Proof of Lies (Anastasia Phoenix, #1)

Proof of Lies takes family secrets to the next level. The mystery is intriguing and I've got to say I had no idea what was going on or what was going to happen next. The big reveals were made all the better by the surprise. High-speed boat chases, gelato, iconic European scenery, kidnappings, and numerous bad guys, Proof of Lies combines action, romance, and mystery with a touch of history.

If I had to liken Proof Of Lies to a movie combo I would say Taken meets the Italian Job meets The da Vinci Code meets Spy Kids.

Three years ago, Anastasia lost both her parents in a horrific car crash while they were on one of their research development trips. As top scientists at an engineering firm they took a lot of trips and moved Anastasia and her sister, Keira, around frequently. Three years on, Anastasia is living with Keira who has become her guardian. But one morning, Anastasia discovers her sister has disappeared and the bathroom filled with blood. The police seem to be doing nothing and, consumed by grief, Anastasia isn't sure what to do until her sister's friend and roommate (and amateur hacker) discovers that maybe there was more to Keira's disappearance. Anastasia begins a globe-trekking hunt for clues, that reveals her parents weren't who she thought them to be.

Anastasia is a competent heroine, but not overly ambitious or ridiculously confident in her abilities. She speaks multiple languages and is a martial arts black belt, but she doesn't need to employ these skills until things get serious over halfway into the book. She is realistic about her assessment of situations and yet sometimes, amusingly, far fetched "This was beyond reckless. He could have a gun. He could have lots of guns. If he was a spy, or a criminal, he could have a weapon of mass destruction in the trunk."

Anastasia's relationship with her sister is equally realistic. They are at each other's throats until Keira goes missing and then Anastasia doesn't hesitate to risk her life to rescue Keira. There are plenty of great relationships in Proof of Lies, especially Anastasia's friendship with roommate Charlotte. And the romantic interest is supplied by new classmate and fellow child of Dresden employees, Marcus. As they spend more time together, they realise they have more in common than expected. I really liked that Anastasia first resists her attraction to Marcus. Yes, there is attraction, which she readily acknowledges, but she is too worried about her sister and her own grief and guilt to feel right about following that attraction, which prevents this book slipping into romance territory too early. There was also a part of me that was suspicious of Marcus - when investigating crimes (even fictional ones) I find it best to suspect everyone. And there are plenty of suspects.

Proof of Lies is the first book in the Anastasia Phoenix series and sets the scene for what promises to be a very exciting series, combining world geography and history with intrigue, conspiracy theories, and family secrets. I really liked that the ending of Proof of Lies gives readers a tidy resolution to the main mystery but leaves many questions unanswered and a whole new mystery to be investigated in book two.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Note: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Proof of Lies was an intense, emotional read. Anastasia had literally been through hell and I couldn't help but feel for her. Wallach did a great job of portraying what Anastasia was going through and taking me as a reader right along for the ride.

Given that Anastasia had lost both her parents and possibly her sister, she was an emotional wreak, thus the story was a bit slow to start. It didn't real pick up until about half way through. A lot of the first half was detailing Anastasia's emotions and all she had gone through.

I found the second half much more intriguing and interesting. This was really when the mystery/suspense part of the story started to take over. And what a story it was! There were a few twists and turn - some I guessed, some I didn't. The second half was definitely what sold the story for me.

If you're expecting a fast-paced, high intensity read, I promise that this will turn into that. You just need to hang on through the first half and then you'll get what you're looking for - promise!

I can't wait to see how it all unfolds in book two.

I want to thank Netgally, Entangled Publishing and the author for giving me a chance to read this book for an honest review.

Wow! Talk about James Bond...This book was full of mystery an made you think on what was going on....Is her sister missing, dead...what?? Is the main characters parents dead? missing?? spies? criminals?

It seemed like every time a question was answered 3 more popped up for the main character Anastasia, but she kept going with it not knowing who to trust or what to believe! I think I even suspected her sister an best friend in evil doings.

This is a GREAT book! Can't wait for the others!