chroniclesofabookreader's review
2.0
Dare You to Lie is a fast-paced story about a young woman on a crusade for justice not just for her wrongly imprisoned father, but for herself and those around her at her high school. With a plot so heavily centered around one teenage girl, a lot had to rely on Ky shouldering so much weight. And while I assume the author meant for her to be this whip-smart and sassy character that had no issue saying what needed to be said, it didn't often come across as true to character. She was an abrasive character that often felt as if she were over-acting and playing a part rather than just simply being a person out to right wrongs. Her maturity, or lack thereof, at times pulled me from the story, making it very obvious she was trying too hard and as if the author was forcing her to be something she wasn't (or simply couldn't be). While I understand she probably was playing a role of someone more resilient than she was as most teenagers do, I didn't ever sense that---she came off as fake and mouthy, rather than strong and gutsy. Some books have really great stories and hard-to-like characters, but you can't but find your way to liking them, so my hope was that as I continued reading I'd feel a better understanding of her and grow to like her, but sadly that wasn't the case.
The blurb fascinated me when I first read it because of the exciting possibilities that could come from a young woman fighting the system to prove her dad's innocence, and had the story been simply about that, it might've pulled that off. Instead there were too many side plots that thinned the story and made it confusing to understand what the real plot of the story was. The blurb would have me believing it was her father's justice, but Ky had so many other crusades---finding who leaked her photos, the team of jocks, abusive athletes and drugs---that it was impossible to find focus. There were so many 'things' in this story that detracted from the true heart of the story---a girl out to save her dad---that I began to lose sight of enjoying it at all. I had hoped for the supporting characters and the love interest to redeem the story and its main character, but sadly they felt just as shallow as the plot, and with little to no chemistry, too.
I had really hoped to love this story, and while I gave it my best shot, it just didn't work for me. I hope that it's different for you if you give it a try.
**Received an early copy; this had no bearing on my opinions**
The blurb fascinated me when I first read it because of the exciting possibilities that could come from a young woman fighting the system to prove her dad's innocence, and had the story been simply about that, it might've pulled that off. Instead there were too many side plots that thinned the story and made it confusing to understand what the real plot of the story was. The blurb would have me believing it was her father's justice, but Ky had so many other crusades---finding who leaked her photos, the team of jocks, abusive athletes and drugs---that it was impossible to find focus. There were so many 'things' in this story that detracted from the true heart of the story---a girl out to save her dad---that I began to lose sight of enjoying it at all. I had hoped for the supporting characters and the love interest to redeem the story and its main character, but sadly they felt just as shallow as the plot, and with little to no chemistry, too.
I had really hoped to love this story, and while I gave it my best shot, it just didn't work for me. I hope that it's different for you if you give it a try.
**Received an early copy; this had no bearing on my opinions**
missprint_'s review against another edition
3.0
Fun but not the kind of thriller I love. You can always tell when an adult author shifts to write YA because the characters all sound a bit older, a bit edgier. And it doesn’t always work. I also feel like there wasn’t a lot of closure here compared to what Ky set out to do at the beginning of the book. Interesting series starter. A little gritty. Probably a good choice for fans of Veronica Mars.
katsbooks16's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mbarnes9's review against another edition
5.0
I haven’t read a book this good in a while. This book had so many plot twists, and kept getting better and better. I hope there’s a sequel, because I need more.
raenovels's review against another edition
3.0
Check out this review and others on my blog: https://thriftybibliophile.com
Dare You to Lie is a mystery about a crime-fighting detective who happens to be a 17-year-old girl. When Ky's father is framed for murder, she takes it upon herself to clear his name. In the process, she also works to expose the guilty parties who posted scandalous pictures of her on the internet. Even though the town has seemingly turned against her, Ky shows remarkable courage in the form of grit, wit, and sarcasm.
I adore thrillers and mysteries on audiobook, so I was excited to listen to this one! While on the whole I liked it, unfortunately I didn't love it. The writing was solid, but the story didn't suck me in, and the plot seemed to drag at times.
I think part of the reason why the story didn't suck me in is because of the two very different cases Ky was working on. Ky was not only working to solve her father's case, but she also had her own photo scandal case. I think it would have worked well to have one case or the other--not both. Having both cases discussed in the same book was distracting.
The ending was fine. There are still unanswered questions, but I would imagine those will be covered in the next book.
I did like Ky as a protagonist. She was a fierce character who didn't take guff from anyone. She put people in their places and stood up for what she believed--even if that put her in the line of fire. I like fierce female characters, so Ky fit the bill. I also liked her trusty sidekick Garrett. Their friendship was sweet, and their banter delightfully witty.
The other characters in the book were okay. I didn't find the antagonists particularly compelling. They felt generic--nothing about them stood out to me as unique or interesting.
The voice-acting was nicely done. I enjoyed listening to the voice actress narrate the book. Her voice worked well for the book's content.
I recommend this book to Veronica Mars fans and those looking for a light read.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio for providing the audiobook version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dare You to Lie is a mystery about a crime-fighting detective who happens to be a 17-year-old girl. When Ky's father is framed for murder, she takes it upon herself to clear his name. In the process, she also works to expose the guilty parties who posted scandalous pictures of her on the internet. Even though the town has seemingly turned against her, Ky shows remarkable courage in the form of grit, wit, and sarcasm.
I adore thrillers and mysteries on audiobook, so I was excited to listen to this one! While on the whole I liked it, unfortunately I didn't love it. The writing was solid, but the story didn't suck me in, and the plot seemed to drag at times.
I think part of the reason why the story didn't suck me in is because of the two very different cases Ky was working on. Ky was not only working to solve her father's case, but she also had her own photo scandal case. I think it would have worked well to have one case or the other--not both. Having both cases discussed in the same book was distracting.
The ending was fine. There are still unanswered questions, but I would imagine those will be covered in the next book.
I did like Ky as a protagonist. She was a fierce character who didn't take guff from anyone. She put people in their places and stood up for what she believed--even if that put her in the line of fire. I like fierce female characters, so Ky fit the bill. I also liked her trusty sidekick Garrett. Their friendship was sweet, and their banter delightfully witty.
The other characters in the book were okay. I didn't find the antagonists particularly compelling. They felt generic--nothing about them stood out to me as unique or interesting.
The voice-acting was nicely done. I enjoyed listening to the voice actress narrate the book. Her voice worked well for the book's content.
I recommend this book to Veronica Mars fans and those looking for a light read.
Thank you to MacMillan Audio for providing the audiobook version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
booksandpops4000's review against another edition
4.0
* I got this for my honest thoughts from the publisher*
I found this to such a engaging read. I liked how many mysteries were developed in this novel and how the story not had a rather shocking ending that I did not predict but also most of the stories tied together at the end.
I grew to enjoy the main character but I was a tad more invested in the side characters. I often struggle with unlikable narrators but I did enjoy her by the end.
I found this book to fast pace read that reminded me a lot of the show veronica mars. I really hope we get a book 2, because things were left open and I super curious to see what happens next.
If you like mysteries like Veronica mars and Pretty little liars, with more realistic mysteries, this is the book for you!
I found this to such a engaging read. I liked how many mysteries were developed in this novel and how the story not had a rather shocking ending that I did not predict but also most of the stories tied together at the end.
I grew to enjoy the main character but I was a tad more invested in the side characters. I often struggle with unlikable narrators but I did enjoy her by the end.
I found this book to fast pace read that reminded me a lot of the show veronica mars. I really hope we get a book 2, because things were left open and I super curious to see what happens next.
