes down, after Ruth’s telling of the final election story, to deciding who gets to decide the outcome of the election: the voters, or corrupt government officials eager to build walls, lie and murder people to hide the truth of an increasingly dangerous situation creating a stream of refugees out of the Lowlands.
The authors do a great job ratcheting up the dangers and tension, while again embedding two more terrific novella-length stories, told this time by the Rustans and the Waywards, within the larger narrative.
Meanwhile, Cora has to confront her feelings about her parents, Ruth, and herself, making this the toughest, in some ways, of the three books to read. She’s been brimming with anger, and has made poor decisions throughout the three books, and is finally faced with a terrible, gut wrenching choice at the end. It’s been a difficult journey in so many ways for this character, and well handled by the authors.
Additionally, the choices faced by Fenest, and who these people want to be and how they define themselves are relevant and timely questions.
I literally picked the first book up on a whim, and because I thought the cover looked great. I’m glad I did, and more glad I followed the series through to its end. It’s been a deliberate, thought provoking journey.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for a review.
September 28, 2021
NB review is for full trilogy as I listened to them one after another.
It's a fictional fantasy setting which is one of the most original I've read. The most tropey thing about it is a dangerous volcanic landscape. It's very creative and I particularly like the related system of faith and governance.
The whole culture is story based. You tell stories. It's about the stories you create in your life. You listen to other people's stories.
There's a nice detective noir feel to the whole series, especially the first book and into the second. It's got a distinct social justice/socialist feel to it throughout and doesn't pull it's punches.
One of the best things is that the core protagonists are all female and two of them at least are over 50.
There's not many fantasy and sci-fi out there with older women at the forefront. There is even a brief romance subplot for one of these older women!
The only drawback to it is it's language around sex work. It fulls back on the tropes of brothels and "whorehouses" often describing them as filthy, rough, poor places even when giving some power and agency to brothel owners.
I gave it 4 out of 5 overall. Book 2 is probably the weakest but still enjoyable.
I listed to the audiobook and did find the narrator of books 1&2 to be a little trying to listen too. Her voice was just too monotonous. But there is a different narrator for book 3. Not so different as to be jarring but different enough to be better to listen too (for my preferences).
Content notes: suicide; violence; drowning; whorephobic language; poverty; starvation; building fire; abuse of power.
It's a fictional fantasy setting which is one of the most original I've read. The most tropey thing about it is a dangerous volcanic landscape. It's very creative and I particularly like the related system of faith and governance.
The whole culture is story based. You tell stories. It's about the stories you create in your life. You listen to other people's stories.
There's a nice detective noir feel to the whole series, especially the first book and into the second. It's got a distinct social justice/socialist feel to it throughout and doesn't pull it's punches.
One of the best things is that the core protagonists are all female and two of them at least are over 50.
There's not many fantasy and sci-fi out there with older women at the forefront. There is even a brief romance subplot for one of these older women!
The only drawback to it is it's language around sex work. It fulls back on the tropes of brothels and "whorehouses" often describing them as filthy, rough, poor places even when giving some power and agency to brothel owners.
I gave it 4 out of 5 overall. Book 2 is probably the weakest but still enjoyable.
I listed to the audiobook and did find the narrator of books 1&2 to be a little trying to listen too. Her voice was just too monotonous. But there is a different narrator for book 3. Not so different as to be jarring but different enough to be better to listen too (for my preferences).
Content notes: suicide; violence; drowning; whorephobic language; poverty; starvation; building fire; abuse of power.
August 5, 2021
Intrigued by the description I requested this ARC not realising it was part of a trilogy. It was indeed a serendipitous request as quickly found after buying and devouring the first two books, Widow's Welcome and Stitcher & the Mute.
The trilogy - Tales of Fenest centre around Nora Goderheim a city detective from a disgraced family.whose role places her in the heart of the capital Fenest. Nora is an excellent detective and the mood of the inital stroy is gritty noir and blends fantasy, politics and police procedural.
