Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue by Kate Pearsall

A haunting tale of truth, trust, and the price of power in a small mountain town where everyone has something to hide

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Lies on the Serpent's Tongue is a worthy sequel that builds upon its predecessor's foundation while charting new territory. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel succeeds in creating a rich, immersive experience that will satisfy fans of both contemporary fantasy and folk horror.

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Kate Pearsall returns with the eagerly anticipated sequel to Bittersweet in the Hollow, delivering another atmospheric mystery steeped in Appalachian folklore. Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue follows Rowan James, a young woman with the supernatural ability to smell lies, as she navigates increasingly dangerous waters in her small mountain town of Caball Hollow. The story masterfully weaves together elements of folk magic, family bonds, and the dark secrets that can tear a community apart.

The World of Caball Hollow

Pearsall’s greatest strength lies in her ability to make Caball Hollow feel viscerally real. The town exists in that liminal space between the modern world and ancient traditions, where cell phone signals struggle to reach and old remedies still hold more trust than new medicines. The author’s intimate knowledge of Appalachian culture shines through in authentic details, from the preparation of pawpaw jam to the careful observation of seasonal changes that guide the mountain community’s rhythm of life.

Character Development and Relationships

At the heart of the story is Rowan James, whose gift for detecting lies has made her naturally distrustful. Her character arc shows significant growth from the defensive, angry young woman we meet at the start to someone who learns that trust, like any skill, requires practice. The relationship between Rowan and Hadrian Fitch evolves in a way that feels organic and earned, avoiding the common pitfalls of YA romance while maintaining emotional depth.

The James sisters—Rowan, Sorrel, Linden, and Juniper—continue to be one of the most compelling aspects of the series. Each sister’s unique magical ability shapes her perspective on the world, and their interactions feel genuine and nuanced. The family dynamics, including their relationship with their grandmother and recently separated parents, add layers of complexity to the narrative.

Plot and Pacing

While the story starts with a slow burn, it builds to a breathtaking climax that brings together multiple plot threads in a satisfying way. The mystery surrounding the disappearing objects and memories is well-crafted, with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing without feeling contrived. However, some readers might find the middle section slightly meandering, as various subplots occasionally compete for attention.

Critique Points

  • The introduction of new supernatural elements, while intriguing, sometimes feels overwhelming when layered on top of the existing magical framework established in the first book
  • Some secondary characters could have been more fully developed, particularly members of the YouTube crew who play significant roles in the plot
  • The resolution of certain plot threads feels slightly rushed in comparison to their careful setup

Strengths

Comparison to Bittersweet in the Hollow

While Bittersweet in the Hollow focused more on establishing the world and the James family’s place within it, Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue expands the scope significantly. The sequel delves deeper into the mythology behind Caball Hollow’s supernatural elements while maintaining the intimate family focus that made the first book so compelling.

Writing Style and Themes

Pearsall’s prose is lyrical without being purple, finding beauty in the practical wisdom of mountain life. The author expertly weaves themes of truth, trust, and the cost of power throughout the narrative. The incorporation of excerpts from the James Family Book of Mountain Wisdom adds authenticity and depth to the world-building.

Final Thoughts

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is a worthy sequel that builds upon its predecessor’s foundation while charting new territory. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel succeeds in creating a rich, immersive experience that will satisfy fans of both contemporary fantasy and folk horror. The book marks Pearsall as an author to watch in the YA fantasy genre.

Recommendations for Readers

This book will appeal to fans of:

  • House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
  • Wilder Girls by Rory Power
  • The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
  • The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater

Perfect For

Readers who enjoy:

  • Folk magic and mythology
  • Complex family relationships
  • Small-town mysteries
  • Atmospheric settings
  • Slow-burn romance
  • Coming-of-age stories with supernatural elements

Trigger Warnings

The book contains:

  • Violence and death
  • Family separation
  • Mild horror elements
  • References to past trauma
  • Themes of betrayal and manipulation

Reading Experience

Best enjoyed on a chilly autumn evening with a cup of herbal tea, preferably near a window where you can watch the leaves fall. The atmospheric writing and mountain setting make this perfect for seasonal reading, though the strong character work and compelling mystery will grip readers in any weather.

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue proves that Kate Pearsall has found her voice in the YA fantasy genre, creating a unique blend of folk magic and modern storytelling that sets her work apart. While not without its flaws, this sequel demonstrates significant growth in both scope and execution, promising even better things to come from this talented author.

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Lies on the Serpent's Tongue is a worthy sequel that builds upon its predecessor's foundation while charting new territory. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel succeeds in creating a rich, immersive experience that will satisfy fans of both contemporary fantasy and folk horror.Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall