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thenovelmaura's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really appreciate Penguin Teen sending me an eARC of this one! I'm a huge Astrid Scholte fan so it pains me to admit that this book didn't live up to my expectations. I suppose a part of it was the framing/marketing, since this is billed as a heist novel. The heist planning and execution only happened in the last 30% of the book, and it was pretty half-heartedly thrown together (Cayder is not on Kaz Brekker's level). The rest of the book was a legal drama, which was at times interesting but not exactly what I signed up for.
One thing I will say about Scholte is that all of her sci-fi/fantasy concepts are super intriguing and distinct from one another. I was so interested in edem and how their society was based around this weird time-magic (I do think the book could have used more world-building here). The characters were also well-written and their backgrounds were gradually revealed in a way that kept me turning pages. So there was a lot to like here in terms of characters and setting; I just wish the plot hadn't taken a backseat to everything else!
One thing I will say about Scholte is that all of her sci-fi/fantasy concepts are super intriguing and distinct from one another. I was so interested in edem and how their society was based around this weird time-magic (I do think the book could have used more world-building here). The characters were also well-written and their backgrounds were gradually revealed in a way that kept me turning pages. So there was a lot to like here in terms of characters and setting; I just wish the plot hadn't taken a backseat to everything else!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization and Death
Moderate: Death of parent
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well...that was not really what I was expecting. I went in thinking it was going to be a magical heist novel, with action and magic and a morally grey crew. That definitely isn't what this book is, so just know that going in.
I had seen somewhere that this is being marketed as Six of Crows meets How To Get Away With Murder. Much of the book is focused on the trial of Cayder's sister. Which is fine, it just felt like it went on for too long. I wanted more action, more about the magical system, more about the world. And I didn't really get it.
The characters also kind of fell a bit flat for me. I do think they get better by the end, but I honestly didn't really feel much of a connection to any of them. And wiwth that ending, there better be another book. Because what? Such an abrupt, cliff hanger-esque ending. Like, I don't think this story ends there, but there's nothing indicating that there's going to be a second book.
All in all, if you're interested in magical court cases, this is definitely something that you'll enjoy! Just know that it's going to be a bit slower than you might expect.
I had seen somewhere that this is being marketed as Six of Crows meets How To Get Away With Murder. Much of the book is focused on the trial of Cayder's sister. Which is fine, it just felt like it went on for too long. I wanted more action, more about the magical system, more about the world. And I didn't really get it.
The characters also kind of fell a bit flat for me. I do think they get better by the end, but I honestly didn't really feel much of a connection to any of them. And wiwth that ending, there better be another book. Because what? Such an abrupt, cliff hanger-esque ending. Like, I don't think this story ends there, but there's nothing indicating that there's going to be a second book.
All in all, if you're interested in magical court cases, this is definitely something that you'll enjoy! Just know that it's going to be a bit slower than you might expect.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Murder, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexism, Suicide, and Toxic relationship
melaniereadsbooks's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for this arc.
When Cayder's sister is arrested for using illegal magic, he has to find a way to save her from life in prison and runs into a bigger conspiracy than he thought he would have to fight.
I really liked the magical aspects of this book; it had a really cool and unique magic system. I loved the ideas behind that system and am excited to be able to learn more about it in future books(?) as what happens with this extradimensional magic is explored more.
The characters were all...fine. I wasn't really attached to any of them and I don't think that character development was one of the strong suits of this book. There is a bit of a "heist" aspect when they break out of prison, but that is really only a small part of the book. Most of it was legal things and background.
The writing style is good, but I just wasn't really invested in the characters.
When Cayder's sister is arrested for using illegal magic, he has to find a way to save her from life in prison and runs into a bigger conspiracy than he thought he would have to fight.
I really liked the magical aspects of this book; it had a really cool and unique magic system. I loved the ideas behind that system and am excited to be able to learn more about it in future books(?) as what happens with this extradimensional magic is explored more.
The characters were all...fine. I wasn't really attached to any of them and I don't think that character development was one of the strong suits of this book. There is a bit of a "heist" aspect when they break out of prison, but that is really only a small part of the book. Most of it was legal things and background.
