Bumpy Oak Books

4 stars

**I was provided an electronic ARC by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Nick Martell’s The Kingdom of Liars is a solid debut fantasy that is part murder mystery, part comedy of errors and all magic. Readers follow Michael Kingman, youngest son of a prince killer who wears the brand for his father’s treason on his neck. Michael finds out that his father may not have been as guilty as it seems, and is dragged into deal after deal on his quest for the truth.

One thing is absolutely certain. Nothing can go right for Michael Kingman. Every time he thinks he has a solution, or has accomplished a goal, something else gets in his way. Each error raises the stakes a little bit higher, and gives Michael more to lose. He may have a serious case of protagonist armor, but the reader is left trying to figure out how Michael will figure his way out of the next mes

The magic that we see appears to be a variant on elemental magic that uses memory as currency. It’s an interesting concept that really isn’t explained beyond that level, but definitely adds to complicating a lot of different things.

This novel, while having many traits common in high fantasy, was a quick read and flowed smoothly. I think the biggest strength Martell showcased was in pacing and the general writing style of this book. At no point did I feel either overwhelmed or bored, and I was eager to keep reading throughout.

Easily, the most intriguing character for me is Dark, and I am very eager to read the next book where I hope he will be featured more prominently.

Overall, a respectable debut from Martell, and I look forward to his future works.