Liar's Kingdom - by Christine Calella (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Ell has spent years toiling away for her cruel stepfamily. So when Prince Bayard--who seems to have difficulty recognizing faces--shows up at her door with a glass slipper, Ell allows him to believe she danced with him at the ball. There's just one problem: Ell didn't attend the ball and she's never met the prince before in her life. But if it's a choice between moving to the royal palace or staying home, Ell is willing to say anything to escape.

However, Ell finds that being royalty comes with its own problems. Bayard's sister, the princess, has gone missing. The king is preparing for war against the fae. And Maxim, Bayard's treacherous (and handsome) best friend, appears to know Ell is lying.

If Ell wants to keep this life she's stolen, she's going to have to roll up her sleeves and rescue herself.

Review Quotes

"Offer[s] 'Cinderella' a much-needed 21st-century update. [...] A clever and spirited twist on a classic tale."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Calella, who previously wrote the swashbuckling riot The Final Curse of Ophelia Cray (2024), swings into fairy-tale territory here and has come up with an original and intriguing plot twist on Cinderella."
--Booklist

"A brilliant, feminist treat of a book!"
--Jamie Pacton, bestselling author of The Absinthe Underground and The Vermilion Emporium

"Filled with political intrigue, first loves, crafty fae, and surprising alliances, Liar's Kingdom is a fairy tale in its own right that will leave readers desperate to know how it ends."
--Elle Tesch, author of What Wakes the Bells

"The best kind of retelling. This hilarious, heartfelt story is sure to be an instant favorite."
--Kamilah Cole, bestselling author of So Let Them Burn

"Liar's Kingdom's tender explorations of trauma, disability, and forgiveness--along with the most appealing love triangle I've ever read--had me turning pages well past midnight."
--Leanne Schwartz, author of To a Darker Shore

"Full of everything I love in YA fantasy. An enchanting Cinderella story with bite."
--Zeba Shanaz, author of Midnight Strikes

About the Author