The Union, composed of six realms Perlish, Wayward, Casker, Lowlander, Torn and Rustan, is in the midst of elections which occur every five years. Stories are central to the lives of all in the union and the decision on which realm rules is guaged by the stories told with votes placed by the Audience.
We are introduced to Nora after the death of the Wayward storyteller and this leads her deeper into the politics of Fenest - something she has avoided since her parents disgrace.
Each book includes two election stories from the Realms which were fascinating in themselves and I found myself allocating them a black or a white stone much as the Audience votes are cast. Each story provides an insight into each Realm, relflecting their ethos, customs and thoughts.
In Farewell to the Liar the last book of the trilolgy Nora has been forced out of the police and commits herself to her estranged sisters Ruth to ensure that the Wayward story is told. This book ties up story threads, we learn more about the Tear and the calamity the Union is facing but with a roadmap for hope.
I urge you to read and immerse yourself in this trilogy - a fantastic find for me particularly in the post lockdown period.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC, all comments are my own.
The trilogy - Tales of Fenest centre around Nora Goderheim a city detective from a disgraced family.whose role places her in the heart of the capital Fenest. Nora is an excellent detective and the mood of the inital stroy is gritty noir and blends fantasy, politics and police procedural.
The Union, composed of six realms Perlish, Wayward, Casker, Lowlander, Torn and Rustan, is in the midst of elections which occur every five years. Stories are central to the lives of all in the union and the decision on which realm rules is guaged by the stories told with votes placed by the Audience.
We are introduced to Nora after the death of the Wayward storyteller and this leads her deeper into the politics of Fenest - something she has avoided since her parents disgrace.
Each book includes two election stories from the Realms which were fascinating in themselves and I found myself allocating them a black or a white stone much as the Audience votes are cast. Each story provides an insight into each Realm, relflecting their ethos, customs and thoughts.
In Farewell to the Liar the last book of the trilolgy Nora has been forced out of the police and commits herself to her estranged sisters Ruth to ensure that the Wayward story is told. This book ties up story threads, we learn more about the Tear and the calamity the Union is facing but with a roadmap for hope.
I urge you to read and immerse yourself in this trilogy - a fantastic find for me particularly in the post lockdown period.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC, all comments are my own.
May 30, 2021
What a great conclusion to an excellent trilogy!
When I got this ARC, I didn't actually know that this was part of a trilogy, I just thought it sounded it interesting. I quickly realised and went and bought the first two books. The whole series has been fantastic, and one of the things I really enjoyed about these books were the stories within the story. As each storyteller took their turn, it was great to see how you would vote yourself for the story they were telling to the Audience.
I really liked the world building in this. The different areas like the Tear, the Rusting Mountains, the Lowlands, etc., plus the Swaying Audience of 50 gods who listen to the stories of the people that you tell them throughout your life. It was just an interesting religious based system that I felt was really well done.
I liked the characters. Cora isn't perfect, and she makes mistakes. She holds on to things from the past and allows that to cloud her judgment about things, but she also shows development.
Sometimes, with a trilogy or series, the ending can be disappointing, but I was really pleased with how this one ended. I definitely recommend it.
When I got this ARC, I didn't actually know that this was part of a trilogy, I just thought it sounded it interesting. I quickly realised and went and bought the first two books. The whole series has been fantastic, and one of the things I really enjoyed about these books were the stories within the story. As each storyteller took their turn, it was great to see how you would vote yourself for the story they were telling to the Audience.
I really liked the world building in this. The different areas like the Tear, the Rusting Mountains, the Lowlands, etc., plus the Swaying Audience of 50 gods who listen to the stories of the people that you tell them throughout your life. It was just an interesting religious based system that I felt was really well done.
I liked the characters. Cora isn't perfect, and she makes mistakes. She holds on to things from the past and allows that to cloud her judgment about things, but she also shows development.
Sometimes, with a trilogy or series, the ending can be disappointing, but I was really pleased with how this one ended. I definitely recommend it.
