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Memories, Lies, and Other Binds
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES meets THE DA VINCI CODE in a thrilling dark academia take on urban fantasy
Zoey Prescott doesn’t age, which gives the bookish demonologist plenty of time to focus on her work at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities (RIDER). She’s also there to figure out why she stopped aging at twenty-two, even though the mind-bending hypnotherapy sessions to help her remember seem to cause more harm than good.
When a serial killer targeting powerful witches emerges, Zoey ignores her colleagues’s advice not to hunt for the murderous vampire responsible…who unfortunately happens to be her brother. RIDER won’t let Zoey slide a stake into her vile sibling’s heart alone. She joins her ex, who dumped her for a mortal (and no, she’s still not over it), and a fledgling witch who could be the killer’s next victim.
But when her brother claims he’s innocent and that a larger threat is about to shake both the human and supernatural worlds, Zoey becomes caught in a dangerous game of truth and lies.
Can Zoey choose the right side before a twisted conspiracy stains her soul?
Equal parts science and magic, imaginative and relatable, MEMORIES, LIES, AND OTHER BINDS is the suspenseful and addicting debut novel from Katy Foraker.
Zoey Prescott doesn’t age, which gives the bookish demonologist plenty of time to focus on her work at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities (RIDER). She’s also there to figure out why she stopped aging at twenty-two, even though the mind-bending hypnotherapy sessions to help her remember seem to cause more harm than good.
When a serial killer targeting powerful witches emerges, Zoey ignores her colleagues’s advice not to hunt for the murderous vampire responsible…who unfortunately happens to be her brother. RIDER won’t let Zoey slide a stake into her vile sibling’s heart alone. She joins her ex, who dumped her for a mortal (and no, she’s still not over it), and a fledgling witch who could be the killer’s next victim.
But when her brother claims he’s innocent and that a larger threat is about to shake both the human and supernatural worlds, Zoey becomes caught in a dangerous game of truth and lies.
Can Zoey choose the right side before a twisted conspiracy stains her soul?
Equal parts science and magic, imaginative and relatable, MEMORIES, LIES, AND OTHER BINDS is the suspenseful and addicting debut novel from Katy Foraker.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
75 people are currently reading
1219 people want to read
About the author
Katy Foraker
1 book21 followersKaty Foraker is an American author, and fashion-loving fan-girl, who works as a CPA when she's not writing. She loves morning walks to Georgetown, bingeing early 2000's supernatural shows, local cafes, and buttery croissants. She lives in Washington, DC with her Maine Coon-mix cat, Lola.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
October 6, 2022
A fun story with a decent mystery plot, supernatural creatures, and a little bit of humor. It’s got a main character learning to take charge of her life and fate, face her past and fears head-on, and question what she once believed. (Better a couple centuries late than never.) In short, she’s learning to live.
It's also a rare romance-free urban fantasy/paranormal book. The urban fantasy world has plenty of vampires, werewolves, witches, and supernatural creatures. Most of them are more likeable than the story’s human characters.
This story was also a fairly well-done, believable, interesting exploration of heavy topics like trauma, repression, the infallibility of memory, and redemption.
THE PREMISE:
Zoey is a more-than-200-year-old immortal working for RIDER (The secret Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities that researches, regulates, and polices the supernatural population). Her and RIDER are still trying to figure out how she accidentally became immortal. Something to do with a dark ritual gone wrong, her memory is rather fuzzy on the details. She’s been RIDER’s prisoner - I mean employee, I’m sure they’d TOTALLY let her quit anytime she wants - for more than two centuries.
She’s spent centuries working towards revenge against her brother, Theo, a vampire that left an impressive trail of bloodshed in his wake for over a century. Now someone’s killing witches and Theo’s the prime suspect. She gets rare permission to leave RIDER headquarters to assist in catching Theo. But when her brother insists he’s not killing witches, RIDER is dangerous, and she’s in grave danger, Zoey doesn’t know what to think. Soon she starts to wonder who is lying and if some her own memories might be lies themselves.
THE WRITING:
The main character seems a bit weak and naive at first, but she does grow a lot. Although, it was a little implausible that Zoey hadn’t managed to grow up already considering she’d been alive for centuries. She idealized her ex, but he didn’t seem all that great to me. I found him kind of annoying, inconsiderate, and self-absorbed. While I did find the main character annoying at times, I did find myself rooting for her even though she wasn’t my favorite character in the book. She’s been through a lot and has some issues she’s only just now being forced to confront. She ends up having to examine the mess that is her memories. After all, when you live centuries, your memories can get a little muddled (even without the traumatic baggage from Zoey’s past).
The plot had some surprises, but some of it was a bit predictable. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading. The ending wrapped things up pretty neatly, but some of it seemed a bit unrealistically perfect to me. This story explored some heavy topics like trauma, repressed memories, denial, redemption, etc. with a surprising level of care.
THE VERDICT:
Good, not great. I enjoyed it, but I did find some things about it annoying. Might read the sequel.
WARNINGS: child abuse (described, but not shown), death, violence, blood & gore (1 scene only), non-consensual mind/memory reading
It's also a rare romance-free urban fantasy/paranormal book. The urban fantasy world has plenty of vampires, werewolves, witches, and supernatural creatures. Most of them are more likeable than the story’s human characters.
This story was also a fairly well-done, believable, interesting exploration of heavy topics like trauma, repression, the infallibility of memory, and redemption.
THE PREMISE:
Zoey is a more-than-200-year-old immortal working for RIDER (The secret Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities that researches, regulates, and polices the supernatural population). Her and RIDER are still trying to figure out how she accidentally became immortal. Something to do with a dark ritual gone wrong, her memory is rather fuzzy on the details. She’s been RIDER’s prisoner - I mean employee, I’m sure they’d TOTALLY let her quit anytime she wants - for more than two centuries.
She’s spent centuries working towards revenge against her brother, Theo, a vampire that left an impressive trail of bloodshed in his wake for over a century. Now someone’s killing witches and Theo’s the prime suspect. She gets rare permission to leave RIDER headquarters to assist in catching Theo. But when her brother insists he’s not killing witches, RIDER is dangerous, and she’s in grave danger, Zoey doesn’t know what to think. Soon she starts to wonder who is lying and if some her own memories might be lies themselves.
THE WRITING:
The main character seems a bit weak and naive at first, but she does grow a lot. Although, it was a little implausible that Zoey hadn’t managed to grow up already considering she’d been alive for centuries. She idealized her ex, but he didn’t seem all that great to me. I found him kind of annoying, inconsiderate, and self-absorbed. While I did find the main character annoying at times, I did find myself rooting for her even though she wasn’t my favorite character in the book. She’s been through a lot and has some issues she’s only just now being forced to confront. She ends up having to examine the mess that is her memories. After all, when you live centuries, your memories can get a little muddled (even without the traumatic baggage from Zoey’s past).
The plot had some surprises, but some of it was a bit predictable. It was entertaining enough to keep me reading. The ending wrapped things up pretty neatly, but some of it seemed a bit unrealistically perfect to me. This story explored some heavy topics like trauma, repressed memories, denial, redemption, etc. with a surprising level of care.
THE VERDICT:
Good, not great. I enjoyed it, but I did find some things about it annoying. Might read the sequel.
WARNINGS: child abuse (described, but not shown), death, violence, blood & gore (1 scene only), non-consensual mind/memory reading
October 11, 2022
Katy Foraker has written an assured compelling debut, perfect for the Halloween season, about Zoey Prescott, a demonologist at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities who never ages. Her goal is to find out why she is stuck at age 22, and most importantly, to catch a serial killer who may or may not be her brother.
Readers will be gripped by Katy's brilliant imagined world and race through the pages as the story darkly unspools. Highly recommended! Out now.
