Book Info
Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing Date: January 14, 2025
Synopsis
Ell has spent years slaving away for her cruel stepfamily. So when Prince Bayard—who seems to have difficulty recognizing faces—shows up at her door with a glass slipper, Ell allows him to believe she danced with him at the ball. There’s just one problem: Ell didn’t attend the ball and she’s never met the prince before in her life. But if it’s a choice between moving to the royal palace or staying home, Ell is willing to say anything to escape.
However, Ell finds that being royalty comes with its own problems. Bayard’s sister, the princess, has gone missing. The king is preparing for war against the fae. And Maxim, Bayard’s treacherous (and handsome) best friend, appears to know Ell is lying.
If Ell wants to keep this life she’s stolen, she’s going to have to roll up her sleeves and rescue herself.
Book Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204232555
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQRZD6WT/
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liars-kingdom-christine-calella/1145317320
IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/liar-s-kingdom-christine-calella/21359015
About the Author
When not writing, Christine Calella spends her spare time singing showtunes in the shower, drinking more chai lattes than is strictly necessary, and either over- or under-watering an unfortunate string of houseplants named after sitcom characters. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, and she lives in New York City.
As her romance alter ego, Madeline Bell, Christine also pens adult rom-coms with a bookish twist. For more information, check out the Books section, under the “By Madeline Bell” drop-down.
Author Links
Website: https://www.christinecalella.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/ct_calella
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinecalella/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23673382
Tour Schedule
Why Should You Read It?
Christine Calella’s Liar’s Kingdom is a fresh, subversive twist on the classic Cinderella tale that delights with its sharp wit, layered characters, and high-stakes intrigue. Instead of a damsel waiting for a fairy godmother, Ell is a cunning, resourceful heroine who seizes her own destiny—flaws and all.
The story kicks off with a brilliant hook: Ell deceiving Prince Bayard into believing she’s the mysterious girl from the ball in order to escape her oppressive life. This bold decision leads her straight into the heart of royal politics, where secrets, betrayal, and a looming war against the fae keep the plot ticking at a brisk pace. Calella skillfully blends humor and tension, giving readers a protagonist who is unapologetically imperfect yet fiercely determined.
Ell’s dynamic with Prince Bayard and his best friend Maxim is one of the highlights of the novel. Bayard’s face-blindness adds an interesting twist, making him a sympathetic but slightly bumbling prince, while Maxim brings a brooding, sharp-edged energy that keeps Ell on her toes. Their banter and simmering tension provide plenty of moments to savor.
The subplot involving the missing princess and the fae war adds depth to the story, though at times, these elements feel underdeveloped compared to Ell’s personal journey. Some of the political intrigue could have been fleshed out more fully to raise the stakes even higher. Additionally, while Ell’s quick wit and resilience make her compelling, her internal growth occasionally takes a backseat to the fast-paced plot.
Despite these minor flaws, Liar’s Kingdom is a thoroughly enjoyable read that combines fairytale magic with a healthy dose of realism and sass. Fans of fairytale retellings with strong, independent heroines will find themselves rooting for Ell every step of the way. Christine Calella has crafted a story that feels both classic and refreshingly modern, leaving readers eager for whatever kingdom she builds next.