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ankysbookbubble's review
4.0
Lies That Bind was the second book in the Anastasia Phoenix trilogy, and I enjoyed it as much as the first book, Proof of Lies.
Lies That Bind followed Anastasia as she worked towards uncovering the truth about her parents and Department D. It was full of suspense, suspicion and a tad of romance.
I love the characters, especially Markus and Charlotte, and the storyline was, as always, fast paced and just my type.
All in all, I've been thoroughly swept into Anastasia's world, and I'm eager to read the Book 3, End of Lies!
Lies That Bind followed Anastasia as she worked towards uncovering the truth about her parents and Department D. It was full of suspense, suspicion and a tad of romance.
I love the characters, especially Markus and Charlotte, and the storyline was, as always, fast paced and just my type.
All in all, I've been thoroughly swept into Anastasia's world, and I'm eager to read the Book 3, End of Lies!
yvo_about_books's review
4.0
Finished reading: March 5th 2018
"He was daring me to continue the fight, like he wanted me to light the match and watch the spies burn."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Entangled Teen in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
Spoiler
I have a weak spot for any story with a conspiracy plot, spies or an international setting. Having all three of these elements in one story? Definitely the right way to start for me! Lies That Bind picks up where Proof Of Lies ended and show us the danger for the Phoenix sisters isn't over yet. They have a new situation on their hands, one that might even be more complicated than what they have already faced. Like in book one, it took me a while to get into the story, but as soon as I did I was hooked. The first part of Lies That Bind is mostly used as a base line which the rest of the plot and the next book of the series will be able to stand on. This kind of introduction is necessary and while it slowed down this book, I'm having a feeling book number three will be full of fireworks. Because like in the first book, it was the second half of Lies That Bind that really made my heart race. Why? The non stop action, plot twists, shocking reveals and international setting probably had a lot to do with it. There is no doubt that the ending left me wanting for more... Because I'm dying to find out how they will be able to find their way out. That and a few other reveals I will not talk about to avoid spoilers. But I'm feeling it in my toes the next one is going to blow minds.
The writing style makes it really easy to read this story, and despite the slower start Lies That Bind turned out to be a superfast read. And I also loved the use of foreign language in the text, which helped create the right international atmosphere. The descriptions of the places they visit are well done and make it feel as if you were there yourself. Free travel included while you are reading, another bonus! I do have to say I struggled a bit with the high dose of drama in especially the first half of Lies That Bind. I mentioned in my review of the first book that I wasn't a fan of the main character Anastasia because of her attitude, and this feeling hasn't changed. Trust-issues aside, the tension between Anastasia, Marcus, Antonio and Keira did get a bit too much for me. I guess part of this has to do with the romance, but in the end it was mostly the dramaqueen episodes that got to me. I still have a weak spot for Marcus and his little Spanish accent though. And it has been interesting to see how the characters react to the different situations. Even more importantly, the final part of Lies That Bind made me forget about all that drama and I devoured the non stop action as it was thrown at me. I can't wait to read the third book now and find out what the author has in store for us next! Like I've said before, this YA international spy series is fast-paced and entertaining and perfect for fans of the Embassy Row and The Conspiracy Of Us series.
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
booksandpops4000's review
4.0
I thought this was solid follow up to book one. I still really liked the wide cast of characters we have met. I would love eventually to get chapters from their point of view. I loved how complex the mystery has became and how the tension in this story has became some intense. I also really loved the various setting we were exposed to and all the various exotic locals we go to. I think the mystery is so well crafted and I will def be checking out the last book in this series!
branpender12's review
4.0
"What would you risk to learn the truth?"― Diana Rodriguez Wallach, Proof of Lies.
LIES THAT BIND dives right back in where we left off at the end of book 1, PROOF OF LIES. Anastasia and crew are in London regrouping and formatting a plan to take down Department D! It seems book one was set in place to lay the groundwork for the globetrotting MC and her cohorts! And even though everything from her past seems to be a lie, Anastasia is holding it together. It's time for payback and the Dresden kids are kicking ass and taking names! That is until Anastasia gets a message that she cannot ignore -the suspicious death of a high school friend. Just when she thought it was safe not to look over her shoulder or around every corner, Department D throws in a little mania to remind her that they are out there and gunning for her as well.
