Some of the experiences that these children are going through are just so exhausting that at points you just think – give them a break!! Also, I think that there are elements in the book that have been added but don’t seem to bring anything particular to the story – although this maybe be resolved in future books. I wouldn’t have minded a little light relief occasionally. In terms of criticism – at points I found it almost too much. I have no doubt that fans of MG will be hooked by this book.

This is a blast of a book, lots happend and such weird and wonderful things going on – you find yourself saying ‘no way’ at points, but come on, you’re reading a book about a group of children, some with strange mutant powers, living trapped in an adult free bubble with no way out – how much more unbelievable is there? In fact I was sat dumbstruck at the end and had to have a good long recap! (And even after the recap I’m still really intrigued with one of the plot lines – but won’t spoil it). I have to admit that I had absolutely no idea what was going to happen or how things would be finally resolved. And he totally throws you off track with all his twists and turns. He also makes you sit and wonder just what would happen if something like this did ever happen. I think he’s created some wonderful people in this series – particularly Sam.

He makes you care for the characters that you’re supposed to and equally dislike the characters that you’re not. I must say that I like MG’s writing style. And, we have a new baddie in Zil who is trying to lead the humans into a revolt against the mutants or ‘freaks’. It’s not always the gentlest of books to read for sure and MG doesn’t hesitate to sacrifice characters (even ones who you will undoubtedly have come to love!) But plenty of new characters are thrown in for good measure. It’s a total whirlwind of plots, scheming and fighting with a few twists thrown in at the end. Astrid is coming to the realisation that she does make mistakes and Sam, who has not emotionally recovered from the attack he suffered in Hunger is hiding things. Sam is no longer solely in charge and the Town Council, with Astrid at it’s head, are trying to formulate laws and regulations to control the Town. In Lies we see the relationships formed in the previous two books start to fray as tensions run high. (Book No.2: Hunger review posted last year). Lies brings us the third installment of the story of the children at Perdido Beach.

Lies by michael grant