What a great Appalachian novel — well done for a second round! As someone who grew up in the area, I felt like I was back in my hometown. Setting, plot, everything was excellent.

4.5 ⭐️ Who doesn't love a YA fantasy with a dark plot? This was just as good as the first book and I expected nothing less!! The characters are VERY easy to love (especially Rowan) and the story grabs you so much that when it ends you automatically want more. I loved the mystery and the gothic aspects, it made the book even more special. Extra points for the romance that I didn't expect nothing at all and ended up surprising me A LOT!

*Lies on the Serpent's Tongue* is a mesmerizing and eerie companion novel to *Bittersweet in the Hollow*. Set in the small Appalachian town of Caball Hollow, the book delves into a world of secrets, deception, and supernatural gifts with a hauntingly atmospheric narrative.

The story follows 18-year-old Rowan James, who possesses a unique and unsettling ability: she can smell the lies of those around her. This gift has made her a reluctant keeper of others' secrets, shaping her view of a world where trust is elusive and truth is ever-shifting. Rowan’s life is already complicated by her strained relationship with her younger sister, Linden, who experiences emotions through taste. Together, their gifts have created a complex web of interpersonal dynamics and emotional barriers.

The plot thickens when Hadrian Fitch, a former rival of Rowan’s, arrives at her doorstep in a bloodied and battered state, seeking her help. Despite her instinctual distrust, Rowan is drawn into a series of bizarre and unsettling events. Small items begin to vanish, and the townsfolk behave as if these losses never occurred, adding to the growing sense of dread. The mystery deepens with rumors of a new monster in the Hollow, further complicating Rowan’s efforts to uncover the truth.

*Lies on the Serpent's Tongue* excels in its exploration of themes related to truth, perception, and trust. Rowan's gift creates a constant tension between what she can sense and what she chooses to believe. This internal conflict is mirrored in the external mysteries of the town, where reality itself seems to be in flux. The atmosphere of the book is thick with suspense and an almost palpable sense of foreboding, capturing the essence of a place where the normal and the supernatural intertwine.

The characters are richly developed, with Rowan’s internal struggles and her fraught relationship with Hadrian providing emotional depth to the narrative. Hadrian’s presence brings a new layer of complexity, as his interactions with Rowan are tainted by his own enigmatic past and the constant, unsettling smell of deceit. The interplay between Rowan’s mistrust and her need for answers drives the plot forward, making for a compelling and suspenseful read.

Author [Author’s Name] has crafted a novel that is as atmospheric as it is thought-provoking. The small-town setting, combined with the supernatural elements and psychological intrigue, creates a gripping story that keeps readers on edge. The book’s exploration of the nature of truth and the impact of personal gifts on relationships adds a rich layer of thematic depth to the narrative.

*Lies on the Serpent's Tongue* is a haunting and evocative read that will appeal to fans of dark, atmospheric fiction and those who enjoy unraveling intricate mysteries. With its blend of supernatural elements and psychological suspense, it’s a captivating addition to the genre that promises to linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

I can't believe this was the sequel to Bittersweet in the Hollow, I liked it infinitely times better. I feel like the writing matured a lot, or the character was just way less focused on boy/relationship drama. The setting was more atmospheric too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is a riveting, atmospheric YA contemporary mystery with fantastic characters and a darkly enrapturing plot.

I had such a good time with this one. The romance was *chef’s kiss. The character development and world-building were amazing, and I loved the haunting, almost gothic aspects to the story. The inclusion of myths and dark magic was wonderful. This book kept me on my toes with its splendid pacing, fascinating mysteries, and beautiful writing. I have not read Bittersweet in the Hollow (LotST is the companion novel), so I will dive into it as soon as possible. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!

“It’s the people you trust that are close enough to stab you in the back. Because everybody lies.”

Thank you Penguin teen for an advanced readers copy!
Lies on the Serpents Tongue is the frighteningly mysterious, gothic thriller I needed! In this compelling sequel we follow Rowan, the James sister with ability to smell when people are lying. The people of Caball Hollow start losing important things like a watch, and a necklace, but then start to lose their memories. Is this due to a new creature stalking th e forest? Another murder, a John Doe and poachers aren't the only mysteries Rowan must figure out, there's a crack in the bone tree. The return to this Appalachian Practical Magic was as good as; if not better than Bittersweet in the Hollow. I didn't want to leave Caball Hollow after finishing and immediately downloaded the first book in audio
I'm only sad the book won't be out until January. Kate pearsall is now an auto-buy author for me!

The quote I've used is from an uncorrected copy and may not be in the completed version