In this book, Anastasia finds herself not trusting anyone or anything. Old habits die hard, Anastasia begins to close the walls around her and shut out everyone and the world just like she did when Keira disappeared. Even though she knows she needs the help of Alex Cross and the rest of her friends to bring down Department D and that the message they sent her was their way of shutting her down. Not to mention her parents could possibly be alive and that her whole entire existence has been a lie.
The Dresden kids are ready to find a chink in the wheel that is the well-oiled machine called the Department D and turn them into the CIA, so they can be shut down permanently. The world is not ready for the wronged kids that have been left orphans that are now rallying together.
I really enjoyed that someone could pick up this book without reading the first one and not be completely lost because almost all the main plot details are revisited at the beginning of the story. Sometimes it’s hard to remember everything that happened in the first installment of a series if it has been a while since you’ve read it, but readers will have no issues diving right back in. Thankfully I had just finished PROOF OF LIES and got to finish them back to back! Although, nothing can be done about the tremendous cliffhanger that LIES THAT BIND left me with! Let’s just hope that Diana continues to be a fantastic author and will hop back in the fires at the same location in book 3 as she did in book 2!
I had mentioned before that I thought the first book, PROOF OF LIES, followed along the lines of one of the Twilight Saga books; however, LIES THAT BIND takes a much darker and sinister tone. Imagine Jason Bourne teaming up with the cast of The Blacklist to go mafia style gangster on the corrupt world!
LIES THAT BIND continuously maintains the spy/mystery feel throughout the storyline, but we don’t get a whole lot of information as to what’s going on; which makes me think this book is just there to set up the finale in book 3. That being said, I did have fun gathering up all the clues with the characters and found myself screaming “NNNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!” at the end of the last page because I cannot wait to finish this series!
For those that are looking for more of the romance aspect in a book, LIES THAT BIND allows the budding romance between Marcus and Anastasia to build as the book progresses. Keep in mind these are teenagers so there is going to be teenager drama anytime there is a romantic interest. “eyeroll”
The pacing of the book is easy to follow along as well, and the storyline is very plot driven. I found this book much easier to read than the first one and finished it within one day!
LIES THAT BIND is an epic sequel to PROOF OF LIES and I would recommend it to fans of mystery, thrillers, and YA romance drama tropes. The story is also about discovering who you are and not accepting defeat! What are you waiting for go out and buy both of these books right now! You will not be disappointed!!!!
LIES THAT BIND dives right back in where we left off at the end of book 1, PROOF OF LIES. Anastasia and crew are in London regrouping and formatting a plan to take down Department D! It seems book one was set in place to lay the groundwork for the globetrotting MC and her cohorts! And even though everything from her past seems to be a lie, Anastasia is holding it together. It's time for payback and the Dresden kids are kicking ass and taking names! That is until Anastasia gets a message that she cannot ignore -the suspicious death of a high school friend. Just when she thought it was safe not to look over her shoulder or around every corner, Department D throws in a little mania to remind her that they are out there and gunning for her as well.
In this book, Anastasia finds herself not trusting anyone or anything. Old habits die hard, Anastasia begins to close the walls around her and shut out everyone and the world just like she did when Keira disappeared. Even though she knows she needs the help of Alex Cross and the rest of her friends to bring down Department D and that the message they sent her was their way of shutting her down. Not to mention her parents could possibly be alive and that her whole entire existence has been a lie.
The Dresden kids are ready to find a chink in the wheel that is the well-oiled machine called the Department D and turn them into the CIA, so they can be shut down permanently. The world is not ready for the wronged kids that have been left orphans that are now rallying together.
I really enjoyed that someone could pick up this book without reading the first one and not be completely lost because almost all the main plot details are revisited at the beginning of the story. Sometimes it’s hard to remember everything that happened in the first installment of a series if it has been a while since you’ve read it, but readers will have no issues diving right back in. Thankfully I had just finished PROOF OF LIES and got to finish them back to back! Although, nothing can be done about the tremendous cliffhanger that LIES THAT BIND left me with! Let’s just hope that Diana continues to be a fantastic author and will hop back in the fires at the same location in book 3 as she did in book 2!
I had mentioned before that I thought the first book, PROOF OF LIES, followed along the lines of one of the Twilight Saga books; however, LIES THAT BIND takes a much darker and sinister tone. Imagine Jason Bourne teaming up with the cast of The Blacklist to go mafia style gangster on the corrupt world!
LIES THAT BIND continuously maintains the spy/mystery feel throughout the storyline, but we don’t get a whole lot of information as to what’s going on; which makes me think this book is just there to set up the finale in book 3. That being said, I did have fun gathering up all the clues with the characters and found myself screaming “NNNNOOOOOOOO!!!!!” at the end of the last page because I cannot wait to finish this series!
For those that are looking for more of the romance aspect in a book, LIES THAT BIND allows the budding romance between Marcus and Anastasia to build as the book progresses. Keep in mind these are teenagers so there is going to be teenager drama anytime there is a romantic interest. “eyeroll”
The pacing of the book is easy to follow along as well, and the storyline is very plot driven. I found this book much easier to read than the first one and finished it within one day!
LIES THAT BIND is an epic sequel to PROOF OF LIES and I would recommend it to fans of mystery, thrillers, and YA romance drama tropes. The story is also about discovering who you are and not accepting defeat! What are you waiting for go out and buy both of these books right now! You will not be disappointed!!!!
morebookspleaseblog's review
5.0
I’m going to be honest with you… I don’t even know where to start with this one. Lies that Bind picks up where we left off. With the heroics of Anastasia and Marcus, Keira is with them and safe. Only now, the person in danger is Marcus’s brother, Antonio, or is he? Marcus and Anastasia are off to save him. There’s something about Antonio you can’t quite put your finger on, but when he’s around Marcus, he’s different. Can you trust him? Should you trust him? Just when Anastasia thought she could see an end to this all, the group gets plunged deeper into the world of espionage. Can no one be trusted?
I truly enjoyed this sequel. I enjoyed catching up with Charlotte and Julian, slowly getting glimpses of their relationship developing. I would be lying if I said Keira didn’t frustrate me at times, but I understood she was trying to get some type of normalcy back in her life after her ordeal. I got my wish! We got know Marcus a little more… not as much as I liked, but it was enough for now. With this story, the plot thickens. Everyone you thought you could trust, you couldn’t… not even your own information. excitedly clapping hands I can’t wait to get the next book! And as always, I love the last few pages of pure information on events which really happened. I love when books can take a true event and incorporate it, flawlessly, into a fictional story. This grabbed me and I finished it in one sitting. It was nice to be back at Anastasia’s and Marcus’s side jet-setting across the globe, from Italy to London, back to Boston, to Rio… it was exciting and I can’t wait for the next installment!
I truly enjoyed this sequel. I enjoyed catching up with Charlotte and Julian, slowly getting glimpses of their relationship developing. I would be lying if I said Keira didn’t frustrate me at times, but I understood she was trying to get some type of normalcy back in her life after her ordeal. I got my wish! We got know Marcus a little more… not as much as I liked, but it was enough for now. With this story, the plot thickens. Everyone you thought you could trust, you couldn’t… not even your own information. excitedly clapping hands I can’t wait to get the next book! And as always, I love the last few pages of pure information on events which really happened. I love when books can take a true event and incorporate it, flawlessly, into a fictional story. This grabbed me and I finished it in one sitting. It was nice to be back at Anastasia’s and Marcus’s side jet-setting across the globe, from Italy to London, back to Boston, to Rio… it was exciting and I can’t wait for the next installment!
elephant's review
4.0
More lies, mysteries, intrigue, world travel and danger and murder are in this second book in the series. Who can Anastasia trust? Can she believe or trust anyone? How many people are lying to her? I enjoyed this second book in the series and look forward to the next one!
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