I was excited to get the chance to read an ARC of this book as it sounded like such an interesting storyline. However, this book took me so long to get through and i contemplated DNFing many times. it just didn’t hold my attention like I wanted it to. The magic system is really interesting and unique so i loved those aspects of this book but it took me so long to actually read the whole thing I don’t remember half
of what I just read.

౨ৎ Den Of Liars ౨ৎ

Grateful I got to ARC read this, definitely a
5 ⭐️’s for me.
Gave me Caraval vibes, but the brothers "hate" each other.
The banter in this is so good I couldn't stop laughing reading this.
The author really makes it where you don't know what to believe, who is lying, what is just an illusion and can you keep your secrets hidden?
"Some secrets are intricate tapestries impossible to disentangle. But when you do, the world unravels."

Wow, wow, wow. I have to admit, I was wholly invested in this story!

Before I get into my thoughts, I want to say that I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story when I first started it. But, I need you to trust me. Just make it to the Liar's Dice Tournament, and you'll be golden!

Now, I don't even know how to begin to articulate my thoughts on this book. For starters, I loved Olson's writing style. It's lyrical and atmospheric and really helped get me into the story. I loved the idea for the magic system with the dice. I loved that the author featured disability representation in the main character. I also loved seeing her character grow throughout the story as she uncovered more of the truth. I loved the high-stakes of the tournament, the secrets, the betrayal - it was all so enticing! I loved that the characters all felt morally grey. I loved the empathy that took place between characters. But, most of all, I couldn't get enough of the tension between Lola and the Liar and having each of their perspectives made it even better!

The only real qualm I had with this book was the religion aspect. This is my second book by this author, and both have featured main characters who oppose/defy (I don't really know what word to use here) whatever religion (realistic or fictional) that is mentioned. In this story, the religion was fictional. For personal reasons, I don't typically jive well with books that keep bringing up elements like this. So, for a while, I thought I was just going to give this book a 4-star. I do feel the mention of this died down in the second half of the book. I will also note that there is some language in this book as well as some steamier make out scenes, but it did remain closed door.

All that to say, at the end of the day, I can't remember the last time I was this sucked into a story. This has definitely been my most surprising 5-star of the year so far. Despite its imperfections, I couldn't resist. I can't believe I'm going to have to wait who knows how long for the next book, but I am here for it!

For those who are convinced by comparisons, I'll drop a few "if you like ___, then you might like this book" comparisons I've seen // Caraval, Ocean's Eleven, Six of Crows, the dynamic between the Salvatore brothers, the relationship between Klaus and Caroline, the casino scene from the Percy Jackson series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends for a free e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book! In this story you follow the main character Lola as she undergoes a series of trials to gain information about the location of certain magic she and her partner need, while risking exposure from the secrets she holds dear. Two magical brothers at odds are what she is dealing with on top of the challenges, and she comes to realize that she really doesn’t know everything about them that she thought she did, for better or for worse. The story was very cool- I felt like it gave vibes of Caraval mixed with Hotel Magnifique. Very mysterious and keeps you guessing while you get really invested in the main character. I most loved how unique this story was. I had a great time reading it! 4.5/5 stars!

Our protagonist goes by many names, but that's just how life is when you deal in secrets and lies. Once a sheltered youth, Lola makes her life out of being a thief. It's freeing and exciting, everything she needed after a traumatic incident changed her life forever. But, she isn't just a petty thief. She and her accomplice have a grand goal in mind, one which she seeks to accomplish by pulling off an impossible heist. Can she do it?
This story is riveting, fresh, and exciting. My most favorite thing about this read was how unexpected each secret was and how seamlessly smaller plot points wove into larger ones later on. There's a lot of tensions and banter as well as components of magic and mystery. While the prose was a bit winding and overbearing at times, I was never at a loss for imagery, helping me really feel immersed in the story. I also really enjoyed the ending of this book as it took quite a different turn than I was expecting. It was much much better than what I had in mind, which is always exciting. This is definitely a solid read and one I enjoyed quite a bit!

Den of Liars is a love child of Caravel and Oceans 11 (the movie - think high stakes casino and lovable characters!) Such a uniquely written fantasy with a clever plot, well done magic system! I can’t wait to be back for the next book ...

If you long for books with plenty of mystery, trickery, and pulse-pounding games, this book by Jessica S. Olson may just be the perfect fit. There were, admittedly, some stumbling blocks, but DEN OF LIARS is certainly a fun read that delivers on its premise.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher via netgalley. Thanks for the ARC and here is my unbiased, unfiltered review.

THIS BOOK. Jessica, my heart will never be the same. The visuals, the quotes, the feels. IF this is a duology then this might be my duo of the YEAR. But if this is a standalone I need a word w the author. By Ch 34 I seem to be eating the book like crab legs at a buffet.

Let's start with the non spoiler review:
Characters, love love love. Jacks who? Lola, so strong, so brave; The Thief, so broken, so unreliable. And the Liar. Oh my word the Liar. Book boyfriend of the year? This guy. I need like three more books of the Liar. Please and thank you. Estelle, bless you girl. The bestie we all need in life. The who do I need to hurt bestie. Love her. She needs a spin-off, too. And the villains. They were interesting, a little flat for some.

The story, kinda predictable, but so well executed. I am not going to sugar coat this, the first few chapters (eight to get to the main plot point) were not easy to read. I found it challenging to follow characters named after traits: Liar and Thief, and to follow along with the magic/religion/elemental system. i also would appreciate a map, a glossary to refer to. Anything to help your readers out. I live in Vegas and it was interesting to get a gaslamp version of a casino. I also used to spend a lot of time in Atlantic City so the whole beachside casino concept was nostalgic. I loved the small, subtle things like people's nicknames, and favorite snacks, and favorite colors. It's all very age appropriate, and shows a good attention to detail. I also appreciated the non linear back story exposure. I think its underrated cause a lot of authors have mastered this, including Jessica.

And the romance. Okay spoilers time, please click away if you haven't read this yet. But I do recommend you read it. Just be ready to chuck the book at chapter 53.

SPOILERS HERE: I loved this slow burn, kinda enemies to lovers romance. And so why the hell is there no HEA???? So she picks her best friend but no follow up on that cliffhanger w her dad and her crush? Are you serious? Please for the love of my heart tell me there is an epilogue, a special chapter from a newsletter or even better a whole other book! Please. 😭The angst was just perfection. The way these two were so great for each other, bringing out the best of one another is one of those romances that couples go to therapy for. (from experience) So okay, I can picture them wanting to grow up and grow a bit older before they finally decide to get together. But could you email us when you're ready to publish the more adult fantasy version of that? kthx

If you, like me, have been searching for a book that feels like Stephanie Garber's Caraval, look no further. Den of Liars transports readers into a fantastical world of magic and illusions that will keep yo on your toes from start to finish. Can't wait to see where this story goes next!

This urban fantasy tale offers an entertaining journey of personal growth set against a backdrop that feels like a high-stakes casino. The female main character (FMC) finds herself caught between two brothers—one orchestrating elaborate games, the other enlisting her to uncover hidden truths. I really enjoyed watching her evolve through each challenge. By the end, she's not just wiser but undeniably stronger for everything she’s endured.

Den of Liars is a wickedly clever heist fantasy with a fantastic magic system that left me gasping for more! Excellent plot, interesting characters and enough questions left unanswered to having me coming back for the next book ...

Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy for review

It has been a long time since I've felt this was about a YA book. HOLY CRAP IT WAS AMAZING!!! It started off trong and never once did I feel bored. What a great ride!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an ok book. The premise sounded great, though I thought that it would focus more on the heist than what it did. It mainly focused on two brothers and the fmc thief and her involvement with them. The character development was ok, but it could have benefited from a stronger focus on them to help develop that connection towards them as I felt disengaged at times due to this.

