League of Liars
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that League of Liars is a fantasy that involves a teen brother and sister whose mother died seven years ago in a mysterious incident involving forbidden magic. The loss motivates the siblings to find truth and justice. Real-world violence includes a couple of fights with kicking, punching, and stabbing. Blood is mentioned but not described. Fantasy violence includes scary monsters, fantasy weapons that disintegrate, and large-scale destruction. Strong language is rare but includes "s--t" and "a--hole." There are a few kisses that aren't described and some mild romantic dynamics. A pub is briefly used as a setting, and a teen drinks alcohol once to calm his nerves.
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What's the Story?
LEAGUE OF LIARS is the story of Cayder and Leta, siblings whose mother died seven years ago in a mysterious incident involving forbidden magic. Now 17, Cayder wants to serve justice by becoming a prosecutor. Leta, 16, wants to get to the truth about how their mother died, and whether the dark monsters called hullen were involved. Their lives, and their searches for answers, take a dramatic turn when Leta is arrested and jailed for using illegal magic to destroy an entire town. Cayder knows Leta isn't capable of harming anyone, but his search for proof of her innocence will change their lives, and their country, forever.
Is It Any Good?
This is a solid fantasy that does some things well, but too often it gets bogged down in awkward melodrama. League of Liars' interesting blend of mystery, courtroom drama, prison escape, cover-ups, and dark magic works well together in this not-too-big fantasy realm that's similar enough to our own world to be easy to understand. Wise-cracking teens add some humor, and the characters develop well along with the plot. Some of the twists and turns are easy to see, but there are a few surprises too.
The writing really spells out events and character's realizations very clearly, which can help younger readers follow along. Older readers may feel like it's too much hand-holding. Odd moments of melodrama stand out against otherwise fairly straightforward, modern-sounding descriptions and dialogue. The ending is a cliffhanger that will leave fans hoping for another installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the messages in League of Liars about justice, freedom, and second chances. Which ideas do you relate to most? Do you disagree with any? Why?
Are Cayder and Leta good role models? What are their character strengths and weaknesses?
Fantasy books are always popular. What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites, and how does this one compare?
Book Details
- Author: Astrid Scholte
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Brothers and Sisters, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Publication date: February 22, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 464
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: February 14, 2022
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For kids who love fantasy and magic
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