Den of Liars hooked me quickly with its high-stakes atmosphere and the promise that no one—not even the narrator—was entirely trustworthy.

I was drawn to the main character right away. She's layered, flawed, and constantly walking the line between vulnerability and ruthlessness. I didn’t always agree with her choices, but I understood them, and that made her feel real. The pacing kept me engaged, and the twists genuinely surprised me more than once.

My only critique is that I wanted just a bit more emotional depth in a few key moments; some of the character dynamics could have hit harder. But overall, this was a sharp, gripping read that delivered on its promise of drama and deception! Den of Liars is absolutely worth picking up! Thank you, NetGalley!

The book “Den or Liars” sets the tone for a vivid and imaginative world about betrayal, love, and loss.

This immersive story will have you turning the pages on the edge of your seat waiting to see what comes next. I truly enjoyed the world building and the uniqueness of the author’s writing style. There were high stakes, magic, and dice! All around a great story that I’ll definitely be recommending. Can’t wait for a potential sequel, fingers crossed!

Thank you Jessica for writing such an intriguing book and thank you Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for my Advanced Reader’s Copy!

3.5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The premise was really interesting and it took a while—until the middle of the book—for me to understand what was going on and to really get my feet underneath me. The cover is stunning though so that piqued my interest from the start.

The pacing is fast. You’re dropped in and it’s hard to get your bearings in a new world with new characters that you’re learning slowly. The magic system and characters were interesting once I got a gist of what was happening. The concept of rolling dice to deceive people and having dice store memories and powers was a delicious detail.

I just wish we could get Magnolia (which threw me when the chapters kept saying Lola and I don’t remember seeing the protagonist being referred to Lola until a good chunk in), really fleshing out her relationships with other characters. The world didn’t feel as immersive and the conflicts didn’t feel as high stakes as I would’ve liked; I still have questions. The dual perspectives would’ve been nice if it felt more balanced.

I look forward to the sequel novel to know what happens next.

“Be wary of my deceits, little thief, for at the Liar’s Den, even your heart may make a glamour of truth”


Thank you to Jessica Olson, NetGally, and Feiwel & Friends for this advanced reader's copy of Den of Liars. I found this story to have an interesting premise to it. There are elements of mystery, inturge, and even romance. Our main FMC has been roped into a deal with a thief and her life will forever be changed. However, years later she discovers that who she may have thought to be her closest friends may actually be the very people who are working against her.

Jessica Olson did not disappoint in this thrilling fantasy highest novel. She had me hooked from the very beginning. The premise of Den of Liars was very interesting. One of the things I found fascinating is how in this world lies can be used as a type of currency, moreover, they are more valuable than money.

I found these characters to be very multifaceted and complex. As the reader you believe them to be very stereotypical, until you get to see them change chapter by chapter. Their goals slowly begin to change as our main FMC sees a new world unfolding before her.

One of the main issues I had with this story is the pacing. Sometimes there was too much going on, to the point where I was a little confused and other times I felt like nothing was happening. Adding to that I felt like the heist aspect of the plot was more of an afterthought then I thought it was going to be.

Overall, I thought this was a fun story and had great characters. If you enjoy morally grey characters with an interesting premise and a fun plot I think you will like Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book.

Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. While the premise had potential, I found myself wanting more depth—particularly in the world-building and magic system. The story offered fragments of how the magic worked, but never a full, cohesive picture, which made it harder to immerse myself in the world.

I also struggled to connect with the main character, which made the reading experience feel a bit flat. There seemed to be something missing—an emotional hook or narrative spark—that could have elevated the book and kept me fully engaged. It took me a long time to get through, and I considered DNFing more than once.

That said, it wasn’t a bad book—it just wasn’t a wow read for me. It may still work for readers who are drawn to lighter fantasy with intrigue, but it didn’t quite land for me personally.

Den of Liars is such a magical, whimsical, and enthralling read! I loved Jessica Olson's "A Forgery of Roses" so of course, this book has been high on my list for anticipated 2025 releases.

Everything about this book was addicting. I sat down to read a few chapters and before I knew it, I had finished the story all in one setting!

My only wish was that we had more of this book!!

If you loved the Caraval series, Oceans 11, and Six of Crows, you're gonna love and devour this book! I loved the magic system and world building. I loved that all the characters were a little morally grey and I love my morally grey babies! I hope this turns into a series!

Welcome to the Den of Liars, a magical casino that deals in lies… and their truths. Lola is tied to one of the Devious brothers (magical people who have the abilities of lying and stealing) the Thief, through a heart bond. This keeps him corporeal since he was cursed by the moonshard. In trying to find the moonshard to break his curse, Lola gets ensnared in the Liars tournament. But what happens when the liars of the game become the people who reveal to her the biggest truths?

I was not expecting to like this as much as I did. This was unique and while I wish I had more info on the moonshard, I’m guessing/hoping book two will give some deeper background. I have a theory for what’s going on with one part, but I’m going to have to wait to see if I’m correct! Honestly this was so cool.

I don’t typically reach for a YA book as my first choice, but this one was so good! Love the FMC and a plot involving a good heist

Thank you to MacMillan and NetGalley for the ARC!

Unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations. My mutuals reviewed this promising hints of Caraval and Six of Crows, and while I can see the comparisons, I let my expectations for the heist plotline get beyond the action we were given. The magic system and setting were unique, but there was a bit of a disconnect that never truly enraptured me. I also struggled to the connect with the main character, which also didn't encourage me to pick it back up. I drifted toward other NetGalley reads and ultimately decided to stop reading this for now.

I can certainly see this being a hit for other readers who love YA fantasy settings with secrets, betrayal, and romance!

*ੈ✩‧₊˚Rating*ੈ✩‧₊˚
3/5 Stars

˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗Tropes˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
🎲 Fmc Is A Thief
⌚Unique Magic System
🎲Forbidden Romance
⌚Enemies To Lovers
🎲I Shouldn't Want You, But I Do
⌚Slow Burn

𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights-

ˋ°•*⁀➷” To anyone who has ever loved a lie.”

ˋ°•*⁀➷”’I loath you,’ I say, voice quivering.”

💭 Thoughts-
This was just one of those books that was just kind of meh. It was a good book, but it wasn’t great, and it had a couple faults and things I didn’t like. For example, I wished there was some more background into the brothers and their powers and just the overall magic system going on in this world. I felt that it didn’t really ever fully go into that like I wished it had, it more so gave us bits and pieces but not a full picture of it like I wanted. I also felt that it was just missing something that could have made the book better, and I don’t really know what that is, but it just needs a little something something. That being said, it was still a good book that I think some people would enjoy reading more than I did, so I would recommend people look into it because it is still a good book!

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Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson
A dark and twisted story of secrets, ambition, and deception. Olson crafts a layered narrative where no one is safe and nothing is as it seems. Perfect for fans of morally grey characters and gothic-inspired mystery.

**4.5 STARS**

Content Warning: violence

+ This story starts with a heist and ends with secrets coming unraveled and I had a great time with it! This is set in a casino which I found fun and dark. This is a world revolving around magic and secrets. The magic system is unique and there is a competition taking place to win an Unbreakable Lie. A game always makes things interesting!

+ Lola was saved by the Thief (Enzo), but now they have a mission to infiltrate the world of the Liar (Nic), so they can find the moonshard to break Enzo’s curse. Lola is a pretty good thief but even she isn’t strong enough to withstand some of the Liar’s magic or how much she comes to learn about him and desire him later on. I liked Lola, she was strong and wanted to prove her worth, but she’s also gone through some trauma. When she’s caught in the web of lies around her she has to make a choice on whether she wants to know the full truth. And that’s a hard choice to make. There is lots of growth for her from beginning to end.

+ Enzo and Nic are brothers but something major came between them and they hate each other. I loved getting to know these two different guys and getting a glimpse of their back story also. Enzo being the edgier of the two and addicted to thieving, and Nic who can weave a spell and make people love him with his lies. This is not a love triangle – I feel like it’s pretty obvious Enzo and Lola treat each other like siblings. Whereas Nic and Lola want each other but can’t be with one another because of mistrust, lies and Enzo.

+ It’s enemies to lovers and forced proximity but I really enjoyed how the story explored trust, lies and questioning who was manipulating who. It’s not spicy but there are some scene filled with heat and tension that was really good. Obviously, neither Lola or Nic, trust each other enough to take a chance on each other which is sad but I’m looking forward to see if that changes in book two (and I am assuming there will be one or else I’ll be crushed).

~ I would have liked more information about the magic and moonshard. We get a little bit of a backstory, very little. There is a lot more in this world to explore, like trying to find Laurel, Nic’s ex and someone important to the brothers finding this moonshard. Also, I’d like to know if Lola and her dad ever reunite and we can learn more about Lola’s past. Basically all of these things would give more information about the moonshard and magic so I hope we get that in book two.

Final Thoughts:

I read this one in two days. I got sucked into this magical, dark, casino world and the feud between two brothers, and Lola, a girl with a secret identity at the middle of the web of lies. I loved the tension in the romance between Lola and Nic and I hope there is a sequel so I can find out what happens next!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book!

I loved Den of Liars — the magic system, the world building, the setting, the characters, the plot, all of it. This magic system was so unique and refreshing. This wasn’t the typical “lost princess fights a war” fantasy. It was imaginative and original. The plot was a little predictable but I was still surprised by the end. I’ve always been a fan of casinos, carnivals, etc in books and this book only drew even more love for those atmospheres out. As someone who doesn’t imagine in pictures Olson did an amazing job, through her thorough descriptions, making this world really come to life in my head. I’m positive I will be talking about this book for months to come and I cannot wait for the next book to be released.

We like a heist. We love a love triangle. But a love triangle with two brothers who might be enemies? Yeah, I was immediately sat.

The worldbuilding pulled me in right away. I found the concept of soul light intriguing, and the story flows well thanks to multiple POVs (thank you for not making me live entirely in Lola’s head). The writing is strong, with plenty of twists and many standout lines I had to stop and highlight. Definitely an author I’d read again.

Let’s be real: the Liar was my favorite. Such a complex, layered character…the kind that keeps you guessing and also justifying his morally grey decisions. Nic’s backstory came in earlier than I expected, but I liked having that insight while watching others misread him. Villain? Maybe. But I enjoyed every second of it.
I do still have questions (potential spoilers) did her dad have her kidnapped? How did the Thief know when to find her? Is Estelle actually Laurel, or just working to help her? I’m hoping to find out more in the next book.

This was top read for me this year and I’ll be impatiently waiting for book two.

WOW. Loved loved loved this book. Gave me Peaky Blinders vibes, if Peaky Blinders had less death, more magic, a vibrant casino, and magical brothers torn apart by half truths and a girl at the center of it all.
There was not a love triangle, which I was worried about. I think love triangles usually reduce a story to its unimportant parts. This one, while love was involved, demonstrated the different loves everyone experiences.
A side note, if there’s bioluminescence, I will always be HOOKED. Yes please incorporate one of my special interests. Also, what’s the deal with Laurel, where is she????? #anxiouslywaitingforbook2

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

How far would you go to feel loved and wanted. Lola is the daughter of a crime boss who has been isolated all her life. Because her father gambled and lost, she was kidnapped. Once she was rescued by a stranger, she decides to faked her own death.

This book has mystery and a love triangle. The main character Lola is trying to finally belong somewhere but things turn out differently than she expected.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this exciting book. I cannot wait to read more about Lola and all the other characters.

this was such a good book omg!! i loved how olson wrote, it was so magical and it felt like warm hug on a chilly autumn thursday evening! i loved loved loved the ending, and the two brothers, and the heist, and omg i love this book so much! go read this book right now!!

thank you to netgalley and jessica s. olson for an arc in exchange for an honest review! <3

Den of Liars is a wickedly clever heist fantasy with a fantastic magic system that left me gasping for more! 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. The banter in this is so good I couldn't stop laughing reading this. However, this book took me so long to get through and i contemplated DNFing many times.
Overall decent read, 3.5 stars!

I hadn’t expected a cliffhanger I am so ready to read what’s next. A story with both love and magic, something I prefer to have in my YA reads. It’s done so very well, I love a story with high stakes.