Advanced Novel Review - The Liar Of Red Valley

Ellie reads The Liar of Red Valley...

When I saw there was an opportunity to read an advanced review copy of The Liar Of Red Valley I jumped the chance and it doesn’t disappoint. 

The Liar Of Red Valley is a horror fantasy with the main character, a female takes the lead.

Walter Goodwater takes us to Red Valley an eerie town in California. Sadie is a 'normal' woman who is thrown into a world she has no idea about and is far different to her own. One minute Sadie is a waitress the next she is The Liar and keeper of secrets. All of a sudden Sadie has to work out what she has to do, what the King wants from her, and why the Sheriff is after her. Sadie is out to find these answer and find her Mums ledger of lies all while dealing with the grief and loneliness of loosing someone close.  

Through the novel, we come across an array of interesting characters. The one's that stand out most for me are the Laughing Boys and their Demons. The best way I can describe them is that they are psychotic and extremely scary with loud piercing laughs and glowing blue eyes. The Laughing Boys are certainly not anyone I would want to come to my house, let alone bump into during the night. The main antagonist is the King. The King Of Red Valley is mysterious fellow who's always flanked by his creepy Kingsmen. The King has many creatures protecting him. But is he all that he seems?

Sadie, the main character is someone I think a lot of us could relate to. She goes to work, has a best friend, and seemingly enjoys a relatively quiet life. Walter Goodwater writes Sadie extremely well and you really feel for her and the situation she finds herself in. On a few occasions, you really feel sorry for her especially as she has just lost her mum, the man she thought was her father and her mums home. It all comes across to make you feel that Sadie is truly alone. 

As soon we start the book we thrown into a small part of the back story about Sadie's Mum and her role of "The Liar". Straight away I was intrigued to know what it means to be the Liar Of Red Valley. There's also a sense of mystery that surrounds the local river. We get told throughout that "you do not go into the river", yet the eventual reveal is incredibly shocking, and far from expectations.

The Liar of Red Valley is very easy to read. Walter Goodwater writes in a clear, concise way that has you gripped from the opening chapter. There were times where I felt that I had to finish the chapter, to then read a couple more. I totally fell in love with the world of Red Valley and all the mysteries that surround it. 

All in all The Liar of Red Valley is an extremely satisfyingread. The town of Red Valley is incredibly creepy and full of interesting characters. Its a town that feels very much like a cross between Silent Hill and Twin Peaks, and I really wouldn’t want to stay there too long. If you're a fan of horror, and fantasy then you're going to love The Liar Of Red Valley. And it's one that I highly recommend. 

Thanks to Rebellion Publishing for providing an advanced review copy of The Liar Of Red Valley for this review. 

The Liar Of Red Valley is heading to stores on 30th September 2021

Ellie Woodcock - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev