The Book of Lies

Grade 4–8—When Marcel is delivered to an orphanage in the middle of the night, the wizard Lord Alwyn and his magical Book of Lies take away his memories of his previous life. Only the intervention of another orphan, Bea, allows Marcel to remember his true name. It soon becomes apparent that while he doesn't remember his past, it has followed him and links him to two other orphans, Nicola and Fergus. The three soon escape and become involved in the politics of their kingdom and the conflict between King Pelham and his rivals, Prince Damon and Princess Eleanor. Marcel and the other children discover that they play a key role in the conflicts that will shape their land's future, but first they must understand the treachery and lies that surround their own identities. Marcel is a sympathetic main character, though his reactions to the changes in his life seem shallow at times and the discovery of his own powers lacks drama. Supporting characters tend to dramatic gestures, but they lack depth and motivation. Moloney has created a number of unusual magical creatures that will catch readers' imaginations, including the sorcerer's unique flying horse and the Book of Lies itself, which becomes more mysterious and sinister as the story progresses. While this novel lacks the emotional depth to be truly outstanding, Marcel's search for identity will ring true to readers on the verge of adolescence.—Beth L. Meister, Pleasant View Elementary School, Franklin, WI
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