The Book of Lies

A good read with vivid imagery (excellent fodder for a movie), this fantasy, created by Australian author Moloney, takes place in a nondescript land in 'olden times' plus an ending with a good hook for a sequel. Lord Alwyn, the old sorcerer, created The Book of Lies and uses its magic to erase the memories of children brought to Mrs. Timmins' Home of Orhpans and Foundlings. Bea, a waif at the Home, spies on Alwyn when he secludes himself in a room alone with the newest arrival, a boy who was brought unconscious during the night. When Alwyn is momentarily distracted from the boy's memory erasure, Bea takes some soft wax from the candle and plugs the boy's ears so he cannot hear the rest of the lies. She has heard the boy's true name, and when he awakens, Bea tells the boy what she knows and has seen. The boy cannot be placated, and thus ensues a wonderful series of adventures that involve espionage, rescue, escape, capture, alliances and loyalty, deceits and treachery. The characters are well-drawn, comprehensive and believable.

Mrs. Timmins's Home for Foundlings and Orphans is known for providing care and shelter for those children unfortunate to lose their parents, or be left behind. But when Mrs. Timmins's newest charge awakes, he is instantly overcome with the feeling that he's not who he says he is. Left with no memory of his prior life, twelve-year-old Marcel - aka Robert - is convinced that something fishy is lingering around Mrs. Timmins and her creepy home. Sure, she's a kind old woman, and her son, Albert, isn't too demanding, but there's something not right surrounding her. Marcel believes that his unsettled feelings can be primarily blamed upon Lord Alwyn, a bizarre presence whose obsession and knowledge with magic and the mysterious arts has Mrs. Timmins, as well as her young charges, shaking in their boots. Unfortunately, Marcel has no solid proof that there's something missing from his history. Something that could change his life for the better. Until, that is, he meets up with tiny Bea. Bea has the ability to disappear into the shadows, and her small stature makes it easy for her to come and go as she pleases with everyone none the wiser. Marcel instantly takes to the elfin girl, and finds her fascinating. The fact that she is aware of the strange happenings that took place between Marcel and Lord Alwyn on the first night of his arrival at Mrs. Timmins's Home for Foundlings and Orphans, only works to renew his interest in her, and claim her as his confidant and closest friend. With Bea's help, Marcel discovers that the large, musty old book that Lord Alwyn carries with him wherever he goes is known as the Book of Lies. The Book of Lies is home to Marcel's past, and the truth that will help him forge on in the future. Unfortunately, with Lord Alwyn guarding the book with his life, Marcel sees no way to delve into the book, and learn the secrets of his prior life - before the aging wizard locks them away forever - without being caught. The fact that the Book of Lies is so unattainable, however, only works to make Marcel more determined to get his pauper-like hands upon it. And, with the help of Bea, a mangy horse with dreams of soaring among the clouds named Gadfly, and two unlikely fellow orphans, Marcel embarks on the journey of a lifetime that will take him through hunger and famine, war and flame-ridden dwellings, and through the lands of elves, and corrupt royals with plans to destroy their kingdoms. It is only through these trials, tribulations, and tests that Marcel will finally have the chance to discover his true history, and learn to depend upon others to help him through misery, magic, and mystery. But if he doesn't watch his back, he and his companions may not make it through their adventure alive. I'm not a huge fan of science fiction, yet I'm easily drawn in by fantasy novels that test the waters, and dip into untouched subjects, and clever concepts. James Moloney's THE BOOK OF LIES manages to fulfill both of these requirements. Moloney's de

As the morning dawns, a 12-year-old boy named Robert wakes up from a deep and disorienting sleep. At least he thinks his name is Robert, though for some reason it doesn't feel right. He finds himself at an orphanage nestled far out into the countryside but forgets how he got there. In fact, he can't remember much of anything, except that perhaps his mother is no longer alive. A fellow orphan by the name of Bea quickly fills him in on the mysterious events of the previous night. Robert arrives in the darkness and is immediately carried upstairs to the tower. Bea witnesses the sleeping newcomer mumble protests as an old, bent man in flowing robes stands over him with a huge book. The book begins reciting a history to the boy, starting with the name of Robert. But Bea knows this is false; she just heard the old man call him Marcel. After he leaves, Bea tries to stop the book's magic, but it stubbornly continues its false history lesson. Finally, Bea resorts to stuffing Marcel's ears with candle wax and sneaks back to bed. After hearing the story, Marcel is eager to discover the truth about his identity and family. When he admits knowledge of his true name to the old man, Marcel is forbidden to leave the orphanage grounds. More determined than ever to reveal his history, Marcel, with the help of Bea, steals the strange book to look for answers. It is called THE BOOK OF LIES, which records every lie told in its presence and glows red when hearing the truth. With it, they discover that two other orphans have been lied to as well, given a false history to replace the truth. Then two strangers appear over the fence claiming they have all the answers and promising to help them escape. They say that the three memory-replaced orphans are mixed up in an evil plan to take control of the kingdom. But whom should Marcel and Bea trust? Marcel and his friends set out on a life-threatening adventure, a race against time to save their histories and their futures. Hang on tight to this fast-paced story, which contains more twists and surprises than a haunted house. With magic and dragons, elves and a flying horse, readers' imaginations will explode! --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman

I read this book three years ago, with my then-10 year old son, in the UK edition. It's one of my favorite children's books ever, perfect for pre-teens, but intriguing enough to be a page-turner for this adult (and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel). It's also a much-needed entry in this segment of the market; most of the magic/fantasy sorts of books are too old for pre-teens... or not very smart or well-written. The Book of Lies is both smart and well-written, with a trio of central characters that every child will identify with. And it's a great read and a lot of fun!

At Mrs. Timmins's Home for Orphans and Foundlings, the young lad awakens to realize he remembers nothing not even his name although he claims to be Robert. He learns from one of his new peers, Bea in the shadows that he is Marcel and he must find THE BOOK OF LIES if he is to regain his past. Two other orphans Fergus and Nicola join Marcel on his quest to find himself. They meet Starkey, who tells Marcel that an evil wizard partnering with an ambitious king took his memory and much more from him and the people. To regain paradise lost he must find THE BOOK OF LIES so that he can learn truth from lies but must also prepare for a battle against an invincible evil team. Targeting the middle school students who will join the three orphans on Marcel's quest, THE BOOK OF LIES is a fun young adult fantasy. The book is the intriguing element that freshens up the saga as a key twist related to the tome adds to the entertainment of the tale. The three children are fully developed unique individuals who the pre-teen crowd will root for in their myriad of escapades. Readers will enjoy James Moloney's fabulous youthful quest fantasy. Harriet Klausner