Spilled blood built the Jeweled Realm, and only spilled blood can ascend the throne. Mara, queen of the Jeweled Realm and wielder of the Sacred Sword, won the throne the traditional way: by fighting her sister to the death. But now, a contingent of Ursan warriors have arrived, bearing tidings from a witch of the Waste. The bloodthirsty witch claims not only is Mara's ascension based on a lie, but she herself is the princess long thought dead. To defend her throne, Mara has no choice but to join the Ursans and defeat her sister once and for all. But deception is afoot, and Mara is surrounded by betrayal. With no one to trust, her only hope is the Ursan prince, Boden. Whether friend or foe, he seems to see her for who she really is: a daughter of war seeking a bloodless way forward. In Solomon's fantasy novel, a queen must protect her throne and kingdom from her daunting, vengeful sister. Mara, the Sword Queen, rules over the vast empire of the Jeweled Realm. She fears very little—and certainly not a visiting prince from the eastern kingdom of Ursa. However, Prince Boden brings alarming news: A powerful witch wants to join forces with his kingdom, and she claims to be Mara's younger sister. Mara, however, earned her throne with a ritualistic duel to the death, allegedly striking Iris down seven years ago, when each was a teenager. The reappearance of the sibling whom Mara obviously spared creates a complicated situation, as people in the Jeweled Realm now view the "Liar Queen" as a traitor and are now out for blood. Even worse, a conflict with Iris ends with Mara losing her Sacred Sword, which she feels "helpless" without. She teams up with Boden and grows to trust him as they search for aid from inhabitants of an archipelago down south. All the while, Mara must decide what she'll do when she's face-to-face with Iris again. An exceptional cast drives Solomon's narrative, starting with the ambivalent Mara, a highly skilled warrior who's also "tired of bloodshed." Although Boden is a potential romantic interest, it's the differences between him and Mara that add interest to their many scenes together; Mara, for example, doesn't believe in his religion, is accustomed to wealth that his kingdom doesn't have, and tires of his unrelenting cheeriness. Their interactions consistently move the story along as they travel by land and at sea and meet up with assorted locals; these vibrantly sketched individuals include a woman living in an isolated cabin, a warrior willing to sacrifice herself for others, and a number of people who may turn on the main players. A worthwhile and invigorating fantasy journey." - Kirkus "The novel balances action, emotion, and a richly imagined world. Solomon crafts a tale that keeps readers hooked, with a narrative pace that urges, "just one more chapter." Beneath the thrilling plot lies a deeper exploration of sibling relationships and the painful process of breaking toxic family cycles. These themes are intricately woven into vivid imagery, painting a landscape as dynamic as the story itself. The characters are unforgettable. Liar Queen captivated me from start to finish. Its immersive world, multi-dimensional characters, and resonant themes left me longing for more. If you seek an adventurous fantasy with meaningful undertones and a touch of romance, Liar Queen is an essential addition to your reading list." - Literary Titan