Narratives are stories about characters who are trying to achieve a goal. Regardless of whether or not they are protagonists, antagonists, villains, other characters, etc., these characters are willing to do anything to get what they want. There are times when such goals are self-motivating, and there are moments when such plans are part of a larger conspiracy. One could argue any of them are based on a matter of perspective. If that is the case, then who is “wrong” and who is “right”? The Liar’s Knot—the second book in the Rook & Rose trilogy by M. A. Carrick, a.k.a. Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms—capture readers’ attention by continuing the narrative within the world of Nadežra with all of its secrets and lies.
Readers are reunited with the protagonists: the con artist, the gangster, and the vigilante—Ren, Derossi Vargo, and Captain Grey Serrado. All three protagonists are closer to getting what they want. Ren—masquerading as Alta Renata Viraudax—is about to be adopted into House Traementis. Vargo has managed to elevate himself into the status of a nobleman. And Captain Serrado has learned who is responsible for the death of his brother, Kolya. However, maintaining what comes with these goals will not be an easy thing.
House Traementis is still in trouble; not everyone is happy with Vargo’s new status; and Captain Serrado needs evidence against the one who killed his brother. On top of that, all three protagonists struggle with their relationships with one another, as well as with those who wish to take advantage of them, and those who are trying to ruin them. Each protagonist has more at stake, and they are willing to gamble just about anything in order to getting what they want.
In The Liar’s Knot, readers learn more about the characters who were first introduced in The Mask of Mirrors. First, are Tess, Sedge and Giuna Traementis—Ren’s sister, brother, and “cousin,” respectively. As Ren struggles to maintain her aliases and her talents, Tess and Sedge keep Ren humble, while Giuna grows into her role as the Heir of House Traementis so she can take some of the responsibilities from her mother, Era Donaia Traementis, and her “cousin,” Renata. Next, is Arkady Bones—the 12-year-old knot boss of the Shambles—continues her work of “offering” information in exchange for safety for the other street orphans and for herself. Arkady is astute in regard to all of the ongoings within Nadežra, and she knows who she can trust with the information she’s gathered. Last, is The Rook, the legendary hooded vigilante. Readers—and a couple of characters—learn more about The Rook’s origins and their ultimate motivation for donning the hood, and it is about the long-term corruption affecting Nadežra. These former minor characters have larger roles in this narrative, and the protagonists need them just as much as these characters need the protagonists.
One of the things that stands out is the expansion of the magic system and the magic theory, which were introduced in the first book. Not only do readers learn more about the magic of the pattern deck, but they also learn about the complexities and the theories pertaining to the magic system based on numinatria—or, sacred geometry. Not to mention, the magic affects Ren, Vargo, and The Rook in ways which one can argue influences the choices they make.
Carrick found a way to converge all of the narrative’s conflicts alongside the plots without them actually connecting to one another. Yes, the magic links the protagonists, the antagonists, and the other characters. Yet, the conflicts each of the Dramatis Personae face are handled by each character individually until they are ready to include someone else. Each character acts in ways that demonstrate their agency, but they are not afraid to ask for help when they need it. This is the reality within the fiction.
There are different stories presented in this narrative. The first is the continuing conflict regarding each character’s façade and their true selves, and how each character must decide which mask they are willing to wear for their benefit. The second is the hidden history regarding Nadežra’s nobility, power, and magic. Who holds the true power of the city of Nadežra? How many sects—old and new, corrupt and righteous—are willing to grasp it, or to obliterate it?
Readers who enjoyed The Mask of Mirrors have no reason to skip its sequel. The continuation of the worldbuilding, the magic system, and the character development are enough to keep readers engaged until the end of this book. Fans of The Drowning Empire by Andrea Stewart and A Chorus of Dragons by Jenn Lyons will notice the similarities amongst the narratives. Readers will have to wait until the third and final book in the trilogy is released to learn what happens to their favorite characters.
The Liar’s Knot is a brilliant sequel that does not suffer from middle book syndrome. In fact, reading this book will remind you this narrative is a collaboration of two authors who will leave you craving for more! Once again, be ready to root for the liars, the thieves, the crooks, and the vigilantes in this (low) fantastical world.
Jennie Ivins
JC Kang