In Emma Lynn Ellis's Deadly Vicious Lies: The Realm of Farehail, the first book in the Wildewoods series, Kaya is bound to the secretive guild protecting the island of Farehail. Chosen for her inherent power, Kaya has spent her life upholding their ruthless but protective laws, believing their actions are for the greater good. However, tragedy forces her into exile, only to be drawn back years later by an irresistible force – a yearning for the past, a siren's call, and a thrumming in the air. Now, Kaya faces a profound choice: obey the guild's unwavering expectations or forge her own path, a decision that could cost her everything. The secrets of Farehail, and Kaya's own destiny, hang precariously in the balance.
Review Deadly Vicious Lies
Oh my goodness, "Deadly Vicious Lies: The Realm of Farehail" was such a ride! From the moment I started, I was completely captivated by Kaya. She's not your typical damsel; she's fiercely independent, incredibly stubborn in the best way, and possesses a strength that shines through even in the darkest moments. The author, Emma Lynn Ellis, really crafts characters you connect with on a deep level, and Kaya is no exception. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.
The book's pacing is interesting. It starts a little slow, which I actually appreciated. It allowed me to settle into the world of Farehail, to get to know the intricacies of the guild, and to truly bond with the characters. The slow burn created a comfortable intimacy before the rug was spectacularly yanked out from under everything. That slow build-up is crucial because the devastation that follows hits with such force, leaving you breathless and reeling alongside Kaya. The heartbreak she experiences is palpable, and the unexpected betrayals felt like a punch to the gut. I especially felt for her relationship with Cillian – their love story is so beautifully written, making their suffering all the more intense and heart-wrenching. I actually had to put the book down for a bit in several places to process my emotions! The spice level 2 is just enough to add warmth and depth to their connection without overwhelming the story's other powerful elements.
And speaking of powerful elements, the mystery surrounding the husks – those hollowed-out shells of people – is genuinely chilling. It kept me guessing throughout, adding a layer of suspense that perfectly complemented the emotional turmoil. The mystery isn't just about solving a crime; it's about uncovering the deeper, darker secrets of Farehail itself. The descriptions of the husks themselves were brilliantly unsettling; they were visceral and really stuck with me.
The six-year gap in Kaya's story, while initially a bit of a separation, felt well-justified. It allowed Kaya to grow, to learn, and to return to Farehail stronger and more determined. However, her return wasn't a simple resolution; it was a confrontation with everything she'd left behind, and the man she’d run from. That reunion was profoundly emotional, and I loved the way it unfolded.
But the ending... oh, the ending! I thought I had a handle on things. I had my suspicions, I even went back and reread previous books in the series trying to find clues (a testament to how cleverly interwoven this series is!). However, the reveal regarding Tynan completely blew me away! My jaw literally dropped. It was a twist so unexpected, so brilliantly executed, that it immediately made me want to reread the entire book from the beginning, this time with all the pieces in place.
Overall, "Deadly Vicious Lies" is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Emma Lynn Ellis has created a compelling world, unforgettable characters, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. This book, along with the entire Wildewoods series, solidifies Ellis as an author whose work I'll be eagerly anticipating for years to come. I highly recommend it, possibly even suggesting you read "Wicked" and "All the Violent Ways" beforehand to maximize the experience. It's a standalone, but so much richer within the context of the other books. This one may just be my new favorite!
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.82 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 325
- Part of series: The Wildewoods
- Publication date: 2024
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