Liar's Dice: a coming of age historical fiction of one girls fight against all odds

Liar’s Dice by Juliet Faithfull is historical fiction, coming of age story of a teenage girl in 1970s Brazil who must learn to fight even against all odds. Dolores and Mita are identical twins who grew up in rural Brazil. At the age of seven, it is discovered that Mita has a degenerative condition and Dolores does not. By the age of 12, her condition becomes debilitating and suddenly, their parents send Mita to a hospital in their father’s native London and the family moves to Rio and begins to live an obstacle lifestyle. However, Dolores is miserable. She misses her sister, her small town and struggles in her new school. It all starts to change when she meets a brave, headstrong girl who shows Dolores a new side of Rio and how to survive. Soon tensions rise with the dictatorial government cracking down on protesters and dissenters. Dolores is determined to find the truth, discover where her sister and her own place in the world. 

I was looking forward to Liar’s Dice as it is a historical fiction which takes place in a different place and time that isn’t normally talked about. Liar’s Dice is described as a “heart-rending and hopeful” coming of age story as one young girl learns to form her own identity, the price of secrets and the courage to forge a different path. Dolores is a sympathetic character and I felt her pain and confusion. I liked the use of Portuguese phrases; however, I would have liked some form of translation in the context of the dialogue or description. Not a glossary at the end of the book which I didn’t know was there until I was finished. There were a lot of time jumps without explanation that pulled me out of the story at times. Overall, I did enjoy it, especially Dolores’s tenacity to find her sister and make sure Mita knows she is not forgotten. If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend Liar’s Dice. 

Liar’s Dice will be available in paperback, eBook and audiobook on April 28, 2026. 

Displaced: an urban fantasy with shocking truths, intrigue and betrayal

Displaced is the first book in The Birthright series by Bridget E Baker. It is the start of a saga of shocking truths, deadly intrigue and sisterly betrayal. Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, however, Chancery Alamecha is perfectly fine letting her sister, Judica, inherit the throne. Judica is stronger, a merciless fighter, a ruthless politician and has been groomed for the throne since birth. Until one day when she tries on her mother’s staridium ring, something unexpected happens and forces Chancery into a role she never wanted and didn’t prepare for: she may be the prophesied queen to unite the daughters of Eve and now the heir to the Evian throne. Judica is enraged by the turn of events and vows to reclaim her rightful place to the throne. A challenge is issued and Chancery goes off to train. Training to fight her sister to the death for the throne. She knows she must face her sister. If not, it could cause the end of the world. 

Displaced is a young adult urban fantasy which is outside of my usual genres. However, I enjoyed Ms. Baker’s writing and I often enjoy testing the waters of other genres. The world of Displaced is beautifully written and immediately hooks you into this world. However, I found myself struggling to keep reading. I struggled with the complex character relationships and keeping track of who was who. There was a lot of world explanation, though needed, that seemed to bog down the story a bit. I’m not sure if because the genre is not one of my usual picks, I had mixed feelings as I read but I closed the books grateful it had ended. I have books two and three in this series but I haven’t decided if I want to continue and I may pick up the series in the future. For now, the series is not for me. However, if you enjoy young adult urban fantasy, I think Displaced is right up your alley. I recommend checking out Displaced. 

Displaced is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook