In November 2011, author Elizabeth C. Bunce came out with “Liar’s Moon,” a mystery adventure about Digger, a magical young thief in the fantasy land of Llyvraneth.
I found “Liar’s Moon” exciting and fun, set in an intricate, fascinating fantasy world.
Though it’s the second book in a series, it’s not a problem. For the most part, it reads as its own stand-alone novel, and a very excellent one at that.
“Liar’s Moon” takes place in Llyvraneth’s capital city of Gerse, where civil war for the throne is just outside the city gates.
Digger, a thief with a special talent to see magic when others cannot, is thrown into the royal prison one night and is surprised to find an old acquaintance, Lord Durrel Decath, in the prison. Lord Durrel knows Digger as Celyn Contrare.
Lord Durrel helped save Digger’s life the last time they met, so she feels obligated to help him when he’s accused of killing his wife.
Once someone pays her bail, Digger sets into his case only to find that it’s far more complex than she imagined.
She’s pulled into the city’s darkest secrets and scandals which include the smuggling of illegal magic users, the ruthless religious inquisition run by Digger’s own estranged brother and the war boiling outside the city walls.
As she delves deeper into Lord Durrel’s case, Digger finds she might have dug too far.
I thoroughly enjoyed Bunce’s “Liar’s Moon,” a twisting, intricate story set in a pretty believable fantasy land.
The land of Llyvraneth is complex with its own seas, rivers, countries and belief system.
Luckily, there’s an appendix in the back of the book, which offers a very helpful guide to the gods and goddesses, characters, landmarks and any past references to the first book.
Digger is funny, clever, independent and focused on the task at hand — traits not common among many heroines today.
There is a slight romance between Digger and Durrel, but it doesn’t overpower the main plot and only comes in toward the end. Bunce’s other characters are strong with stories and pasts of their own.
When the war is mentioned, the plot does slow down a little, but it only lasts for a chapter or so.
“Liar’s Moon” is an intricate mystery steeped in adventure with a touch of humor and romance that I would recommend for any fantasy fan, looking for a break from most of today’s romance hits.
