I'll Tell You No Lies

by Amanda McCrina

From Amanda McCrina, the acclaimed author of Traitor and The Silent Unseen, I'll Tell You No Lies is a riveting YA novel of the Cold War era about a girl in post-World War II America who becomes entangled with an escaped Soviet pilot and must learn to decipher truth from lies.



New York, 1955. Eighteen-year-old Shelby Blaine and her father, an Air Force intelligence officer, have just been wrenched away from their old life in West Germany to New York's Griffiss Air Force Base, where he has been summoned to lead the interrogation of an escaped Soviet pilot. Still in shock from the car accident that killed her mother barely a month earlier, Shelby struggles with her grief, an emotionally distant father, and having to start over in a new home.

Then a chance meeting with Maksym, the would-be defector, spirals into a deadly entanglement, as the pilot's cover story is picked apart and he attempts to escape his military and intelligence handlers--with Shelby caught in the middle. The more she learns of Maksym's secrets, including his detention at Auschwitz during the war, the more she becomes willing to help him. But as the stakes become more dangerous, Shelby begins to question everything she has been told, even by her fugitive friend. Allies turn into enemies, and the truth is muddled by lies. Can she trust a traitor with her life, or will it be the last mistake she ever makes?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2023

About the author

Amanda McCrina was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in History and Political Science from the University of West Georgia. She currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.

She writes historical fiction for teens and political fantasy for adults.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.5 stars ✰

“Of course they didn’t believe him.

They hadn’t trusted him to begin with. He had switched sides; he was a traitor.

Nobody trusts a traitor.”

I'll Tell You No Lies was an exciting and engaging read about a young girl's involvement in aiding the escape of a Russian (actually Ukrainian) pilot. With stakes always at the high, and twists at every turn, Amanda McCrina delivered an entertaining piece of YA historical fiction set during the Cold War, that was both easy to read and kept you on the tip of your toes till the very end.

Shelby Blaine was a head-strong girl - she didn't act with her heart - she deliberated over the situations and was very practical about it. Still hurting over the sudden death of her mother, her return to the States quickly takes the turn for dramatics when she finds herself involved with aiding in the escape of Maksym. As it is a YA, I suppose - romantic feelings between the two was unavoidable, but I appreciated how much Shelby tried to help him and still be reasonable about it, too. Their intimate moments together were not only about their feelings, but also helped Shelby gain insight into the lingering effects of the war and how she was so ignorant about all that had happened.

“I’ll trust you if you trust me,” I said.

While one would say that the story wrapped up too conveniently and too quickly, I think it was better that it wasn't; the semblance of a thriller, the writing was crisp and maintained a steady pace with still enough twists to the story that kept you on the move, alongside Shelby. By keeping the story contained, every character served as a possible suspect, everyone a likely traitor. The author offered just enough intel and insight into each of their respective lives that made you silently cheer Shelby on, as she fought off every stone in her path to try and help Maksym in whatever way she could.

I also appreciated the additional information shared in the Author's Note - how hard it must have been for those who defected from their respective home nations and seek asylum in the United States - not ever feeling like they belong anywhere. Traitors to their fellow kinsmen for betraying their country, and still viewed as suspected traitors in the eyes of the U.S. government, culpable always for acts of treason. The fears that Maksym expressed about staying and being caught - the sadness in his voice over his loss of his family - the loss that he felt over not having any semblance of a normal life again were captured with realistic finesse in a voice that spoke with candor and bravery and love. 🙏🏻

I always am glad when a book surprises you when you don't expect it to, and I'm happy to say that this was definitely a great example of one. 👌🏻👌🏻

[Lauren (thebookscript) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, YA historical fiction story surrounding a young woman journey to aid and hide a Russian pilot. It's short and punchy so the face is always quick and reads much like a thriller with a heavy historical theme in a post WW2 era.

When Shelbys mother passes, and her father accepts a new position in the states...she has no idea the amount of lies, deceit and conflicting feelings she will come to face. I loved this felt like a sneaky history lesson hidden amongst the post war politics, and sudden romantic feelings.

I found myself anxiously turning pages wanting to know what would happen next. I found the plot to be exciting and unpredictable, and of course it also included a dash of romance!

AND while this has more of an open ended finish, I felt like it was handed more realistically and felt grounded in reality which I appreciate even if my inner romantic screamed for a little bit more.

Loved the themes of wanting to belong to somewhere, and learning more about Russian defectors who were yearning to seek asylum. She did a great job of creating a main characters who were dealing with A LOT, while also learning more about each other and what each had gone through.

I would definitely read more from this author. Really enjoyed it!

[Hannah Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging from the first page, I’ll Tell You No Lies is the perfect addition to the world of fast-paced historical thrillers. Shelby Blaine, the daughter of an intelligence officer after World War II, has just moved back to the United States following the traffic loss of her mother while her family was stationed in Germany. She wants nothing more than to go to her aunt and uncle’s farm and spread her mother’s ashes, but the military has other plans.
Once in Rome, New York home to the Griffiss Air Force Base, she meets a boy and unwittingly stumbles into a tangled web of secrets and lies involving multiple countries and intelligence agencies. Even worse? There are spies around her and she doesn’t know who to trust.
To say I loved this book is honestly an understatement. I loved every single aspect of this book; I cannot point out anything I wasn’t a fan of. The cast of characters was small enabling each one to serve a specific purpose and feel fleshed out. The book is quite short, but every page is filled with action and mystery. The romance was slow and sweet, and I loved the ending!
One thing I love about Amanda McCrina’s works is how they all fit together. Characters from Traitor spill into The Silent Unseen, and characters from The Silent Unseen spilled onto the pages of I’ll Tell You No Lies. There’s nothing sweeter than reading a book and seeing hints of familiar people. I actually had to run and grab The Silent Unseen as soon as I was finished with I’ll Tell You No Lies to make sure I wasn’t making up the connection. I highly recommend this book!

[Mateusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda McCrina is one of the most exciting American authors of historical fiction for young readers. Her latest novel, "I'll Tell You No Lies," is as meticulously researched as "Traitor" and "The Silent Unseen." However, unlike McCrina's last two WWII-themed books, "I'll Tell You No Lies" is focalized by a teenage American and set in the USA in the mid-1950s. What I particularly appreciate about this gripping and VERY readable novel is how McCrina challenges numerous cliches associated with both WWII and the Cold War, as well as the stereotypical depiction of Eastern European history. While in most YA novels characters fall into two categories - victims or oppressors - McCrina demonstrates that history is way more complex. "I'll Tell You No Lies" is a must-read not only for those interested in US history, the Cold War, and WWII but also for those who want to understand the ongoing war in Ukraine better.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this story in half a day. This was a tightly plotted historical thriller that kept me on my toes. I guess I have a thing for Cold War thrillers!

McCrina has an excellent sense of voice; I immediately loved our leading lady, Shelby Blaine, and empathized with her. The pacing was great, the dialogue was snappy, and the premise never got too far-fetched. I want a whole series about Shelby!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Erin Litteken · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling dive into the complexities of the Cold War, I’ll Tell You No Lies also provides a heartbreaking glimpse of lesser-known Ukrainian experiences during WWII. With unexpected twists and vibrant characters, McCrina’s sharp, powerful prose shines in this brilliantly researched, fast-paced novel.

[Maddi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this novel, but I found myself underwhelmed. It if was longer (because it felt very short), I probably would've even been bored. There are three main issues with this book.

1. The main character has zero personality and just flits all over with no direction of her own (just going where people point her and figuring out nothing). The main plot of this story is Shelby trying to figure out the truth.

The author seems to think it's about Shelby helping Maksym, but that really doesn't happen much. Rather, she spends the whole book trying to figure out what the truth is about Maksym and the people around them, but she doesn't do any investigating on her own. She simply listens to all the lies and believes every new one....

Another character, who she knows she can't trust, points her in a direction that could be dangerous, and she just goes anyway, because the character wanted her to. And nothing happens, because there's no tension in this book.

2. That brings me to my second point: there is zero tension and the entire plot is just people talking. And despite the title, the book is just characters continuously lying to each other until the end.