August 7, 2021
A worthy, and heartfelt ending to what has been an unexpectedly unusual and enjoyable series. I went into these books thinking they'd be crime with a hint of fantasy but what I got was fabulous and unique world building, a thoughtful and distinctive religious system, flawed and believable characters, and stories, wrapped in stories wrapped in stories, I read the three books in the series one after another and found myself turning pages into the night. It was a gripping tale, with a dark and gritty plot but woven throughout with moments of hope and humanity in the tales told. An author who I will be checking out for further publications.
October 11, 2021
Fairwell to the Liar is the third and last book the Fenest series it’s been and interesting at and complex ride. Cora, freshly sacked from the police force, is taking charge of her sisters protection. She must be kept alive to tell the story her son was murdered to silence. There’s two stories to go in the election before it’s all decided and there’s also the small matter of the world falling into the widening Tear.
This was probably the tightest of the three books plot wise as we reach the end of a long road and the longest election in history. The election stories were actually, for Fenest, pretty light hearted. Cora actually managed a wash and several changes of clothes in this book too so things are on the up. I was pretty happy with how it all shook out, I was still surprised when Cora did what she did at the crucial moment, I don’t know if I would have. It was all wrapped up pretty neatly except for the glass in her foot! What the hell happened to that? Did it dissolve? Did I miss when it was taken out? I genuinely don’t remember if it was taken out. I’m very concerned about it.
This was probably the tightest of the three books plot wise as we reach the end of a long road and the longest election in history. The election stories were actually, for Fenest, pretty light hearted. Cora actually managed a wash and several changes of clothes in this book too so things are on the up. I was pretty happy with how it all shook out, I was still surprised when Cora did what she did at the crucial moment, I don’t know if I would have. It was all wrapped up pretty neatly except for the glass in her foot! What the hell happened to that? Did it dissolve? Did I miss when it was taken out? I genuinely don’t remember if it was taken out. I’m very concerned about it.
August 7, 2021
A decent enough ending, even if this instalment lacked the energy of its predecessors. Review to follow.
June 30, 2021
A fine conclusion to a gripping series.
This is the third and final part of writing couple David Towsey and Katherine Stansfield’s “Tales of Fenest” series, featuring Detective Cora Gorderheim, and really needs the reader to have finished the previous two for it to make much sense.
Fans of the series will know that the books combine a police procedural theme with a political background where elected Storytellers, representing various Realms, are important personages, all wrapped up in a fantasy setting. It’s a world where elections are fought and won on stories, which themselves are power.
Following the events of “The Stretcher and the Mute”, Cora has been stripped of her badge by the Chief Inspector, and her priority now is to protect her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller. Ruth must tell her tale of the Tear widening if people are to know the truth of what's happening in the Union of Realms.
What follows is a tense journey across seas, to spread the word, and both sisters face challenges, hard decisions and unwanted truths. It’s another wonderful read, albeit hard to follow in places.
Cora Gorderheim is a complex character – flawed, compassionate, and conflicted, but always trying to do the right thing. It’s been good to see her grow through the series, even when she gets things wrong. The publisher blurb ends with “…slowly Cora realizes she must make a terrible choice: her sister's life, or the future of the Union.” That’s all you need to know to realise how things go.
This has been a rich, complex and thought-provoking series, and really needs to be read twice to be fully appreciated. My NetGalley ARC was marked as “mystery & thrillers / sci-fi & fantasy” but I’m certain the series was previously referred to as “young adult”. But the books defy genre-fication. They are what they are – stories about the importance of storytelling, the dangers of political control, and the decisions we need to make in life.
The books will appeal to fans of Ben Aaronvitch, Samantha Shannon, and Laini Taylor. Definitely recommended.
This is the third and final part of writing couple David Towsey and Katherine Stansfield’s “Tales of Fenest” series, featuring Detective Cora Gorderheim, and really needs the reader to have finished the previous two for it to make much sense.
Fans of the series will know that the books combine a police procedural theme with a political background where elected Storytellers, representing various Realms, are important personages, all wrapped up in a fantasy setting. It’s a world where elections are fought and won on stories, which themselves are power.
Following the events of “The Stretcher and the Mute”, Cora has been stripped of her badge by the Chief Inspector, and her priority now is to protect her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller. Ruth must tell her tale of the Tear widening if people are to know the truth of what's happening in the Union of Realms.
What follows is a tense journey across seas, to spread the word, and both sisters face challenges, hard decisions and unwanted truths. It’s another wonderful read, albeit hard to follow in places.
Cora Gorderheim is a complex character – flawed, compassionate, and conflicted, but always trying to do the right thing. It’s been good to see her grow through the series, even when she gets things wrong. The publisher blurb ends with “…slowly Cora realizes she must make a terrible choice: her sister's life, or the future of the Union.” That’s all you need to know to realise how things go.
This has been a rich, complex and thought-provoking series, and really needs to be read twice to be fully appreciated. My NetGalley ARC was marked as “mystery & thrillers / sci-fi & fantasy” but I’m certain the series was previously referred to as “young adult”. But the books defy genre-fication. They are what they are – stories about the importance of storytelling, the dangers of political control, and the decisions we need to make in life.
The books will appeal to fans of Ben Aaronvitch, Samantha Shannon, and Laini Taylor. Definitely recommended.
July 31, 2022
This was a great end to a wonderful political fantasy novel (not a genre I thought I’d ever enjoy!).
In this book, I feel the writers finally found their sweet spot. The first book felt a little disjointed and as if you could tell two people had written it but throughout the series, the voices merged into a brilliant story.
The Rustan and Wayward stories were definitely worth the wait and I thought the differences in how the divided people of the realms all showed their unique qualities and thoughts through their storytelling and values was thought provoking.
Cora was still centre stage in the finale but I feel like it came full circle to give Nicolas back his voice after his murder. The crime noir theme of the book definitely picked up in the final instalment and crossed over into the adventure genre and I think this worked really well.
If you want an interesting trilogy with a unique, whimsical, winding-tales sort of story then I really do think this series was brilliant and this was a strong ending that left me emotional but satisfied.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
In this book, I feel the writers finally found their sweet spot. The first book felt a little disjointed and as if you could tell two people had written it but throughout the series, the voices merged into a brilliant story.
The Rustan and Wayward stories were definitely worth the wait and I thought the differences in how the divided people of the realms all showed their unique qualities and thoughts through their storytelling and values was thought provoking.
Cora was still centre stage in the finale but I feel like it came full circle to give Nicolas back his voice after his murder. The crime noir theme of the book definitely picked up in the final instalment and crossed over into the adventure genre and I think this worked really well.
If you want an interesting trilogy with a unique, whimsical, winding-tales sort of story then I really do think this series was brilliant and this was a strong ending that left me emotional but satisfied.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
December 18, 2022
A story that must be told, but a story that some would kill for. Detective Cora has to protect her sister Ruth, in order for her to tell her story. Choices need to be made and they’re going to be hard to take.
A great end to the Tales of Fenest story.
A great end to the Tales of Fenest story.
June 3, 2022
A bittersweet and beautiful ending to a compelling trilogy. The stories were definitely worth the wait.
August 15, 2021
My thanks to Head of Zeus for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Farewell to the Liar’ by D.K. Fields in exchange for an honest review. I combined reading with its unabridged audiobook edition narrated by Sophie Roberts.
This is Book 3 in their Tales of Fenest trilogy, which began in 2019 with ‘Widow’s Welcome’, followed by ‘The Stitcher and the Mute’ in 2020. Fields has skilfully presented this conclusion that combines themes of politics and storytelling. The police procedural aspect that was important in the first two books is of less prominence in the final book.
Again, as this is a trilogy, the books should be read in order though some background is provided to refresh memory. However, I won’t say much about the plot in order to avoid spoilers for the previous books for those yet to read them.
Central to the trilogy is the election, held every five years, in which storytellers from the six realms present their tales in Fenest to masked listeners that represent the Swaying Audience, the 50 gods of the realms. Here, the final two stories are to be presented by the Rustan and Wayward storytellers.
