City of Lies

In the city-state of Silastra, siblings Jov and Kalina serve as proofers - specialists trained to detect and counter poisons to protect the Chancellor. When their uncle and mentor dies mysteriously and the Chancellor is murdered, they must uncover the truth behind these deaths. The siblings navigate political intrigue and mounting civil unrest while racing to prevent more deaths. Their investigation leads them through the complex social layers of their city, from the ruling elite to the frustrated populations beyond the privileged center. Both protagonists face personal challenges that complicate their mission - Jov manages chronic anxiety while Kalina deals with recurring illness. The story builds on their close but complex sibling relationship as they work to save their city. The novel explores themes of power, privilege, and the true cost of maintaining societal order. It questions the nature of loyalty and justice while examining how truth and deception operate at both personal and political levels.

Readers appreciate the focus on poisoning and poison-craft, calling it a fresh take on fantasy worldbuilding. Many note the strong sibling relationship between protagonists Jovan and Kalina, and praise how their chronic illnesses affect the story without defining their characters. Positive reviews highlight the mystery elements, political intrigue, and the methodical approach to solving problems. Readers connect with Jovan's obsessive-compulsive traits and anxiety being portrayed realistically. Common criticisms include a slow first half, dense political discussions, and confusion about the magic system. Some readers found the siege portion of the story repetitive. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (230+ ratings) Fantasy-Faction: 8/10 "The characters feel real and flawed in ways that matter to the plot" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes time to get going but rewards patient readers" - Amazon reviewer "A unique approach to fantasy mystery that prioritizes brains over brawn" - Fantasy Book Review

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The Perfect Assassin by K.A. Doore A young assassin uncovers corruption in his desert city's ruling class while investigating mysterious deaths linked to forbidden magic.

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick A con artist infiltrates noble society and becomes entangled in political intrigue while uncovering magical conspiracies that threaten the city.

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison An unprepared heir must learn to navigate court politics and uncover assassination plots after unexpectedly inheriting the imperial throne.

🔮 The novel's system of poison masters draws inspiration from real historical figures like Mithridates VI, who built immunity to poisons by regularly consuming small doses. 🏰 The city of Silastra's architecture and social structure were partially inspired by medieval Venice's complex political systems and trade-based economy. 📚 City of Lies is Sam Hawke's debut novel and won the 2018 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, a prestigious Australian speculative fiction award. 🎭 The character Jov's anxiety disorder representation was drawn from the author's personal experiences, adding authenticity to the portrayal. 🗡️ The book subverts common fantasy tropes by focusing on defense rather than offense - the protagonists are trained to protect against poison rather than use it as a weapon.