The characters are memorable enough, I suppose, if you can handle Sam constantly brooding about being the "reluctant hero" (eye roll). I mean, sure, Caine and Astrid have depth, but there's only so much angst one can stomach. Secondary characters like Orsay and Zil definitely add some intrigue to the mix, but let's be real: some of these kids felt more like background noise than crucial players. Still, I actually cared about what happened to them, which is more than I can say for some books. So... decent job, I guess.

Perdido Beach—also known as the apocalyptic nightmare where nothing works and everything is slowly decaying—is pretty well realized. Grant knows how to set the stage for a tense, hopeless world, and I could practically feel the grime of the FAYZ wall on my skin. It’s dark, grimy, and absolutely reeks of dread. The setting itself could be a character, and it does the job of keeping you uncomfortable. However, if you want to add more to your list of things that are wrong with this world, the lack of anything resembling hope definitely shines through. Just don't expect it to be a warm and fuzzy escape.

Grant’s writing is fine if you’re into blunt, straightforward prose with occasional bouts of forced humor. Dialogue can be fun, but it also sometimes feels like the author was trying a little too hard to make everything sound cool. And let’s not even start on the repetitive phrases. It’s not the most elegant writing out there, but it does the job of propelling the story forward with minimal distractions. If you want poetic beauty, try a different book. If you want a thriller with a good beat, then this will work for you.

The plot is fine for the most part. It keeps things moving with just enough twists to keep you interested, even if some of the slow moments feel like dragging through wet cement. I didn’t expect to be completely floored by a mind-blowing twist, but the action was solid. The supernatural elements, like Orsay’s creepy "prophetess" shtick, kept me intrigued, but it never quite reached the level of, "Wow, that’s the most original thing ever." Still, it's a good, solid ride.

I was hooked. The constant tension of “What fresh disaster will Sam have to deal with next?” had me eager to turn pages. Between the clashing factions, dangerous powers, and, oh yeah, the creepy kids doing creepy things, I honestly couldn't stop reading. It was the perfect amount of addicting. If you’re looking for a book you can’t put down, this one will certainly keep you on the hook.

Characters are mostly consistent with their motivations, but there are some questionable moments where I found myself thinking, “Really? That’s the decision you’re going to make right now?” The rules of the world are generally fine, but some plot holes are big enough to drive a tank through. Relationships are mostly believable—Sam and Astrid have a decent dynamic, and Caine’s troubled loyalty makes sense—but there’s some forced conflict in the plot that feels like it was just there to stir things up. Also, let’s not forget that some characters' logic feels a little... stretched. No big deal, but it’s not flawless either.

I had a pretty good time. There are definitely some flaws, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of it all. I was entertained, invested, and eager to keep going. It’s not going to change your life or make you rethink everything you know about dystopias, but it does what it sets out to do—keep you turning pages. If you’re into this genre, it’s a solid recommendation. Would I re-read it? Sure. Would I shout from the rooftops that it’s the greatest thing ever? Nah.

Lies is a solid read, though it has its fair share of tropes, pacing issues, and slightly over-the-top moments. It doesn’t break the mold, but it certainly keeps you interested, and for that, it deserves a solid 8. You won’t regret reading it if you’re a fan of gritty, dystopian adventures, but don’t expect it to rock your world.