Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Lies (Book Trilogy #1)

3.9 of 5 stars 3.90 · rating details · 952 ratings · 84 reviews

The newest boy at Mrs. Timmins's Home for Orphans and Foundlings awakes at first light with no name and no memory. But a strange girl who hides among the shadows of the orphanage tells him that a mysterious wizard's creation, the Book of Lies, holds the answers, and then gives him one clue: "Your name is Marcel."

With that knowledge, and the help of three new friends, Marce...more

Hardcover, 368 pages

Published April 3rd 2007 by HarperCollins (first published 2004)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Ballad of Sir Dinadan by Gerald Morris

The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf by Gerald Morris

best books in the known universe

53rd out of 100 books — 2 voters

Fiona Thorn and the Carapacem Spell by Jen Barton

Various Variety of Children's Fantasy

82nd out of 126 books — 24 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,561)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Mar 26, 2010 Magda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, childrens, fantasy-fairytales

I was getting ready to type a review, and I remembered that I really liked this book, but the ending suggested that there was a sequel. I was elated to find that there are at least two more books, but disappointed that my library doesn't carry either. Augh.

Interesting premise. The twists and turns at first are difficult to figure out, but not frustrating, but during the action in the middle of the book, it gets annoying that the main characters haven't figured a few things out yet. The Book of L...more

3 likes · like · see review

Aug 08, 2011 Grey Grimly rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this book, it has a lot of twists and turns that I never expected. This is the kind of book I could read over and over and never get tired of.

1 like · like · see review

Dec 29, 2009 Anne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. *This review contains several spoilers that will probably reveal some twists if read ;)*

First of all, I've read this book twice, which is a sort of weird of occurrence for me as I don't particularly like doing that. My first reading was years ago, maybe 3 or 4 years ago, more or less; my second reading was yesterday, and I must say, I STILL love it! Years ago, I had a less critical eye, well, more so then than now, at least.

“The Book of Lies” is simply a great book, offering sly foreshadowing, w...more *This review contains several spoilers that will probably reveal some twists if read ;)*

First of all, I've read this book twice, which is a sort of weird of occurrence for me as I don't particularly like doing that. My first reading was years ago, maybe 3 or 4 years ago, more or less; my second reading was yesterday, and I must say, I STILL love it! Years ago, I had a less critical eye, well, more so then than now, at least.

“The Book of Lies” is simply a great book, offering sly foreshadowing, wonderful plot twists, and beautiful characters. I especially love Bea, Gadfly, and Termagant, oh, and let’s not forget the book itself! This book also showed me that it wasn’t Hercules but Bellerophon who had rode Pegasus; I had always assumed to was Hercules, after the Disney movie.

Someone mentioned that Marcel seemed a bit perfect, which, to some extent, is true. I mean, really, who would just go and decide to cut off his own finger, just to find out who he is? That’s really a maybe, since I haven’t really felt the way he felt. That, and his somewhat instant take to “magic”.

I’ve also had a issue with Master Alywn, a Master of the Books. I didn’t like his “power-hungry-but-not-realizing-it” thing; if Master Alywn was truly the wise man he is portrayed to be he would have seen his own danger and named one of his apprentices as his successor.

The three siblings Marcel/Robert, Nicola/Catherine, and Fergus/Edwin had excellent chemistry. Though, as the book does not imply anything happening during their brainwashing session, they should not have the feeling of “not-my-life” taking place, no matter how much their personalities prevail through their brainwashed memories.

I found Bea, or Beatrice, especially endearing: her feelings of being different, her draw to Marcel; though I wonder how old they are as the book never really specifically says of their age nor of their innocent little crush on each other, except cute little hints, that is. *winks*

One thing that I just *loved* about this book was it’s double meanings: the prophecy/poem about Mortegis, the so-called mighty dragon that the first Master of the Books sealed was in fact not a dragon, but instead *big spoiler* a war! *big spoiler end*

The one that that confuses me is the Book of Lies (the one within the book, not the actual book book); it seeks out your heart and tells you whether you are lying or not. See, when Edwin swore an oath over the Book, it was said to be a lie by the Book, which, I think, is only so, because in the future he wishes to harm his father. “You are the son of King Pelham, just as I am. You are not my cousin, but my brother and twin” and “I am the son of Prince Damon” are another example (first one is by Marcel, second is Fergus); first one is technically true and second one is technically not, but the Book was pushed to follow *all* truths, such as the ones that are deeply wished to be true, even if they are not, in ones’ heart.

