Liar’s Moon
Thief Errant Book II
Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic | November 1, 2011
ISBN 978-0545136082 | 368 pp | Grades 7 and up
A gripping fantasy noir about a town full of liars, and a thief who knows the truth.
After rescuing a prince and sparking a magical rebellion, Digger shouldn’t be surprised to keep tripping over nobs everywhere she goes. But back home in the city of Gerse, Digger is very surprised to discover Durrel Decath at the last place she expects to find him—in jail for his wife’s murder. Lord Durrel swears he’s innocent, and Digger vows to prove it. Armed with little more than curiosity, lock picks, and her vexing ability to see illegal magic, Digger is drawn into even darker mysteries that swirl at the heart of the city. From smugglers and gunrunners to corrupt guards and scheming socialites, Digger uncovers a magical conspiracy that some people–including Digger herself–will do everything in their power to keep hidden.
- ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults
- A Kansas Notable Book
Horn Book: “This is a confection of romantic fantasy, light and speedy in the reading and reminiscent in flavor of works by Tamora Pierce or Hilari Bell. . . . A mix of the rambunctious and the refined.”
Booklist: “In this sequel to StarCrossed, gifted thief Digger has returned to Gerse to discover that nobleman and friend Durrel Decath has been imprisoned after being accused of murdering his wife. After determining to prove Durrel’s innocence, Digger becomes entangled in a web of deceit and intrigue. Bunce incorporates mystery, suspense, romance, and social issues into an absorbing fantasy-adventure that is likely to resonate most with returning readers, although the appended lexicon will help orient newcomers. Digger’s highly descriptive first-person narrative brings the settings and diverse characters to life, and the cliff-hanger ending is sure to leave readers anticipating the follow-up.”
School Library Journal: “This mystery/fantasy hybrid is intriguing and complex, and the setting is well-imagined. Digger is a scrappy, cynical, morally deficient, yet honorable, thief. Readers who like independent heroines and/or Philip Pullman’s Sally Lockhart Mystery series will enjoy this novel.”