A review by turn_the_pages
The Liar's Knot by M.A. Carrick

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I absolutely adored the first book but this one was a massive disappointment. It's much more focused on romance at the cost of having a coherent, overarching plot. I was sceptical after seeing most mysteries resolved at the end of Mask of Mirrors and unfortunately Liar's Knot did not deliver on new, engaging story arcs. Subplots pop up seemingly at random, any threats to Ren are immediately and conveniently resolved, everything meanders on until about halfway through when something resembling a main plot is introduced, at which point I was already struggling to stay invested, despite loving the setting and world building. Vargo and Alsius eventually became the only characters that didn't annoy me. I'd also add that this was recommended to me as lesbian fiction and while the world is indeed refreshingly queer, the main character went for the (imo predictable and boring) straight romance option (if she'd at least chosen the actually interesting guy...alas). I'd probably go so far as to say that the romance arc and Ren subsequently devolving into yet another boilerplate romance novel heroine without the pluck, wit, agency and strength of character that made me love her in the first installment, effectively killed my enjoyment of this book.