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A review by thelibraryofklee
League of Liars by Astrid Scholte, Astrid Scholte
3.0
"By royal decree, no person shall use or attempt to use extradimensional magic lest they wish to suffer the full consequences of the law.
- Telene Code of Conduct
Chapter 1, Page 1"
What a whirlwind! This book is part fantasy, part court room drama, part mystery thriller, part heist. Our protagonist Cayder, dreams of being a lawyer. Since the death of his mother he wants nothing more than to see those who illegally use edem (magic) to spend their existence in jail. Then he meets three criminals he is asked to help defend, and nothing is black or white anymore.
Fast paced almost feels like an understatement when it comes to the pace of this novel. It is all go from the beginning. It's an extremely clever twisty plot, and as a seasoned reader who thinks they can guess it all, I was definitely caught off guard.
My only problem is I think the fast pace meant some of the world building and character development was a little left behind. I really wanted to get to know the characters more and imagine the world they were in. In saying that, I think the premise is fantastic and I love Scholte's ability to mix genres to make for something really new feeling!
I do think this would be a great addition for a high school library - I think teens will eat this one up. AND be prepared, it appears it will be part of a duology so that cliff hanger is WOW.
“My mother died when I was ten years old. I spent a year in Vardean Reform. My father is never at home. And my only family is at risk of being locked away for good. I know what it feels like to take a punch. Now I need someone to help me fight back.”
- Telene Code of Conduct
Chapter 1, Page 1"
What a whirlwind! This book is part fantasy, part court room drama, part mystery thriller, part heist. Our protagonist Cayder, dreams of being a lawyer. Since the death of his mother he wants nothing more than to see those who illegally use edem (magic) to spend their existence in jail. Then he meets three criminals he is asked to help defend, and nothing is black or white anymore.
Fast paced almost feels like an understatement when it comes to the pace of this novel. It is all go from the beginning. It's an extremely clever twisty plot, and as a seasoned reader who thinks they can guess it all, I was definitely caught off guard.
My only problem is I think the fast pace meant some of the world building and character development was a little left behind. I really wanted to get to know the characters more and imagine the world they were in. In saying that, I think the premise is fantastic and I love Scholte's ability to mix genres to make for something really new feeling!
I do think this would be a great addition for a high school library - I think teens will eat this one up. AND be prepared, it appears it will be part of a duology so that cliff hanger is WOW.
“My mother died when I was ten years old. I spent a year in Vardean Reform. My father is never at home. And my only family is at risk of being locked away for good. I know what it feels like to take a punch. Now I need someone to help me fight back.”