Liar’s Moon is a YA Renaissance-era fantasy adventure, and the sequel to StarCrossed, by Elizabeth. C. Bunce.If you haven’t read StarCrossed yet, I’d recommend you do NOT read this review. It will contain spoilers of the first book. Instead, read my review of StarCrossed by scrolling down on the home page - and read the book!
Final warning to anyone who doesn’t want spoilers on StarCrossed…
Digger’s back in Gerse after a highly eventful time in Llyvraneth. She’s settling back in to being a pickpocket in the city, rooming with her friend Rat and finding jobs. Thing is, it’s harder finding jobs now that she stupidly revealed that she’s the sister of the Lord High Inquistor, leader of the Greenmen and persecutor of religious freedom.
When she suddenly is picked up and thrown in jail, she’s not necessarily surprised at the turn of events but confused as to what the charge is – she hadn’t actually been doing anything at the time. But then she sees that she has been put in the same cell as a familiar face – Durrel Decath – one of the young noblemen that helped get her out of Gerse when she desperately needed it.
She’s shocked to learn that he’s been imprisoned for killing his wife – and is very close to being executed.
Then she’s mysteriously bailed out without explanation. Clearly someone wants her involved in Durrel’s case.
Digger certainly doesn’t believe he’s capable of murder, but there’s some heavy duty setting up going on here. As she investigates, she finds information that she doesn’t like. Information that might mean her instincts about Durrel might be wrong. There’s evidence he purchased the poison and that his marriage was extremely unhappy. And with her special ability she finds out that there are traces of magic at their now cleared-out home.
Yet… Digger still inexplicably wants to trust him.
It may be that this thief might be falling for a murderer as a civil war is pushing its way to the city gates.
Maybe the truth isn’t worth it…
As I wrote on Monday, I really liked StarCrossed. So, I was happy to read the sequel! From the start I was pleased with the tone and I was glad that Bunce brought back Durrel, in a much more compromising position. Right away we are put in a mysterious situation, with Digger landed right in the thick of it (of course).
Liar’s Moon is swift, clever, and a bit more on the ball pace-wise than StarCrossed – not to mention adding a little touch of romance! There’s hardly a time that isn’t a plus! ;)
In Liar's Moon we’re given a long slew of clues, red herrings, and deep conspiracies among the humor, spice and trickery we were introduced to in StarCrossed. There’s still great political uproar and danger and a fantastically measured, intelligent tone that help to blur the sometimes slow and stuffy narrative. It might’ve used a bit more oomph, but overall I was contented! The likable, memorable characters are of assistance in this.
But then – WHOA!!!
A HUGE shocker of a cliffhanger ending left me stunned! It blindsided me, truly.
And now, more than ever, I’m wondering: When’s the next book????
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