So I started reading this in December 2022. I have finished it in August 2024. Multiple attempts to pick it back up, from the start each time, only to want to give up at the same point. This time - I pushed on. I wish I’d given up in 2022!

This book is well written, don’t get me wrong, but it utterly fails to be compelling regardless. I found the world building really lacking, the characters totally flat and not at all memorable and the plot so slow.

This unfortunately doesn’t work for me. I don’t need a fast plot, or likeable characters or excellent world building all at once, but none of them? Just not for me, I don’t have that kind of patience.

ARC provided many moons ago in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Nick Martell book and I really enjoyed his writing, his character development and World building. The magic system was really interesting where using magic too much results in some form of memory loss. It is full of intrigue, mystery and Michael's search for answers and doing what is right. It is told from Michael's perspective as he tells us how he came to be on the executioner's stand for killing the King, following in his Father's footsteps. His family have spent a decade barely scraping a life together, all visibly branded with the traitor mark. The care for his mother who had a form of fabricator's magic used on her which has meant she has no memories and he has spent every moment he can searching for a cure for her.

Michael finds himself taking a job with an alcoholic noble who promises him to teach him how to fabricate in return for entering the Endless Waltz and investigating who killed the King's son.

'I was either a puppet master - with my strings tugging around nobility and commoners alike - or a mindless weapon others could direct without care.'

There are rebels, uprising, bombs, friendships, deaths all to keep you intrigued throughout.

'One rotten apple didn't mean the entire tree had to be cut down.'

Thanks you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Michael Kingsman is trying to reclaim his families legacy after his father is killed for murdering a Prince and he, and his brother and sister are branded as traitors.

This book was incredible! I didn’t know where it was going at the start but there are so many twists and turns and I was so shocked with the final reveal. I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

Kingdom of Liars is a decent fantasy with quite a strong focus on the politics of the world it's set in. I enjoyed the magic and the detail of the world building, but felt the book was a bit let down by the characters (flat and unlikeable) and minor parts of the plot (slow and convoluted). So a bit of a mix when it comes to enjoyment!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The type of book that had a great premise and potential, but I struggled to engage with the characters. Even liking the main character was tricky. I was hoping for something a little more but it felt a bit disjointed at times.

Interested to see what else the author comes out with though.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc.

"The Kingdom of Liars" by Nick Martell is, the first book of The Legacy of Mercenary Kings telling the tale Michael Kingman of how he is known as "King Killer".

I would give "The Kingdom of Liars" by Nick Martell a 3-star review because, 1; the premise is so interesting 2; I really enjoyed the main character 3; I enjoyed the writing but 4; there were parts that just didn't fit with the story.

Thank you Gollancz for this advanced copy!!

This is my first time reading Nick Martell's book and I am obsessed with it.
The magic system is solid, the worldbuilding is amazing, and the stakes of the plot line is definitely epic.
Time to order the physical copy, cause I need this book to be in my "Epic Fantasy" shelf

The Kingdom of Liars is the first book of series by Nick Martell. It's a fantasy debut with curious magic that if used careless can make you forget and intrigueing plot.

The story follows a young, rebellious man Micheal Kingman, who is on a trial for a king's murder. Micheal is waiting for a day of his execution, and so he has time to reflect on his life. The book is filled with mystery, politicking and magic, a perfect blend for a strong fantasy book.

Surprisingly, I don't have much opinion about this story, but I will say that the story has it's twists and a decent ending. I would recommend it to people who enjoy reading fantasy with detailed world building and hints of mystery. Even though, I didn't got attached too much to the main character, I enjoyed the story and I think many people will love it.

Michael Kingman is about to be executed for killing a king. This is his story...
I found this a bit of a drag to start with, and nearly gave up but kept going. The story is a slow burner, and I was about half way through before it hooked me in. The protagonist was pretty annoying, naive and obsessive, it took a while to actually start to care about him.
There's some great characters, but you only get the POV from Michael as the story is narrated by him.
There's intrigue, mystery and revenge, with a couple of plot twists to keep you going, there's also an unusual magic system, that will take your memories when you over use it.
Will I read the next books? If you'd asked at the start of the book, I'd have said no, but now? yep I'm definitely reading the rest.
Thanks to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC

It's hard to believe that "The Kingdom of Liars" is a debut novel. It's seasoned to perfection. One particular moment (not very far into the book) had me uttering such a string of expletives that my husband came rushing to ask me what had happened! I love the characters (okay, I intensely dislike one or two), the plot is gripping, and the writing flows beautifully. It definitely doesn't feel like it runs to almost 600 pages...

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

"So," I said, drawing out the word, "I need to impress the other nobles around my age, get an invitation to the king's birthday party, and then steal the king's memories so we can prove a High Noble set up my father for the murder of Davey Hollow?"

As simple as that.
If only.

A war waged in the streets of the old Hollow City, one based on hierarchy, new power and greed.
Memories forgotten and hidden secrets which are not as they seemed.

This was an immersive book, creating beautiful world-building and an intriguing magic system.
Full of morally grey characters, humour, a thirst for the truth and a desperation to see family live above all else, this high fantasy book will be appealing to many readers.

However, admittedly, sometimes the dialogue seemed slightly immature and felt almost as if the author was trying too hard. Whilst sometimes frustrating, I found this did add a layer of reality to the interactions and reminded me of the difficulties of finding your feet as a new author.

The Kingman family did not die with whimpers. History was shaped by our births and deaths, and whether I liked it or not, I would be no exception.

Then he picked me up again and we looked at the stars. He told me that the greatest treasure this world offers us is only visible at night, and if we didn't go outside when it was dark, we would miss it. So, what was there to be afraid of?

I would recommend The Last Sun by K. D. Edwards if you enjoyed this book.

An exciting fantasy story of how the courtier Kingman family fight against hidden magic and suspenseful court intrigue to reclaim their name and their home. If you like Game of Thrones you will love this! The sequel The Two Faced Queen is equally excellent and I can't wait for part 3.

The Kingdom of Liars was a very hyped book last year. I loved it and rereading I can confirm my first impression.
An excellent epic fantasy, gripping and entertaining.
I loved the great world building and magic system, the fleshed out characters and the great storyline.
I can't wait to read other books by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine.