It took me so long to read this because I couldn't find my physical copy and the library took so long to make it available. But here we are. I loved everything about this sequel., it added a lot to the previous book and I recommend it to everyone I can!

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

This book follows a teenager that is able to smell when people lie. When weird things start happening in her town, she uses her ability to solve the mystery.

Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this one. I felt like it dragged on for way too long before anything really happened. I also did not read the first one in this series so that might be why I didn't connect with the characters.

I hope others love this one but it wasn't for me.

RATING: 4 out of 5 Enchanted Roses

ONE-WORD REVIEW: Enchanting

TAGLINE: When the mountain burns, only the truth remains.

OPENING LINE: The smell of a lie is a potent thing, burnt around the edges and foul all the way through.

REVIEW:

Huge thank you to Penguin Teen for an ARC of 𝐿𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓉’𝓈 𝒯𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓊𝑒!

Kate Pearsall’s 𝐿𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓉’𝓈 𝒯𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓊𝑒 is a haunting, atmospheric return to the Appalachian town of Caball Hollow, where magic simmers beneath the surface and secrets are as thick as the mist in the hollows. Told from the perspective of Rowan James, the sister who can smell lies, this companion to 𝐵𝒾𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌 delves deeper into the James family's mystical legacy. Rowan's journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her distrust of others and her own vulnerabilities. When Hadrian Fitch, a figure from her past, reappears under mysterious circumstances, their relationship evolves from mutual suspicion to a slow-burning romance that adds depth to the narrative.

𝐿𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓉’𝓈 𝒯𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓊𝑒 masterfully weaves together elements of folk magic, family dynamics, and a gripping mystery involving disappearing objects and fading memories. Pearsall's prose is richly descriptive, bringing the Appalachian setting to life and immersing readers in its eerie beauty. The supporting cast, including Rowan's sisters and their unique abilities, adds layers to the story, highlighting themes of trust, identity, and the complexities of familial bonds.

𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈:

✨Small-town secrets
✨Supernatural abilities
✨Slow-burn romance
✨Enemies-to-lovers dynamic
✨Family legacy and magic
✨Atmospheric Appalachian setting
✨Mystery and suspense

𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉: 𝐿𝒾𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒮𝑒𝓇𝓅𝑒𝓃𝓉’𝓈 𝒯𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓊𝑒 is a beautifully crafted tale that blends the mystical with the emotional, offering readers a story that's both enchanting and thought-provoking. Pearsall's ability to intertwine magic with real-world issues makes this novel a standout in the YA fantasy genre. Fans of atmospheric settings, complex characters, and slow-burning romances will find much to love in this installment.

Happy Reading!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
Bookstagram: @TheTatteredPage
www.TheTatteredPage.com

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a pretty entertaining book that I floated through mainly on its vibes. I was able to follow the story well enough even though I haven't read the first one. The characters and their world were interesting enough that the series is definitely on my radar now.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

Thanks for the ARC! Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is an eerie, emotionally rich follow-up that deepens the lore of Caball Hollow in all the right ways. Rowan’s gift—smelling lies—adds a fascinating tension to the story, especially as strange happenings unsettle the town. The writing is lush and atmospheric, and the dynamic between Rowan and Hadrian keeps you guessing. A slow-burn mystery wrapped in folklore, secrets, and Appalachian magic.

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is a haunting and atmospheric companion to Bittersweet in the Hollow. Pearsall masterfully weaves Appalachian folklore with supernatural elements, creating a rich tapestry of mystery and magic. Rowan's journey is both compelling and relatable, as she grapples with her gift and the weight of others' secrets. The setting of Caball Hollow is vividly portrayed, immersing readers in its eerie charm. The slow-burn romance between Rowan and Hadrian adds depth without overshadowing the central mystery. While the pacing may be deliberate, the intricate plot and emotional resonance make it a standout in the YA fantasy genre.

I really enjoyed the first book in this little series. I enjoyed this book too but not quite as much as the first. I had fun returning to this world. The beginning was a bit slow but it does pick up. It was very interesting and I really enjoyed the story. The ending did seem a bit rushed but I’m hopeful for another book.

I liked how this one built upon the story from the previous in the series and answered some questions that were left open. I also liked how it left off with a hint of what is to come in a future book! I think where this series shines is the atmosphere. The descriptions of the small Apalachian town and the forest that surrounds it are really well done and transport me right into the story every time I pick it up.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC!

Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall returns readers to the enchanting and eerie world of Caball Hollow, a setting so vivid and atmospheric it feels like a character all its own. Nestled deep in rural Appalachia, this town is steeped in folklore, secrets, and just the right touch of magic—and it’s this immersive setting that continues to be one of my favorite aspects of the series.

Pearsall’s strength lies in her ability to weave folklore and magic into a narrative that feels both cozy and quietly unsettling. The book has a strong sense of place and mood, and her signature blend of whimsy, suspense, and a hint of horror makes for a compelling atmosphere. I love how she honors Appalachian traditions while giving them a magical twist.

That said, this installment didn’t feel as well developed as the first book. The romance in particular felt underwhelming and lacked the emotional depth I hoped for. I also found myself less engaged with the plot this time around, and I struggled to tell the sisters apart—their voices and personalities didn’t feel as distinct as they could have been.

Still, despite these misgivings, I’m invested in the world Pearsall has created and look forward to returning to Caball Hollow in book three. There’s something captivating about this town and its magic that keeps drawing me back.

This book was good! I liked it but didn’t love it. I definitely see potential in it and look forward to seeing what else the author does.

This isn’t a book that I would usually reach for, however the premise really intrigued me and so I decided to give it a shot and boy, it did not disappoint. I could not put it down and I’m eagerly waiting to see what Pearsall comes up with next.

Another absolute knockout from Kate Pearsall! I love her writing style and how she brings the James women to life. The banter between Rowan and Hadrian was excellent in the first book, so I was so excited for more of it. Their back and forth was incredible. Rowan is such a spitfire, and her tenacity to search for answers to the mysterious happenings in Cabal Hollow only made me love her more. There are clues scattered throughout, but there were a couple of twists I didn't see coming. As always, the love and support these sisters have for each other remind me of my bond with my sister. If you are a witchy reader, add this one to your list, but don't forget to read Bittersweet in the Hollow first!!

Read if you love:
🔎 Mystery
✨ Fantasy vibes
🏔️ Appalachian Settings
👯‍♀️ Strong Sisterly Bonds
🖤 Enemies to Lovers

Dark, lyrical, and dripping with tension, Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is a gripping tale of secrets, seduction, and the blurred lines between truth and manipulation. The prose is rich and atmospheric, pulling you into a world where every word feels like it could be a spell—or a weapon. The characters are layered and morally complex, making each twist hit harder. It’s a haunting, beautifully written story that leaves you questioning who to trust until the very end.

This one took me a bit longer to read then the first book, but still a great read. I loved learning more about the Otherworld and its lore. I can't wait until the 3rd book comes out!

I loved the concept of this book. A girl can smell lies that people tell. I kept thinking "would I want to be able to do this?"

The concept was great and the story was interesting. But.. I see so many reviews where people just loved this book. It just was not my personal taste.

Someone said it had a lyrical style. I kind of felt like the author tried to add as much description as possible, and changed her sentences to read more beautifully. But along the way, she left out character development and plot. I didn't get the connection between characters and felt zero emotional connection to this book.

I thought it was just average. Not good, but not bad. However, I so seem to be in the minority on this, so try it for yourself.

I was not able to read this book and review it before its publishing date but now that I read it I have given it 5 stars.

This witchy novel is a great great YA title. It hits the sweet spot of middle school. It is mature enough to not be babyish, but not so mature that families would feel uncomfortable.

Book Review: Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recently had the pleasure of diving into Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall, and this book was so enjoyable! This haunting companion to Bittersweet in the Hollow invites us back to the enigmatic town of Caball Hollow, where the air is thick with secrets and the truth is as elusive as the mist that clings to the Appalachian hills.

The story revolves around 18-year-old Rowan James, who possesses an extraordinary ability—she can literally smell the lies of those around her. Talk about an intriguing gift! As Caball Hollow begins to heal from a tumultuous summer filled with revelations, Rowan finds herself grappling with her own family’s hidden truths. The plot thickens when her old rival, Hadrian Fitch, shows up on her doorstep, bloodied and clearly in need of help. But with her keen sense of deception, Rowan's initial reaction is skepticism. And honestly, who can blame her? After all, in a town where everyone seems to hide something, trust is a fragile commodity.

What I loved most about this book was how this author masterfully weaves an atmospheric setting that pulls you in from the first page. The writing is both immersive and engaging, making it easy to lose track of time as I turned each page. The pacing was spot-on; just when you think you have a handle on the unfolding mysteries, something new emerges to keep you guessing.

And let's talk about the characters! Rowan is beautifully complex—her struggles with her gift of discerning lies add a layer of depth that makes her relatable. Her relationship with her sister, Linden, who has a unique ability to taste emotions, brings an interesting dynamic to the story. And then there's Hadrian—a character who’s not just a rival but also a mystery in himself. As his story unfolds, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about him, which kept the tension high and my interest piqued.

One minor detail that initially caught my eye was the cover art. It’s simply stunning! The visuals perfectly encapsulate the eerie yet captivating essence of the narrative.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed Lies on the Serpent's Tongue. It’s well-plotted, well-paced, and filled with great characters that linger in your mind long after you’ve closed the book. If you’re looking for a read that combines mystery, supernatural elements, and a rich emotional landscape, this one is definitely worth picking up!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

I loved being back in this town!

I really enjoyed the perspective of Rowan in this sequel and getting more background on the town itself as well as the James family.

I love Pearsall’s writing style and I’m really glad I read the first book right before this one as it helped with jumping right into this one. More Hadrain, more James sisters, more Bone Tree, more magic! I hope there will be another book after this one!

Overall rating 4/5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Loved this book. I liked how it showed a different view point of the family in this book. This book goes into more of the folks tales and I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put this story down.