The writing style is good, but I just wasn't really invested in the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Forced institutionalization, and Violence
maidmarianlib's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Unique world, interesting mystery that comes together in a unique way. Very interested to see what comes next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was fun but I think the comparisons to Six of Crows are hurting this book by giving people the wrong impression about this book. There is no heist. And honestly the synopsis has a huge spoiler about the book so... 🙃
League of Liars follows four teenagers: Cayder Broduck, a young man who wants to become a public defender and knows his apprenticeship under one of the premier public defenders can make his dreams come true. The other three main characters are prisoners of Vardean, a high security prison. One of them is Cayder's sister, Leta. Cayder doesn't know how his sister has been accused of mass murder, but he's determined to find out what really happened. As Cayder gets caught up in these three cases, he finds surprising connections and treachery.
I really enjoyed this story. I found all the court politics and trials fascinating. The magic system was kind of confusing but I was curious nonetheless. I really want to know if there will be a sequel because this was 100% set up for one and even ends on a cliffhanger (of sorts) so...powers that be please make it happen.
Cayder was all right. I liked him well enough even though he was quite stubborn. But I really enjoyed his character growth throughout this. He uncovers a shit ton of info throughout this novel and the way his actions change were really amazing. I loved Leta and I always wanted to know more about her character. Even though this book is multi POV with four narrators, Cayder and his journey is the focal point. We get to know Eleanor, Jey and Leta well, but their arcs are not as complete as Cayder's was in this one. Regardless I really came to like them all. Though Cayder's estranged childhood best friend, Kema, was my absolute favorite.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the parallels of discovering how frustrating injustice is and seeing a system you thought worked and was good fall to corruption. The themes in this book definitely parallel 2020-2021 and the things we've seen happen in the US justice system.
Rep: white male cishet MC, white female cishet MC, white female cishet MC (royalty), vegetarian male cishet MC (I think Jey is white but I don't remember), BIPOC sapphic female side character, BIPOC male side character (lawyer).
CWs: Imprisonment, forced institutionalization, corruption of trial process, grief, death of parent, violence. Moderate: fire, mass murder (whole town dies), murder, fascist government regime attempting to take over.
This was fun but I think the comparisons to Six of Crows are hurting this book by giving people the wrong impression about this book. There is no heist. And honestly the synopsis has a huge spoiler about the book so... 🙃
League of Liars follows four teenagers: Cayder Broduck, a young man who wants to become a public defender and knows his apprenticeship under one of the premier public defenders can make his dreams come true. The other three main characters are prisoners of Vardean, a high security prison. One of them is Cayder's sister, Leta. Cayder doesn't know how his sister has been accused of mass murder, but he's determined to find out what really happened. As Cayder gets caught up in these three cases, he finds surprising connections and treachery.
I really enjoyed this story. I found all the court politics and trials fascinating. The magic system was kind of confusing but I was curious nonetheless. I really want to know if there will be a sequel because this was 100% set up for one and even ends on a cliffhanger (of sorts) so...powers that be please make it happen.
Cayder was all right. I liked him well enough even though he was quite stubborn. But I really enjoyed his character growth throughout this. He uncovers a shit ton of info throughout this novel and the way his actions change were really amazing. I loved Leta and I always wanted to know more about her character. Even though this book is multi POV with four narrators, Cayder and his journey is the focal point. We get to know Eleanor, Jey and Leta well, but their arcs are not as complete as Cayder's was in this one. Regardless I really came to like them all. Though Cayder's estranged childhood best friend, Kema, was my absolute favorite.
Lastly, I really enjoyed the parallels of discovering how frustrating injustice is and seeing a system you thought worked and was good fall to corruption. The themes in this book definitely parallel 2020-2021 and the things we've seen happen in the US justice system.
Rep: white male cishet MC, white female cishet MC, white female cishet MC (royalty), vegetarian male cishet MC (I think Jey is white but I don't remember), BIPOC sapphic female side character, BIPOC male side character (lawyer).
CWs: Imprisonment, forced institutionalization, corruption of trial process, grief, death of parent, violence. Moderate: fire, mass murder (whole town dies), murder, fascist government regime attempting to take over.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, Death, Forced institutionalization, and Grief
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Murder
sarahmreads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Cayder wants to be a lawyer in a world where edem, a magical force tied to shadows, is outlawed. While being the assistant to a well standing lawyer in the kingdom's prison, he finds out that there is more at stake than just lives when his own sister is charged with murdering hundreds. Will he save her and others?
This book has such interesting world building. I've never read a book with a magic system quite like this before, where the source of magic is still mostly unknown but also we still get a good grasp of how it exactly works. I wish we got to see more of it but with what we saw in the story, I think it has some good buildup for the second book in the series. Yes you heard me, this is the first book in a new series.
However, I wasn't really hooked into this book until more than halfway through. The first half of the book was so fast paced that it sent me reeling. The first 10% of the book is the main character Cayder just throwing worldbuilding at you, to the point where it felt just primarily exposition and not really being introduced to the character himself. Furthermore, in the first half, Cayder and his boss get thrown client after client and while they all had a role to play at the end, it was too much in such a short period of time that I wasn't entirely sure if it was worth continuing.
I honestly forgot that this was a prison break story because of how everything proceeded in the beginning. As a result, I was concerned why exactly Leta's trial was so early in the story. But once it hit that point, I was entirely hooked in the story and finished it in two sittings.
In terms of characters, I'm very torn on some of them. First, I didn't really liked Cayder. He was too temperamental and headstrong for my liking, to the point where I felt like most of the time he was just angry. I did like Leta surprisingly, more because she's the studious type. Although Jey's father is important to the story, Jey himself felt kind of useless as a character. He's mentioned every once in a while, but only becomes a major player at the end. Elenora was... okay. I don't really have any major opinions on her. And some of the side characters I felt could have just been left out and the story wouldn't have changed much.
There was also a romance subplot in the story and it just felt so out of place in comparison to the rest of the story. When it got revealed, it was like a slap to the face with how shocked I was. It was too rushed and didn't really feel like it had much basis to back it up. I wish it had more time for build-up, maybe even more so in the second book. But for just this as a standalone for right now, the romance was extremely out of place and didn't feel like it belonged in the story at all.
League of Liars is a decent beginning to a series with a unique magic system and a prison break that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I received a copy of this story from both NetGalley and Penguin Teen. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has such interesting world building. I've never read a book with a magic system quite like this before, where the source of magic is still mostly unknown but also we still get a good grasp of how it exactly works. I wish we got to see more of it but with what we saw in the story, I think it has some good buildup for the second book in the series. Yes you heard me, this is the first book in a new series.
However, I wasn't really hooked into this book until more than halfway through. The first half of the book was so fast paced that it sent me reeling. The first 10% of the book is the main character Cayder just throwing worldbuilding at you, to the point where it felt just primarily exposition and not really being introduced to the character himself. Furthermore, in the first half, Cayder and his boss get thrown client after client and while they all had a role to play at the end, it was too much in such a short period of time that I wasn't entirely sure if it was worth continuing.
I honestly forgot that this was a prison break story because of how everything proceeded in the beginning. As a result, I was concerned why exactly Leta's trial was so early in the story. But once it hit that point, I was entirely hooked in the story and finished it in two sittings.
In terms of characters, I'm very torn on some of them. First, I didn't really liked Cayder. He was too temperamental and headstrong for my liking, to the point where I felt like most of the time he was just angry. I did like Leta surprisingly, more because she's the studious type. Although Jey's father is important to the story, Jey himself felt kind of useless as a character. He's mentioned every once in a while, but only becomes a major player at the end. Elenora was... okay. I don't really have any major opinions on her. And some of the side characters I felt could have just been left out and the story wouldn't have changed much.
There was also a romance subplot in the story and it just felt so out of place in comparison to the rest of the story. When it got revealed, it was like a slap to the face with how shocked I was. It was too rushed and didn't really feel like it had much basis to back it up. I wish it had more time for build-up, maybe even more so in the second book. But for just this as a standalone for right now, the romance was extremely out of place and didn't feel like it belonged in the story at all.
League of Liars is a decent beginning to a series with a unique magic system and a prison break that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
I received a copy of this story from both NetGalley and Penguin Teen. Any and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Violence
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