Detective Cora Gorderheim, the trilogy’s main protagonist, has to protect the life of her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller from those that wish for the message of the story to be silenced.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion to this excellent trilogy that has combined brilliant world building with well realised characters and an engaging plot.
Highly recommended.
This is Book 3 in their Tales of Fenest trilogy, which began in 2019 with ‘Widow’s Welcome’, followed by ‘The Stitcher and the Mute’ in 2020. Fields has skilfully presented this conclusion that combines themes of politics and storytelling. The police procedural aspect that was important in the first two books is of less prominence in the final book.
Again, as this is a trilogy, the books should be read in order though some background is provided to refresh memory. However, I won’t say much about the plot in order to avoid spoilers for the previous books for those yet to read them.
Central to the trilogy is the election, held every five years, in which storytellers from the six realms present their tales in Fenest to masked listeners that represent the Swaying Audience, the 50 gods of the realms. Here, the final two stories are to be presented by the Rustan and Wayward storytellers.
Detective Cora Gorderheim, the trilogy’s main protagonist, has to protect the life of her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller from those that wish for the message of the story to be silenced.
Overall, a satisfying conclusion to this excellent trilogy that has combined brilliant world building with well realised characters and an engaging plot.
Highly recommended.
August 23, 2021
Farewell to the Liar by D.K. Fields
📓Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Thriller
Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔖 This book is actually the concluding novel of a trilogy. I haven't honesty read the first two, but this one was intriguing enough on its own.
🔖The story primarily follows ex-Detective Cora Gorderheim – a well-written and strong female protagonist – who is on a dual quest of keeping her sister safe as well as trying to expose the political corruption of her land.
🔖What I really liked about this book is how the author mixes two completely different genres – mystery/thriller with fantasy/sci-fi. The writing is well-crafted and does proper justice to the story.
🔖I really enjoyed this book and will surely like to read the first two novels of this series.
🔸Final Verdict: Good
🔸Book Cover: I loved the style
🔸Writing Style: Well-paced
🔸Character Development: Good
✨Many thanks to Head of Zeus (Publisher) and Netgalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
#FarewellToTheLiar #NetGalley #arc
📓Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Thriller
Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔖 This book is actually the concluding novel of a trilogy. I haven't honesty read the first two, but this one was intriguing enough on its own.
🔖The story primarily follows ex-Detective Cora Gorderheim – a well-written and strong female protagonist – who is on a dual quest of keeping her sister safe as well as trying to expose the political corruption of her land.
🔖What I really liked about this book is how the author mixes two completely different genres – mystery/thriller with fantasy/sci-fi. The writing is well-crafted and does proper justice to the story.
🔖I really enjoyed this book and will surely like to read the first two novels of this series.
🔸Final Verdict: Good
🔸Book Cover: I loved the style
🔸Writing Style: Well-paced
🔸Character Development: Good
✨Many thanks to Head of Zeus (Publisher) and Netgalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
#FarewellToTheLiar #NetGalley #arc
July 29, 2021
When I got this ARC I had no idea that it was part of a trilogy, I honestly just wanted to read it because it sounded really interesting. The whole series is really great and this book provides an excellent conclusion to the overall story.
Farewell to the Liar has really excellent world building and all of the locales are really neat. The characters are also great and display excellent personal growth and development. Overall, it's a really pleasing read.
Farewell to the Liar has really excellent world building and all of the locales are really neat. The characters are also great and display excellent personal growth and development. Overall, it's a really pleasing read.
August 8, 2021
It's always sad to say goodbye to che characters of a series but I thoroughly enjoyed this last instalment as it was gripping and the end satisfying.
There's plenty going on and the story deals with fundamental issues like ecology.
Great world building and character development, a plot that flows and never drags.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's plenty going on and the story deals with fundamental issues like ecology.
Great world building and character development, a plot that flows and never drags.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
arcs
May 17, 2021Thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing an ARC!
August 22, 2021
Loved this, loved the whole trilogy.
Full review here
https://www.fullofabook.co.uk/farewel...
Full review here
https://www.fullofabook.co.uk/farewel...
April 6, 2023
Probably the best of a trilogy that's solid-to-strong throughout, albeit never quite making that leap into being something truly special. Would happily read more stories in this world, though, should DK Fields ever return to it.
This final part features the last two election Stories, the first of which is livened up by its unique presentation. In the Rusting Mountains, an elderly man is set on a bold new path by a mysterious being that may-or-may-not-be real. What livens this one up is the presentation, as the narrator frequently speaks directly to the protagonist, who often replies directly to them/us, making it particularly distinctive and a lot of fun to read.
In between the two Stories, we get longer sections with Cora than previous novels, and with her embarking on an adventure with a host of other characters, it makes for a more dynamic and entertaining time than most of her segments in the previous books. Of course, it’s all building to the final election Story, the telling of which will decide the future of this world. Fittingly, it’s a strong one, where the message is stark and impossible to ignore, and carries plenty of weight, both for the world of the novel, and that of the reader.
The whole trilogy ultimately plays like a giant election Story appealing to us, in the real world. For all that the people of the Union need to hear what the all-important final story has to tell, it’s equally important that readers in our world to pay attention and heed the warnings. After all, there’s power in stories…
This final part features the last two election Stories, the first of which is livened up by its unique presentation. In the Rusting Mountains, an elderly man is set on a bold new path by a mysterious being that may-or-may-not-be real. What livens this one up is the presentation, as the narrator frequently speaks directly to the protagonist, who often replies directly to them/us, making it particularly distinctive and a lot of fun to read.
In between the two Stories, we get longer sections with Cora than previous novels, and with her embarking on an adventure with a host of other characters, it makes for a more dynamic and entertaining time than most of her segments in the previous books. Of course, it’s all building to the final election Story, the telling of which will decide the future of this world. Fittingly, it’s a strong one, where the message is stark and impossible to ignore, and carries plenty of weight, both for the world of the novel, and that of the reader.
The whole trilogy ultimately plays like a giant election Story appealing to us, in the real world. For all that the people of the Union need to hear what the all-important final story has to tell, it’s equally important that readers in our world to pay attention and heed the warnings. After all, there’s power in stories…
November 5, 2022
Like in the previous books, there was a mystery component and an incredible world where the politics and mythology revolve around storytelling! I also enjoyed the commentary and social discussion explored in this third book.
Bullet review:
- Nested stories
- Creative worldbuilding
- Mystery plot
- Engaging pacing
- Noir vibes
- Unique lore
- Moving conclusion
The stories within stories just give this world an incredible dimension and vivid feel!
This wrapped up so beautifully! I love the character development, the final nested story, the larger perspective...everything! This series really deserves more hype!
Bullet review:
- Nested stories
- Creative worldbuilding
- Mystery plot
- Engaging pacing
- Noir vibes
- Unique lore
- Moving conclusion
The stories within stories just give this world an incredible dimension and vivid feel!
This wrapped up so beautifully! I love the character development, the final nested story, the larger perspective...everything! This series really deserves more hype!
October 16, 2021
Cora Gorderheim, recently stripped of her job as a detective, is currently on a single mission: to protect her sister Ruth, the Wayward storyteller, until the story is told for the election. As a former detective in Fenest, she is quite skilled at getting places. But she runs against a number of challenges in the run-up to the story, and there are those who don't want the Wayward story told and are willing to kill to prevent it.
I will start by advising I was unaware of this book being the third in a trilogy when I requested it and went into this without the considerable world-building and background that reading the earlier books would have afforded. That said, I was able to piece together some of the story while reading and so feel able to give this a fair review. I will admit it was really difficult to get started, feeling very much like I was thrown into the deep end. The whole concept of storytelling in this world is hard to grasp in this volume but I did get a good feel for some other aspects of this world. The two stories told in this book were quite engaging in their own ways. I had little or no understanding of either the Rustan or Wayward before these stories but I felt they gave a lot of insight into how they live.