NOTHING HAPPENS. And Shelby has nothing to do with the minor things that do happen. The two incidents that could drive tension happen off page, and Shelby only learns about them after the fact when there are no stakes anymore.

If this went on any longer, AKA if the book wasn't so short, I would've been really frustrated and bored. All the "twists" are just being told a new lie. It goes back and forth so many times with Shelby being told something new and believing what she's told without doing any leg-work. There's nothing happening. It's a boring three days.

3. Lastly, the relationships have no substance. This is true of Shelby's "relationship" with Maksym, but also Shelby's interactions with her own father and others around her. Everything is really shallow, and there are moments that just make no sense. For example, Shelby's father is really absent, but that's realistic because of his job and responsibilities. But when it comes down to the moment that he can show some concern and depth toward his daughter, he doesn't. He learns the truth of what she's been up to... and he leaves... that was incredibly underwhelming and unrealistic.

Shelby's relationship with Maksym is so shallow. It's only over three days, but it happens so quick, even within those three days. She has this defector Russian soldier who's on the run... and she just... kisses him with no build-up. I'm all for "he might murder me but he has a cute dimple," but there needs to be some actual struggle over that. She doesn't seem concerned either way.

To add another point, she's a 1950s single eighteen year and she does doesn't really even think about how taboo it is to have a man alone in her house, let alone a Russian spy who threatens to kill her.

Even when it comes to this relationship, Shelby is the one who is TOLD why Maksym might've trusted her in the first place. She doesn't connect the dots as to why he might've gone to her. Worse than that, she doesn't even see the dots. Everything is so shallow and boring. There's nothing about either character that excites me, and they're certainly not interesting together.

I know that there's a belief that YA books (and romance) are a muted version of adult romance. Of course that's typically true when it comes to sexual aspects (SIDE EYE at whoever decided to market SJM as YA), but the relationships and feelings should be just as visceral. There needs to be a build-up in the plot and romance that leaves the reader on-edge, but that doesn't happen here.

Shelby has no autonomy and doesn't lead the novel. She doesn't do anything concrete for Maksym or the plot. In fact, she makes really dumb choices that end up having zero impact on the book at all. Which is the book's fatal flaw.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this but I wish it was longer / had more to it. That being said I respect her process and watched it unroll via Instagram stories. It is def a unique story though.

Love the dedication as well. Just helped a gal make copies of her Ukrainian documents presumably for US immigration purposes today at work (librarian). Putin's war comes to the Midwestern suburbs sometimes.

[Adrian Lysenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense, thrilling, and well-researched, Amanda McCrina’s I’ll Tell You No Lies immerses the reader into the fever pitch of the Cold War with captivating twists and turns. Highly recommended as it's not only a riveting read but provides historical context to Russia’s genocidal war on Ukraine.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
Heartbreaking, mysterious, and very well written.
Be sure to read the dedication of this one.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something to be said for shorter books where every word and every scene has meaning and the whole thing rolls up to a satisfying conclusion in just a little over 200 pages.

And at the end, I still don't know what the truth was and I would love to see a follow up to Shelby and Maksym's story.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inventive, propulsive historical fiction novel with the pace of a thriller. Two things I look for in a book are a strong voice and surprises, and this book was chock-full of both. As a book about not being able to trust anyone, this one did an excellent job of keeping me guessing everyone’s motives and desperate to find out the truth. You’re going to want to read this in one sitting.

I also appreciated that this was about a time in history I didn’t know much about, and how it focused on a military kid, which I don’t see much in fiction.

Looking forward to reading McCrina’s other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll Tell You No Lies is a brilliant, showstopper of a novel, packed full of twists, complex, realistic characters, and a clear compassion toward the topic and the characters, especially regarding the thousands of families who were split up due to World War II and the reconfiguration of countries in the postwar order, in Eastern Europe above all.

I can’t remember the last time I picked up a book and couldn’t stop reading and was waiting in anticipation until I could pick it up next. From page one, I’ll Tell You No Lies hooks you in, and once the questions start piling up, you want to find the answers. Most importantly, I wanted to see the resolution to Maksym’s story. From the minute you’re introduced to Maksym, you want to follow his journey, especially if you have read McCrina’s previous books. I think McCrina did a fantastic job making the secondary characters in this novel just as important and told their stories. It makes the stakes all that higher, as Maksym is a character that, like Shelby, you want to see come out of everything that is happening unscathed.

