I also like the series’ focus on poison, a concept that is used both literally and figuratively in the narrative. Perhaps if they can find out who poisoned the former chancellor and his spymaster, uncovering the conspiracy might give them a chance at survival.Īlthough it is rather clumsily executed, this novel’s aspiration to be a fantasy-mystery mashup is something I can appreciate. First the deaths of their uncles, and now this surprise rebellion-it all just seems too coordinated to be coincidental.

Few have faith that the inexperienced Tain will be able to save the city, but Jovan and Kalina are determined to help their friend weather through the attack. Still reeling from the sudden loss of Chancellor Caslav, the population is thrown into further chaos. Very soon, Silasta finds itself under siege. They are tested nearly immediately, however, as a sudden uprising sweeps across the city, resulting in a rebel army amassing at their gates. The Oromani siblings subsequently pledge to become his protectors, all three of them stepping dutifully into their new roles even as they grieved for their murdered kin. Tain is called upon to take up his uncle’s mantle, despite the heir being young and untried. Both Chancellor Caslav and Etan fall to a powerful poison, one that is unknown even to Jovan and his extensive records of poisonous substances. But due to Kalina’s poor health, it was Jovan who was ultimately given the role of official proofer, whose task involves taste-testing Caslav’s food and drink for any signs of poison before it is consumed by the chancellor or his family. From a young age, both Jovan and his sister Kalina have been trained by their uncle, the spymaster Etan, to identify all kinds of harmful substances, which sometimes involved being poisoned themselves in order to learn and become inured to their effects. Their job can be likened to that of Secret Service, keeping Chancellor Caslav of Silasta and his nephew Tain safe from unseen threats, though recognizing signs of poison is their specialty. “I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me,” begins our protagonist Jovan, who is one half of a pair of highborn siblings whose family the Oromanis have long been entrusted to serve a sacred duty. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.Ĭity of Lies might not have completely won over my heart, but I will however give it the award for the most intriguing opening line I’ve read all year. I received a review copy from the publisher.

Sam hawke city of lies