The Gift of Lies

The Gift of Lies #1

by Norma T. Rudolph

The locals call the place Jake’s Hell after Summer McCalister’s crazy uncle Jake who claims to have seen impossible things there. It’s a badlands of rugged rock cliffs and sharp pinnacles that no sane person would attempt to enter. The Atomalians call it Daneye, a secret alien city of unequaled beauty, masked behind illusion. Atomalians believe that natives of Earth must never know about them and their powers of the mind or it will destroy the Atomalians’ peaceful lives. When Summer is drawn out of bed and pulled to Jake’s Hell by an urge she can’t control, she fears she’s crazier than her uncle. But when the young Ahtomalian, Bentri, steps out of thin air, she knows she’s either crazy—or dead. Taking her to his unbelievably beautiful city doesn’t erase the fact that he’s keeping her hostage in a room with no door and no way out. Bentri’s world is suddenly and completely devastated by the appearance of the native Earth girl. If she’s discovered within the city, law decrees she be destroyed. As Bentri is bonded with her, that means he would also die. Their only chance might be to escape—but can Bentri survive in her world?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

230 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2015

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teenage Summer is living with her "crazy" uncle and one night, she is drawn to the rugged area near his home by an uncontrollable force. What she discovers makes her think she's totally crazy and she can understand where her uncle gets his reputation from. She discovers a new world, Daneye, that isn't like anything she's ever seen before.

I enjoyed the way this world was built and described to the reader. It was done in a way that wasn't overwhelming or boring and is very creative. I liked the characters, but would love to know them even better. I understand there will be a sequel, which will be great. The ending wasn't a cliff-hanger, but was left open for more and I'm really curious to see what will happen next.

Summer is brave, yet it takes her awhile to come into that bravery. I can't imagine stumbling upon a place so foreign--she can't understand the language and has no idea how to take care of her basic needs, since they're done so differently there. Once she taps into herself, she really surprises herself.

Bentri, an Atomalian boy, finds himself bonded to Summer. He's super smart and has many gifts, with a bright future ahead of him, yet he's willing to make discoveries and sacrifices as needed. I thought he was kind of spoiled brat at first, but my feelings changed as I came to understand him better and saw how he handled the situations he was placed in.

This is a fun, clean, creative, YA Fantasy adventure with a dash of romance suitable for most readers. I'm definitely looking forward to more!

Content: Nothing of note. Clean!

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Tifani Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read a lot in this genre, but I really liked The Gift of Lies. The story wasn't what I expected and that's a good thing. The characters were likeable and the scenes descriptive. I hope there's a sequel because I can't wait to find out what happens to the characters!

[Nicole Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book for free through Goodreads first reads. I really enjoyed the story and characters! I easily fell into what was happening and connected with the main character. I can't wait to read more books from this author!

[Bonnie Hilligoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! There are aliens with 'gifts' who escape to Earth and keep their city hidden from the 'natives', which are us. A girl is pulled unwillingly to this city by her bond mate, though each is unaware of what is happening. The languages and cultures are very different so they can't communicate. As things are worked out, all is not what it seems, and they must decide which of their worlds they can live in. Will definitely read #2. I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humans and aliens

Fun, creative YA fantasy adventure that kept the pages turning. Looking forward to move form this author, a vivid imagination like this isn't easy to find.

[Stephani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast, young adult read. Neat premise. The ending was a bit abrupt, but still enjoyable for an afternoon read.

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a young adult sci-fi, fantasy/paranormal kind of mix. I would say it would probably please the younger end of the YA spectrum better, maybe even middle grade readers. The story here is very simply written. It had more telling and less feeling but it was a good story with a lot of imagination. I can imagine a 12 or 13 year old (boy or girl) reading this and enjoying it.

As for me, I felt it lacked the tension and emotional build up that I like to see in books. I could easily picture the places and scenes described which was a fantastic thing, but I just wasn't feeling it. There were points that I did some skimming and was still able to keep up with what was happening. The "history" read from the scrolls went on for pages and it was hard to read. It felt like the author needed to explain a whole bunch of things and needed a way to do that in one fail swoop. It read just like a history lesson.

Bentri probably had the most character development. He has always been taught that "natives" are lesser beings with little intelligence and he treats Summer accordingly. Actually, he treats her abominably. Gradually he realizes that "natives" are intelligent and gifted. His prejudice's diminish and he becomes kinder. There is a good lesson in that. What we think we know may not always be correct- especially regarding people. The more time we spend knowing and trying to understand others, the better off we will be. Prejudices are never good, and rarely correct.

This book is clean- no swearing or sexual content, which I always greatly appreciate.

[Theo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great idea for a story. I was sorry the author didn't take the time to tell the story well. It felt like I was reading someone's journal. "I got up today. It was cold. I went to work. Bob said and I said to bob." Throughout the story you come across way cool ideas that could have be expanded on or would have been better placed in the story.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Give me a "B" for boring.

I am surprised I made it through this book. I feel like the characters had no character esp. Summer. The ending had no zing to it either. If I could give it no stars I would.