Because, ultimately, this book is a story about a boy trying to find his way home and trying to recover all that he has lost. Maksym is a character trying to get back everything that was stolen from him. His motives are so achingly, purely human, and it seems like no one around him can see him for who he truly is—except Shelby. It’s what makes their connection so good, so real and on equal footing: Shelby sees Maksym for who he is, not for who everyone else is trying to portray him as. He’s a survivor, a Ukrainian, a young man who wants someone to talk to, who wants connection, who wants to find where he belongs and once again feel whole. He’s a person—as simple as that. I don’t think it can be overstated enough how important this is, not only in historical terms but today as well with Russia’s war against Ukraine.

It’s so important that McCrina tells stories of Eastern Europeans, especially of Ukrainians, that are very rarely, if ever, told, and in such a well-thought, three-dimensional light. She interrogates and probes the history of this period and reveals how it affected everyday people, and what it was like especially for non-Russian peoples living under Soviet rule. I think in the West it was too easily accepted that the Iron Curtain existed, as if it “had” to happen, but it didn’t, and the people who lived under Soviet rule were constructed in Western imaginations as one people, all with one goal and culture and motivations. McCrina shows the consequences of that and people overcoming these mental constructions through Maksym’s story. Maksym is instantly portrayed as a “Russian” and a “traitor” and no one ever seems to think twice about it until they are made to do so. It forces us to question the things we accept without thinking about it, things that seem “natural” but are constructions. This novel does a great job of peeling back this history of the Cold War and Soviet defectors and Ukrainian experiences, and looking at people’s perceptions and how they must confront them. I hope this makes more people interested in this history and that it also motivates people to pay attention to the causes McCrina denotes in her novels.

Lastly, the plot and other characters of this book are great as well. I loved is how every character has a mystery or story about them to figure out, even those characters that may not seem suspicious or convoluted at first. Shelby is the only character that seems “rooted” (in that we never doubt her actions) and all the others we have to discover their loyalties and motives alongside her. Agent Jones in particular is an incredibly intriguing character and one of the most compelling. Additionally, the pacing is great for a book that takes place over a few days. I think that can be a difficult thing to do, but everything moves along at just the right pace and there is never a dull moment.

If you have read McCrina’s other books, this one is an absolute gem of a novel. It’s heartfelt, it’s full of so much love, pain, and hope. It really does tie the storylines together all quite nicely. It feels like the right resolution and it was so cathartic to see it pull together. After all these characters have been through, they can finally have a bit of peace together. And that’s all we as readers can wish for for them.

This book really did feel like an ode of love to these characters, this history, and to the children that experienced what Maksym did. It has intrigue, romance, heart-pounding moments and heartfelt moments. I can’t wait to see what McCrina comes up with next. Highly recommend.

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary
Have you ever wondered what life looked like after WWII ended?

For eighteen year old airforce brat, Shelby, the war is a childhood memory that shaped her father into the man he is.

For twenty-two year old Ukrainian and Soviet defector, Maksym, the war still invades his dreams every night and it's consequences plague his every waking moment.

When coincidence (or is it something else) pushes the two together, trust might be the only humane choice ... or it might be the stupidest decision they could make.

My Thoughts
If I didn't have other responsibilities, I would have read this book in one sitting. As it is, I read it in one day. Amanda McCrina is, without a doubt, my newest auto-buy author. And why do I like her books so much?

She writes interpersonal dynamics with so much authenticity.
Her characters are inately empathetic, but they resist trusting people like it might kill them (because that's the reality of the world they live in), and the tension between those two things is *chef's kiss*.
Her stories are gritty and real. She paints in shades of gray, showing the personal and moral decisions people in impossible situations must grapple with without making the ultimate choice seem inevitable ... because it wasn't.

I could go on.

This particular book was a little less gritty than her others. Less violence. Less cursing. Fewer guns and more emotion. It felt a little more typically YA. But it still sucked me in and left my brain exploding when the pieces of the story I thought I was piecing together shattered apart ... and then came back together in a way that still made sense.

