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The League of Liars #1
League of Liars
In this fantasy thriller, four teens charged with murder and the illegal use of magic band together to devise the ultimate jailbreak. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and How to Get Away with Murder.
Ever since his mother was killed, seventeen-year-old Cayder Broduck has had one goal—to see illegal users of magic brought to justice. People who carelessly use extradimensional magic for their own self-interest, without a care to the damage it does to society or those around them, deserve the worst kind of punishment as far as Cayder is concerned. Because magic always has a price. So when Cayder lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to apprentice under a premier public defender, he takes it. If he can learn all the tricks of public defense, the better he’ll be able to dismantle defense arguments when he’s a prosecutor. Then he’ll finally be able to punish the guilty without mercy.
But when he meets the three criminals he’s supposed to defend, it no longer seems so black and white. They’re teenagers, like him, and their stories are . . . complicated, like his. Vardean, the prison where Cayder’s new clients are incarcerated, also happens to be at the very heart of the horrible tear in the veil between their world and another dimension—where all magic comes from.
League of Liars is a dark and twisty mystery set in a richly-drawn world where nothing is as it seems, rife with magic, villains and danger.
Ever since his mother was killed, seventeen-year-old Cayder Broduck has had one goal—to see illegal users of magic brought to justice. People who carelessly use extradimensional magic for their own self-interest, without a care to the damage it does to society or those around them, deserve the worst kind of punishment as far as Cayder is concerned. Because magic always has a price. So when Cayder lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to apprentice under a premier public defender, he takes it. If he can learn all the tricks of public defense, the better he’ll be able to dismantle defense arguments when he’s a prosecutor. Then he’ll finally be able to punish the guilty without mercy.
But when he meets the three criminals he’s supposed to defend, it no longer seems so black and white. They’re teenagers, like him, and their stories are . . . complicated, like his. Vardean, the prison where Cayder’s new clients are incarcerated, also happens to be at the very heart of the horrible tear in the veil between their world and another dimension—where all magic comes from.
League of Liars is a dark and twisty mystery set in a richly-drawn world where nothing is as it seems, rife with magic, villains and danger.
432 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
135 people are currently reading
17076 people want to read
About the author
Astrid Scholte
6 books1,776 followersAstrid Scholte is the internationally bestselling and award-winning author of Four Dead Queens, The Vanishing Deep, League of Liars and Shadows of Truth. Fallen Beauty is next! She also works in film production, highlights include working on James Cameron’s Avatar and currently works at Industrial Light & Magic on their latest big blockbuster.
You can find Astrid posting about books, cats and Disney on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram @AstridScholte
You can find Astrid posting about books, cats and Disney on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram @AstridScholte
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 585 reviews
October 21, 2021
okay, im a bit confused. there is no information anywhere that says this is going to be a series. so if this is indeed a standalone, the ending is… pretty bad. so much is left unresolved and the ending feels like a set up for another book, so thats what im going to assume it is? because if not, my rating should be much lower for leaving questions unanswered and a plot unfinished. i will update accordingly once i find out more information.
now that thats out of the way. for what this is, its pretty good! this story basically says murder trial and jail escape, but make it sci-fantasy. the whole concept of the edem and how its used is unique. im not quite sure i completely understand it, but i like how criminal trials are based on the mark it leaves on the user afterwards. i also really enjoyed how connected all the characters are, from the criminals to the young intern defending them.
the only reason im not rounding up my rating (not taking into consideration the ending) is because i just wanted more from this. more character development, more use of magic, more world-building. the entire story feels pretty basic with so many different aspects that could be further explored. its pretty decent for what it is, but i felt like it could have been more.
so overall, a pretty fun and unique story. definitely will keep my eyes open to see if theres mention of another book planned. if not, i really hope the conclusion is revised before final publication.
thanks so much putnam for the ARC!!
↠ 3.5 stars
now that thats out of the way. for what this is, its pretty good! this story basically says murder trial and jail escape, but make it sci-fantasy. the whole concept of the edem and how its used is unique. im not quite sure i completely understand it, but i like how criminal trials are based on the mark it leaves on the user afterwards. i also really enjoyed how connected all the characters are, from the criminals to the young intern defending them.
the only reason im not rounding up my rating (not taking into consideration the ending) is because i just wanted more from this. more character development, more use of magic, more world-building. the entire story feels pretty basic with so many different aspects that could be further explored. its pretty decent for what it is, but i felt like it could have been more.
so overall, a pretty fun and unique story. definitely will keep my eyes open to see if theres mention of another book planned. if not, i really hope the conclusion is revised before final publication.
thanks so much putnam for the ARC!!
↠ 3.5 stars
Read
July 29, 2021UPDATE! The cover has been revealed and the book can now be pre-ordered! It will be released on Feb 22, 2022!
https://www.astridscholte.com/leagueo...
---
I have a new book! So excited to share LEAGUE OF LIARS with you all in Fall 2021!
LEAGUE OF LIARS is set in a dark magical prison with a crew of misfit criminals, all claiming to be innocent, despite the overwhelming evidence. But in a world where reality can be distorted by magic, how can you tell the truth from the lies?
It features multiple POVs with letters, diagrams and illustrations! I am SO excited to share this book with you!
https://www.astridscholte.com/leagueo...
---
I have a new book! So excited to share LEAGUE OF LIARS with you all in Fall 2021!
LEAGUE OF LIARS is set in a dark magical prison with a crew of misfit criminals, all claiming to be innocent, despite the overwhelming evidence. But in a world where reality can be distorted by magic, how can you tell the truth from the lies?
It features multiple POVs with letters, diagrams and illustrations! I am SO excited to share this book with you!
February 23, 2022
At this point I have nobody to blame but myself, but I saw “Six of Crows” and just couldn’t resist. So now after attempting three of Astrid Scholte’s YA Fantasy novels, I have to acknowledge that they just don’t work for me.
Each of her book ideas have showed such promise, with a unique and intriguing premise that sets itself apart from others currently on the market. And I get sucked in by that allure. But what I’ve realized over time is that these ideas don’t ever reach the expectations I have for them, and I end up disappointed.
League of Liars starts as a courtroom drama that eventually becomes heist-adjacent, but with neither really being believable nor compelling. The “criminal justice system” that we’re painstakingly walked through has rules that don’t behave like actual rules, with an air of making-it-up-as-we-go-along. It’s just so goofy. Every step feels like a prank. There’s no way to take any of the proceedings seriously despite the consequences intending to be dire. The heist is also probably one of the most anti-climactic things I’ve ever read.
I wish I could balance out this review with some things I enjoyed, but I can’t come up with anything. The characters were poorly developed, the dialogue was so cringey. And almost every main and supporting character is a moron. I could not tell if Scholte was going for a broader social commentary, but nothing like that landed for me. None of the larger world was elaborated on, the magic system was breezed over and completely unexplained—we were given nothing to think about, let alone get invested in.
The intention behind Scholte’s books, that initial idea, is always so much more than what the story ends up being. And whether it’s due to limitations she feels within the audience/genre, the page constraints in a single novel or just her own capacity as a writer, the concept is delivered half-baked. I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual writing process for her was a lot less fulfilling or interesting than brainstorming and plotting sessions. Her lack of interest, or of finesse, shows in her work, and it leaves the reader with a similarly lackluster and dull experience.
For anyone wondering, this is clearly a setup for some kind of series, I believe the first one the author has attempted. I can’t imagine someone wanting to read more of this world, but to each their own. I guess if you’re looking for a magic system constructed around shadows, try Book of Night by Holly Black. If you want a band of misfits planning and executing a prison break, definitely pick up Six of Crows. But between both the borrowed and unformed concepts, I can’t think of anyone I would recommend League of Liars to.
*Thanks to Penguin Teen for an advance review copy! (and I’m sorry)
**For more book talk & reviews, follow me on Instagram at @elle_mentbooks!
Each of her book ideas have showed such promise, with a unique and intriguing premise that sets itself apart from others currently on the market. And I get sucked in by that allure. But what I’ve realized over time is that these ideas don’t ever reach the expectations I have for them, and I end up disappointed.
