🩸 Horror Fiction

Lie the Liar

✍️ Kristina Circelli
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$16.95
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A man trades his soul for fame by telling lies that become real.

Kristina Circelli presents a dark fantasy where deception shapes reality. Augustus Jones, an aspiring actor, gains everything he wants through a sinister pact. The narrative follows his journey as he embraces falsehoods to achieve stardom. Tessa Taylor’s haunted house becomes the stage for this transformation. The story examines how ambition can corrupt the spirit. Circelli uses the concept of manifesting desires to explore themes of identity and loss. The plot moves steadily toward a confrontation with the entity granting these wishes. Readers will witness the gradual unraveling of Augustus’s moral compass as he sacrifices his integrity for success.

Key Themes
supernatural bargains haunted houses moral corruption
Literary Context

This 2016 release from Permuted Press fits within the contemporary horror genre. It draws on gothic traditions of haunted dwellings and Faustian deals. The narrative reflects American interests in fame and performance culture. Circelli writes for readers who enjoy dark, character-driven supernatural fiction.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · M.R. James · Thomas Ligotti · Colin Wilson
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Permuted Press 📅 2016 📖 224 pages 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781682612156

📝 Description: Lie the Liar

Augustus Jones pursues a fleeting connection to fame after leading ghost tours for Tessa Taylor. His life shifts when he enters a house linked to her past. The narrative explores how his deepest desires manifest through deception. A dark force grants him the actor’s career he craves, but the cost involves surrendering his soul. Circelli examines the thin line between truth and fabrication in this supernatural tale. The story focuses on Augustus’s internal struggle as he navigates a reality where lies become physical objects and lost treasures appear at will. It draws on gothic traditions of haunted spaces and Faustian bargains. The author builds tension through the gradual erosion of Augustus’s identity. Readers who enjoy psychological horror and tales of moral compromise will find this compelling. Those seeking lighthearted paranormal adventures may find the tone too heavy. The book suits fans of dark fiction who appreciate character-driven plots over action. Circelli structures the narrative to highlight the consequences of ambition. The prose remains grounded in Augustus’s perspective, making his descent feel personal and immediate. The setting of the haunted house serves as a catalyst for the supernatural events. This work appeals to readers interested in the intersection of performance art and spiritual corruption. It does not offer easy resolutions or clear moral boundaries.

💎 Our verdict on Lie the Liar

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Circelli effectively builds tension through the gradual unraveling of Augustus’s moral compass, creating a personal and immediate sense of dread. The narrative excels in portraying how lies become physical objects, grounding supernatural events in psychological reality. While the tone is heavy, it suits readers interested in the intersection of performance art and spiritual corruption. The grounded prose highlights the consequences of ambition without offering easy resolutions. This work appeals to those who prefer character-driven plots over action, providing a compelling look at identity loss. It stands as a strong entry for fans of dark fiction who value atmospheric depth and thematic complexity in their horror experiences.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate psychological horror and dark fantasy will find this narrative compelling due to its intense focus on moral compromise and the erosion of identity. The book offers a deep exploration of how ambition can distort reality, making it ideal for those interested in character-driven plots over action-heavy sequences. It suits fans of gothic fiction who enjoy examining the thin line between truth and fabrication. Those seeking lighthearted paranormal adventures may find the tone too heavy, but enthusiasts of spiritual corruption and performance art will appreciate the grounded prose and immediate descent into darkness.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Circelli effectively builds tension through the gradual unraveling of Augustus’s moral compass, creating a personal and immediate sense of dread. The narrative excels in portraying how lies become physical objects, grounding supernatural events in psychological reality. While the tone is heavy, it suits readers interested in the intersection of performance art and spiritual corruption. The grounded prose highlights the consequences of ambition without offering easy resolutions. This work appeals to those who prefer character-driven plots over action, providing a compelling look at identity loss. It stands as a strong entry for fans of dark fiction who value atmospheric depth and thematic complexity in their horror experiences.

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