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3.5 

City of Lies

By Sam Hawke
City of Lies by Sam Hawke digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

Poison, war, and ancient spirits converge in this award-winning epic fantasy: “a well-crafted debut with . . . solid worldbuilding, and original characters” (Kirkus).

Jovan was born into a noble family with a secret duty. To all appearances, he is a quiet, affable friend of the Chancellor’s irresponsible Heir. In truth, he’s a master of poisons and chemicals, trained to protect the Chancellor’s family from treachery. 

When the Chancellor succumbs to an unknown poison and an army lays siege to the city, Jovan and his sister Kalina must protect the Heir and save their city-state. But treachery lurks in every corner, and the ancient spirits of the land are rising . . . and angry.

WINNER of the Ditmar Awards for Best Novel and Best New Talent, the Norma K Hemming Award, and the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel!

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36 Reviews

3.5
“i feel bad for the rating because there’s not anything particularly offensive of any true hatred - i was just so bored throughout 90% of this book that i was dragging myself through it kicking and screaming. it had all the elements for something i would like, but i think a combination of the pacing and just the writing overall made it difficult for me to be attached to anything that was happening. maybe i also just don’t like something completely dedicated to war like how i watched the first season of attack on titan and that sort of persistent hopelessness was not something i enjoyed. it’s not the worst book i’ve ever read but it’s cataclysmically boring and in desperate need of a map.”

About Sam Hawke

A black belt in jujitsu, Sam Hawke lives with her husband and children in Australia. CITY OF LIES is her first novel.

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