League of Liars starts as a courtroom drama that eventually becomes heist-adjacent, but with neither really being believable nor compelling. The “criminal justice system” that we’re painstakingly walked through has rules that don’t behave like actual rules, with an air of making-it-up-as-we-go-along. It’s just so goofy. Every step feels like a prank. There’s no way to take any of the proceedings seriously despite the consequences intending to be dire. The heist is also probably one of the most anti-climactic things I’ve ever read.
I wish I could balance out this review with some things I enjoyed, but I can’t come up with anything. The characters were poorly developed, the dialogue was so cringey. And almost every main and supporting character is a moron. I could not tell if Scholte was going for a broader social commentary, but nothing like that landed for me. None of the larger world was elaborated on, the magic system was breezed over and completely unexplained—we were given nothing to think about, let alone get invested in.
The intention behind Scholte’s books, that initial idea, is always so much more than what the story ends up being. And whether it’s due to limitations she feels within the audience/genre, the page constraints in a single novel or just her own capacity as a writer, the concept is delivered half-baked. I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual writing process for her was a lot less fulfilling or interesting than brainstorming and plotting sessions. Her lack of interest, or of finesse, shows in her work, and it leaves the reader with a similarly lackluster and dull experience.
For anyone wondering, this is clearly a setup for some kind of series, I believe the first one the author has attempted. I can’t imagine someone wanting to read more of this world, but to each their own. I guess if you’re looking for a magic system constructed around shadows, try Book of Night by Holly Black. If you want a band of misfits planning and executing a prison break, definitely pick up Six of Crows. But between both the borrowed and unformed concepts, I can’t think of anyone I would recommend League of Liars to.
*Thanks to Penguin Teen for an advance review copy! (and I’m sorry)
**For more book talk & reviews, follow me on Instagram at @elle_mentbooks!
March 15, 2022
3.75 stars
SOO Astrid Scholte is FANTASTIC. And this book was no exception, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea :(
Why I loved it:
- The characters were rollercoasters of entertainment
- There was *humor* and that's a bestseller for moi
- There were a ton of twists and turns that had me hooked
- Just cuz it was written by Astrid Scholte, I mean come on
Why it might not be everyone's cup of ~~tea~~:
- Quite a bit of the book was just made up of the trial that takes place in the story, and while I LOVE reading about court systems and straight-up court cases, a lot of people might find that really boring
- The plot felt a bit repetitive
- There wasn't any finished ending, and that was frustrating since there isn't any planned sequel. A lot of other reviews say this too, cuz it's true. The ending was set up fantastically for a sequel but as of yet there isn't one and that's disappointing :(
Otherwise, this was a wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotions and betrayals (yes, that's in there mwah ahhaaha) and you should definitely read if you love true crime and fantasy!!
I revived an advance review copy from the publisher. This in no way changes my thoughts or my review. Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC!
SOO Astrid Scholte is FANTASTIC. And this book was no exception, but it might not be everyone's cup of tea :(
Why I loved it:
- The characters were rollercoasters of entertainment
- There was *humor* and that's a bestseller for moi
- There were a ton of twists and turns that had me hooked
- Just cuz it was written by Astrid Scholte, I mean come on
Why it might not be everyone's cup of ~~tea~~:
- Quite a bit of the book was just made up of the trial that takes place in the story, and while I LOVE reading about court systems and straight-up court cases, a lot of people might find that really boring
- The plot felt a bit repetitive
- There wasn't any finished ending, and that was frustrating since there isn't any planned sequel. A lot of other reviews say this too, cuz it's true. The ending was set up fantastically for a sequel but as of yet there isn't one and that's disappointing :(
Otherwise, this was a wonderful rollercoaster ride of emotions and betrayals (yes, that's in there mwah ahhaaha) and you should definitely read if you love true crime and fantasy!!
I revived an advance review copy from the publisher. This in no way changes my thoughts or my review. Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC!
March 26, 2025
Re-read review three years later
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's been three years and I'm STILL screaming at people to read this😭😭😭
This book came at the RIGHT time and swept me off my feet, made me fall in love and reduced my screen time (and study time—sorry!) by like at least 90%. This is unlike anything I have ever read before. This book is a breath of fresh air in a world full of fantasy novels with the same tropes (nothing wrong with trope-y books, I do enjoy them sometimes but a girl needs a break sometimes). League of Liars mostly (I say mostly because it is not the most intricately thought out of or developed system I've read) delivers on the promise of an exquisitely unique magic system that I promise you have never seen before anywhere else. I am unfortunately unable to form thoughts as coherent as myself from three years ago but please read this book. Please just read it. Thank you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3
“Don’t be one of those people who hates their life but doesn’t have the courage to change it,”
Find this review and others on my blog
Check out my Spotify playlist and Pinterest board for this book ✨
Ok ok ok imagine Six of Crows (I literally feel like a reality show host trying to hook you to read this book in 2 seconds) with all the found family morally grey messed up people we love to love but make it a legal thriller with a jailbreak and a deliciously dark atmosphere!
League of Liars felt like a love letter to my law drama and heist story addiction. When I tell you I evaporated (see below reactions I made on a pretty regular basis before I got arc) I FREAKING EVAPORATED when I found out this was going to be a thing and this delivered faster and more efficiently than my food panda order, I ate this book up and left no crumbs LKSDJFLAKSDFJALKSDF
The only reason this isn't a 5 star because I just want more
⭒❃.✮:▹ Synopsis ◃:✮.❃⭒
Cayder Broduck's mother was killed when he was really young due to illegal use of magic case, for that he has always wanted to serve justice and punish people who use extradimensional magic called edem. So when he gets a chance to apprentice under the number one edem based crime public defender, he takes it in an attempt to shorten his law school years from 4 to 2 with the apprenticeship.
“I say listen, as their stories are all we have. And yes, they are simply stories. Their point of view. What they saw. What they smelled. What they heard. And what they did and didn’t do. Is it fact? Is it the truth?” He paused, and I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to answer. “We don’t know.”
But when he meets the three criminals he's supposed to defend, it no longer seems so black and white. They're teenagers, like him, and their stories are . . . complicated, like his. Vardean, the prison where Cayder's new clients are incarcerated, also happens to be at the very heart of the horrible tear in the veil between their world and another dimension--where all magic comes from.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Plot ◃:✮.❃⭒
𝓣𝓡𝓞𝓟𝓔𝓢 𝓕𝓞𝓤𝓝𝓓 𝓘𝓝 𝓣𝓗𝓘𝓢 𝓑𝓞𝓞𝓚
- Found family
- Complicated family dynamics
- Dark setting
- Dark veil
- Heist
- Courtroom drama
- Murder mystery
- Multiple POV
- Morally grey main character
THIS is how you write a fast-paced plot that hooks you from page 1
I'm invested in their story more than my own life that explains me staying up late reading instead of studying for when I have exams the next morning
It was fast paced, dramatic and straight to the point and I ATE IT UP
Litereally the best part about this book is the fast-paced and amazing plot.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Characters ◃:✮.❃⭒
There are four main characters we follow - Cayder the "main" main character and like 50-60% of this book is told from his perspective, Lena his sister, Jey who is charged for his father's murder, and Princess Elanora.
They all have a story,” Graymond said with a sweep of his arms, raising his voice over the racket. “Are you ready to listen?”
I liked the characters a lot but I can't help feeling like there wasn't enough dept.. yes I admire and LOVE the way a 300-page book develop characters and make me feel but I can't help wanting more from this story and the characters (that's why the 4.3 ratings instead of 5 and a desperate chant for a sequel). I also wouldn't call this found family trope at its best to be honest.
⚖️ Cayder Broduck
" I hated the feeling of being lost within my own home. Homes were supposed to be full of love and laughter, not empty hallways and closed doors. My mother’s presence lingered within the walls, and Leta and I were too scared to make noise and frighten the memories of her away. The house was a tomb. Somber and mournful."
Cayder is my favourite character from here, his mom's very early death has shaped him a lot and it's written very well. His love for the law and the justice system reminds me of myself a lot but then he realizes people in power kind of suck (I have that realization every now and then and get existential crisis just like him lol), that was amazing to see. I love his development and I can't wait to see more of him.
🔥 Lena Broduck
" She felt like she was back in the courtroom, where everyone was discussing her fate, as though her opinion on the subject didn’t matter. That was one of the reasons Leta loved art. She could control it. And it never controlled her.
Lena was also affected by her mom's death but in a very different way, I liked seeing that and I liked her but nothing too memorable.
⚔️ Jey
"Over the two years Jey had lived under his father’s roof, he’d learned his father had two default settings: annoyed and disinterested. Most of the time, he alternating between both when in Jey’s presence."
Initially he felt like the cliche comedic relief and he was just that for the most part but there was this thing around the 75% point that totally changed my perspective of him so I really like him for now.
☠ Princess Elanora
I mean, she didn't even make an appearance until the 30% point? I'm writing this reviewing around ten days after I finished reading this and I honestly can't remember much about my feelings for her, she was good, I guess.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Worldbuilding/Magic system◃:✮.❃⭒
The magic system is really unique, so in this world there are two dimentions. One is where all source of magic (edem) comes from and the other side is where humans live. These two places are divided by a black veil in the water. It obviously pulls some inspiration from the Grishaverse but instead of haivng the usual grisha magic and the shadow fold, magic itself come from the shadow fold and magic is accesible to all people (though it is very much illegal) in only one form and that is commanding the darkness to alter time and change things/bring different things from different times.
"Out on the horizon, a black streak cleaved the sky in two. Like a static bolt of lightning, but where light should be, darkness reigned. Known as the veil, it was the source of edem and many kids’ nightmares. A fissure between our world and another, allowing time altering magic to seep through."
There's also a prison for people who use this magic called Vardean.
"And in the hundred years of Vardean, no one had ever escaped."
There's not much worldbuilding except the veil and the prison so I do want more dept but I was still satisifed with the unique magic system.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Writing ◃:✮.❃⭒
“Justice is an illusion. A mask we wear over our grief. Take off the mask, and the pain is visible for everyone to see.”
The writing was good, not quotable but it worked for the story it was trying to tell? This is more a plot driven fast paced book so there's not much to gain from the writing. I wish we had more perspective from the other 3 characters except Cayder but that would have made the book longer (which I don't mind at all) but then again it wouldn't be as fast paced anymore.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Conclusion◃:✮.❃⭒
✔️ Plot - I enjoyed the pot so much, it was the very thrilling and hooked me from page one.
🆗✔️ Characters - I loved the "main" main character Cayder, but the rest weren't amazing. This isn't a big problem becasue the plot saved the book.
✔️ Magic system - Very unique and amazing.
🆗✔️ Wolrdbuilding - The world is really cool but I wish there was more expansions (this is just be being super picky to be honet, the worldbuilding was also pretty cool)
🆗✔️ Writing - It's good, not beautiful nor very quotable. I would be really happy if the published edition (which i will 100% be rereading) has some editing.
Rating system
❌= I did not like it
🆗= It was ok, I have nothing against but it doesn't stand out
✔️ = It was great and I wouldn't change anything about it
❌🆗 = Somewhere between I did not like it and ok
🆗✔️= Somewhere between ok and great
* The quotes in this review are subject to change. Arc provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
11.2.22
I FINISHED... AND THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
This book is objectively 3.5 but my enjoyment is so high I cannot rate this any lower than 4.25 (smiley)
*whisper* please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel *whisper*
FULL REVIEW TO COME (heart)
22.2.2022
Besties I got an arc from edelweiss omg omg omg
I.CAN'T.WAIT.
-----------------------------
24.11.2021
I swear it's literally torture to log into netgalley website every day and all you see is "pending"
Oh I'm going mad because of this book, aren't I?
-----------------------------
23.11.2021
I NEEDED THIS IN MY LIFE YESTERDAY, I NEED THIS TODAY AND WILL DOTOMORROW
I MUST HAVE THIS SIX OF CROWS MEETS HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER FANTASY LAW THRILLER HEIST IN MY LIFE 😍😍
--------------------------------
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's been three years and I'm STILL screaming at people to read this😭😭😭
This book came at the RIGHT time and swept me off my feet, made me fall in love and reduced my screen time (and study time—sorry!) by like at least 90%. This is unlike anything I have ever read before. This book is a breath of fresh air in a world full of fantasy novels with the same tropes (nothing wrong with trope-y books, I do enjoy them sometimes but a girl needs a break sometimes). League of Liars mostly (I say mostly because it is not the most intricately thought out of or developed system I've read) delivers on the promise of an exquisitely unique magic system that I promise you have never seen before anywhere else. I am unfortunately unable to form thoughts as coherent as myself from three years ago but please read this book. Please just read it. Thank you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3
“Don’t be one of those people who hates their life but doesn’t have the courage to change it,”
Find this review and others on my blog
Check out my Spotify playlist and Pinterest board for this book ✨
Ok ok ok imagine Six of Crows (I literally feel like a reality show host trying to hook you to read this book in 2 seconds) with all the found family morally grey messed up people we love to love but make it a legal thriller with a jailbreak and a deliciously dark atmosphere!
League of Liars felt like a love letter to my law drama and heist story addiction. When I tell you I evaporated (see below reactions I made on a pretty regular basis before I got arc) I FREAKING EVAPORATED when I found out this was going to be a thing and this delivered faster and more efficiently than my food panda order, I ate this book up and left no crumbs LKSDJFLAKSDFJALKSDF
⭒❃.✮:▹ Synopsis ◃:✮.❃⭒
Cayder Broduck's mother was killed when he was really young due to illegal use of magic case, for that he has always wanted to serve justice and punish people who use extradimensional magic called edem. So when he gets a chance to apprentice under the number one edem based crime public defender, he takes it in an attempt to shorten his law school years from 4 to 2 with the apprenticeship.
“I say listen, as their stories are all we have. And yes, they are simply stories. Their point of view. What they saw. What they smelled. What they heard. And what they did and didn’t do. Is it fact? Is it the truth?” He paused, and I wasn’t sure if he wanted me to answer. “We don’t know.”
But when he meets the three criminals he's supposed to defend, it no longer seems so black and white. They're teenagers, like him, and their stories are . . . complicated, like his. Vardean, the prison where Cayder's new clients are incarcerated, also happens to be at the very heart of the horrible tear in the veil between their world and another dimension--where all magic comes from.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Plot ◃:✮.❃⭒
𝓣𝓡𝓞𝓟𝓔𝓢 𝓕𝓞𝓤𝓝𝓓 𝓘𝓝 𝓣𝓗𝓘𝓢 𝓑𝓞𝓞𝓚
- Found family
- Complicated family dynamics
- Dark setting
- Dark veil
- Heist
- Courtroom drama
- Murder mystery
- Multiple POV
- Morally grey main character
THIS is how you write a fast-paced plot that hooks you from page 1
I'm invested in their story more than my own life
It was fast paced, dramatic and straight to the point and I ATE IT UP
Litereally the best part about this book is the fast-paced and amazing plot.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Characters ◃:✮.❃⭒
There are four main characters we follow - Cayder the "main" main character and like 50-60% of this book is told from his perspective, Lena his sister, Jey who is charged for his father's murder, and Princess Elanora.
They all have a story,” Graymond said with a sweep of his arms, raising his voice over the racket. “Are you ready to listen?”
I liked the characters a lot but I can't help feeling like there wasn't enough dept.. yes I admire and LOVE the way a 300-page book develop characters and make me feel but I can't help wanting more from this story and the characters (that's why the 4.3 ratings instead of 5 and a desperate chant for a sequel). I also wouldn't call this found family trope at its best to be honest.
⚖️ Cayder Broduck
" I hated the feeling of being lost within my own home. Homes were supposed to be full of love and laughter, not empty hallways and closed doors. My mother’s presence lingered within the walls, and Leta and I were too scared to make noise and frighten the memories of her away. The house was a tomb. Somber and mournful."
Cayder is my favourite character from here, his mom's very early death has shaped him a lot and it's written very well. His love for the law and the justice system reminds me of myself a lot but then he realizes people in power kind of suck (I have that realization every now and then and get existential crisis just like him lol), that was amazing to see. I love his development and I can't wait to see more of him.
🔥 Lena Broduck
" She felt like she was back in the courtroom, where everyone was discussing her fate, as though her opinion on the subject didn’t matter. That was one of the reasons Leta loved art. She could control it. And it never controlled her.
Lena was also affected by her mom's death but in a very different way, I liked seeing that and I liked her but nothing too memorable.
⚔️ Jey
"Over the two years Jey had lived under his father’s roof, he’d learned his father had two default settings: annoyed and disinterested. Most of the time, he alternating between both when in Jey’s presence."
Initially he felt like the cliche comedic relief and he was just that for the most part but there was this thing around the 75% point that totally changed my perspective of him so I really like him for now.
☠ Princess Elanora
I mean, she didn't even make an appearance until the 30% point? I'm writing this reviewing around ten days after I finished reading this and I honestly can't remember much about my feelings for her, she was good, I guess.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Worldbuilding/Magic system◃:✮.❃⭒
The magic system is really unique, so in this world there are two dimentions. One is where all source of magic (edem) comes from and the other side is where humans live. These two places are divided by a black veil in the water. It obviously pulls some inspiration from the Grishaverse but instead of haivng the usual grisha magic and the shadow fold, magic itself come from the shadow fold and magic is accesible to all people (though it is very much illegal) in only one form and that is commanding the darkness to alter time and change things/bring different things from different times.
"Out on the horizon, a black streak cleaved the sky in two. Like a static bolt of lightning, but where light should be, darkness reigned. Known as the veil, it was the source of edem and many kids’ nightmares. A fissure between our world and another, allowing time altering magic to seep through."
There's also a prison for people who use this magic called Vardean.
"And in the hundred years of Vardean, no one had ever escaped."
There's not much worldbuilding except the veil and the prison so I do want more dept but I was still satisifed with the unique magic system.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Writing ◃:✮.❃⭒
“Justice is an illusion. A mask we wear over our grief. Take off the mask, and the pain is visible for everyone to see.”
The writing was good, not quotable but it worked for the story it was trying to tell? This is more a plot driven fast paced book so there's not much to gain from the writing. I wish we had more perspective from the other 3 characters except Cayder but that would have made the book longer (which I don't mind at all) but then again it wouldn't be as fast paced anymore.
⭒❃.✮:▹ Conclusion◃:✮.❃⭒
✔️ Plot - I enjoyed the pot so much, it was the very thrilling and hooked me from page one.
🆗✔️ Characters - I loved the "main" main character Cayder, but the rest weren't amazing. This isn't a big problem becasue the plot saved the book.
✔️ Magic system - Very unique and amazing.
🆗✔️ Wolrdbuilding - The world is really cool but I wish there was more expansions (this is just be being super picky to be honet, the worldbuilding was also pretty cool)
🆗✔️ Writing - It's good, not beautiful nor very quotable. I would be really happy if the published edition (which i will 100% be rereading) has some editing.
Rating system
❌= I did not like it
🆗= It was ok, I have nothing against but it doesn't stand out
✔️ = It was great and I wouldn't change anything about it
❌🆗 = Somewhere between I did not like it and ok
🆗✔️= Somewhere between ok and great
* The quotes in this review are subject to change. Arc provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
11.2.22
I FINISHED... AND THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
*whisper* please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel please let there be a sequel *whisper*
FULL REVIEW TO COME (heart)
22.2.2022
Besties I got an arc from edelweiss omg omg omg
I.CAN'T.WAIT.
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24.11.2021
I swear it's literally torture to log into netgalley website every day and all you see is "pending"
Oh I'm going mad because of this book, aren't I?
-----------------------------
23.11.2021
I NEEDED THIS IN MY LIFE YESTERDAY, I NEED THIS TODAY AND WILL DOTOMORROW
I MUST HAVE THIS SIX OF CROWS MEETS HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER FANTASY LAW THRILLER HEIST IN MY LIFE 😍😍
--------------------------------
November 9, 2023
This is a case where the way this book is pitched and the way the synopsis is written makes you think you’re getting one thing but it’s not that at all. This is sold as six of crows meets how to get away with murder. I don’t see the how to get away with murder parallel at all. I vaguely see six of crows but not in the way of an ensemble cast doing a heist. Rather it felt like two of the characters (Jay and Leta) were off brand, watered down versions of Jesper Fahey and Nina Zenik. The similarities between this book and six of crows abruptly stop there.
As for the prison break, I’m not sure why that’s in the synopsis as it doesn’teven begin to happen or be planned or even mentioned until exactly 68% into the book. You’ve gotta sit through a lot to get there.
Other reviews have mentioned this but this book ends abruptly with little closure.
This book should’ve been written as an adult book, been longer, that way more time could’ve been taken on all parts: plot, characters, magic. Instead it feels like an overly long short story in its first draft.
This was a huge disappointment of a book for me.
As for the prison break, I’m not sure why that’s in the synopsis as it doesn’teven begin to happen or be planned or even mentioned until exactly 68% into the book. You’ve gotta sit through a lot to get there.
Other reviews have mentioned this but this book ends abruptly with little closure.
This book should’ve been written as an adult book, been longer, that way more time could’ve been taken on all parts: plot, characters, magic. Instead it feels like an overly long short story in its first draft.
This was a huge disappointment of a book for me.
January 5, 2022
ICYMI, the US preorder campaign for League of Liars has been released!
It includes all four character cards and a sequel sampler to Four Dead Queens!
All you need to do is preorder the book and submit your receipt here
Not long till release now!!!
It includes all four character cards and a sequel sampler to Four Dead Queens!
All you need to do is preorder the book and submit your receipt here
Not long till release now!!!
May 30, 2023
3,5⭐️
Une bonne lecture, bourrée d’action et de rebondissements, avec un univers très original que je serai curieuse d’explorer plus en détail. J’ai en revanche trouvé qu’on présentait certains personnages un peu trop vite et que dés relations étaient bien rapides aussi. C’est dommage parce que ça crée un manque de profondeur qui m’a un peu freinée.
Ça reste une belle découverte et j’ai hâte de lire la suite pour savoir si tout ça est mieux exploité du coup !
Une bonne lecture, bourrée d’action et de rebondissements, avec un univers très original que je serai curieuse d’explorer plus en détail. J’ai en revanche trouvé qu’on présentait certains personnages un peu trop vite et que dés relations étaient bien rapides aussi. C’est dommage parce que ça crée un manque de profondeur qui m’a un peu freinée.
Ça reste une belle découverte et j’ai hâte de lire la suite pour savoir si tout ça est mieux exploité du coup !
October 4, 2022
Great story but no resolution for any of the characters. I went into it thinking it was a standalone, but it ended with a significant number of loose ends, leaving me wondering if there is going to be a sequel. Also, I was not a fan of the switch back and forth from first person to third person, but I got used to it and it was okay in the end.
The plot was centred around a tear in the fabric of space and time causing a phenomenon called edem that existed in shadows, highly unpredictable in its outcome when channeled, and posed a danger to the country of Telene; using edem was against the law.
Since the death of his mother at the hands of a person that used edem, Cayder wanted to work in the justice system with the hopes of putting those that used edem illegally behind bars. His apprenticeship with one of the top public defender soon gave him a glimpse into the true nature of the justice system. He found himself at a crossroad between what was legal and what was right.
It was interesting and fun to read but I wished it ended differently, too many loose ends. 3 stars.
The plot was centred around a tear in the fabric of space and time causing a phenomenon called edem that existed in shadows, highly unpredictable in its outcome when channeled, and posed a danger to the country of Telene; using edem was against the law.
Since the death of his mother at the hands of a person that used edem, Cayder wanted to work in the justice system with the hopes of putting those that used edem illegally behind bars. His apprenticeship with one of the top public defender soon gave him a glimpse into the true nature of the justice system. He found himself at a crossroad between what was legal and what was right.
It was interesting and fun to read but I wished it ended differently, too many loose ends. 3 stars.
March 3, 2022
4/5 stars, I assume this has a sequel in the works because that cliffhanger was wild
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I have had the not-so-pleasant experience of reading other books by Astrid Scholte, most notably Four Dead Queens. I was a bit hesitant to enter into another one of her stories, but when this was compared to Six of Crows I knew I had to give it a try. Also, the cover is really amazing and cool looking and I am in love with it, even if the story had some flaws for me.
My biggest problem with the plot fell on when the heist started to take place, it was only towards the end of the book and the rest was build-up. I still really enjoyed the beginning part so I'm not exactly complaining, I just wish the heist that was promised had started sooner. I enjoyed seeing how this world's courts worked and it was a weird juxtaposition (but also reflection) of our world. The plot was fairly fast-paced otherwise and had a lot that seemed to be set up for coming books, but still was a bit relevant to this plot. It really was not perfect but was just kind of fun. However, while the setting of the prison was really fun, it didn't feel like a fleshed-out world beyond that. I hope that changes as this series continues if it is one.
Caydar was the first character that the reader was introduced to, and I think this was a good choice. He makes up the majority of the story, but he is honestly the most interesting. He had a lot from his past playing into how he handled things, including his apprenticeship and the whole heist they plan. He's obnoxious sometimes and jumps into things too fast, and I hope to see some character growth in the second book (if there is - I assume so). The story revolved around him primarily and the reader spent the most time with him, so that might be why I liked him more than the others.
Leta is Caydar's younger sister and is thrown in prison for burning down an entire village towards the beginning of the story. She even has a death mark, but she claims she is innocent and was just trying to investigate what happened to her mother when she died. In the beginning, there was a lot going on in the story that the reader was not initially clued into, but even at the end it still felt like that. I definitely felt she had just as much to offer as her brother but we didn't see it.
Jey was the "main" character that I liked the least, and also the one that was absent from the story the most often. There were only a couple of chapters from his point of view and none of them were super interesting. In the beginning, when he was introduced I was hoping that he would be more present, but that didn't end up playing out and was a bit disappointing. He was dark, mysterious, and witty which is one of my favorite types of characters.
Princess Elenora comes into the story later on, after a few horrible things have happened so I won't talk about her much for fear of spoiling. There was soooo much that could have been done with her character, especially with her complicated backstory. I just felt that it didn't work. Just like Jey, she was introduced in the story a bit later but had so much potential to be a great character. Instead she fell a bit flat but I think there is a lot that could be evolved in the coming books.
I think that Astrid Scholte still greatly has to work on developing her characters to be better, though most of the book felt very one-sided. Or they had very simple motivations and didn't grow as a person as the story went along. They were still fun in this book, and I did like most of them, but there is seriously just something missing. There were a few side characters as well in this book, we spent the most time with Grayson, the best attorney in the country. He was a really fun and loveable character, though not many of the others present in the story were really fleshed out. I was glad to see a side character that was almost there.
You could say that there was a thread of romance in this book or a couple, but I never felt that they were developed properly or efficiently. That's why I am personally not categorizing the "romances" as actual romance, I saw it more as crushes between the characters. They definitely did not spend enough time with each other to actually develop such feelings and everything. You can totally argue it does count as romance but there were just a few comments, and that was really it. Either way, it was not developed in the proper storyline it could have been.
Overall, it was a really interesting story with a fun little heist towards the end. My favorite part was the mysterious magic and the court scenes, both were thrilling. The story was a bit off on its world-building and plot points, but that didn't take away too much. I just hope that is expanded on in the future if there is another book, as there should be because of that cliffhanger at the end.
[TW: death of a family member, bad prison conditions, harsh arrest, torture]
Thank you to Penguin Teen for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I have had the not-so-pleasant experience of reading other books by Astrid Scholte, most notably Four Dead Queens. I was a bit hesitant to enter into another one of her stories, but when this was compared to Six of Crows I knew I had to give it a try. Also, the cover is really amazing and cool looking and I am in love with it, even if the story had some flaws for me.
My biggest problem with the plot fell on when the heist started to take place, it was only towards the end of the book and the rest was build-up. I still really enjoyed the beginning part so I'm not exactly complaining, I just wish the heist that was promised had started sooner. I enjoyed seeing how this world's courts worked and it was a weird juxtaposition (but also reflection) of our world. The plot was fairly fast-paced otherwise and had a lot that seemed to be set up for coming books, but still was a bit relevant to this plot. It really was not perfect but was just kind of fun. However, while the setting of the prison was really fun, it didn't feel like a fleshed-out world beyond that. I hope that changes as this series continues if it is one.
Caydar was the first character that the reader was introduced to, and I think this was a good choice. He makes up the majority of the story, but he is honestly the most interesting. He had a lot from his past playing into how he handled things, including his apprenticeship and the whole heist they plan. He's obnoxious sometimes and jumps into things too fast, and I hope to see some character growth in the second book (if there is - I assume so). The story revolved around him primarily and the reader spent the most time with him, so that might be why I liked him more than the others.
Leta is Caydar's younger sister and is thrown in prison for burning down an entire village towards the beginning of the story. She even has a death mark, but she claims she is innocent and was just trying to investigate what happened to her mother when she died. In the beginning, there was a lot going on in the story that the reader was not initially clued into, but even at the end it still felt like that. I definitely felt she had just as much to offer as her brother but we didn't see it.
Jey was the "main" character that I liked the least, and also the one that was absent from the story the most often. There were only a couple of chapters from his point of view and none of them were super interesting. In the beginning, when he was introduced I was hoping that he would be more present, but that didn't end up playing out and was a bit disappointing. He was dark, mysterious, and witty which is one of my favorite types of characters.
Princess Elenora comes into the story later on, after a few horrible things have happened so I won't talk about her much for fear of spoiling. There was soooo much that could have been done with her character, especially with her complicated backstory. I just felt that it didn't work. Just like Jey, she was introduced in the story a bit later but had so much potential to be a great character. Instead she fell a bit flat but I think there is a lot that could be evolved in the coming books.
I think that Astrid Scholte still greatly has to work on developing her characters to be better, though most of the book felt very one-sided. Or they had very simple motivations and didn't grow as a person as the story went along. They were still fun in this book, and I did like most of them, but there is seriously just something missing. There were a few side characters as well in this book, we spent the most time with Grayson, the best attorney in the country. He was a really fun and loveable character, though not many of the others present in the story were really fleshed out. I was glad to see a side character that was almost there.
You could say that there was a thread of romance in this book or a couple, but I never felt that they were developed properly or efficiently. That's why I am personally not categorizing the "romances" as actual romance, I saw it more as crushes between the characters. They definitely did not spend enough time with each other to actually develop such feelings and everything. You can totally argue it does count as romance but there were just a few comments, and that was really it. Either way, it was not developed in the proper storyline it could have been.
Overall, it was a really interesting story with a fun little heist towards the end. My favorite part was the mysterious magic and the court scenes, both were thrilling. The story was a bit off on its world-building and plot points, but that didn't take away too much. I just hope that is expanded on in the future if there is another book, as there should be because of that cliffhanger at the end.
[TW: death of a family member, bad prison conditions, harsh arrest, torture]
February 24, 2022
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was fun but I think the comparisons to Six of Crows are hurting this book by giving people the wrong impression about this book. There is no heist. And honestly the synopsis has a huge spoiler about the book so... 🙃
League of Liars follows four teenagers: Cayder Broduck, a young man who wants to become a public defender and knows his apprenticeship under one of the premier public defenders can make his dreams come true. The other three main characters are prisoners of Vardean, a high security prison. One of them is Cayder's sister, Leta. Cayder doesn't know how his sister has been accused of mass murder, but he's determined to find out what really happened. As Cayder gets caught up in these three cases, he finds surprising connections and treachery.
I really enjoyed this story. I found all the court politics and trials fascinating. The magic system was kind of confusing but I was curious nonetheless. I really want to know if there will be a sequel because this was 100% set up for one and even ends on a cliffhanger (of sorts) so...powers that be please make it happen.
Cayder was all right. I liked him well enough even though he was quite stubborn. But I really enjoyed his character growth throughout this. He uncovers a shit ton of info throughout this novel and the way his actions change were really amazing. I loved Leta and I always wanted to know more about her character. Even though this book is multi POV with four narrators, Cayder and his journey is the focal point. We get to know Eleanor, Jey and Leta well, but their arcs are not as complete as Cayder's was in this one. Regardless I really came to like them all. Though Cayder's estranged childhood best friend, Kema, was my absolute favorite.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the parallels of discovering how frustrating injustice is and seeing a system you thought worked and was good fall to corruption. The themes in this book definitely parallel 2020-2021 and the things we've seen happen in the US justice system.
Rep: white male cishet MC, white female cishet MC, white female cishet MC (royalty), vegetarian male cishet MC (I think Jey is white but I don't remember), BIPOC sapphic female side character, BIPOC male side character (lawyer).
CWs: Imprisonment, forced institutionalization, corruption of trial process, grief, death of parent, violence. Moderate: fire, mass murder (whole town dies), murder, fascist government regime attempting to take over.
This was fun but I think the comparisons to Six of Crows are hurting this book by giving people the wrong impression about this book. There is no heist. And honestly the synopsis has a huge spoiler about the book so... 🙃
League of Liars follows four teenagers: Cayder Broduck, a young man who wants to become a public defender and knows his apprenticeship under one of the premier public defenders can make his dreams come true. The other three main characters are prisoners of Vardean, a high security prison. One of them is Cayder's sister, Leta. Cayder doesn't know how his sister has been accused of mass murder, but he's determined to find out what really happened. As Cayder gets caught up in these three cases, he finds surprising connections and treachery.
I really enjoyed this story. I found all the court politics and trials fascinating. The magic system was kind of confusing but I was curious nonetheless. I really want to know if there will be a sequel because this was 100% set up for one and even ends on a cliffhanger (of sorts) so...powers that be please make it happen.
Cayder was all right. I liked him well enough even though he was quite stubborn. But I really enjoyed his character growth throughout this. He uncovers a shit ton of info throughout this novel and the way his actions change were really amazing. I loved Leta and I always wanted to know more about her character. Even though this book is multi POV with four narrators, Cayder and his journey is the focal point. We get to know Eleanor, Jey and Leta well, but their arcs are not as complete as Cayder's was in this one. Regardless I really came to like them all. Though Cayder's estranged childhood best friend, Kema, was my absolute favorite.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the parallels of discovering how frustrating injustice is and seeing a system you thought worked and was good fall to corruption. The themes in this book definitely parallel 2020-2021 and the things we've seen happen in the US justice system.
Rep: white male cishet MC, white female cishet MC, white female cishet MC (royalty), vegetarian male cishet MC (I think Jey is white but I don't remember), BIPOC sapphic female side character, BIPOC male side character (lawyer).
CWs: Imprisonment, forced institutionalization, corruption of trial process, grief, death of parent, violence. Moderate: fire, mass murder (whole town dies), murder, fascist government regime attempting to take over.
March 17, 2022
For almost a year, I've been patiently waiting to get my hands on League of Liars. I'll admit that the cover, title, and synopsis really intrigued me. So, I think I accidentally overhyped myself for this book because I ended up being disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book, but I was expecting something more from it.
After meeting the characters, I honestly had no idea who I could or couldn't trust. Heck, I still don't after finishing it. Each twist, turn, secret and betrayal left me completely confused for most of the book. I wouldn't even know if I felt any whiplash from it all because the pages just kept turning.
If I'm still being honest here, a lot went down in this book. Whether it was the trial or anything that could or could not be living within the veil. Questions were constantly being formed in my mind while trying to digest it all.
So, with the ending creeping closer and closer I'll admit that I was shocked with the cliffhanger. I'm not sure if there's going to be another book or not, but I seriously hope we get a sequel. If not, I guess I'll be okay with it all.
After meeting the characters, I honestly had no idea who I could or couldn't trust. Heck, I still don't after finishing it. Each twist, turn, secret and betrayal left me completely confused for most of the book. I wouldn't even know if I felt any whiplash from it all because the pages just kept turning.
If I'm still being honest here, a lot went down in this book. Whether it was the trial or anything that could or could not be living within the veil. Questions were constantly being formed in my mind while trying to digest it all.
So, with the ending creeping closer and closer I'll admit that I was shocked with the cliffhanger. I'm not sure if there's going to be another book or not, but I seriously hope we get a sequel. If not, I guess I'll be okay with it all.
May 21, 2022
The entire premise of this book was very intriguing. A sci-fi fantasy with sort of a "thriller aspect", breaking out of jail, murder trials and obviously, enemies to allies !! I will read any book with that trope, its true. Unfortunately, this was a huge miss for me for two major reasons.
I am aware that info dumps are very common, but for majority of the fantasy books i read they usually aren’t very discernable or can be ignored. And also, they occur at around the 15-20% mark of the book. So in general, I don’t get bothered by them. However, when it comes to this book I have to say that it felt like all the information related to the worldbuilding and magic system was being forced on me and i could actually feel the information going into one part of my brain and out through the other (that’s probably not even possible but yes, true story). I can’t exactly point out why I had that problem I mean, it could be the writing style which because I haven’t read any of the author’s other books, I was unfamiliar with.
The ending of this book had my head spinning. I wish I could say I meant that in a good way but uh, no. Like I mentioned before, I was essentially clueless as to what was going on for most of the story and by the time I got to the ending I was left even more confused than I was at the start. I think maybe it’s because the book felt incomplete? I was under the impression that this was a standalone novel and there is no information about a companion or sequel to this book, at the time I'm writing this review. Going with the information I have, I have to say that the ending of this book was super disappointing.
I think what really makes me sad about this whole thing is that when the book was announced, I was super excited to read it. I mean, I’ve been waiting 2 years for this book to come out. AHH. I really wish I could’ve loved it but it just wasn’t for me.
» thank you to penguin teen and netgalley for the arc
blog | instagram | twitter | pinterest | spotify
I am aware that info dumps are very common, but for majority of the fantasy books i read they usually aren’t very discernable or can be ignored. And also, they occur at around the 15-20% mark of the book. So in general, I don’t get bothered by them. However, when it comes to this book I have to say that it felt like all the information related to the worldbuilding and magic system was being forced on me and i could actually feel the information going into one part of my brain and out through the other (that’s probably not even possible but yes, true story). I can’t exactly point out why I had that problem I mean, it could be the writing style which because I haven’t read any of the author’s other books, I was unfamiliar with.
The ending of this book had my head spinning. I wish I could say I meant that in a good way but uh, no. Like I mentioned before, I was essentially clueless as to what was going on for most of the story and by the time I got to the ending I was left even more confused than I was at the start. I think maybe it’s because the book felt incomplete? I was under the impression that this was a standalone novel and there is no information about a companion or sequel to this book, at the time I'm writing this review. Going with the information I have, I have to say that the ending of this book was super disappointing.
I think what really makes me sad about this whole thing is that when the book was announced, I was super excited to read it. I mean, I’ve been waiting 2 years for this book to come out. AHH. I really wish I could’ve loved it but it just wasn’t for me.
» thank you to penguin teen and netgalley for the arc
blog | instagram | twitter | pinterest | spotify
January 13, 2022
Rating: 2.5 stars.
This was honestly kind of hard to read.
Right from the start, there were things that bothered me about the writing. The worldbuilding was pretty much all explained through info-dumping during the very first chapter, which wasn’t very nice style-wise but also made it almost impossible to remember. Overall the writing was very over-explanatory, whenever a character felt something it was told directly to the reader instead of letting them figure it out on their own, which got annoying after a while. The dialogue was also a bit clumsy at times.
I never really connected to any of the characters, I liked Elenora but everyone was just kind of two-dimensional and the side characters were almost never explored. I did like that we saw more than just Cayder’s POV because I really didn’t care for him, so I’m glad the perspective switched sometimes.
In terms of plot, this was honestly okay, I don’t think there was really much suspense at any time but it also wasn’t exceptionally boring. The mystery was a bit messy and not very well-constructed, but I didn’t mind too much since I didn’t have high expectations on that front.
Up to this point I would have rated this 3 stars because I genuinely thought the book itself was okay, nothing remarkable but also not bad, but the ending really didn’t deliver. Everything was really messy and nothing was explained or resolved, even if this is a setup for a following series and not a standalone, I don’t think it was very well-done. Everything was also suddenly very convenient and easy, there were never any stakes really, although the character’s kept talking about how dangerous everything was it never translated that way onto the page. It just felt really anti-climatic.
Overall this was kind of just a let-down, the concept was really ambitious and also seemed fun but it just wasn’t executed that well.
This was honestly kind of hard to read.
Right from the start, there were things that bothered me about the writing. The worldbuilding was pretty much all explained through info-dumping during the very first chapter, which wasn’t very nice style-wise but also made it almost impossible to remember. Overall the writing was very over-explanatory, whenever a character felt something it was told directly to the reader instead of letting them figure it out on their own, which got annoying after a while. The dialogue was also a bit clumsy at times.
I never really connected to any of the characters, I liked Elenora but everyone was just kind of two-dimensional and the side characters were almost never explored. I did like that we saw more than just Cayder’s POV because I really didn’t care for him, so I’m glad the perspective switched sometimes.
In terms of plot, this was honestly okay, I don’t think there was really much suspense at any time but it also wasn’t exceptionally boring. The mystery was a bit messy and not very well-constructed, but I didn’t mind too much since I didn’t have high expectations on that front.
Up to this point I would have rated this 3 stars because I genuinely thought the book itself was okay, nothing remarkable but also not bad, but the ending really didn’t deliver. Everything was really messy and nothing was explained or resolved, even if this is a setup for a following series and not a standalone, I don’t think it was very well-done. Everything was also suddenly very convenient and easy, there were never any stakes really, although the character’s kept talking about how dangerous everything was it never translated that way onto the page. It just felt really anti-climatic.
Overall this was kind of just a let-down, the concept was really ambitious and also seemed fun but it just wasn’t executed that well.
May 16, 2022
I NEED A SEQUAL TO THIS RIGHT NOW.
this was amazing the plot twists were so awesome im obsessed <3
im so in for the ships✨ in this book💜
BR with Bhavya
RTC
this was amazing the plot twists were so awesome im obsessed <3
im so in for the ships✨ in this book💜
BR with Bhavya
RTC
February 28, 2022
Astrid Scholte is an auto buy author for me, I love all her books so far!!!
This one is a jail break, long con, amazing wolrdbuilding, magic and fully fleshed out characters that I loved!
I have loved all the books by Astrid Scholte, this one feels more ambitious than her previous two books, I've loved the plot, the world building, edem and how it can be used, the imbalance of power pwepetrated by the Regency, how the characters evolve from the moment we get to know them to the end of the book... I can hardly wait for the second installment!!!
More on my review here https://youtu.be/B2OgF7c0BB8 on March 2, 2022
This one is a jail break, long con, amazing wolrdbuilding, magic and fully fleshed out characters that I loved!
I have loved all the books by Astrid Scholte, this one feels more ambitious than her previous two books, I've loved the plot, the world building, edem and how it can be used, the imbalance of power pwepetrated by the Regency, how the characters evolve from the moment we get to know them to the end of the book... I can hardly wait for the second installment!!!
More on my review here https://youtu.be/B2OgF7c0BB8 on March 2, 2022
May 31, 2022
League of Liars was a very exciting, fast paced sci-fi fantasy book that kept you on your feet guessing what would come next!
* i loved the shadow characters, Edem, and wish they were explored and shared more than just brief mentionings, they were used in the end but that’s about it. I think there could’ve been sooo much more to happen with Edem in this book.
* i enjoyed the characters, Cayder wasn’t my favorite but Kema, Jey and Leta were. I first brushed Leta off as an angsty teen but really liked her characters part in the story.
* first of all, that ending. please tell me there’s a sequel or a series because this could be a really fun series/duology or something!!!
* something i had a slight issue with was that *it* was too convenient… too easy… there needed to be a few obstacles to make it more real or believable or more action, maybe.
i need more kema backstory, i love her! also more l and j pls!!!!
overall, this was a very quick read and i really enjoyed this world and the characters, i hope there is more of them!!
* i loved the shadow characters, Edem, and wish they were explored and shared more than just brief mentionings, they were used in the end but that’s about it. I think there could’ve been sooo much more to happen with Edem in this book.
* i enjoyed the characters, Cayder wasn’t my favorite but Kema, Jey and Leta were. I first brushed Leta off as an angsty teen but really liked her characters part in the story.
* first of all, that ending. please tell me there’s a sequel or a series because this could be a really fun series/duology or something!!!
* something i had a slight issue with was that *it* was too convenient… too easy… there needed to be a few obstacles to make it more real or believable or more action, maybe.
i need more kema backstory, i love her! also more l and j pls!!!!
overall, this was a very quick read and i really enjoyed this world and the characters, i hope there is more of them!!
November 12, 2022
Look, I think a lot of you will enjoy this as long as you go into it without the expectation of getting Six Of Crows 2.0
While it does have similar elements (teenage liars, breaking out of prison, terrible fathers) they're tied together by a completely different vibe. Motivations are heavily tied to the fantasy/scifi aspects of the world building, and we deal a lot more with this made-up justice system.
I happen to be a Law And Order Hoe, so of course I loved it. The characters were fun and work well as a group.
Still mad we didn't get a Kema official fan-art, she (my beautiful, lesbian, gf) deserves better.
While it does have similar elements (teenage liars, breaking out of prison, terrible fathers) they're tied together by a completely different vibe. Motivations are heavily tied to the fantasy/scifi aspects of the world building, and we deal a lot more with this made-up justice system.
I happen to be a Law And Order Hoe, so of course I loved it. The characters were fun and work well as a group.
Still mad we didn't get a Kema official fan-art, she (my beautiful, lesbian, gf) deserves better.
on-hold
April 10, 202223/11/2021: I NEED THIS NOW.
November 10, 2021
4 stars
Please tell me there is going to be another book? Because I need it!
First, that cover, I am in awe.
Second, Cayder and Jey are my newest favorite characters. I LOVED them so much.
Third, I need more people to read this amazing book.
Okay, let us get to an actual review. League of Liars is a fantastic book that blends fantasy and thriller perfectly. Right from the start, I was hooked and could not put this book down. I had to know all the details.
The magic in this book was neat you can pull magic from shadows. But there is a cost, it’s illegal to use. And it’s pretty easy to detect if you have used it as it leaves a mark on your skin. The bigger the crime, the bigger the mark.
There wasn’t a whole lot of romance, but I wish it wasn’t just in the end. I would have liked it a bit more in the book itself.
The only issue I had with League of Liars was the ending. It wasn’t clear that this was a series. I went into it thinking it was standalone. But there should be more right? Like that cannot be the actual ending.
So here is me hoping there is another book or two coming our way. Because I am not ready to let this one go.
Please tell me there is going to be another book? Because I need it!
First, that cover, I am in awe.
Second, Cayder and Jey are my newest favorite characters. I LOVED them so much.
Third, I need more people to read this amazing book.
Okay, let us get to an actual review. League of Liars is a fantastic book that blends fantasy and thriller perfectly. Right from the start, I was hooked and could not put this book down. I had to know all the details.
The magic in this book was neat you can pull magic from shadows. But there is a cost, it’s illegal to use. And it’s pretty easy to detect if you have used it as it leaves a mark on your skin. The bigger the crime, the bigger the mark.
There wasn’t a whole lot of romance, but I wish it wasn’t just in the end. I would have liked it a bit more in the book itself.
The only issue I had with League of Liars was the ending. It wasn’t clear that this was a series. I went into it thinking it was standalone. But there should be more right? Like that cannot be the actual ending.
So here is me hoping there is another book or two coming our way. Because I am not ready to let this one go.
August 5, 2021
A new favorite!
March 27, 2022
League of Liars is a sci-fy/fantasy story with social commentary on the prison system plus a heist story. There are four POVs-- Cayder, an apprentice to public defender, Graymond Toyer, with ambitions of becoming a prosecutor and three of Mr. Toyer's defendants.
While I liked how all the stories came together, it also showed how they don't really stand on their own. Their lives primarily exist within the context of the plot and so, what makes them interesting is also dependent on their roles. Except Cayder. But even then, Cayder has his own issues. Primarily, his transition from being "pro-law" to realizing the many issues seemed a little too fast. He seems to have strong convictions of justice and the institutions that supposedly protect it. He was, however, quick to change his tune when someone he cares about is on the wrong side of the law. Based on how his convictions were shown, I would have liked to see more of his relationship with the other person OR more inner conflict.
I think this heavily impacted the execution of the story because of how it distinctly divides the story between a criminal procedural (in a sci-fy/fantasy setting) to that of a heist. The transition is a little sharp. There are a lot of layers in this story and it already runs long at over 400 pgs but I would have liked if E could have had more POVs to explore the political side of things.
For all my gripes, I did like the world-building part of the story and found it compelling. I also liked the magic and thought it made some sense-- as much as a time/shadow-based magic can when even the people who use it don't understand it. I liked the snippets of how it affected trade relationships.
Now, for the ending... the cliffhanger was annoying primarily because there is no confirmed sequel. I don't mind not knowing certain things because a few of the threads here were answered, minus two big, big, questions--but only if I know there will be some answers. Otherwise, it feels like this book. League of Liars tried to promise more than it could deliver.