If you like mysteries like Veronica mars and Pretty little liars, with more realistic mysteries, this is the book for you!
mjwilliamson's review against another edition
Very cliched writing. Stunted narration. Too trope-y for my taste
carleneinspired's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
Lawyer isn't Ky's career goal, but she's prepared to be a teen version of when in order to track down the truth behind her father's imprisonment. She just has to deal with the bullies and the bad memories following her around upon her return to her old high school. They all know about her dad, but they all also know about that night that produced the photos that chased her out of town. It doesn't help that her dad's old partner as put a babysitter on her, a handsome FBI agent with zero trust in her last name. What starts as investigating what happened with her dad turns into investigating the past, knowing she must uncover what happened to her first before she can focus on the next, if she can make it out alive.
I know I'm not the first to say it, but this was just like watching Veronica Mars. Ky is a tough girl with a sassy attitude and the ability to throw a mean punch if she has to. What starts as a single investigation turns into a multi-faceted story about a small town with dark secrets kept quiet by deep pockets. Of course, she's still only in high school, but somehow she knows the ropes. She's got contacts in the FBI, a father that's passed his determination onto her, and two of the best friends around. What happened to her during her freshman year is a story we've all heard, the kind we'd never wish on anyone, and her outcome is just as dire as those we hear on the news. Rich, popular jocks getting away with assault, a girl left embarrassed and with a tarnished reputation, but Ky just uses that as fuel. She fights the system, manages to do her homework, and despite the danger at every turn continues to face fear head on to uncover the truth and protect it from happening to others.
While Dare You to Lie is definitely a young adult story, the story is one that is relatable and interesting to read for readers of all ages. If you like suspense, characters with tenacity, and mysteries you can't predict, this one's for you. I didn't know it was a series when I started it, but I'm here for it now and definitely eagerly awaiting the next. While one crime is solved in Dare You to Lie, there's certainly more to be revealed. Plus, I really like Detective Dawson and want to see his character in a positive light, please give me that Amber Lynn Natusch! Full of moving parts, a fast-paced storyline, and gripping prose, Dare You to Lie is a fantastic new release in the YA-Suspense genre.
ARC provided.
Lawyer isn't Ky's career goal, but she's prepared to be a teen version of when in order to track down the truth behind her father's imprisonment. She just has to deal with the bullies and the bad memories following her around upon her return to her old high school. They all know about her dad, but they all also know about that night that produced the photos that chased her out of town. It doesn't help that her dad's old partner as put a babysitter on her, a handsome FBI agent with zero trust in her last name. What starts as investigating what happened with her dad turns into investigating the past, knowing she must uncover what happened to her first before she can focus on the next, if she can make it out alive.
I know I'm not the first to say it, but this was just like watching Veronica Mars. Ky is a tough girl with a sassy attitude and the ability to throw a mean punch if she has to. What starts as a single investigation turns into a multi-faceted story about a small town with dark secrets kept quiet by deep pockets. Of course, she's still only in high school, but somehow she knows the ropes. She's got contacts in the FBI, a father that's passed his determination onto her, and two of the best friends around. What happened to her during her freshman year is a story we've all heard, the kind we'd never wish on anyone, and her outcome is just as dire as those we hear on the news. Rich, popular jocks getting away with assault, a girl left embarrassed and with a tarnished reputation, but Ky just uses that as fuel. She fights the system, manages to do her homework, and despite the danger at every turn continues to face fear head on to uncover the truth and protect it from happening to others.
While Dare You to Lie is definitely a young adult story, the story is one that is relatable and interesting to read for readers of all ages. If you like suspense, characters with tenacity, and mysteries you can't predict, this one's for you. I didn't know it was a series when I started it, but I'm here for it now and definitely eagerly awaiting the next. While one crime is solved in Dare You to Lie, there's certainly more to be revealed. Plus, I really like Detective Dawson and want to see his character in a positive light, please give me that Amber Lynn Natusch! Full of moving parts, a fast-paced storyline, and gripping prose, Dare You to Lie is a fantastic new release in the YA-Suspense genre.
ARC provided.