Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC!

I loved the general idea of this book so much. I feel like parts two and three could have been majorly condensed as they were quite long and tough to get through. Overall good story line and interesting ending!

Society of Lies is the story of Maya, who is getting ready to attend Princeton graduation, where her little sister Naomi is graduating and where Maya had also graduated years ago. Then she gets a phone call saying Naomi has accidentally drowned in a lake near campus. She is devastated and doesn’t believe it was an accident, because she finds out that her sister was asking questions about a young girls death that happened years also when Maya was a student there. This book was told in dual POVs and jumps from the past to present. I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. Thanks to Netgalley for this arc.

The premise of this story is ~chef's kiss~ it's got all the elements of a good story, with dual POVs between sisters and a secret society at an Ivy League university. Where it gets a bit more challenging to follow is having POVs in both past and present, and all of them are featuring the same characters (some even crossing between the decade that spans the sisters existing on campus). At times you're like wait... who am I reading about right now? It's felt like a slow build to me, with a huge bulk of the story not happening until about 90% forward.

3.5 stars

Lauren Ling Brown made me feel I was right beside the characters in her novel, Society of Lies.
From the beginning I was invested in this dramatic college storyline, all the way to the tantalizing ending.
I may have went to college, but it was definitely not an elite college like Princeton.
Definitely a 5 star rating.
#LaurenLingBrown
#SocietyofLies
#NetGalley

This book was definitely a slow burn, but ultimately, I loved it. A mystery set at Princeton University, the characters are well developed and engaging, and the story kept me guessing. I'd definitely recommend.

One has to love a GOOD dark academia story and Lauren Ling Brown gives all of that and more. The story maneuvers the complexities of being multiracial, the implicit racist undertones of Ivy League institutions, and the romanticized debauchery of secret societies. We have three perspectives of two characters (stick with it, everyone! It does make A LOT of sense if you just remind yourself who is talking when). Maya has two different perspectives: present day and grieving the death of her sister Naomi (not a spoiler…this is in the summary) AND when she was a student at Princeton and joining the ominous GREYSTONE. The third perspective is Naomi, also a member of Greystone, in the months leading up to her death.
The development of the mystery was stellar and at a great pacing that had me reading it in one sitting (what year is it!?!???)

I loved this book SO much. Please please please can I please have more by this author!?!?!

Random House Publishing and NetGalley get a huge thank you for letting me read this book. Society of Lies was a wild ride. I have no idea if there is a inkling of truth of the societies at Princeton but if there is any truth to it - well wow. Even if there isn't I loved this book. You have the main character Maya her is returning to Princeton where she graduated from and now her younger sister, Naomi, is graduating. She has a complicated relationship with her sister as their mother died when Maya was in high school and she was left the with task of trying to help raise her. Maya arrives for the graduation but that day her sister doesn't show and Maya comes to find out that she is dead. The police make it sound like it was accidental but Maya questions that account and begins to dig into what her sister had been doing before that fateful day.

Society of Lies is told in alternating POVs and in different timelines, which could be a little confusing at times due to both being set at Princeton. Overall, it was an enjoyable story of one sister investigating the death of the other. Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book!

💉 BOOK / REVIEW 🔪

Two words: loved it.

I absolutely BINGED #societyoflies by @laurenlingbrown after my gal pal @katerockbooktours told me about this book. Thank you so much, @netgalley and @bantambooksuk, for my #eARC - this is a book that will be incredibly popular when it pubs in August 2024.

This book gives off very similar vibes to #thelasthousewife by @ashleywinsteadbooks. If you love dark academia #thrillers, you gotta read this one. Told from 2 POVs, 10 years apart, this one had me on the edge of my seat. I loved all of the deep secrets in this book - especially between "friends." While the male teacher grooming plot may be overused, it worked so well in this book. I truly didn't know what to think throughout this entire story.