While I liked how all the stories came together, it also showed how they don't really stand on their own. Their lives primarily exist within the context of the plot and so, what makes them interesting is also dependent on their roles. Except Cayder. But even then, Cayder has his own issues. Primarily, his transition from being "pro-law" to realizing the many issues seemed a little too fast. He seems to have strong convictions of justice and the institutions that supposedly protect it. He was, however, quick to change his tune when someone he cares about is on the wrong side of the law. Based on how his convictions were shown, I would have liked to see more of his relationship with the other person OR more inner conflict.
I think this heavily impacted the execution of the story because of how it distinctly divides the story between a criminal procedural (in a sci-fy/fantasy setting) to that of a heist. The transition is a little sharp. There are a lot of layers in this story and it already runs long at over 400 pgs but I would have liked if E could have had more POVs to explore the political side of things.
For all my gripes, I did like the world-building part of the story and found it compelling. I also liked the magic and thought it made some sense-- as much as a time/shadow-based magic can when even the people who use it don't understand it. I liked the snippets of how it affected trade relationships.
Now, for the ending... the cliffhanger was annoying primarily because there is no confirmed sequel. I don't mind not knowing certain things because a few of the threads here were answered, minus two big, big, questions--but only if I know there will be some answers. Otherwise, it feels like this book. League of Liars tried to promise more than it could deliver.
Read
March 15, 2022I feel like the marketing campaign of comparing this to Six of Crows was a mistake and sets up disappointment. Also, having the jailbreak in the tagline takes away a big reveal and makes it seem like that's the main point of the story. Spoiler alert, it's not. I wish I'd read this not knowing anything about it, then I wouldn't have had any ideas and maybe would have enjoyed it more.
I did like the setting of the court and prison, as well as the changing points of view. The world sounded interesting, with people able to use magic to pull things from either the past or the future. I just wish we'd gotten more worldbuilding to fully explain the magic and the veil. For the characters, I liked that Cayder was determined to help his sister no matter what. He's a good kid who believed in the justice system until he saw it's failings and took things into his own hands. Jey is funny, very sarcastic, and his parts were entertaining to read.
The ending is very open and I wonder if the sequel just hasn't been announced. If this is a standalone, I'll be very disappointed because it's like we only got half of a story.
I did like the setting of the court and prison, as well as the changing points of view. The world sounded interesting, with people able to use magic to pull things from either the past or the future. I just wish we'd gotten more worldbuilding to fully explain the magic and the veil. For the characters, I liked that Cayder was determined to help his sister no matter what. He's a good kid who believed in the justice system until he saw it's failings and took things into his own hands. Jey is funny, very sarcastic, and his parts were entertaining to read.
The ending is very open and I wonder if the sequel just hasn't been announced. If this is a standalone, I'll be very disappointed because it's like we only got half of a story.
March 15, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and How to Get Away with Murder. Does it deliver?
Well, so and so. And I just didn't love this like I thought I would, sadly.
The story: Cayder has always dreamt to become a prosecutor. So when a premier public defender offers him an apprenticeship, he jumps on it. This way, he hopes to learn all the tricks of public defence and to ensure that justice is served. He surely doesn't expect to discover that the legal system doesn't always favor the innocent. Especially when it comes to Vardean penitentiary, where inmates are guilty until proven innocent, and when behind the bars for a crime she swears not to have committed there's his sister Leta.
To be honest, the start was pretty promising. The first half surely gave me some How to Get Away with Murder vibes with the layers of secrets each inmate hides behind.
The magical system was pretty original too. In the world Scholte depicted, magic assumed the sole form of an entity called edem, which lurks in the shadows and allows people to manipulate time albeit "with consequences always unpredictable and often disastrous".
What really made this book a letdown was the second part. The nearly impossible heist faced with meticulous, mastermind planning and the emotional bonds between the main characters made Six of Crowns so interesting. Sadly, this book is not even remotely nuanced nor complex as SoC.
All in all, an interesting concept but a partially missed execution.
~I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Edelweiss and the editor~
***
Pre-reading thoughts
SIX OF CROWS AND HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER? I'm sold!
"They all have a story. Are you ready to listen?"
Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and How to Get Away with Murder. Does it deliver?
Well, so and so. And I just didn't love this like I thought I would, sadly.
The story: Cayder has always dreamt to become a prosecutor. So when a premier public defender offers him an apprenticeship, he jumps on it. This way, he hopes to learn all the tricks of public defence and to ensure that justice is served. He surely doesn't expect to discover that the legal system doesn't always favor the innocent. Especially when it comes to Vardean penitentiary, where inmates are guilty until proven innocent, and when behind the bars for a crime she swears not to have committed there's his sister Leta.
To be honest, the start was pretty promising. The first half surely gave me some How to Get Away with Murder vibes with the layers of secrets each inmate hides behind.
The magical system was pretty original too. In the world Scholte depicted, magic assumed the sole form of an entity called edem, which lurks in the shadows and allows people to manipulate time albeit "with consequences always unpredictable and often disastrous".
What really made this book a letdown was the second part. The nearly impossible heist faced with meticulous, mastermind planning and the emotional bonds between the main characters made Six of Crowns so interesting. Sadly, this book is not even remotely nuanced nor complex as SoC.
All in all, an interesting concept but a partially missed execution.
~I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Edelweiss and the editor~
***
Pre-reading thoughts
SIX OF CROWS AND HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER? I'm sold!
February 22, 2022
First thoughts...
Now, now, now...wait just a minute. You cannot just end it there! Why you gotta do us like that?!
Now, the more composed thoughts...
Wow, this book! If you ever wanted to read a more fantastical version of Law & Order, this is totally one to check out. It's this insane mix of fantasy/murder mystery with plenty of unexpected twists throughout. Astrid Scholte has a way of telling these really crazy mashed-up stories and I am completely here for it. The worldbuilding felt seamless, I instantly was engrossed in Telene and it's unique magic, edem, and the court hierarchy.
The story is set up so you get to know each character in their respective chapters and their individual stories as they slowly start to weave together as the mystery unfolds. Creating a greater depth to each character and also adding in more shock-factor for some of their actions later in the book.
"...Turns out, it's hard to talk after your jaw falls off your face and turns to dust." Jey was by far my favorite character! :)
I can definitely see this story as one you either love or hate. There's a lot going on and there's a lot of concepts intertwined into the plot that you have to just hang onto and go with. I personally found it so fun and unique! It held my attention easily from the first chapter, a definite five star read for me! And that cover is just the most eye-catching.
Big thank you to PenguinTeen via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and honestly review. I cannot wait to see the art that might be included in the finished copy!
Now, now, now...wait just a minute. You cannot just end it there! Why you gotta do us like that?!
Now, the more composed thoughts...
Wow, this book! If you ever wanted to read a more fantastical version of Law & Order, this is totally one to check out. It's this insane mix of fantasy/murder mystery with plenty of unexpected twists throughout. Astrid Scholte has a way of telling these really crazy mashed-up stories and I am completely here for it. The worldbuilding felt seamless, I instantly was engrossed in Telene and it's unique magic, edem, and the court hierarchy.
The story is set up so you get to know each character in their respective chapters and their individual stories as they slowly start to weave together as the mystery unfolds. Creating a greater depth to each character and also adding in more shock-factor for some of their actions later in the book.
"...Turns out, it's hard to talk after your jaw falls off your face and turns to dust." Jey was by far my favorite character! :)
I can definitely see this story as one you either love or hate. There's a lot going on and there's a lot of concepts intertwined into the plot that you have to just hang onto and go with. I personally found it so fun and unique! It held my attention easily from the first chapter, a definite five star read for me! And that cover is just the most eye-catching.
Big thank you to PenguinTeen via NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and honestly review. I cannot wait to see the art that might be included in the finished copy!
Want to read
August 3, 2021SIX OF CROWS AND HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER? HELL TO THE MF YEAH
September 27, 2022
This is a good book but the ending leaves some things up in the air, hopefully it’s a series because it ended like one.
February 27, 2022
Please tell me there is a sequel!!!
September 27, 2024
2-2,5?
Siento que era una premisa muy buena y ambiciosa y se ha quedado pobre en ejecución. Tanto worldbuilding, magia y misterio y al final...
Siento que era una premisa muy buena y ambiciosa y se ha quedado pobre en ejecución. Tanto worldbuilding, magia y misterio y al final...
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