Readers will be gripped by Katy's brilliant imagined world and race through the pages as the story darkly unspools. Highly recommended! Out now.
November 2, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley & Katy Foraker for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
3.5 stars
With some twists that I was not expecting, Memories, Lies, and Other Binds does an excellent job setting the scene and then ripping it out from underneath you.
For an immortal being, Zoey doesn’t live a very full life. Spending her days trapped within an organisation, completing research, not even allowed to leave the building for a cronut, I’m not sure how she hasn’t died of boredom. However, being allowed to join the team tasked with tracking down and taking out her vampire brother is about to make some serious changes to her world and the life she thinks she knows.
While the setting is supernatural, the characters and their emotions are grounded and believable. It makes sense that Zoey would want revenge on the brother who slaughtered her family and destroyed her future, that the organisation she works for would require therapy to figure out how a spell misfired and granted her immortality, and that she would still be a little in love with the partner who left her but that she still works with.
Unfortunately, with the large cast of characters and only Zoey’s perspective, it’s hard to connect. Zoey is believable, but she’s not very interesting. I’m not sure how you take an immortal with a vampire brother and make her boring, but Zoey is dull. Her routines, aversion to technology, predilection for research, and inability to leave her workplace aren’t exciting, making it difficult to get through the book's first half. It does pick up eventually, but no one’s base characteristics change, so it is an ongoing struggle to care about what may happen to these characters.
The ending is a little strange and a little abrupt. But it does provide some closure. Overall, I enjoyed the direction this story took; it just took me longer to read than it should have.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
3.5 stars
With some twists that I was not expecting, Memories, Lies, and Other Binds does an excellent job setting the scene and then ripping it out from underneath you.
For an immortal being, Zoey doesn’t live a very full life. Spending her days trapped within an organisation, completing research, not even allowed to leave the building for a cronut, I’m not sure how she hasn’t died of boredom. However, being allowed to join the team tasked with tracking down and taking out her vampire brother is about to make some serious changes to her world and the life she thinks she knows.
While the setting is supernatural, the characters and their emotions are grounded and believable. It makes sense that Zoey would want revenge on the brother who slaughtered her family and destroyed her future, that the organisation she works for would require therapy to figure out how a spell misfired and granted her immortality, and that she would still be a little in love with the partner who left her but that she still works with.
Unfortunately, with the large cast of characters and only Zoey’s perspective, it’s hard to connect. Zoey is believable, but she’s not very interesting. I’m not sure how you take an immortal with a vampire brother and make her boring, but Zoey is dull. Her routines, aversion to technology, predilection for research, and inability to leave her workplace aren’t exciting, making it difficult to get through the book's first half. It does pick up eventually, but no one’s base characteristics change, so it is an ongoing struggle to care about what may happen to these characters.
The ending is a little strange and a little abrupt. But it does provide some closure. Overall, I enjoyed the direction this story took; it just took me longer to read than it should have.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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August 22, 2022
Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was pitched as ‘’thrilling dark academia take on urban fantasy’’. while it did’t really feel like dark academia to me, I still really enjoyed this debut novel! Usually my problem with books that include lots of different paranormal creatures, is that there tends to be a lot of info dumping in the beginning, but that wasn’t the case with this one!
The pacing did feel a little off in the middle of the book though, things were going a little too fast in comparison with the first part of the novel (felt like there was too much happening at the same time). I would’ve loved to see more flashback scenes as well! Would’ve made the whole thing about Zoey being immortal and such even more interesting
I absolutely loved the ending! I’m glad how the author ended the story on this note and didn’t go for certain cliches ( i could go into detail, but that would he considered spoilery).Definitely looking forward to reading more books in the RIDER universe :)
This was pitched as ‘’thrilling dark academia take on urban fantasy’’. while it did’t really feel like dark academia to me, I still really enjoyed this debut novel! Usually my problem with books that include lots of different paranormal creatures, is that there tends to be a lot of info dumping in the beginning, but that wasn’t the case with this one!
The pacing did feel a little off in the middle of the book though, things were going a little too fast in comparison with the first part of the novel (felt like there was too much happening at the same time). I would’ve loved to see more flashback scenes as well! Would’ve made the whole thing about Zoey being immortal and such even more interesting
I absolutely loved the ending! I’m glad how the author ended the story on this note and didn’t go for certain cliches ( i could go into detail, but that would he considered spoilery).Definitely looking forward to reading more books in the RIDER universe :)
June 10, 2023
I really expected to like this. It sounded right up my alley and I don't even know why it just didn't draw me in, but it really just didn't
At about the halfway point I admitted to myself that I simply wasn't engaged with either the characters or the story and was finding excuses not to read which is unusual for me. When I am really enjoying a story I don't even notice where the time goes while I am reading and I hate to have to stop so not being into this story was a pretty obvious sign this installment the book for me. I'm moving on to something else.
At about the halfway point I admitted to myself that I simply wasn't engaged with either the characters or the story and was finding excuses not to read which is unusual for me. When I am really enjoying a story I don't even notice where the time goes while I am reading and I hate to have to stop so not being into this story was a pretty obvious sign this installment the book for me. I'm moving on to something else.
December 17, 2022
This was a great read! The author has a talent for vivid details that play out in your mind like watching a movie. I could not put it down! The interesting story lines, subplots and twists kept me guessing into the wee hours of the night! Can’t wait for a sequel! Bravo!
August 24, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬
𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐓𝐋𝐃𝐑: This was a fantastical tale, and I devoured it. There is something about a polished ambiance and fully grown and built characters that is soooo enticing.
The story's language was another highlight for me. The writing was witty and easy to read.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: The fact that Zoey Prescott, a bookworm and demonologist at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities, never grows older allows her to devote more time to her research (RIDER). Although the mind-bending hypnotherapy treatments meant to assist her remember, they seem to do more harm than good, she is also there to figure out why she stopped ageing at the age of twenty-two.
In the wake of a serial killer's rise to power, Zoey goes against the advise of her coworkers and searches for the homicidal vampire responsible... who happens to be her brother. RIDER won't stand by and watch while Zoey skewers her evil sibling. She now stands in the company of her ex, who left her for a mortal (and no, she is not over it), and a young witch who may be the next target of the killer.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝: The characters. They were all so richly written and fully developed. I also loved the suspense and mystery surrounding the plot. It kept me guessing until the very end. I LOVED the ending. Won't share more to avoid spoilers.
This novel is different from most fantasy novels I've read (not a lot) in that it establishes a very strong environment that feels real, you end up forgetting the fantasy at times. The world is truly beautifully imagined. In a never-ending chain of shocking revelations, the author guides the reader through an universe that is both wholly original and rife with familiar concepts like dark academia.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞: The book starts off amazing and ends on a bang. There is a part in the middle that feels almost ...useless... It really brings you off the flow of wanting to stay at the edge of your seat.
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark academia and fantasy novel. It has the perfect mix of both genres.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐓𝐋𝐃𝐑: This was a fantastical tale, and I devoured it. There is something about a polished ambiance and fully grown and built characters that is soooo enticing.
The story's language was another highlight for me. The writing was witty and easy to read.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: The fact that Zoey Prescott, a bookworm and demonologist at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities, never grows older allows her to devote more time to her research (RIDER). Although the mind-bending hypnotherapy treatments meant to assist her remember, they seem to do more harm than good, she is also there to figure out why she stopped ageing at the age of twenty-two.
In the wake of a serial killer's rise to power, Zoey goes against the advise of her coworkers and searches for the homicidal vampire responsible... who happens to be her brother. RIDER won't stand by and watch while Zoey skewers her evil sibling. She now stands in the company of her ex, who left her for a mortal (and no, she is not over it), and a young witch who may be the next target of the killer.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝: The characters. They were all so richly written and fully developed. I also loved the suspense and mystery surrounding the plot. It kept me guessing until the very end. I LOVED the ending. Won't share more to avoid spoilers.
