Mistress of Lies

Rating: 4.5

tw: blood, death

Wow. The opening was as wild as any book could be, but for it to end as well as it started is unbelievable. With the thoroughly detailed warning at the start that this would not be for the faint-hearted, Mistress of Lies did not shy away from the vivid descriptions and the depths it went into for detail.

Our main character, Shan, is a manipulative noble woman who has her own plans to protect her brother and to bring her family back out of shame. Samuel is a good-hearted bastard with the right intentions, but what he believes to be a liability holding him back. Isaac is a greedy man who climbed very hard to get to where he stands today. All these characters have their own ideas to reach for, but with different ideas on how to get there. And sprinkle in some deep attraction to each other, and we almost have the making of a polyamorous relationship, This seemed to be hinted for future exploration in the sequel though.

The only thing that let the book down was the lack of blood magic involvement. For the majority of the characters we meet being blood workers, there wasn't enough mention or background towards what exactly this practice forbidden in other Kingdoms is. We read of how powerful it can be, and how it can do both good and evil, yet we do not get enough of it at all. Hopefully this is rectified in the next book too.

Overall, a great debut book into a dark and gruesome area. I look forward to reading more.

Mistress of Lies is a strong fantasy debut that brings a unique twist to vampires and witches. Set in a world brimming with political intrigue and high society drama, it's a captivating read for fans of complex characters and the courtly allure of shows like Bridgerton. The novel's rich inclusion of Filipino culture, trans, and gay representation adds depth and diversity to the storyline, making it stand out in the genre. Additionally, the story features an exciting murder mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending suspense with the supernatural in a seamless way.

The book excels in its portrayal of high-stakes power plays, forbidden romance, and intricate court dynamics. Those who enjoy a blend of fantasy and spice will find plenty to love, though some may wish for even more well-crafted intimate scenes to complement the tension-filled plot.

However, like many debut novels, it has a few pacing issues that disrupt the flow, and certain parts could benefit from tighter storytelling. Despite this, the fresh take on supernatural politics and the compelling cast of characters make it a promising start to what could be a fantastic series. I'm excited to see how the story unfolds in the next installment.