Overall, I find that this book deserves a 4.5, but, as that was not an option, I gave it a five. Some more description would have been better, but, ultimately, it was a beautiful read, if not quick. I have not read the sequel as of yet, but I hope to read it some time in the future.(less)

like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Narek Aloyan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I chose to read,"The Book of Lies", because when I read the back cover it seemed interesting to me and I'm glad I read it. Marcel and his siblings Fergus and Nicola were tricked into thinking two strangers were rightful rulers and the current ruler King Pelham was a heartless tyrant and had to be overthrown. Then when they met him it turns out the King was their father and the two strangers were their jealous cousins who tried to poison the King but instead poisoned the queen and now are attacki...more

like · see review

May 13, 2011 Belinda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews, fantasy, action, okay-books

The whole idea of this book was fantastic. It was really interesting and captured my attention.
Overall I guess I liked this book. Not really liked though.

I think what it was lacking was probably a main plot. At least to me, it felt like it was just a jumble of sub-plots all stuck together into one big book. It felt more like shorter books crammed into one. What was the main plot? The main purpose?
After one plot was "completed", a new one cropped up. Right after the characters have finished this...more

like · see review

Jun 08, 2009 Cindy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 999, childrensbooks, fantasy-children

A new boy arrives at the orphanage, but he can't remember anything about his past. All he knows is that his name is Marcel. Marcel quickly makes friends with an odd girl named Bea. Upstairs from their rooms is a strange wizard with a terrible beast. When Marcel and Bea steal a mysterious book, they learn that everything Marcel has been told about himself is a lie. They try to figure out how to use the book to discover the truth, but it will be a long more complicated - and more dangerous - than...more

like · see review

Apr 21, 2010 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Rachel Still
Ms. Schoen and Ms. W
April 21, 2010
IRP: The Book of Lies

The Book of Lies
By James Moloney

The Book of Lies by James Moloney is about a boy named Marcel who has no memory of who he is. First he places his trust with the wrong people. But who can he trust? This book is about his quest to find their true identity along with his two friends. The characters are Marcel, Nicola, Bea, and Fergus, Nicola knows who she is… or at least who the book of lies wants her to think she is, the same is t...more Rachel Still
Ms. Schoen and Ms. W
April 21, 2010
IRP: The Book of Lies

The Book of Lies
By James Moloney

The Book of Lies by James Moloney is about a boy named Marcel who has no memory of who he is. First he places his trust with the wrong people. But who can he trust? This book is about his quest to find their true identity along with his two friends. The characters are Marcel, Nicola, Bea, and Fergus, Nicola knows who she is… or at least who the book of lies wants her to think she is, the same is true for Fergus. Bea is a girl who will hide in the shadows and no one can see her, but why? This book tells the story of three misfits and their quest to find themselves.
My favorite character is Bea because even although she was jealous at the beginning of the story because she wasn’t part of the group that the mystery people came to get, that she was just a “foundling” and nothing special, she didn’t get aggravated. This takes a lot of character, if I was her I would have been upset at Nicola, Marcel and Fergus for who they are. Even though at one point in the story, the three siblings told her to go away, she stayed because she knew something was not quite right. This made her realize that she was more special than everyone else.
I think that the climax of the story was when Nicola, Marcel and Fergus find the dead body of the Nurse who had helped Bea recover from being shot in the shoulder with an arrow. I think this is the climax because this is when they figured out that the people they trusted were murderers who would kill anyone standing in their way. It was a lie when they told Marcel, Nicola and Fergus that they were their parents so they could get the throne and kill their real dad. This is when everything changed for them.
I think that the author wanted me to learn that you need to ask many questions before you do anything or you will be led blindly and might be led into something that you don’t wish to be led into. I think this because Marcel, Nicola and Fergus were so eager to get out of Ms Timmins’ House of Orphans and Foundlings that they would go with anyone who said that they know their father and so they all were led blindly into a trap to almost kill their own father. I also think that the author wanted me to learn that if you lie, cheat and try to deceive people into doing something, it will come back and “bite you in the butt.” I think this because Eleanor, Damon, and Starkey tricked Marcel, Nicola, and Fergus in to turning against their own father. This back-fired because when Marcel, Nicola, and Fergus found out what they were doing they fought back and Starkey died, Eleanor poisoned herself in prison, and Damon ran away in terror!
I would recommend this book to people who like suspenseful books because this book always has you flipping pages and falling off your seat! I would also recommend this book to people that love fantasy, because this book is full of magic spells, magic books and flying horses. I would also recommend this book to people with an imagination because to see this book in your head (unless I’m just crazy because I read a book and see a movie in my head) you have to be able to make up stuff like that in our head.
This was a great book, so it got a full 10 out of 10!
(less)

like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Ann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, fantasy, mystical