This book was not on my radar, but I am so glad I was able to snag a digital copy. I'm so excited for this one to release - a really solid and twisty debut!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I am obsessed with books about secret societies on campus settings so o was excited to meet this. I thought the story was ok, but it did leave me with some unanswered questions. It centers on sisters Maya and Naomi, who both attend Princeton 10 years apart and get drawn into the dark underbelly of a corrupt eating club. When Naomi is found dead (which the reader finds out immediately), Maya is convinced there is more to the story and sets out to investigate what really happened.

The book alternates chapters between Naomi’s POV before her death and Maya’s POV in current time as well as from her own college days. Though the chapters were labeled clearly, I did sometimes have to reframe myself to remember which sister’s chapter it was, as they both took place in the same setting but with an entirely different cast of characters. I could empathize with both protagonists at times, though I didn’t necessarily agree with the decisions they made. The story itself was twisty, albeit somewhat predictable, and the author did a good job at tying up all the loose ends around how all the different pieces fit together. I did walk away with some lingering questions around how and why Maya even got involved with all of this to begin with, and around some pieces of the scandal.

Overall, it was an interesting read and a well written book, but left me wanting just a little more. I’d give it 3.5 stars, rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Maya is excited to return home and see her sister graduate from college. She is surprised when her sister does not answer any of her calls. This book was well written.

Society of Lies is a dark academia thriller told from two different POVs and three different timelines. I at first was really into this book, the secret college society was interesting and I enjoyed how the different POVs were used together to reveal the plot. However, after about halfway through, the pace of the story slowed way down. This book has good potential, the writing is strong, and Naomi was so easy to root for (even though we already knew her fate from the very beginning), but the fact that you kind of already knew who the villain was only a handful of chapter into the book really took away from the story. If you’re a dark academia fan I think this book is worth a shot and maybe you’ll feel different about the pacing. (3,25/5)

**This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Thank you netgalley and the author the opportunity to read the ARC for an honest review.

The entire premise around the exclusive eating clubs and their even more secretive societies hidden behind these facades was super interesting and had me hooked! There’s jumping timelines as we follow Maya’s time with the club, and then Naomi’s, Maya’s 10 years younger sister. At once, we’re learning about these secret societies, the extent to which it helped keep the wealthy even wealthier at all cost, Naomi’s death, and a few other things as well…

Although flawed, I loved following the relationship between Naomi and Maya which helped reinforce how important communication is. Even though they may keep secrets to protect one another, it may have ultimately costed them to inflict pain on each other as a result. There were a few characters introduced throughout which was a bit difficult to track at the very beginning, but I felt like they each had their own distinct personality and add to the story.

It dragged a little at the end (maybe could shorten overall length a bit to help with pacing), and then it was a bit of a whirlwind wrap up. It was — at least to me — a little predictable, but I didn’t care much because I was engaged with uncovering to the other secrets around the society throughout. Recommend if you’re looking for a well rounded thriller!

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Maya learns that her her sister Naomi has died right before graduation. She is sure that it wasn't an accident and is immediately suspicious because she attended Princeton, just like her sister, and was a member of the The Sterling Club as well. She. Is all too well aware of the shady stuff that the club is in to. Maya will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

This book had me reigned in right away. I loved all the twists and turns. I felt is a a tad too long and sometimes the dual povs were a bit much so I took one star off for those reasons but I still really enjoyed the book. I thought the way the author tied in the twist at the ending was phenomenal.

Thank you to netgalley and Random Publishing House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Society of Lies was a suspenseful, twisty, and crazy ride! If you have any interest in secret societies and elite “clubs” at prestigious schools then this is a book for you. We have two sisters, Maya and Naomi, who both attend the same Ivy League school but about 10 years apart. Both become part of a secret society while going through their college experience. The story is laid out by jumping back and forth between both sister’s point of view in past and present day. Theres secrets, lies, murder, and betrayal. It’s a wild ride that has you guessing (and second guessing) until the very end. Definitely pay attention at the start of every chapter to see whose point of view and whether it’s past or present or it can get a bit confusing. Overall, this book is SO worth the read!

What everyone is saying:
4.1 ⭐️ Rating on Good Reads!

ABOUT SOCIETY OF LIES

When a young woman is found dead on her college campus, her sister doesn’t believe it was an accident—and her search for answers leads her closer to home than she ever would have imagined in this thrilling debut novel from an exciting new talent.

My Review:

This story is extremely unique in that it covers many important topics all amidst a deep complex story. Topics of socioeconomic and race discrimination were thoughtfully reflected throughout the story, giving the reader a feeling of "being in another's shoes". It is unbelievable what people have to do, in some cases, to achieve their life goals. To be a part of the Ivy League, when your family has not been a part of it, is a daunting task. But what if there was a secret way to get all of the generational wealth and success? Well, it may be possible, but it definitely comes at a cost. 2 sisters find themselves in the deep trenches of wealth and greed, only to find themselves drowning in the consequences. Is it worth it? You'll need to read to find out. 😉

This was an okay dark academia thriller. While dark academia is probably my favourite subgenre, I definitely prefer one with speculative elements. So I'm adjacent to but not perfectly within the precise demographic for this book.

What are this book's strengths?:
I found it to be very easy to read and that it goes quickly. It's an excellent palate cleanser between denser fare, you can really turn your brain off and just go along for a quick ride.

What are the weaknesses?:
I found the plot and conclusion and twists rather pedestrian. It honestly didn't make sense to me why these wealthy, elite characters ended up in these situations in the first place other than that the story wanted them to.

And as much as I can tell that the story is modeled on the author's experience at Princeton and with its eating clubs and being biracial (Chinese and African American), I felt like the commentary on those subjects -the elitism and feeling of being an outsider for your money and your gender and your skin color- was really tame.

"Society of Lies" by Lauren Ling Brown is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that masterfully combines elements of suspense, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity. Brown's novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the shadowy corridors of power, where secrets lurk behind every corner and trust is a rare commodity.

At the heart of "Society of Lies" is a riveting mystery that unfolds with precision and intrigue. Brown's skillful plotting keeps readers guessing until the very end, as layers of deception are peeled back to reveal shocking truths and unexpected alliances. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels readers to keep turning pages late into the night.

The characters in "Society of Lies" are richly drawn and compelling, each with their own motivations and secrets. Brown deftly navigates the moral gray areas that her characters inhabit, challenging readers to question their assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths. The protagonist, in particular, is a captivating figure whose journey from naivety to disillusionment is both relatable and deeply affecting.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of timely and provocative themes, including the nature of truth in an era of misinformation and the corrupting influence of power. Brown's prose is sharp and incisive, tackling complex ideas with clarity and insight. Through the lens of her characters' experiences, she offers readers a thought-provoking meditation on the ways in which lies can shape society and the individuals within it.

"Society of Lies" is also notable for its richly imagined world-building, which seamlessly blends elements of contemporary politics and speculative fiction. Brown creates a dystopian landscape that feels eerily familiar yet disturbingly plausible, inviting readers to reflect on the parallels between her fictional society and our own.

In conclusion, "Society of Lies" by Lauren Ling Brown is a riveting and timely thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its gripping plot, complex characters, and provocative themes, it is a novel that resonates long after the final page is turned. Fans of suspenseful fiction and thought-provoking storytelling will find much to admire in Brown's masterful debut.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

How far would you go to uncover your sisters death?

Maya has been done with Princeton for a decade and her younger sister Naomi was supposed to be graduating from Princeton but instead of watching her sister walk across the stage Maya now has to uncover who sent her sister to the grave. As Maya continues to dig she sets her sights on a secretive society that Maya was once part of.

Society of Lies was well paced with a bit of a slow down in the middle, nothing terrible. I liked all of the characters enough and thought they were all well written. My only issue with this book was the POVs between Maya and Naomi, they sounded so much alike I sometimes struggled with remembering which POV I was reading from. Overall, I'd recommend this book for any fans of dark academia.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

Good book that I really enjoyed. The story was well done and well planned out. I loved the way all the characters played off each other.