I also adored cameo appearances from characters in her other stories.
If you're going to give her books a try (please do so I can talk to you about them), I recommend starting with The Silent Unseen.

Content
Romance: Some very, VERY mild levels of attraction. One descriptive french kiss (+ a brief memory of said kiss) and minor cuddling. This is present throughout the story but also not a focal point of the narrative.
Language: Some swearing, mostly in German, but some in English.
Violence: Nothing graphic. Severe injuries from barbed wire described non-graphically. Scars from past injuries are present. Previous, severe war trauma is mentioned and remembered but no details are given.
Religion: One passing reference to God (that I can remember)

[Kim Bartosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'LL TELL YOU NO LIES" is a gripping historical fiction novel set in Rome, New York, during the height of the Cold War in 1955. Drawing inspiration from real-life stories of cold war espionage intrigue, such as Alfred Dean Slack, the book delves into the dark world of fear and how it can bring out the worst in us.

The story revolves around a fictional character named Shelby Blaine, whose father is an Air Force Intelligence Officer. Readers are taken on a thrilling journey through her eyes as she becomes entangled in the high-stakes world of espionage and defection. The novel's central plot is inspired by the true stories of MiG pilots, such as Franciszek Jarecki from Poland and No Kum-Sok from North Korea, who defected to the United States during the Cold War.

One of the book's strongest aspects is its ability to educate readers about the history of Russian and Ukrainian relations during that era. The story sheds light on the brutal treatment and imprisonment of individuals by the Russians and Germans after World War II, which has relevance to the current conflict and bitter rivalry between Ukraine and Russia. The author's meticulous research and portrayal of historical events add depth and authenticity to the narrative.

The novel excels in keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its numerous twists and turns. The fast-paced and action-packed plot makes it a thrilling read for young adults and even middle-grade students. However, despite the historical backdrop, the author skillfully weaves in universal themes of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice, making it a compelling story for readers of all ages. There is also a sweet love story between Shelby and Maksym, the refuge pilot, which adds to the thread of secrets and lies.

Moreover, "I'LL TELL YOU NO LIES" is an excellent supplement for World History and English classes in middle and high schools. It seamlessly blends history with fiction, providing a unique opportunity for students to engage with significant events of the Cold War era while enjoying a captivating narrative.
For book clubs, this novel offers a wealth of discussion points, including historical context, character development, and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists. It allows readers to explore the complexities of human nature and the impact of fear on decision-making in the face of espionage and betrayal.

In conclusion, "I'LL TELL YOU NO LIES" is a great book that masterfully combines historical accuracy, thrilling espionage, and engaging storytelling. It serves not only as an entertaining read but also as a valuable educational tool, making it highly recommended for both classrooms and book clubs. Whether you are interested in history, espionage, or a gripping tale of intrigue, this novel has something to offer every reader.

Find my reviews on my blog, Instagram and Facebook!

[Larissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up and did not put it down until I finished it.

There are so many things to address, so I’ll start with this: McCrina brings a much needed voice/perspective to YA. WWII YA historical fiction exists, but there’s not a lot outside of that give or take a few books. Those narratives are also very limited to the western front, leaving a gaping hole of stories from the eastern front. McCrina highlights these stories throughout her works, this one included. However, the focus isn’t on WWII, but the aftermath of it and the Cold War. Again, another area that’s been overlooked in YA Historical fiction. With that being said, McCrina’s work is enlightening and invigorating. I think her storytelling is fantastic—she has a way of really making the historical aspects come to life.

Next, this book does not have a single slow moment in it. It starts off with a bang and keeps going. Because of that, it’s VERY engaging. Plus, as a reader, I was trying to figure everything out as Shelby (the MC) received information. Just as she was trying to connect the dots, I was trying to connect the dots. There is so much tension throughout the book as Shelby races to figure out what to believe and who to trust. I felt anxious for her! I had no idea what twists were awaiting me. Nothing about this book was predictable to me. She kept me guessing until the very last page.

In addition, I was highly intrigued by Maksym’s story. The one thing I wish about this book is that it had been longer. I would read a book about Maksym and his journey that led him to Rome, NY. Overall though, I enjoyed him as a character. He was in a similar situation as Shelby with trying to figure out who to trust and what to believe. I think what really spoke to his character was that he could’ve easily overpowered Shelby and killed her, but didn’t. Speaking of Shelby, I liked her too. She defied authorities to protect somebody that she believed was innocent. She is compassionate and courageous in her own right.

This isn’t a romance book, but does have a little bit of romance. Obviously, the tension is there and it’s very much an enemies-to-lovers situation. I thought that it was perfect for the story—not so much to be distracting, but just enough to add to it. This book is NOT a romance driven plot, so keep that in mind.

All in all, I’m a huge fan. One of the best books I’ve read this year. A solid 5/5 for me without a doubt. I look forward to reading more of McCrina’s works!

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this eARC!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars! This was an easy but enjoyable read! I read this book on a beach vacation and finished it super quickly, but I found myself really looking forward to reading it every time I had to stop. The mystery and thriller aspect kept you on your toes trying to figure out what comes next, although I will admit, sometimes I got a bit confused with the number of twists or lies that occurred from characters. I liked learning a bit about this time in history since this isn't a historical period I have engaged with often, and I could tell the author clearly did a lot of research on similar stories like this. My one critique is that I kept waiting for a bigger "climax" or something more substantial to happen, it felt like the book was building up to something but when it ultimately reached the end I felt slightly disappointed, but I did overall enjoy the book especially since it was such a quick read. The romance was cute and sweet and not a huge focus of the story, it felt a bit quick at times but it was light enough that it didn't bother me. I would recommend this book to people looking for something easy but fun to read!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this read! It was a very fresh perspective on WWII historical fiction, with them narrative focusing on the aftermath of WWII and the lead into the Cold War. I really appreciated the eastern European elemnts as well. The book moves at a swift pace, which kept me thoroughly invested as a reader. There was never a moment where I felt like I should put the book down. Overall, a great read. Beautifully written.

__
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a e-arc of this book. This review contains my honest thoughts.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda McCrina has hit it out of the ballpark with this tense and lean Cold War thriller. Meticulously researched and tightly written, what I loved most about this novel is that it relied on no tropes nor stereotypes, but instead plunged the reader into a breathless time and place with authenticity and nuance. Brava.

[Marina Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

McCrina’s writing soars in her new masterfully built Cold War era suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats with its astonishing twists and turns. Start to finish a compulsive and emotional read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

when I was a kid and social media didn't exist, I chose books purely based on the cover and the synopsis. No reviews, no hype, no recommendations, just plain raw-dogging it. These days, I seldom pick up books without some sort of prior impression based on what I've seen online. Am I saying ye olde way was better? Not necessarily. The books I read now are longer and I have less time now than when I was a kid so reviews definitely help me to decide. But it has also made me overly-reliant on reviews to help me decide. I dive in cautiously with a set of preconceived notions and expectations and it affects the entire reading experience. It has also made me more reluctant to try out books I've never heard of or are out of my comfort zone.

This is the first time in a while I decided to trust my gut and try something I've never heard of in a genre I don't really read (historical fiction/spy thriller!! like totally spies but de-yassified), just because the cover (!!!) and synopsis looks good. And I realised how much I miss the feeling of stumbling on a great book by accident. A fun thing I like to do when I can't decide if I should borrow a book is to read a bit of the beginning and ending to see if I like the way it ends and if I am intrigued enough to find out how we got from point A to point B. I used that method for this book and once again it didn't fail me.

This book was short, around 200 pages, and it happens over a few days but it had me on the edge of the seat the whole time. The writing, characterisation and dialogue were so compelling. So many lies and mind games. Everyone was gaslighting, gatekeeping and girlbossing. But at the same time it felt grounded and realistic. Each character had their own motivations and personalities and although I knew the ending I couldn't figure it out at all. However, I feel like some parts were a bit unclear and the ending was quite rushed.

The main focus is of course shelby and maksym. I liked the development of their relationship, seeing how they slowly grew to trust and care for each other. We could have done without the romance honestly.

The ending was slightly bittersweet though:/ I need a longer epilogue

[Kym's Open Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

After the sudden death of her mother, Shelby and her father are restationed from Germany to New York, all before they could take care of her mother’s ashes. Shelby is left alone to navigate this new life as her father is called away immediately for an emergency.


Shelby soon learns about a defector from Germany and by chance, meets him. The more she learns of this man, Maksym, the more she becomes involved but also confused about his story and what others have told her.

There were quite a few times I wanted to shake Shelby in stupidity but obviously, sometimes that’s what the author is going for. She took outrageous risks to help this man, sometimes at the harm to herself or her father. There were quite a few times I was confused about exactly what was happening but I think that was due to first and last names being used sporadically. By the end it had all come together and actually felt a little too “out there” for me to completely be on board. I didn’t fully understand their relationship or some events that happened but I was entertained and believe many will love this as a faster-paced YA thriller.

Thank you to Fierce Reads for the copy!

The book releases August 1, 2023.

Content/triggers:

https://www.theopenbooks.net/2023/07/...

[Julia Galon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll Tell You No Lies (2023) by Amanda Mccrina is a Young Adult historical novel full of adventure and intrigue. It tells the story of Shelby, a young woman who has just moved back to America with her father after her mother’s death. There, she meets a Ukrainian pilot, Maksym, who has escaped the Soviet Union. After he is accused of being a spy, Shelby’s morals get tested as she has to choose whose side she wants to be on. The book is very entertaining thanks to its dynamic plot and intriguing storylines. However, one of its biggest values is its historical accuracy. Set in 1955, it shows a side of history which may not be commonly known. It dives into the multicultural dynamics of the Soviet Union, challenging some of the popular beliefs regarding the Cold War. I genuinely recommend Mccrina’s novel, as it is a well-written piece of Young Adult literature. Besides being entertaining, it offers a unique perspective and plays with conventions. While the book explores serious themes, it does not contain explicit details, which makes it suitable for younger and older teens alike.

[Deidre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children Publishing group for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. New York, 1955. Shelby Blaine and her father, an Air Force intelligence agent, are pulled away from their life in West Germany to return to the States. Her dad has been tapped to lead the interrogation of an escaped Soviet pilot. Though after a chance encounter with the pilot, Maksym, Shelby gets the feeling she’s not being told the whole story. As the pilot’s story gets picked apart, Maksym manages to escape his handlers and puts Shelby directly in the middle of things. As she starts to learn more about Maksym, she is more willing to help him out. She begins to question everything, and trying to figure out who she can trust.

This was a great read. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book and was trying to figure out who was the enemy within the book. I was shocked by who it ended up being. This was a rollercoaster (the best kind) of a book. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a historical fiction with a great story and trying to figure out who the enemy is.

[Piotr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll Tell You No Lies, written by Amanda McCrina, is a historical fiction novel set during the Cold War. It follows the story of eighteen-year-old Shelby, who, after her mother's death, gets relocated to a military base in New York with her father. The book’s brevity works both to its advantage and disadvantage. On the one hand, the book is very approachable because it reads quickly and does not feel like a slog. On the other hand, the plot feels too ambitious for such a short book. The ending suffered from not having enough pages to be properly developed and felt unsatisfying, but overall, it is a solid novel and an enjoyable read.

[Amanda McCrina]

In all honesty, I don't know how to promote this book right now. But I'LL TELL YOU NO LIES is a story about a Ukrainian boy trying to find his way home in the aftermath of war, and it's dedicated to the children of Ukraine, and I hope at the very least it will help to raise awareness about the genocide Russia is committing against Ukrainians.

7/31/23

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was still alive because I had turned her down.

4.75/5 stars, I really liked this! This is my first book by Amanda McCrina and it won’t be my last, that’s for sure. I enjoyed the setting of post WWII Cold War era United States, it was interesting to read about. I also liked how it covered topics like grief and the stereotypes of women’s roles in the 1950s.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi I need more of this book please thank you

[Rune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know the book is about two teenagers but there’s something about the thirty-year-old overworked, under appreciated, exhausted, long suffering CIA agent side character crawling around trying to fix a bunch of problems he’s partially responsible for (and partially not) that made the book for me.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, maybe 4!