The first in a series of three. Mystical, adventurous story of good over evil. The idea of the book of lies from which the title is drawn, brings forward that a person's faith should be in what he/she knows to be true and to value your own judgment; that we are responsible for our own actions and the consequences which result.
Touches of Merlin and 'The Sword in the Stone' in these stories, with the rightful heirs having special powers and guided and protected by magic. Young readers who liked J...more

1 like · like · see review

May 04, 2013 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think this is a junior secondary book, rather than what I"d consider a YA novel.
My youngest daughter has loved this trilogy for a while, and insisted that I read it. And I was not disappointed. Moloney is a homegrown Australian author, and this series would stack up against anything in the realm of fantasy written for this age group.
His imagination is terrific, the plot twists are unusually well executed, I think, and the characterisation very good indeed. There's no content of concern to the...more

like · see review

May 30, 2013 nephilim_historian rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. As well as a thrilling plot with many twists and turns, it has a beautiful poetical essence that drew me in right from the very beginning. There is the exact mix of adventure and dialogue to keep the reader intrigued with every page, which will turn quickly. It is fairly simple and an easy read but definitely has a lot of depth in the concepts and themes. I found it very satisfying and can't wait to find out what other plot twists James Moloney has thrown into his story. So al...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2013 Summer rated it 4 of 5 stars

An identity hidden, a future unknown, those he thought he could trust lied and murdered for their own gain. A charming tale about lies and truth, and trusting the heart.

A twelve year old boy is taken in the night to Mrs. Timmins’ Home for Orphans and Foundlings, where magic clouds his memory with lies. Upon hearing his true name, Marcel, the boy yearns to find the truth and discover who he is. He escapes on the back of a horse, which has been given wings by the magic in the Book of Lies, and joi...more An identity hidden, a future unknown, those he thought he could trust lied and murdered for their own gain. A charming tale about lies and truth, and trusting the heart.

A twelve year old boy is taken in the night to Mrs. Timmins’ Home for Orphans and Foundlings, where magic clouds his memory with lies. Upon hearing his true name, Marcel, the boy yearns to find the truth and discover who he is. He escapes on the back of a horse, which has been given wings by the magic in the Book of Lies, and joins up with strangers claiming to be family. They embark upon an adventure, in the search of truth; for others it is a search for revenge and justice—all the while lies unite enemies, create intrigue, mar judgement, bring death and war—the great beast “with swords for teeth and skin of steel, with arrowed claw and poisoned heel.”

At times I couldn’t get into the story, because I didn’t relate to any of the characters. Bea was the one exception. When her life became at risk, that’s when the excitement started for me. From the very beginning I wanted her to get more involved. I loved that she could hide in the shadows, that she was brave enough to venture into the wizard’s chambers and steal the Book of Lies. In my opinion, she is the savior. If it wasn’t for her, if she hadn’t overheard Marcel’s name being called and stopped him from listening to the book’s lies, the children wouldn’t have ventured from the boundary of Mrs. Timmins’, they wouldn’t have found their home, their father, or who they truly were. Moloney writes with such beauty. His poetic manner was a joy to read. I love that it is a story of magic, yet wisdom triumphs. “My fate is my own, my heart remains free. Not magic but wisdom reveals destiny.”

With its exciting plot twists, and charming language, I would recommend this book to those aged ten and up. A warning to this though—the ending isn’t necessarily happy, but does make you want more. Book two and three are on my night stand ready to read.

8/10(less)

like · see review

Apr 27, 2013 Petra Be rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult

I wish I could give 3 and a half stars.
The idea of the book was great.
But the first half of the book was just average, the only bit that stood out was the part where Marcel wanted to get rid of the ring and was willing to do anything. Aside from that, it was just a story where everything went too smoothly to be believable.
However, the second half was, in my humble opinion, great.
The only thing that bothered me was how dumb the main characters were. They should have realised way earlier that the...more

like · see review

May 27, 2013 Charmaine Clancy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

James Moloney has created a vivid and enticing world within the pages of this novel. I'm glad I read this book on paper rather than the Kindle, it just seemed more magical that way. Enjoyed the lyrical writing, and especially the passages from The Book of Lies (a book within a book). The protagonists were a likable bunch of kids who showed courage, loyalty and determination, even when they trembled with fear. Look forward to the next adventure in book 2.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 07, 2009 Goldie Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