This novel is different from most fantasy novels I've read (not a lot) in that it establishes a very strong environment that feels real, you end up forgetting the fantasy at times. The world is truly beautifully imagined. In a never-ending chain of shocking revelations, the author guides the reader through an universe that is both wholly original and rife with familiar concepts like dark academia.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞: The book starts off amazing and ends on a bang. There is a part in the middle that feels almost ...useless... It really brings you off the flow of wanting to stay at the edge of your seat.
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark academia and fantasy novel. It has the perfect mix of both genres.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2022
Sometimes, you just want to get out and fight monsters. But bureaucracy! That’s the situation Zoey Prescott faces in Memories, Lies, and Other Binds by Katy Foraker. This urban fantasy twist on vampire-hunting and immortality mashes up time-worn tropes with a dose of family drama and unexamined angst. It’s a fun ride! However,
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Zoey Prescott stopped aging in her twenties. That was in the eighteenth century. Since then she has been an employee of the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities (RIDER), a private corporation bent on researching the supernatural and protecting the mortal world. Zoey has risen to head a department in RIDER, but her status as a quasi-immortal bars her from rising much further, and RIDER’s bureaucracy means she isn’t allowed to leave headquarters. When Theo, one of the most infamous extant vampires—and Zoey’s brother—surfaces, however, Zoey inveigles the brass for permission to join the field team sent to capture him. Of course, that just launches her into a conspiracy that upends everything she thought she knew about the world.
This book is clearly a labour of love from a writer who knows these genres and wants nothing more than to build on top of what has come before. First, there are little nods and tips of the hat to previous franchises—much of the vampire lore will feel very familiar to fellow Buffy fans, and at one point Zoey mentions a group of vampires in the Pacific Northwest whose skin sparkles in the sun (she thinks they are actually faeries). Foraker pulls off these homages and callbacks, making them fun without being too intrusive. A lot of urban fantasy writers feel the need to change up the lore and mythos for supernatural beings—Twilight being an example of that—and there is a good argument for doing so, but this book is an example of why there isn’t anything wrong with sticking to the classics.
Foraker also pulls off a tricky bit of characterization in Zoey, our viewpoint protagonist. Zoey’s willfullness and stubbornness are an appropriate response to the way she has been cosseted and infantilized by her own organization. Yet it is challenging to write a protagonist whose special power (in this case, a lack of aging) is entirely passive. In these situations, the protagonist often seems to lack agency, which generally makes for a less satisfying story. Zoey might not pack as much oomph as her comrades, but one thing she has is a lot of courage and an agenda of her own when it comes to Theo. This kicks off what is probably the best part of the book.
Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is at its best when it questions how supernatural powers affect one’s ability to participate in the mortal world. This happens over and over, from Zoey’s old flame Augustine to Charlotte’s desire for a “normal college experience.” RIDER’s entire existence is predicated on the idea that the supernatural has to be managed—they run private nature retreats for werewolves when it’s that time of the month—in a way that does not disrupt the flow of ordinary, mortal lives. Foraker explores all of this mostly on the individual level, with some hints there and there (like with the werewolves) at structural inequity as well. Throughout the book, we are encouraged to move from viewing RIDER as a benevolent force to a much more morally grey one.
Alas, that brings me to what didn’t work for me about the book, and it’s a pretty big one: the plot. I just feel like we had a little bit of a bait-and-switch situation; the first part of the book sets us up to see Zoey’s lack of aging as this big mystery that needs to be solved. But as we get deeper into the conflict with Theo and learn more about the villains behind the scenes (that’s all I can really say without spoiling it), events occur that basically obviate the mystery of Zoey. I don’t like it. However, this is an example of a criticism where the author and I happen to disagree about the story that should be told here rather than something that is objectively wrong with the book. So I’ve tried to set aside this preference and look at the rest of the story and ask myself, “do I like what happens from there?”
Yes and no. I really like Zoey’s attempt to process and understand what’s happening to her. Foraker has a talent for description in her prose and puts it to good use here. Her relationships are also irrevocably altered, and I appreciate the nuance at work here and the way that Zoey herself is going through a fair amount of trauma (and trauma bonding).
The antagonists, on the other hand, are just kind of boring. A little mustache-twirling for my taste. I was hoping for something deeper or certainly something juicier, and for a consequent conflict that really required more exertion on the part of the protagonists to resolve. Everything gets wrapped up nice and neat, little bow on top, with the door left just open enough for a sequel.
So where does that leave us? Well, I would read a sequel. Despite my reservations about the plotting, I enjoyed reading this book, which is usually the criterion that matters most to me. Memories, Lies, and Other Binds reminds me a lot of The SPI Files, by Lisa Shearin, and hits that same sweet spot of fun characters, some good dialogue, and interesting fantasy set pieces. This book is not a revelation, not an earth-shattering entry into the genre. Nevertheless, Foraker has managed to create something that is comfortable without feeling cliché, and I think that in and of itself is a pretty good accomplishment.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Zoey Prescott stopped aging in her twenties. That was in the eighteenth century. Since then she has been an employee of the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities (RIDER), a private corporation bent on researching the supernatural and protecting the mortal world. Zoey has risen to head a department in RIDER, but her status as a quasi-immortal bars her from rising much further, and RIDER’s bureaucracy means she isn’t allowed to leave headquarters. When Theo, one of the most infamous extant vampires—and Zoey’s brother—surfaces, however, Zoey inveigles the brass for permission to join the field team sent to capture him. Of course, that just launches her into a conspiracy that upends everything she thought she knew about the world.
This book is clearly a labour of love from a writer who knows these genres and wants nothing more than to build on top of what has come before. First, there are little nods and tips of the hat to previous franchises—much of the vampire lore will feel very familiar to fellow Buffy fans, and at one point Zoey mentions a group of vampires in the Pacific Northwest whose skin sparkles in the sun (she thinks they are actually faeries). Foraker pulls off these homages and callbacks, making them fun without being too intrusive. A lot of urban fantasy writers feel the need to change up the lore and mythos for supernatural beings—Twilight being an example of that—and there is a good argument for doing so, but this book is an example of why there isn’t anything wrong with sticking to the classics.
Foraker also pulls off a tricky bit of characterization in Zoey, our viewpoint protagonist. Zoey’s willfullness and stubbornness are an appropriate response to the way she has been cosseted and infantilized by her own organization. Yet it is challenging to write a protagonist whose special power (in this case, a lack of aging) is entirely passive. In these situations, the protagonist often seems to lack agency, which generally makes for a less satisfying story. Zoey might not pack as much oomph as her comrades, but one thing she has is a lot of courage and an agenda of her own when it comes to Theo. This kicks off what is probably the best part of the book.
Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is at its best when it questions how supernatural powers affect one’s ability to participate in the mortal world. This happens over and over, from Zoey’s old flame Augustine to Charlotte’s desire for a “normal college experience.” RIDER’s entire existence is predicated on the idea that the supernatural has to be managed—they run private nature retreats for werewolves when it’s that time of the month—in a way that does not disrupt the flow of ordinary, mortal lives. Foraker explores all of this mostly on the individual level, with some hints there and there (like with the werewolves) at structural inequity as well. Throughout the book, we are encouraged to move from viewing RIDER as a benevolent force to a much more morally grey one.
Alas, that brings me to what didn’t work for me about the book, and it’s a pretty big one: the plot. I just feel like we had a little bit of a bait-and-switch situation; the first part of the book sets us up to see Zoey’s lack of aging as this big mystery that needs to be solved. But as we get deeper into the conflict with Theo and learn more about the villains behind the scenes (that’s all I can really say without spoiling it), events occur that basically obviate the mystery of Zoey. I don’t like it. However, this is an example of a criticism where the author and I happen to disagree about the story that should be told here rather than something that is objectively wrong with the book. So I’ve tried to set aside this preference and look at the rest of the story and ask myself, “do I like what happens from there?”
Yes and no. I really like Zoey’s attempt to process and understand what’s happening to her. Foraker has a talent for description in her prose and puts it to good use here. Her relationships are also irrevocably altered, and I appreciate the nuance at work here and the way that Zoey herself is going through a fair amount of trauma (and trauma bonding).
The antagonists, on the other hand, are just kind of boring. A little mustache-twirling for my taste. I was hoping for something deeper or certainly something juicier, and for a consequent conflict that really required more exertion on the part of the protagonists to resolve. Everything gets wrapped up nice and neat, little bow on top, with the door left just open enough for a sequel.
So where does that leave us? Well, I would read a sequel. Despite my reservations about the plotting, I enjoyed reading this book, which is usually the criterion that matters most to me. Memories, Lies, and Other Binds reminds me a lot of The SPI Files, by Lisa Shearin, and hits that same sweet spot of fun characters, some good dialogue, and interesting fantasy set pieces. This book is not a revelation, not an earth-shattering entry into the genre. Nevertheless, Foraker has managed to create something that is comfortable without feeling cliché, and I think that in and of itself is a pretty good accomplishment.
Originally posted on Kara.Reviews, where you can easily browse all my reviews and subscribe to my newsletter.
August 22, 2022
The book was a pretty solid debut. Zoe is a young immortal who is a demonologist at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities . A vampire serial killer is on the loose hunting witches. Zoe finds out her brother is the serial killer and has to hunt him down . She joins her ex boyfriend in the hunt and discover that maybe her brother is innocent. They have to stop a greater threat and find the real killer . The plot was interesting and the world building was okay .
October 18, 2023
Loved all the DC references!
August 24, 2022
I may possibly be biased because I know Katy but I got this book today to read and review and I started it and couldn't stop until I finished it. The world that Katy created in this book is amazing and Zoey is the perfect heroine, one who seems one way until events make her change. The characters are rich and well thought out and now I can't wait until there is a sequel because there better be a sequel. Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is a book that pulls the reader in and makes you feel like you are actually in that world and that all of these creatures exist.
August 23, 2022
I requested it as soon as I saw the super pretty cover and read Vampire Diaries x Davinci Code in the description. I read it almost in one go and... Vampire Diaries, yes. Davinci Code, not really. But I still enjoyed this book.
It started strongly. I really love the 18th century flashbacks! Also learn about different creatures and magics. The characters are great. My favorite character is probably Theo! I really love his brother-sister relationship progress with Zoey. I also love the twists in this book, as I could guess some of them and still found little surprises along the way.
Spoiler below, skip if don't want to read
Love the epilogue! Looking forward book 2!
It started strongly. I really love the 18th century flashbacks! Also learn about different creatures and magics. The characters are great. My favorite character is probably Theo! I really love his brother-sister relationship progress with Zoey. I also love the twists in this book, as I could guess some of them and still found little surprises along the way.
Spoiler below, skip if don't want to read
Love the epilogue! Looking forward book 2!
October 14, 2022
An intriguing and atmospheric debut. I'm not usually into urban fantasy without the romance, but this one pulled me in with the mystery and the world-building. Zoey was complex and her journey was compelling, I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks. I was rooting for her to find her voice and her place in this fantastical world. I loved the writing and the fun nods to other supernatural stories like Twilight.
I received an advanced copy for review.
I received an advanced copy for review.
September 6, 2022
Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is a debut fantasy book by Katy Foraker which I read as a “read now” on @netgalley. As far as debuts go this was a pretty good book. The description likens the story to the Vampire Diaries and I would say that is an accurate comparison in terms of vampire and werewolf behavior and characteristics. However, that is where the comparison ends. Where the Vampire Diaries is all angst, violence, and romance, Memories, Lies and Other Binds lacks violence, romance, and excitement.
There was a lot I enjoyed about the book. Right from the start I was intrigued by the memories of Zoey, the main character, and the mystery behind her immortality. I liked the prison scene in the very beginning and had big hopes for the plotline of the book. I also liked the relationships between many of the characters and how they developed.
As I proceeded further into the story, I kept waiting for a hook that was going to grab me. Whether it be a dark mystery that needed to be solved, a romance, or anything that would excite me. In the end, this book was mostly a character driven story about Zoey and the adversity she faces while finding freedom and a renewed relationship with someone close to her (this is vague, but don’t want to give spoilers). By the end of the book, I just felt the author left a lot on the table that could have made the book genuinely more exciting and interesting.
There was a lot I enjoyed about the book. Right from the start I was intrigued by the memories of Zoey, the main character, and the mystery behind her immortality. I liked the prison scene in the very beginning and had big hopes for the plotline of the book. I also liked the relationships between many of the characters and how they developed.
As I proceeded further into the story, I kept waiting for a hook that was going to grab me. Whether it be a dark mystery that needed to be solved, a romance, or anything that would excite me. In the end, this book was mostly a character driven story about Zoey and the adversity she faces while finding freedom and a renewed relationship with someone close to her (this is vague, but don’t want to give spoilers). By the end of the book, I just felt the author left a lot on the table that could have made the book genuinely more exciting and interesting.
June 14, 2025
It was a good and entertaining read, even if I would have actually enjoyed getting more time with Kelley's powers and everything related to Zoey's memories, because while it was a big part of the plot it felt still not enough explored.
As it's a one shot, the pacing is good, with a plot twist right in the middle and loads of discoveries. I had some hard time with Zoey for about half of the book but I did enjoyed her growth, especially once she accepted what happened. The last chapter (3 months later) could even give me a need for a second book to be more cozy in LA and with some romance!
As it's a one shot, the pacing is good, with a plot twist right in the middle and loads of discoveries. I had some hard time with Zoey for about half of the book but I did enjoyed her growth, especially once she accepted what happened. The last chapter (3 months later) could even give me a need for a second book to be more cozy in LA and with some romance!
September 2, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for lending me the ARC to read for an honest review.
I like the premise of the book, the character zoey was interesting but I felt like the pace of the book wasn’t paced well enough. Too fast in the beginning, too slow in the middle .. etc. I enjoyed the style of writing and may try this author in the future again.
I like the premise of the book, the character zoey was interesting but I felt like the pace of the book wasn’t paced well enough. Too fast in the beginning, too slow in the middle .. etc. I enjoyed the style of writing and may try this author in the future again.
November 7, 2022
If you’re a fan of Buffy and/or True Blood, you will LOVE this! I took my time reading it because i never wanted it to end. This will certainly be my newest go-to comfort read and I have my fingers-crossed that it will become a series!
June 18, 2023
"Memories, Lies, and Other Binds" is a thrilling urban fantasy with a unique blend of supernatural elements and dark academia vibes. The protagonist, Zoey Prescott, is a compelling character with her immortality and demonologist expertise. The book delivers a captivating mix of suspense, mystery, and sibling dynamics, keeping readers engaged throughout.
November 2, 2022
I really wanted to like this book! The cover? Adorable. The blurb? Amazing. The execution? Boooringggg. I couldn't get in to the writing style, it felt like a really bad teen drama and I didn't find a single character likeable. It felt like the no name version of Addie LaRue.
Thank you so much t o Netgalley for this ARC!
DNF @ 30%
Thank you so much t o Netgalley for this ARC!
DNF @ 30%
November 16, 2022
It doesn't matter how many books I've read about a protagonist that loves books and history, anywhere those topics connect makes a fan out of me. Quite obviously this story was love at first description! Thank you to the author Katy Foraker and NetGalley for the advance copy.
This remarkable tale opens in a hypnotherapy session where Zoey (our leading lady) is replaying an old memory from her mental library as she tries to uncover the secret behind her immortality. From this first scene, I knew I was hooked. The writing is solid and paints a picture that the imagination craves. Even as I read about Zoey and her extremely long and sheltered life at RIDER (a very cool not-so-governmental-supernatural-watch group/agency), I knew it was all leading to a remarkable story about her. Despite the fact that this turned out to be a romance-free paranormal fantasy novel, I found that a refreshing contrast to most every other story I've read lately. While I am a lover of romance, this focus allowed for a deeper connection to the main character and the other characters that sometimes get lost in the exciting throws of a budding relationship.
Parts I found less appealing:
Zoey is a 200 year old immortal who sees to have the maturity growth of a teenage high school girl. While that is in no way a slight (I have a teenage daughter) it did result in more than a few eye roll moments. I mean, come on! She has lived in NY for decades and has only ventured out of the RIDER building once!?!?!? I find it very hard to believe ANYONE wouldn't find that exhausting and more like a prison than a fortress of safety. It is human nature to be inquisitive. I would be testing the lengths of my immortality to better understand the limits. After 200 years Zoey seems to know nothing more than what she can get out of her books and from TV. I mean, she's been trying to enact revenge upon her brother who slaughtered her family and her betrothed....and yet she hasn't left her prison – I mean safe haven – for 2 decades. ANYWAY....
With that pesky business out of the way, I liked...
Everything else.
Zoey, while annoyingly naive at first, does seem to take her life by the balls and begins to question/figure out that her life has other layers and repressed memories that need to be uncovered. Not everything is as she once believed and RIDER may not be the organization of good she once believed (shocker). Her brother, the one who killed everyone she cared about and forced her to flee to NY, is once again shedding blood and this time his prey is witches. Only, is he the true culprit or does the mystery go deeper?
I just love the mix of science, magic, and mystery in this story!
Overall, there was a pinch of predictability to the story, but for the most part I just enjoyed just letting the journey and mystery unravel. There were some hard topics I thought the author did a great job of tackling in a respectable way, and while the story was wrapped up nicely, I do hope there are more Zoey Prescott stories yet to come. When/if another is released, I will definitely be reading that one too.
This remarkable tale opens in a hypnotherapy session where Zoey (our leading lady) is replaying an old memory from her mental library as she tries to uncover the secret behind her immortality. From this first scene, I knew I was hooked. The writing is solid and paints a picture that the imagination craves. Even as I read about Zoey and her extremely long and sheltered life at RIDER (a very cool not-so-governmental-supernatural-watch group/agency), I knew it was all leading to a remarkable story about her. Despite the fact that this turned out to be a romance-free paranormal fantasy novel, I found that a refreshing contrast to most every other story I've read lately. While I am a lover of romance, this focus allowed for a deeper connection to the main character and the other characters that sometimes get lost in the exciting throws of a budding relationship.
Parts I found less appealing:
Zoey is a 200 year old immortal who sees to have the maturity growth of a teenage high school girl. While that is in no way a slight (I have a teenage daughter) it did result in more than a few eye roll moments. I mean, come on! She has lived in NY for decades and has only ventured out of the RIDER building once!?!?!? I find it very hard to believe ANYONE wouldn't find that exhausting and more like a prison than a fortress of safety. It is human nature to be inquisitive. I would be testing the lengths of my immortality to better understand the limits. After 200 years Zoey seems to know nothing more than what she can get out of her books and from TV. I mean, she's been trying to enact revenge upon her brother who slaughtered her family and her betrothed....and yet she hasn't left her prison – I mean safe haven – for 2 decades. ANYWAY....
With that pesky business out of the way, I liked...
Everything else.
Zoey, while annoyingly naive at first, does seem to take her life by the balls and begins to question/figure out that her life has other layers and repressed memories that need to be uncovered. Not everything is as she once believed and RIDER may not be the organization of good she once believed (shocker). Her brother, the one who killed everyone she cared about and forced her to flee to NY, is once again shedding blood and this time his prey is witches. Only, is he the true culprit or does the mystery go deeper?
I just love the mix of science, magic, and mystery in this story!
Overall, there was a pinch of predictability to the story, but for the most part I just enjoyed just letting the journey and mystery unravel. There were some hard topics I thought the author did a great job of tackling in a respectable way, and while the story was wrapped up nicely, I do hope there are more Zoey Prescott stories yet to come. When/if another is released, I will definitely be reading that one too.
March 20, 2023
"The vampire diaries meets the da Vinci code!" Go to hell.
Legitimately one of the most disappointing books I've read with plot holes galore. This is not like the vampire diaries, although there was a couple named Luke and Liv a la season 6, or like the sookie Stackhouse novels. Or the da Vinci code or a discovery of witches. It was worse.
SPOILERS BELOW!
What exactly is RIDER and how do they operate? How did they decide she's "immortal" because they obviously didn't run any tests or else she wouldn't have fucking DIED when she got shot!!!! Incredibly weak worldbuilding. If RIDER is such a big organization how does it go unnoticed by the government? Are humans aware of the supernatural? How do the cat goblins even work because I don't remember goblins being able to open portals or shape shift. Vampires are supposed to have demon souls according to the beginning of the book but by the end it turns out vampires are actually the exact same as they were when human? The decision to KILL HER despite endless talk about her being "The Immortal" (which implies she was the only human immortal person and somehow she's known to all the evil entities but that is never explained) made no ultimate sense. If she's not allowed to hunt humans OR game, how does Theo get the blood? From a butcher? Why so many mentions of the Cronut story with no explanation? What the fuck happened when she stepped outside for the first time in over 200 years and also, how has she not picked up on the fact that they were literally keeping her prisoner after being kept inside for, once again, 200 years? Then there's the betrayal. I'm sorry but she's an idiot because why did she find out sketchy things were happening at RIDER and then immediately inform every single person in the area who works for RIDER. I'm supposed to believe Augustine wasn't in on it? The Tristan twist was ridiculous and felt like it came out of nowhere and she had no better idea for who to blame. And we never actually get to find out how she became immortal. Her brother's actions are explained away with ONE memory. How do memory walkers even work? I understand she's naive because she's been isolated for over 200 years but this girl lacked any sort of common sense or survival instincts. If she was turned into a vampire and become an enemy of RIDER why did they give her a severance package???? And it's somehow enough for her to live off of? The "new vampires in the PNW who are actually blood drinking fairies" was ridiculous like cmon i get youre on tiktok. The explanation for the murders also made no sense. I'm sure I have more thoughts but that's enough for now.
Legitimately one of the most disappointing books I've read with plot holes galore. This is not like the vampire diaries, although there was a couple named Luke and Liv a la season 6, or like the sookie Stackhouse novels. Or the da Vinci code or a discovery of witches. It was worse.
SPOILERS BELOW!
What exactly is RIDER and how do they operate? How did they decide she's "immortal" because they obviously didn't run any tests or else she wouldn't have fucking DIED when she got shot!!!! Incredibly weak worldbuilding. If RIDER is such a big organization how does it go unnoticed by the government? Are humans aware of the supernatural? How do the cat goblins even work because I don't remember goblins being able to open portals or shape shift. Vampires are supposed to have demon souls according to the beginning of the book but by the end it turns out vampires are actually the exact same as they were when human? The decision to KILL HER despite endless talk about her being "The Immortal" (which implies she was the only human immortal person and somehow she's known to all the evil entities but that is never explained) made no ultimate sense. If she's not allowed to hunt humans OR game, how does Theo get the blood? From a butcher? Why so many mentions of the Cronut story with no explanation? What the fuck happened when she stepped outside for the first time in over 200 years and also, how has she not picked up on the fact that they were literally keeping her prisoner after being kept inside for, once again, 200 years? Then there's the betrayal. I'm sorry but she's an idiot because why did she find out sketchy things were happening at RIDER and then immediately inform every single person in the area who works for RIDER. I'm supposed to believe Augustine wasn't in on it? The Tristan twist was ridiculous and felt like it came out of nowhere and she had no better idea for who to blame. And we never actually get to find out how she became immortal. Her brother's actions are explained away with ONE memory. How do memory walkers even work? I understand she's naive because she's been isolated for over 200 years but this girl lacked any sort of common sense or survival instincts. If she was turned into a vampire and become an enemy of RIDER why did they give her a severance package???? And it's somehow enough for her to live off of? The "new vampires in the PNW who are actually blood drinking fairies" was ridiculous like cmon i get youre on tiktok. The explanation for the murders also made no sense. I'm sure I have more thoughts but that's enough for now.
