ARC Review: A Tale Told By Traitors
A Tale Told By Traitors
A Tale Told By Traitors
Author: Renee Dugan
Pages: 651
Pub Date: November 8, 2024
Lionyra Vara lives a quiet life as a baker in Mithra-Sha, but she has a secret: she is the rightful heir to the throne of Amere-Del, a country she dreads returning to. When circumstances force her back to her homeland, she must confront her worst fears to rescue her oldest friend and fight for freedom. Enter Ryker Kassian, a desperate pirate drowning in debt, views Lionyra Vara’s arrival on his ship as his ticket to redemption. He plans to use her as leverage to settle his own and his crew’s debts. However, when Lio learns of his intentions, she proposes a deal: help her find her missing friend, and she’ll ensure he gets two rewards for the price of one. As they search for her friend, their journey takes them through perilous pirate strongholds and the volatile heart of Amere-Del, where a brewing civil war threatens to explode. As they confront their personal demons and the growing attraction between them, they must choose whether to remain adversaries or join forces to challenge a ruthless regime and reshape their destinies.
This book was an exhilarating adventure from start to finish. The level of detail was so immersive that I probably could tell you what Lio had for breakfast two weeks ago. I was completely engrossed and devoured A Tale Told by Traitors in a matter of days, only to be left yearning for more once the journey ended. The story offers a rich tapestry of pirates, shifting alliances, and a found family dynamic that truly captivated me. I didn’t see the twists coming, which shows just how deeply I was lost in the narrative—I felt as if I were on the ship’s deck myself.
However, I did have some frustration with Tristah. Her harshness toward Lio seemed excessive, especially since Lio went to great lengths to find her. Tristah’s actions, though understandable, felt unjust, and her lack of attempt to reciprocate was disappointing. Lio, as a character, felt somewhat underwhelming for someone with implied extensive training. Her reluctance to wield a blade after a single incident made her seem weaker than expected. In contrast, Tristah appeared to have more strength and depth. Additionally, I found the repeated references to Lio’s “soft belly” by Lucretzia a bit jarring and unnecessary. The book could have conveyed Lio’s physicality in a more nuanced way without these direct comments. I get what the author was doing, I just felt it was unnecessary when she pinches her stomach.
Ryker is everything I could ask for, and the world-building is fantastic—I never wanted to leave this world. The book’s length and detail were initially daunting, with some descriptions feeling overly vivid, but I ended up appreciating the immersive experience they provided. The pacing was well-managed, and now I just want more.
Thank you to Netgalley and Wave Walker Press for the ARC in exchange for a review.
