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A review by jjenreads
Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall is a beautifully dark and atmospheric YA novel that masterfully combines magic, mystery, and the eerie allure of Appalachia. With its haunting undertones and compelling narrative, this book will resonate deeply with fans of House of Hollow and Wilder Girls, offering a tale of secrets, supernatural gifts, and a creeping danger that tests the limits of trust and love.
đlittle rewind:
The story follows Rowan James, an 18-year-old with the unsettling ability to smell liesâa gift that has isolated her and forced her to see the ugly truths about those around her. Rowanâs complex relationship with her ability, and the walls she has built to protect herself, make her a fiercely relatable protagonist. Sheâs guarded, sharp, and unwilling to trust easily, especially when Hadrian Fitch, an old enemy cloaked in lies, stumbles back into her life, bloodied and desperate for her help.
đchilling and unsettling:
Pearsall's rich prose brings Caball Hollow to life, painting it as a setting that feels aliveâsimultaneously beautiful and foreboding. The Appalachian Forest looms large, a character in its own right, steeped in lore and mystery. As Rowan begins to notice strange disappearances and the chilling onset of memory loss in those around her, the sense of unease builds steadily, culminating in a tense and shocking murder that ties all the threads of the Hollowâs disturbances together.
đsisterhood:
What makes this novel shine even more is the interplay between Rowanâs supernatural gifts and her family dynamic. The powers of her sisters and their unwavering bond adds a layer to the storyâs exploration of truth, perception, and emotional burden. Their sibling relationship feels real, with moments of tension, loyalty, and unspoken love as they grapple with the weight of their powers and the family secrets that come to light.
đHadrian uwu:
Hadrian Fitch adds a delicious layer of complexity to the plot. His history with Rowan creates a dynamic of distrust and reluctant partnership that adds a subtle romantic undercurrent without detracting from the mystery. The slow-burn tension between them builds as they work together to uncover what lurks in the Forest and what it means for the Hollow's survival. I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR!!
đpacing:
The novel's pacing is steady, gradually unraveling layers of secrets and suspense. Pearsall expertly balances moments of quiet introspection with heart-pounding action, making it impossible to put down. The exploration of themes like truth, memory, and the cost of secrets adds emotional weight to the story, grounding its fantastical elements in something achingly human.
đlittle rewind:
The story follows Rowan James, an 18-year-old with the unsettling ability to smell liesâa gift that has isolated her and forced her to see the ugly truths about those around her. Rowanâs complex relationship with her ability, and the walls she has built to protect herself, make her a fiercely relatable protagonist. Sheâs guarded, sharp, and unwilling to trust easily, especially when Hadrian Fitch, an old enemy cloaked in lies, stumbles back into her life, bloodied and desperate for her help.
đchilling and unsettling:
Pearsall's rich prose brings Caball Hollow to life, painting it as a setting that feels aliveâsimultaneously beautiful and foreboding. The Appalachian Forest looms large, a character in its own right, steeped in lore and mystery. As Rowan begins to notice strange disappearances and the chilling onset of memory loss in those around her, the sense of unease builds steadily, culminating in a tense and shocking murder that ties all the threads of the Hollowâs disturbances together.
đsisterhood:
What makes this novel shine even more is the interplay between Rowanâs supernatural gifts and her family dynamic. The powers of her sisters and their unwavering bond adds a layer to the storyâs exploration of truth, perception, and emotional burden. Their sibling relationship feels real, with moments of tension, loyalty, and unspoken love as they grapple with the weight of their powers and the family secrets that come to light.
đHadrian uwu:
Hadrian Fitch adds a delicious layer of complexity to the plot. His history with Rowan creates a dynamic of distrust and reluctant partnership that adds a subtle romantic undercurrent without detracting from the mystery. The slow-burn tension between them builds as they work together to uncover what lurks in the Forest and what it means for the Hollow's survival. I LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR!!
đpacing:
The novel's pacing is steady, gradually unraveling layers of secrets and suspense. Pearsall expertly balances moments of quiet introspection with heart-pounding action, making it impossible to put down. The exploration of themes like truth, memory, and the cost of secrets adds emotional weight to the story, grounding its fantastical elements in something achingly human.