I did like the setting and atmosphere being in the casino with the games going on. There was something that happened towards the end that did not make sense to me, though, and that kind of threw me off. Overall, it was an ok read that could definitely be revamped a little to provide more depth to the characters and contribute to the storyline overall.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5 stars!


If Caraval had a love child with a magical casino heist, Den of Thieves would be it 🎲✨
In this high-stakes tournament, secrets are literal currency—and losing could cost you everything. Lola St. James is a standout heroine—fierce, clever, and layered with secrets of her own (like being the not-so-dead daughter of a notorious crime boss 👀). I also loved the lazy eye rep. It’s rare to see that kind of detail, especially when it’s shown with confidence and pride 💪💜

The morally grey characters? Chefs kiss. The slow-burn tension between Lola and “the Liar” kept me flipping pages—and their chemistry is sweet, clever, and perfectly YA 🔥💘

A totally unique magic system, plenty of twists, and that casino-glamour-meets-shadowy-underworld vibe made this one unputdownable.

A fascinating story about two brothers gifted (or cursed?) with unbelievable power and the girl whose task but her squarely in the middle of them.

This was a well written book with an original story with many novel elements. The premise of the Liars Dice Tournament was fascinating to be both in practice and as it progressed on the page. I found the dice each contestant is able to choose especially compelling as they seek to win each round.

The characters were also interesting as they explored the line between good and ‘evil’, protagonist and villain. The ethics behind lying and who it actually protects was of special interest for me as a deeper philosophical question.

Lola was an intriguing main character. I didn’t realize this was a YA book, and while I’m sure appealing to that audience I think it could have delved deeper into some of these intriguing topics with older protagonists geared towards a more mature audience.

The only part of the story that felt out of place to me had to do with the aerial hoop. While an amazing activity, the scenes with it felt clunky to me, very niche, and a teeny bit cringey.

I also didn’t realize this was part of a series, cry. The part of me that hoped I’d have every question answered cries.

Overall I would recommend this story, and had it been for M audiences without the aerial hoop it would even be a hearty rec. I’ll definitely be watching out for the next though!

Thank you to NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a 5 star read. I don't give those out lightly.

This book has mystery, romance, and magic.
2 brothers, a curse, one is The thief and one The liar. A high stakes casino style game to win the ultimate prize, an unbreakable lie. Astra Tremaine is the star of the show.

I seriously loved everything about this book

Ok this was so fun!! Love a good mystery, deception moment! & love that it’s YA! I seem to like those mystery & thrillers better!! Would definitely recommend to my nieces.

This was my first book by Jessica S. Olson and honestly, I really enjoyed it! I didn’t know much going in, but it totally pulled me in from the start.

The story is fast-paced, full of tension, and packed with twists. I really love a morally grey character… or better yet characters….. no one is just good or bad, and that made everything so much more interesting. I also loved how unique the magic system was. It’s not your typical spells-and-wands setup ~ here, secrets are power, and magic is woven into high-stakes games where the risks feel very real. It created such a cool, tense atmosphere that felt fresh and original.

The chemistry between the characters is great, and the emotional undercurrents add so much depth. And yes… it ends on a massive cliffhanger, so I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the ARC — I’m really looking forward to seeing where this series goes next!

Den of Liars was such a topsy turvy ride of a book and I loved how much it was constantly surprising me. The entire premise was interesting enough because I'm a huge fan of heists and casinos, but the added magical elements and the myth-like qualities of the Liar and the Thief gave the entire story a Wonderland vibe that just worked so well! The story was perfectly paced and the author gave you just enough information to hook you and also keep you second guessing every character's intentions from beginning to the end. I absolutely can not wait for a sequel to this story!

This book kept me on my toes! I was very intrigued and didn’t have any idea the plot twist that were coming! I would definitely recommend this book to my friends!