A simple entertaining book requires a simple entertaining review. I loved the plot twists and the perfect deception of using the main characters against their beloved father.Such mastery is appreciated, however the random appearance of the dragon near the end was not condusive to a completely engaging plot, and I truly beleiev the appearance of the dragon should've been war personified wich personally is what I receieved from the whole dragon allusion.

like · see review

Apr 21, 2012 Deneé rated it 5 of 5 stars

Had I'd read this book as a kid, I most certainly would have loved it! I really like it now too, with it's simplicity in character and plot descriptions, much different from adult books. This book was very imaginative and seemed to combine elements of Lord of the Rings, The sword in the stone: king arthur, and even a bit of dr. doolittle, haha! If there is a sequel to this book, as the ending might entail, I'd certainly read it. I checked this book out for my little brother to read, and when he...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 05, 2011 Izzi47 rated it 5 of 5 stars

OMG i loved reading this book because it would draw you into the book and make you not put it down becasue it has a lot of drama in it but when looking at the cover i really didn't not want then someone put me on to it but with every great book you always hope that there it never ends but sadly when it did it made me go and buy the 2nd book so far i am not really drawn into this book but hopefully if i keep reading i will get better like the last one.

like · see review

Jul 09, 2012 Laurie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: faves

so every one knows how good the hunger games are right, after i read them i was looking for a book that was just as good a bunch of people kept saying stuf like READ TWILIGHT OR THE HUNGER GAMES but im not a fan of twilight and i just read the hunger games then one tome i came across an author that wrote a siries that i liked so i decided to try his older series that is when i realized this book is just as good as ThE HuNgEr GaMeS

like · see review

Feb 22, 2008 Chris rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: tween-fiction

As much as I hate to admit it, I'm a "cover-picker" reader, meaning I chose far too many books based on the attractiveness of their cover and not the information on the flap. Normally the system works out for me, but this time it didn't. I saw The Book of Lies and though, "Hey, that guy looks like Dumbledore!" Which I'm sure was what the artist was going for. Unfortunately, the material didn't live up to the image. The story was fast-paced, but the main character Marcel was written to be perfect...more

like · see review

Apr 26, 2012 pdarnold rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-ya, fiction-fantasy, fiction-sci-fi

This starts right off with intriguing mystery. There is some creepiness which is later brought out into the open and is then found not to be creepy/scary at all. Several twists and turns, lots of adventure, learning of whom to trust and family is what you make it to be. Friendships are forged and some broken or rather some are not what you think them to be. Great for the younger reading crowd or if your still young at heart and enjoy a good sword and sorcery adventure.

1 like · like · see review

May 27, 2013 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Book of Lies by James Moloney is an exciting book with an interesting plot.
I only had two major nit-picks with this book and they were (view spoiler) and that Bea was a little under developed and sort of fizzled out as the book progressed.

Overall, The Book of Lies is a great read

like · see review

Oct 15, 2011 Elisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

To start off, I really enjoyed this book! I read it when I was very young-in primary school- seeing as I've always seemed to have a passion for books. I havent read it in a while, but all I remember is that it was a great book that took me through a fantastic adventure. I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a book that will sweep you into another world. Loved it!

like · see review

Apr 15, 2013 Andrew Marr rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-literature

Highly intriguing story centered on a mysterious Book of Lies kept by a sorceror. Every time a lie is told in its presence, the words of the write themselves into the book. However, the deceit embroiled in the book has become highly complex as our young protagonist finds out in a story that takes several twists and turns while the fate of a kingdom is at stake.

like · see review

Feb 22, 2012 Ariana rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think that the book is really good. I really like how they have to go on an adventure to find their true family. I think the book is about trust,hope,friendship and adventure. I really like how they have to come togther to be strong to over come the sosccer. I really think that everyone should read the book because it is really good.

like · see review

Jan 13, 2012 Aimee Ford rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this when it first came out, and I remember that I really liked it at the time.
It's one of those books that, while I can't quite recall exactly what happens, little scraps of scenes and lines from it have stuck with me. That makes it a really good book, right?

like · see review

Feb 01, 2012 Roshni rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Decent children's fantasy book, the storyline could be predicted from the first chapter. Eleanor and her husband's betrayal was obvious, and it was only logical to conclude that the person they depicted as bad was actually good. Very simple to deduce

1 like · like · see review

Mar 13, 2011 Julia Jeon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

There are so many twists in this book and it was bit confusing at first, but when you read through it again, you realise things that haven't occured to you. Many actions and stuff, too. Sequels: Master of the Books, The Book from Baden Dark.

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 16, 2012 Lily is currently reading it

the book im curently reading is the book of lies ive just started but im enjoying the mystery and magic.The cover of the book draws your attention.Mrs timimins is described as a very friendly and kind lady which loves her ophan family.

like · see review

Apr 28, 2012 Dymocks Rouse Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

James Moloney is an excellent Australian writer for children and young adults. This time he has entered the realm of fantasy and takes the reader on an enthralling, exciting and gripping ride. It is fantastic!
Recommended by Jan

like · see review

Mar 02, 2012 Ben Appleton rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was one of my, what I call 'repeat books', which means it was part of an ongoing cycle where I would just read a group of amazing books then go back to the first and read them again and again and again and again and again.

like · see review

Apr 12, 2012 Sarah-jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

I quite liked this book as an easy read. It had a fair plot, however being aimed at a young demographic I found it quite predictable in places. Don't expect any big suprises, but not a bad read.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 52 53 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (5)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy

60 users

Young Adult

14 users

Fantasy > Magic

8 users

Childrens

7 users

Adventure

7 users

Action

2 users

Young Adult > Teen

2 users

Childrens > Juvenile

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

The Key to Rondo
by Emily Rodda
Dragon Moon
by Carole Wilkinson
The Running Man
by Michael Gerard Bauer
After
by Morris Gleitzman
Under the Green Hill
by Laura L. Sullivan

About James Moloney

My full name is James Francis Moloney and I was born in Sydney, Australia on 20 September, 1954. When I was seven years old, my family moved to Brisbane and except for the odd year or two, I have lived in Brisbane ever since. At school, I was into every sport going - cricket, footy, swimming - you name it. It's hard to believe now but in High School, I was a champion Long Jumper! After University...more My full name is James Francis Moloney and I was born in Sydney, Australia on 20 September, 1954. When I was seven years old, my family moved to Brisbane and except for the odd year or two, I have lived in Brisbane ever since. At school, I was into every sport going - cricket, footy, swimming - you name it. It's hard to believe now but in High School, I was a champion Long Jumper! After University I became a teacher and then a Teacher Librarian. I moved around from school to school and in 1977-8 found myself in Cunnamulla, a little "outback" town where many Indigenous Australians live. These turned out to be important years for my writing.

In 1980, I look a year's leave, stuffed a backpack full of clothes and went off to see the world. Got to do it, guys! There's so much out there, from things to uplift your spirit to things that make you question the humanity of your fellow man. I stepped over rotting dog carcasses in Mexico city, got all weepy in a roomful of Impressionist paintings and met some fascinating people. Hope you'll do the same one day.

1983 was another big year. I got married and started work at Marist College Ashgrove, an all-boys school in Brisbane, where I stayed for fifteen years. During this time, I became interested in writing for young people, at first using the ideas and experiences gained from my time in Cunnamulla, mixed in with the thinking and wondering I'd done overseas. After my early attempts were rejected, the first of my novels, Crossfire , was published in 1992.
In 1997, my fifth novel for young adults, A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove won the Australian Children's Book of the Year Award. At the end of that year, I decided to leave teaching and become a full time writer.

In the mean time, my wife and I have produced three great children, two of whom are currently studying at University. Photos of them to the right, along with my lovely wife, Kate, who has encouraged me along every step of the way.

Now that I have turned my hobby into my job, I have had to develop some other interests. For exercise, I go cycling along the bike paths around Brisbane. I'm also into great books, great food, movies, travelling, learning to speak French and I dabble in a little painting. In recent years Kate and I have spent an extended period in France, cycled through Vietnam and soon we will be off to the USA. (less)

More about James Moloney...

Books by James Moloney

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Book of Lies

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Book of Lies

“My fate is my own; my heart remains free
Not magic but wisdum reveals destiny.” — 16 people liked it

“lines and angles, flat and bland,
raise these volumes and make them stand.” — 4 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Book of Lies
avg rating	preview: The Book of Lies Goodreads rating: 3.90 (952 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82765.The_Book_of_Lies?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348840551l/82765.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/82765.The_Book_of_Lies?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Book of Lies by James Moloney[/url]

The Book of Lies (Book Trilogy #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website