October 10, 2022
What an exciting debut! Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is a unique paranormal, mystery, urban fantasy, with exquisite world-building. The fantasy elements are compelling enough to feel real and the witty tone of the writing is engaging.
Zoey works for the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities (RIDER), a secret quasi-government agency that serves to keep the human world safe and ignorant. RIDER is highly-structured and detailed to believability. This story has all the creatures of folklore, myth, and legend.
Although Zoey is immortal, due to something terrible that happened to her when she was twenty-two years old, and has been working at RIDER for around two centuries, she is not allowed to hold a position of power. Only those considered fully human have that opportunity.
Zoey is not considered quite human enough, and has lived a very secluded and solitary lifestyle, never afforded the ability to leave the institute. She is resigned to her station because it's better than living on the dregs of society so that no one gets suspicious of the girl who never ages. She is the snarky, independent heroine that readers will love and identify with.
Zoey has lost much of her recollection from the ill-fated day she became immortal. And she’s now trying to learn more about what happened through hypnotherapy sessions with Dr. Kelley, who is Gifted and can Memory Walk. But these sessions are not going well and the side effects are debilitating. Her background is fascinating and the flashbacks she has to prior time periods are an engaging way to learn of her experiences.
RIDER discovers that a serial killer is on the loose, targeting high-ranking witches, and the only evidence at the scene is footage of the vampire Theo, Zoey’s estranged older brother. Although RIDER doesn’t want the bookish, research-focused Zoey on the case, she insists on being involved so she can deal with her brother herself, whom she hasn’t seen or had contact with in the two centuries since their lives changed so dramatically.
She must team up with her ex, who also works at RIDER, and a novice witch to learn the truth about the killings. And if Theo can be believed, there’s a much grander scheme at play that has dangerous potential for both the human and paranormal worlds.
Zoey, at times, feels a little immature for her extensive age, which gives the story a mixture of feeling both adult and young adult. Although the pacing waxes and wanes, it is action-packed enough to keep driving the plot.
The description and comparisons aren’t quite accurate, which could lead to attracting the wrong audience, who end up with expectations disconnecting with the reality of the story. The story is wonderful, but not necessarily dark academia, nor Vampire Diaries in its nature. This is solidly a paranormal, urban fantasy with a mystery plot. With that in mind, fantasy readers who love that sort of story will definitely enjoy this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zoey works for the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities (RIDER), a secret quasi-government agency that serves to keep the human world safe and ignorant. RIDER is highly-structured and detailed to believability. This story has all the creatures of folklore, myth, and legend.
Although Zoey is immortal, due to something terrible that happened to her when she was twenty-two years old, and has been working at RIDER for around two centuries, she is not allowed to hold a position of power. Only those considered fully human have that opportunity.
Zoey is not considered quite human enough, and has lived a very secluded and solitary lifestyle, never afforded the ability to leave the institute. She is resigned to her station because it's better than living on the dregs of society so that no one gets suspicious of the girl who never ages. She is the snarky, independent heroine that readers will love and identify with.
Zoey has lost much of her recollection from the ill-fated day she became immortal. And she’s now trying to learn more about what happened through hypnotherapy sessions with Dr. Kelley, who is Gifted and can Memory Walk. But these sessions are not going well and the side effects are debilitating. Her background is fascinating and the flashbacks she has to prior time periods are an engaging way to learn of her experiences.
RIDER discovers that a serial killer is on the loose, targeting high-ranking witches, and the only evidence at the scene is footage of the vampire Theo, Zoey’s estranged older brother. Although RIDER doesn’t want the bookish, research-focused Zoey on the case, she insists on being involved so she can deal with her brother herself, whom she hasn’t seen or had contact with in the two centuries since their lives changed so dramatically.
She must team up with her ex, who also works at RIDER, and a novice witch to learn the truth about the killings. And if Theo can be believed, there’s a much grander scheme at play that has dangerous potential for both the human and paranormal worlds.
Zoey, at times, feels a little immature for her extensive age, which gives the story a mixture of feeling both adult and young adult. Although the pacing waxes and wanes, it is action-packed enough to keep driving the plot.
The description and comparisons aren’t quite accurate, which could lead to attracting the wrong audience, who end up with expectations disconnecting with the reality of the story. The story is wonderful, but not necessarily dark academia, nor Vampire Diaries in its nature. This is solidly a paranormal, urban fantasy with a mystery plot. With that in mind, fantasy readers who love that sort of story will definitely enjoy this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest feedback. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 7, 2022
3.5/5
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a debut author, Katy Foraker did a great job creating a fun, fast paced, urban fantasy that's the perfect read for fall. This book has characters who are vampires, werewolves, and witches, so if you're into the supernatural this is the book for you!
If your looking for a book similar to Vampire Diaries, this is less love triangle/romance and more Bonnie Bennett witchy vibes. This book is also promoted as being dark academia and I have to disagree. Although the main character Zoey is a researcher for a secret supernatural agency, she enters a field mission pretty early on, so there isn't much "academics" going on.
I liked that there were two plots going on simultaneously; find her vampire brother Theo who was suspected of being a witch murderer, and an interesting plot twist that comes into play about halfway through the book. I do think that the overall story could use some fleshing out. Certain events seemed to fall into place a little too easily and things I thought were monumental to the plot were either brushed off or just accepted and moved on. This made important events seem anticlimactic and dulled the story for me.
Speaking on Zoey, she really annoyed me in the beginning (and middle) because despite being over two hundred years old she still acts like a teenager? It seems like maturity does not come with immortal life. So much of the book was spent with her longing after Augustine, her 20+ year old crush who is happily married with kids her own age. I feel like this book would've benefited from her being assertive and strong, especially towards her authority figures. By the last chapter she finally has some self realization, which I think is a set up for the next book, but it came a little too late for me.
Overall it was an enjoyable, quick read that is a good starting point for the rest of Foraker's writing career, and I'm looking forward to seeing a certain someone in future books!
November 14, 2022
3.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This fun debut urban fantasy is packed full of mythical creatures, lovable messy morally gray characters, and thinly veiled Twilight references, with a little twist of dark academia deliciousness. While some of the plot and voice felt a little bit loose to me, I still really had fun with this novel. A great read for a cozy fall afternoon.
The story takes place between RIDER, an academic institution in New York City studying all manner of magical phenomena, and the supernatural scene of Washington, D.C. It follows the journey of Zoey (nee Bess) who is being housed and studied at RIDER because she’s a normal human who mysteriously became immortal in a magical accident 200 years prior. She’s also the sister of a criminal vampire who’s suspected to have been terrorizing the magical community for the past 200 years. But when she is granted an exception to leave the walls of RIDER for the first time in a century and travel to Washington, D.C. she finds everything is not exactly as it seems.
She meets a ragtag cast of characters there, including a witch-in-training named Charlotte who is believed to be at risk of vampire attack, two young werewolves. We are also introduced to her RIDER colleagues Tristan, Mirza, and ex-lover Augustine. They hatch a plan together to bring down Theo, Zoey’s deranged vampire brother.
But when they meet him, they discover everything is not exactly as it seems. The studies RIDER has been subjecting Zoey to are notorious and go deeper than she ever knew. Theo opens her eyes to a world she had never seen before, and there’s no going back once she uncovers it.
The plot was fun, if a bit bonkers. Things take a pretty drastic twist about 60% of the way through that I didn’t see coming, but if you can suspend disbelief and just enjoy the crazy, creature-riddled ride, you’re in for a fun ride.
I had a good time with this book. I felt the world-building did leave a little bit to be desired, because the scope was so big and included so many magic systems/creatures/etc. As such, we didn’t get to really dig deep into the academic world it’s set in, and I would have liked more of that. But I do think that would have made for a darker book, and keeping it light is part of why I liked it. Overall, a super fun read for an airplane ride. Definitely pick this one up for some spooky fun!
This fun debut urban fantasy is packed full of mythical creatures, lovable messy morally gray characters, and thinly veiled Twilight references, with a little twist of dark academia deliciousness. While some of the plot and voice felt a little bit loose to me, I still really had fun with this novel. A great read for a cozy fall afternoon.
The story takes place between RIDER, an academic institution in New York City studying all manner of magical phenomena, and the supernatural scene of Washington, D.C. It follows the journey of Zoey (nee Bess) who is being housed and studied at RIDER because she’s a normal human who mysteriously became immortal in a magical accident 200 years prior. She’s also the sister of a criminal vampire who’s suspected to have been terrorizing the magical community for the past 200 years. But when she is granted an exception to leave the walls of RIDER for the first time in a century and travel to Washington, D.C. she finds everything is not exactly as it seems.
She meets a ragtag cast of characters there, including a witch-in-training named Charlotte who is believed to be at risk of vampire attack, two young werewolves. We are also introduced to her RIDER colleagues Tristan, Mirza, and ex-lover Augustine. They hatch a plan together to bring down Theo, Zoey’s deranged vampire brother.
But when they meet him, they discover everything is not exactly as it seems. The studies RIDER has been subjecting Zoey to are notorious and go deeper than she ever knew. Theo opens her eyes to a world she had never seen before, and there’s no going back once she uncovers it.
The plot was fun, if a bit bonkers. Things take a pretty drastic twist about 60% of the way through that I didn’t see coming, but if you can suspend disbelief and just enjoy the crazy, creature-riddled ride, you’re in for a fun ride.
I had a good time with this book. I felt the world-building did leave a little bit to be desired, because the scope was so big and included so many magic systems/creatures/etc. As such, we didn’t get to really dig deep into the academic world it’s set in, and I would have liked more of that. But I do think that would have made for a darker book, and keeping it light is part of why I liked it. Overall, a super fun read for an airplane ride. Definitely pick this one up for some spooky fun!
August 24, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬
𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐓𝐋𝐃𝐑: This was a fantastical tale, and I devoured it. There is something about a polished ambiance and fully grown and built characters that is soooo enticing.
The story's language was another highlight for me. The writing was witty and easy to read.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: The fact that Zoey Prescott, a bookworm and demonologist at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities, never grows older allows her to devote more time to her research (RIDER). Although the mind-bending hypnotherapy treatments meant to assist her remember, they seem to do more harm than good, she is also there to figure out why she stopped ageing at the age of twenty-two.
In the wake of a serial killer's rise to power, Zoey goes against the advise of her coworkers and searches for the homicidal vampire responsible... who happens to be her brother. RIDER won't stand by and watch while Zoey skewers her evil sibling. She now stands in the company of her ex, who left her for a mortal (and no, she is not over it), and a young witch who may be the next target of the killer.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝: The characters. They were all so richly written and fully developed. I also loved the suspense and mystery surrounding the plot. It kept me guessing until the very end. I LOVED the ending. Won't share more to avoid spoilers.
This novel is different from most fantasy novels I've read (not a lot) in that it establishes a very strong environment that feels real, you end up forgetting the fantasy at times. The world is truly beautifully imagined. In a never-ending chain of shocking revelations, the author guides the reader through an universe that is both wholly original and rife with familiar concepts like dark academia.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞: The book starts off amazing and ends on a bang. There is a part in the middle that feels almost ...useless... It really brings you off the flow of wanting to stay at the edge of your seat.
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark academia and fantasy novel. It has the perfect mix of both genres.
𝟒 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐓𝐋𝐃𝐑: This was a fantastical tale, and I devoured it. There is something about a polished ambiance and fully grown and built characters that is soooo enticing.
The story's language was another highlight for me. The writing was witty and easy to read.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: The fact that Zoey Prescott, a bookworm and demonologist at the Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities, never grows older allows her to devote more time to her research (RIDER). Although the mind-bending hypnotherapy treatments meant to assist her remember, they seem to do more harm than good, she is also there to figure out why she stopped ageing at the age of twenty-two.
In the wake of a serial killer's rise to power, Zoey goes against the advise of her coworkers and searches for the homicidal vampire responsible... who happens to be her brother. RIDER won't stand by and watch while Zoey skewers her evil sibling. She now stands in the company of her ex, who left her for a mortal (and no, she is not over it), and a young witch who may be the next target of the killer.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝: The characters. They were all so richly written and fully developed. I also loved the suspense and mystery surrounding the plot. It kept me guessing until the very end. I LOVED the ending. Won't share more to avoid spoilers.
This novel is different from most fantasy novels I've read (not a lot) in that it establishes a very strong environment that feels real, you end up forgetting the fantasy at times. The world is truly beautifully imagined. In a never-ending chain of shocking revelations, the author guides the reader through an universe that is both wholly original and rife with familiar concepts like dark academia.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞: The book starts off amazing and ends on a bang. There is a part in the middle that feels almost ...useless... It really brings you off the flow of wanting to stay at the edge of your seat.
𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭? Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good dark academia and fantasy novel. It has the perfect mix of both genres.
February 5, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is a quirky and engaging speculative fantasy by Katy Foraker. Released 4th Oct 2022, it's 328 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a moderately clever and nearly romance-free UF fantasy/paranormal story set in academia with a 200(+/-) year old protagonist learning to take charge of her own life and solve the mystery of her accidental apparent immortality. She's got a severely dysfunction relationship with her vampire brother Theo, and the book fundamentally revolves around the mysterious murders of witches and other supernaturals, with brother Theo the prime suspect.
The plot is relatively linear, and I wasn't always closely engaged with the characters who were often venial, weak, or unambiguously nasty. MC Zoey's often a bit of a doormat, especially considering that she's lived for more than 2 centuries at this point. The denouement and resolution are self contained in this volume and it works well as a standalone, however, the ending hints very broadly at more stories in the RIDER universe in future. There are some content warnings including child abuse, and physical/psychological violence and non-consent (mind invasion and pain).
Three and a half stars. It's a good read and will appeal to fans of Seanan McGuire, Carrie Vaughn, and T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is a quirky and engaging speculative fantasy by Katy Foraker. Released 4th Oct 2022, it's 328 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a moderately clever and nearly romance-free UF fantasy/paranormal story set in academia with a 200(+/-) year old protagonist learning to take charge of her own life and solve the mystery of her accidental apparent immortality. She's got a severely dysfunction relationship with her vampire brother Theo, and the book fundamentally revolves around the mysterious murders of witches and other supernaturals, with brother Theo the prime suspect.
The plot is relatively linear, and I wasn't always closely engaged with the characters who were often venial, weak, or unambiguously nasty. MC Zoey's often a bit of a doormat, especially considering that she's lived for more than 2 centuries at this point. The denouement and resolution are self contained in this volume and it works well as a standalone, however, the ending hints very broadly at more stories in the RIDER universe in future. There are some content warnings including child abuse, and physical/psychological violence and non-consent (mind invasion and pain).
Three and a half stars. It's a good read and will appeal to fans of Seanan McGuire, Carrie Vaughn, and T. Kingfisher (Ursula Vernon).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 12, 2022
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Katy Foraker's Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is an enchanting book I had a hard time putting down. To say I adored this book is an understatement. It's funny, whimsical, and touching, with plenty of action and adventure to keep you on your toes.
Zoey Prescott doesn't age, thanks to a forbidden spell cast on her over two hundred years ago. Now she's a demonologist for an organization called RIDER (Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities). While keeping her safe and confined in their NY headquarters, RIDER is also working to uncover the secret behind her immortality. But when a notorious vampire, who happens to be her brother, resurfaces, Zoey finds herself on a search-and-destroy mission to DC where she must join forces with a young witch, a judgmental house, and various supernatural creatures to find her brother and put an end to his decades of misdeeds. However, she soon discovers that the line between friend and foe is a blurry one, and the truth she seeks might be a lot closer than she realizes.
Foraker has built a magical world full of wonder and delight. Her characters, whether human or other, are relatable and just a whole lot of fun to be around. Stepping into this book is like drinking a cup of hot cocoa and wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn day. It's that good. Solid debut. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend!
Katy Foraker's Memories, Lies, and Other Binds is an enchanting book I had a hard time putting down. To say I adored this book is an understatement. It's funny, whimsical, and touching, with plenty of action and adventure to keep you on your toes.
Zoey Prescott doesn't age, thanks to a forbidden spell cast on her over two hundred years ago. Now she's a demonologist for an organization called RIDER (Research Institute of Demonic Entities and Rarities). While keeping her safe and confined in their NY headquarters, RIDER is also working to uncover the secret behind her immortality. But when a notorious vampire, who happens to be her brother, resurfaces, Zoey finds herself on a search-and-destroy mission to DC where she must join forces with a young witch, a judgmental house, and various supernatural creatures to find her brother and put an end to his decades of misdeeds. However, she soon discovers that the line between friend and foe is a blurry one, and the truth she seeks might be a lot closer than she realizes.
Foraker has built a magical world full of wonder and delight. Her characters, whether human or other, are relatable and just a whole lot of fun to be around. Stepping into this book is like drinking a cup of hot cocoa and wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn day. It's that good. Solid debut. I look forward to reading more from this author. Highly recommend!
October 26, 2022
3.5 🌟
Thanks to netgalley & Katy Foraker for approving me for an arc copy of this book!
It is a really intriguing world with all the supernatural creatures and an organisation that’s there to help either control them or monitor them. We see vampires, werewolves, fae, mermaids and so many other creatures!
I initially thought the story was quite disjointed but then there is a part where it all seems to line up. I also really enjoyed the ending which pushed it up half a star.
Zoey is a great MC, I loved going through this story with her and seeing her find herself. She’s been cooped up at RIDER for hundreds of years without really exploring the outside world so when she hears that her brother - a dangerous vampire - might be behind witch murders that are happening she takes the opportunity to hunt him and try and take revenge for all her has done.
I loved the chemistry between Zoey and the other main characters, I did have a few suspicions about a few characters which turned out to be correct so keep an eye out 👀🤣 there is definitely more to the murders than meets the eye.
This was a fun book with some dark elements and it was enjoyable, I guess I was just hoping for more? I wish there was a bit more differentiation between the past and the present, and I guess I was just hoping for more of an emotional punch to the story. It is a good story but not one I’m sure I’ll continue with or reread.
Thanks to netgalley & Katy Foraker for approving me for an arc copy of this book!
It is a really intriguing world with all the supernatural creatures and an organisation that’s there to help either control them or monitor them. We see vampires, werewolves, fae, mermaids and so many other creatures!
I initially thought the story was quite disjointed but then there is a part where it all seems to line up. I also really enjoyed the ending which pushed it up half a star.
Zoey is a great MC, I loved going through this story with her and seeing her find herself. She’s been cooped up at RIDER for hundreds of years without really exploring the outside world so when she hears that her brother - a dangerous vampire - might be behind witch murders that are happening she takes the opportunity to hunt him and try and take revenge for all her has done.
I loved the chemistry between Zoey and the other main characters, I did have a few suspicions about a few characters which turned out to be correct so keep an eye out 👀🤣 there is definitely more to the murders than meets the eye.
This was a fun book with some dark elements and it was enjoyable, I guess I was just hoping for more? I wish there was a bit more differentiation between the past and the present, and I guess I was just hoping for more of an emotional punch to the story. It is a good story but not one I’m sure I’ll continue with or reread.
October 26, 2022
Thanks to @netgalley & Katy Foraker for approving me for an arc copy of this book!
It is a really intriguing world with all the supernatural creatures and an organisation that’s there to help either control them or monitor them. We see vampires, werewolves, fae, mermaids and so many other creatures!
I initially thought the story was quite disjointed but then there is a part where it all seems to line up. I also really enjoyed the ending which pushed it up half a star.
Zoey is a great MC, I loved going through this story with her and seeing her find herself. She’s been cooped up at RIDER for hundreds of years without really exploring the outside world so when she hears that her brother - a dangerous vampire - might be behind witch murders that are happening she takes the opportunity to hunt him and try and take revenge for all her has done.
I loved the chemistry between Zoey and the other main characters, I did have a few suspicions about a few characters which turned out to be correct so keep an eye out 👀🤣 there is definitely more to the murders than meets the eye.
This was a fun book with some dark elements and it was enjoyable, I guess I was just hoping for more? I wish there was a bit more differentiation between the past and the present, and I guess I was just hoping for more of an emotional punch to the story. It is a good story but not one I’m sure I’ll continue with or reread.
It is a really intriguing world with all the supernatural creatures and an organisation that’s there to help either control them or monitor them. We see vampires, werewolves, fae, mermaids and so many other creatures!
I initially thought the story was quite disjointed but then there is a part where it all seems to line up. I also really enjoyed the ending which pushed it up half a star.
Zoey is a great MC, I loved going through this story with her and seeing her find herself. She’s been cooped up at RIDER for hundreds of years without really exploring the outside world so when she hears that her brother - a dangerous vampire - might be behind witch murders that are happening she takes the opportunity to hunt him and try and take revenge for all her has done.
I loved the chemistry between Zoey and the other main characters, I did have a few suspicions about a few characters which turned out to be correct so keep an eye out 👀🤣 there is definitely more to the murders than meets the eye.
This was a fun book with some dark elements and it was enjoyable, I guess I was just hoping for more? I wish there was a bit more differentiation between the past and the present, and I guess I was just hoping for more of an emotional punch to the story. It is a good story but not one I’m sure I’ll continue with or reread.
September 3, 2022
I would rate this read a 3.25 out of 5 stars. What initially drew me to this book was it’s description of being “The Vampire Diaries meets The Da Vinci Code”. As a lover of The Vampire Diaries in general I was excited to give this dark academia urban fantasy book a go since I love all things Sci Fi/Fantasy in general. The book fell flat for me since it’s a short book (approx 328 pages) and it took me 4 days to read since I just couldn’t get into it…usually I would have finished a book like this quicker. It felt slow/boring for me until the END of chapter 10 and FINALLY I was on board and really enjoyed the story. It’s a good book, just not great. It’s a nice YA read if you like all things vampire/witches/demons etc. I liked seeing her character development come into place during the middle/close to the end of the book, how she finds her brother and they get a second chance to be siblings again…and the ending was a nice wrap up and hopeful for Zoey’s future. I liked the main character Zoey since I could relate to her being the shy, meek person who doesn’t want to stand out and does what she’s told so it’s even better when she really gets a chance to break out of her daily normal life and find herself and start really living the way she wants. This book was a good/fun adventure and if you like a strong female main character and all things fantasy you’ll probably enjoy this book!
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