Official Review: These Lies That Live Between Us

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DustinPBrown
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Official Review: These Lies That Live Between Us

Post by DustinPBrown »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "These Lies That Live Between Us" by Kai Raine.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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The debut novel of Kai Raine is appropriately titled These Lies that Live Between Us, a fascinating fantasy story that explores how lies and secrecy isolate us from those we love and prevent us from having the fulfilling relationships we crave in life, all while balancing wit with poise.

We read about Ceryll where three princesses, “the heir, the airhead and the dead,” live together in a castle with their father. This land is magical, but magic and witchcraft, or “the Words,” are forbidden. The book opens on one of the princesses tossing herself off a cliff, apparently overcome by the madness of the Words. A year later, the “airhead” princess, Gwen, embarks on a journey to find the legendary phoenix, a weapon powerful enough to save her nation from invading magicians who ignore the laws against magic. Meanwhile, the “heir” Nicole must protect herself and her father from foreign agents infiltrating their castle.

I review and read a lot of fantasy, and this book explores and employs the pillars of the genre. There are magical creatures, supernatural beings, witches and wizardry, a medieval-esque setting—you get the idea. This novel excels, as do most good novels, in its originality. Almost every fantasy book has people who control the elements; this was the first I’ve read where they had to ask the elements very nicely for consent to be used. The chosen one narrative has been hashed and re-hashed into oblivion; while These Lies uses that trope, it also obfuscates it with a possible second chosen one.

Perhaps most impressive of all is how themes about honesty and secrecy meld perfectly with the plot. “Speakers” are magicians bound to tell the truth and capable of seeing when a person lies, and it’s fascinating to watch how these characters use half-truths to keep their secrets. Besides that, the three main characters all possess their own secrets which they hide from those close to them, secrets about their real identity, about their real plans, and about their futures, secrets which ultimately create more problems than they solve. The climax of the story comes, not in an epic battle scene, but in a moment of truth between two characters, a satisfying end to both the plot and the characters’ arcs.

Besides that, it’s a delight to read. The craft is clean, precise, and beautiful. Characters are fleshed-out and hilarious. On her quest, Gwen’s companion Nier is shot by a bowman while protecting her. When she points out he’s bleeding, he says, ”Just a scratch. Now get down before you get shot!” to which Gwen replies, “Yes, of course. When I see a man lying in a pool of his own blood, I think how all right he is.” Every character has their funny moments that enrich the dialog and story outside of the well-plotted action scenes.

I think this could be a difficult novel to love for people who don’t already love fantasy. As I mentioned, there is a lot of playing with established tropes, and those less-well-read in the genre may miss some of the charm of those inversions. There’s so much I could say about this novel, but I’ll leave the review with my 4 out of 4 star rating and my hopes that you’ll pick up a copy for yourself.

******
These Lies That Live Between Us
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Adeniji
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Post by Adeniji »

lies gradually destroy this world ..very interesting
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arcie72
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Post by arcie72 »

Your review was eloquent and thorough. I smiled when who stated that permission was needed to use the elements. The story sounds funny and interesting. I am glad that you stated that this fantasy follows the constructs of its genre and that one who reads fantasy would appreciate the inversions. I am looking forward to adding this to my bookshelf. I do enjoy fresh ways in presenting a genre.
liftedbooks
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Post by liftedbooks »

I really enjoyed your review. On occasion, I do enjoy a book from the fantasy genre. This one sounds like it has great potential; I might give it a try.
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Samantha Simoneau
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Post by Samantha Simoneau »

This novel sounds familiar in great ways and unique in even better ways. I've never read a fiction book dealing heavily with the nature of lies, especially in the fantasy genre. I was hooked after the first paragraph of your review and I think I will be "picking up a copy" myself. Thanks for the great recommendation!
Samantha Simoneau

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tamwenya nelly
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Post by tamwenya nelly »

Indeed lies can separate the bond btn families friends
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Ginnamassa19
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Post by Ginnamassa19 »

Oh my gosh, the part on the Speakers using half-truths to conceal their secrets is really interesting--as is the bit where the elements have to consent to be used before their power can be harnessed! I enjoy fantasy, and this seems like a book I'd gladly read :D

Thank you for your review--it was very illuminating :)
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maggiechap
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Post by maggiechap »

Wow what a great review! This looks like it would be right up my alley and may be what I've been looking for! Thank you so much!
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Post by crediblereading2 »

I love your very detailed review. I am left feeling so intrigued by all the fanciful scenes, mysteries, and humor.
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Post by Kemunto lucy »

I love novels involving magic and I guess this is next for me. Thanks for the awesome review.
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Post by joshfee77 »

An impressive debut novel! I like how the author manipulates some established fantasy genre conventions; I’m a big fan of the unexpected and unorthodox in any story.
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MHScaccia
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Post by MHScaccia »

Though I find your review intriguing, I think I’ll have to put this one on a back burner for the moment. I’ve only recently begun reading in this genre, so I’d likely miss the fantasy nuances which made this book a hit for you. Great review though!
jcoad
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Post by jcoad »

Very interesting. Not sure what to think. Not my usual choice of story but you make it sound very appealing. I"m curious about the magicians that can't lie.

I think I may pick this one up. Thanks for the review.
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Post by Espie »

a fascinating fantasy story that explores how lies and secrecy isolate us from those we love and prevent us from having the fulfilling relationships we crave in life, all while balancing wit with poise.
They say that there are certain things, which are best left unsaid. How do we tell which ones to say or not? In a world where filtering what we say to others to preserve relationships and to avoid enmity, how truthful could one really be? It seems like this piece goes beyond mere make-believe. Thank you for a well-written and insightful review.
"Life has many different chapters for us. One bad chapter doesn't mean it's the end of the book."-Unknown
"To err is human; to forgive, divine."-Alexander Pope
"Put GOD first; He'll bless your efforts with success."-Proverbs
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