The Lies of Lena by Kylie Snow

 The Lies of Lena

by Kylie Snow

(There are things in this book that you might not like. Like always,

 please read the triggers before diving in.)

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

I believe there is a new cover but I do love this one. 

Blurb:

Passionate and Dark. Forbidden Romance. Forced Proximity. Angst.
The Otacian Chronicles is a Dark Romantasy that will progressively get darker as the series continues. Please be mindful of the content warnings.

Lena Daelyra has always lived in fear, as do most Mages in Tovagoth. Mages are discriminated against, hunted for sport, and have no laws that provide them protection. She has kept to herself her entire life, even after she and her mother found a permanent residence in the kingdom of Otacia. That is until she meets Quill Callon, a handsome resident of the Inner Ring, who agrees to train her in weaponry—a safe way of defending herself. As her feelings for Quill develop, she is taunted by the reminder that she can never show her true self, show what she really is. Not even to him.

Silas La’Rune, Crown Prince of Otacia, has been kept inside the castle walls since he was five years old, since the kidnapping and murder of his younger sister, the Princess. He hasn’t known freedom. Hasn’t even seen his kingdom, except from the castle windows. It isn’t until the Queen allows him one day outside the walls that he sees Otacia for himself. One day that changes everything.

When something devastating separates Lena from the man she grows to love, things are not the same when they find each other five years later. Not at all.

And when Lena and Silas’s story finally becomes intertwined, it is clear the fate of Magekind rests on both of their shoulders.

My Review: 

From the very beginning, this book caught me completely off guard, in the best way. There were so many elements I wasn’t expecting, and each one pulled me deeper into the story rather than pushing me away. I chose to experience this book on audio, and I’m so glad I did. The narrators were phenomenal and truly brought the characters to life in a way that felt emotional, vivid, and immersive. Every tone, pause, and shift in emotion added another layer to the story, making it impossible not to stay invested.

I’ve seen some discussion about whether this book should be considered an “adult” read, and I honestly think that debate misses the point. Yes, the story begins when the characters are teenagers, but it doesn’t stay there. We follow them as they grow, mature, and step into adulthood, and that journey is essential to the heart of the book. Watching their experiences shape who they become adds so much depth and authenticity to the narrative. That growth feels earned, not rushed, and it plays a crucial role in the emotional payoff of the story.

The world-building is another major standout. It’s rich without being overwhelming, detailed without ever slowing the pace. Combined with the audio format, the setting feels fully realized and alive, making it easy to sink into this world and lose track of time. I’m already well into the second book, which says everything about how invested I am at this point.

While there are intimate moments, they never overshadow the main plot or exist just for shock value. Instead, they feel natural and meaningful, enhancing the relationships rather than distracting from the story being told. Speaking of relationships, this book excels in that area. The connections between characters are layered, believable, and emotionally satisfying. Even the side characters are given room to grow, and their roles feel purposeful rather than decorative. Everyone has a part to play, and that makes the story feel fuller and more cohesive.

If you’re stuck in a reading slump and struggling to find something that really grabs you, this series might be exactly what you need. It pulled me in unexpectedly and hasn’t let go since. I genuinely can’t wait to see where the story goes next, and I’m already eager to continue following these characters wherever their journey leads.