City of Lies

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( 2,808 ratings, 667 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
City of Lies by Sam Hawke is a gripping fantasy tale set in a city rife with political intrigue and deception. The story follows a brother-sister duo, the poison taster and the diplomat, as they contend with an insidious plot threatening their ruler's life and their city's fragile peace. With a blend of mystery and adventure, they must unravel the layers of betrayal before it is too late.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy intricate political intrigue woven into a gripping fantasy world. You might find the story engaging with its plot full of deceit, loyalties tested and unexpected twists, all set within a vividly articulated cityscape. The characters' struggles with trust and betrayal add depth to this captivating tale.

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City of Lies

Trapped and desperate, they soon discover that the society into which they were born and grew up also possesses two faces - for behind the sophistication and the beauty lies an ugly truth - this is a world built on oppression and treachery .

Set in a world of subterfuge, treachery and the poisoner's art, this bold and exciting debut epic fantasy introduces a remarkable new talent to the genre and is a must-read for fans, from Joe Abercrombie and Terry Brooks to Robin Hobb and Scott Lynch . . .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Set in a world of subterfuge, treachery and the poisoner's art, this bold and exciting debut epic fantasy introduces a remarkable new talent to the genre and is a must-read for fans, from Joe Abercrombie and Terry Brooks to Robin Hobb and Scott Lynch.

The acclaimed, award-winning debut fantasy:

"A compelling fantasy whodunit - imagine Agatha Christie channelled through Robin Hobb - and a page-turning coming-of-age tale" - Guardian

I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me...

Only a handful of people in Silasta know Jovan's real purpose in life. To most, he is just another son of the ruling class. The quiet, forgettable friend of the Chancellor's charming, irresponsible heir. In reality, Jovan has been trained for most of his life to detect, concoct and withstand poisons in order to protect the ruling family.

His sister, Kalina, is too frail to share in their secret family duty. While other women of the city hold positions of power and responsibility, her path is full of secrets and liesβ€”some hidden even from her own brother.

Until now, peace has reigned in Silasta for hundreds of years. But when the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army storms the gates, the so-called Bright City is completely unprepared. It falls to Jovan and Kalina to protect the heir and save their homelandβ€”but first, they must make their way through a new world of unexpected treachery, a world where the ancient spirits are rising... and angry.

This fabulous epic fantasy debut will appeal to readers of Joe Abercrombie, Terry Brooks, Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence, and all points in between.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

City of Lies receives high praise for its gripping first line and captivating plot. Reviewers highlight its blend of fantasy, intrigue, and mystery, comparing it to works by authors like Robin Hobb and Agatha Christie. The story is applauded for its complex characters, unexpected twists, and the seamless integration of a mystery and coming-of-age narrative that keeps readers engaged.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552176293

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Corgi Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 37.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 430g

Pages: 640

About the Author

A lawyer by training and a black belt in ju-jitsu, Sam Hawke lives in Canberra. Her first novel, City of Lies, received international acclaim and won the Ditmar Award for Best Novel, jointly won the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel and the Norma K Hemming Award, as well as earning Sam a nomination for the Astounding Award for Best New SFF Writer for the 2020 Hugos. Hollow Empire continues her Poison War series.

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