I liked the character of Cora in that she seems to be quite rough around the edges but she's a good detective and she is dedicated and loyal to those who deserve it. It seems she's been dealt a few bad hands in her life but she has risen above it and made her own choices to live the life she wants. Her sister, on the other hand, is much harder to fathom and she has made choices that are quite different. Ruth has little value to her own life during this book, except that she must deliver the story. Outside of that she puts no importance on herself or others who might get in her way. Perhaps earlier story helps round out Ruth's background but I find her hard to reconcile her becoming a Wayward when she was born and raised in Fenest. I'm not quite sure how that works in this world. I do feel as though she is meant to be a less complete character, at least in the sense of her life story being told. Certainly from Cora's point of view, there are massive empty spaces in Ruth's past that may never be known.
Overall I enjoyed this book for what it was but I imagine I'd have enjoyed it more had I been able to read the previous parts of the story. Based on what was presented I will give this a 4 star rating. I would like to thank Netgalley and Head of Zeus for a free advanced reader copy. I am providing this review voluntarily.
I will start by advising I was unaware of this book being the third in a trilogy when I requested it and went into this without the considerable world-building and background that reading the earlier books would have afforded. That said, I was able to piece together some of the story while reading and so feel able to give this a fair review. I will admit it was really difficult to get started, feeling very much like I was thrown into the deep end. The whole concept of storytelling in this world is hard to grasp in this volume but I did get a good feel for some other aspects of this world. The two stories told in this book were quite engaging in their own ways. I had little or no understanding of either the Rustan or Wayward before these stories but I felt they gave a lot of insight into how they live.
I liked the character of Cora in that she seems to be quite rough around the edges but she's a good detective and she is dedicated and loyal to those who deserve it. It seems she's been dealt a few bad hands in her life but she has risen above it and made her own choices to live the life she wants. Her sister, on the other hand, is much harder to fathom and she has made choices that are quite different. Ruth has little value to her own life during this book, except that she must deliver the story. Outside of that she puts no importance on herself or others who might get in her way. Perhaps earlier story helps round out Ruth's background but I find her hard to reconcile her becoming a Wayward when she was born and raised in Fenest. I'm not quite sure how that works in this world. I do feel as though she is meant to be a less complete character, at least in the sense of her life story being told. Certainly from Cora's point of view, there are massive empty spaces in Ruth's past that may never be known.
Overall I enjoyed this book for what it was but I imagine I'd have enjoyed it more had I been able to read the previous parts of the story. Based on what was presented I will give this a 4 star rating. I would like to thank Netgalley and Head of Zeus for a free advanced reader copy. I am providing this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2021
Cora has recently lost her job as a detective, however, now has the job to protect her sister Ruth the new Wayward storyteller; until the story is told at the election.
Throughout her journey, she shows growth, compassion and faces great danger.
Overall this was a very intriguing, well-written and engaging novel.
However, I had not realised this was the final installment in a trilogy; in which I am sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it from book one.
So if you do plan to read this. I do recommend reading books 1 and 2 first.
Throughout her journey, she shows growth, compassion and faces great danger.
Overall this was a very intriguing, well-written and engaging novel.
However, I had not realised this was the final installment in a trilogy; in which I am sure I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it from book one.
So if you do plan to read this. I do recommend reading books 1 and 2 first.
March 29, 2022
Whoa!! I was not ready for this one. Fast enough paced to keep me interested. I read the first two in the series before completing this thanks to NetGalley and I think for the first time I was wholly okay with the way a series ended!
February 1, 2022
Though I feel the ending - basically the part after the Wayward's story - was a bit rushed, overall, this was a strong conclusion to this trilogy.
Read
May 12, 2023an other interesting read
October 6, 2024
I still have no idea how I feel about this series. The world building was so good but the story just didn't quite get there
November 24, 2024
A great storyline, but as I couldn't get the second book in the trilogy I feel I missed out on so much.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews