This is the second book in the Realm of Fae series. I truly enjoyed this book. It picked up where the last one left off and that was perfect because not every continuation does this.

I enjoyed Robin's character growth and there were twists and turns that I absolutely did not see coming. This was definitely a book I couldn't put down and this is a series I will regularly recommend. I can't wait for the next few books.

First off I would like to say that I have not heard of this author.or publisher before but I believe they did a great job. The characters in this book were dynamic in personality traits as well as in personal progression. I really enjoyed the different magic traits as well as the levels of deception and unforseen bonds between the characters. I do however believe that this book should've focused more on the fantasy aspect and not the romance as it felt sort of out of place. Following days after a major event the main character already had a new romantic interest with a character he did not know and that character hated his kind. Overall the book had a very easy story to read. And kept me interested in finding out what happens. There were a few minor issues with word usage in the beginning to where the wrong word was used that took away from the phrase but overall it was a good read.

A Kingdom of Lies is the Second Book in Ben Alderson's Realm of Fey series. Robin is now king of the Icethorn court, though he has no subjects to rule. Determined to get revenge, he sets out to find an army, even if that army is consisted of his enemies. Robin allows himself to be captured by the hunters in order to strike a deal with their leaders, and along the way finds allies in the most unexpected of places.

I truly enjoyed this book, though there is something about it that was not as outstanding as the first book. I honesty think what I missed in this book was the characters. Robin goes out on his own during this book, and while I think it was essential for him as a character and for his development, it was not what I wanted. I missed the individuals from this first book. I will say that while the character development for Robin was outstanding, I was not a fan of the individual whom he was in a relationship with in this book (spoiler it is not Erix). This relationship felt forced, which is something that I did not enjoy. I get why Erix and Robin needed to almost fall apart in order for Robin to grow, but I do not think creating what is bound to be a love triangle was necessary. To be honest, that is one of the largest reasons that this book was not a five star read for me. I loved the character development, and I loved the plot, but the romance felt forced and there was a lack of characters whom I traditionally love. I am really excited to see where the series goes from here, and I hope we see more of the magical fey that were trapped because I think that will add in a unique perspective. This book contains a lot of fascinating themes that I personally really enjoyed and it brings up the question of how long do you stick with peace or the solution that logically makes the most sense, before you do something controversial?

Thank you to Angry Robot, Ben Alderson, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of A Kingdom of Lies in exchange for my honest review.

This was a strong sequel in the Realm of Fey series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall story and world. The characters were everything that I was expecting and enjoyed the overall story going on. Ben Alderson has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this, I hope there is more in this series as this was really well done.

I'm rounding up a little bit, because I would probably place this at about 3.5-3.75.

Where Betrayal started with a knife to the throat, A Kingdom of Lies starts with blood between fingers. Erix and Robin are immediately the young, newly in love couple that can't keep their hands to themselves and we all know that means things are going to go wrong. And they do because Robin can't have nice things. Consequently a lot of this book is fueled by Robin making emotionally charged bad decisions and attempting an 'enemy of my enemy' type deal.

There are some reveals that you can definitely see coming and others that are more of a surprise. I had one theory in particular about Doran which turned out to be incorrect and the reveal of another character made all the more interesting for it.

We get a bit more on the wider world in this book which was good. Welhaven in particular I enjoyed seeing and the lore around it. We also got introduced to new side characters and I have to say I loved Nathanial. Kanye will be interesting going forward as well I think.

There were a few bits with the dialogue that I wasn't entirely sold on. Generally, it all felt like it fit but then there was the odd sentence that felt like Jane Austenesque in the wording which I didn't think really needed to be done that way. It didn't take away from the book but it did occasionally distract me from the scene.

This has definitely set up for a powerful third book and I have no doubt it will pack a heck of a punch.

A Kingdom Of Lies by Ben Alderson is book 2 in the Realm Of Fae series, following A Betrayal Of Storms. This book picks up where the last finished, with Robin claiming the Icethorn court and the Oakstorm king wanting revenge after the death of his family.

A Kingdom Of Lies starts with some plot twists, focusing entirely on Erix, Robin’s personal guard and lover. We come to learn even more about Erix throughout the book, and I did not see any of the things about him coming.

After Robin loses everything, including Erix to the influence of the Doran, Oakstorm king, he leaves to the human realm to find the Hand for help to kill Doran. He is captured by hunters on purpose as a way to get to the Hand, and the general Duncan never leaves his side. Duncan from the beginning did not seem like the other hunters, and throughout their journey, Robin and Duncan discover they have many similarities.

A Betrayal Of Storms started with a bodyguard romance, with the relationship A Kingdom Of Lies being of the enemies to lovers trope. Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope, and with all the twists and surprises through A Kingdom Of Lies, I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 more than book 1, and I am excited to read the rest of the series.

Thank you for a copy! It's the second book of the series and it picks up where the last one left. I have enjoyed this series a lot and look forward to more.

I love this series! Robin in book 2 on man the character growth he had is amazing

It picks up after the events on book 1 and now robin is out for blood he wants big time revenge! The story gets so more intense this time and it’s so well written you feel like you’re in the story watching what’s happening

I can not wait for the next 2 books!

Book 2 picks up after the events of book 1 and the world building and characters grow so much more in this!

Robin is out for revenge ,

Fast pace storyline ,some great spicy moments

Loved it can’t wait for more

A Kingdom of Lies picks up shortly after A Betrayal of Storms ends and the plot thickens immensely. There is so much character growth and development as we see Robin struggle to come to terms with certain events that have unfolded and his need for revenge intensifies and begins to consume him. The book was so well written and the world building became even more dynamic. This book was more fast paced than the last and there was a lot of interesting back story that didn't detract from the forward movement of the plot as things were revealed that had my jaw on the floor. The spice was nice as always, and I love that element as well. I highly recommend this book and series and am so excited to keep reading the books in this series!