From the characters, to the plot, to the twists. Hands down the best mystery/thriller of the year. Romeo and Juliet with their poison and knife, Gatsby by his pool, Bonnie and Clyde in a shoot-out.' But the cost to being a tragic hero was always going to be the ending. 'We found it romantic, being the tragic heroines of our own stories.

This book wasn't at all what I expected it to be, but I'm so glad I decided to pick it up. Whilst some of the decisions the girls make are questionable, Lyu shows that they aren't acting vindictively, but that their choices are the result of the cycle of abuse they are trapped within. The story is mature and deals with difficult topics in a sensitive way. Try too hard to escape and it'll turn your whole life apart.'ĭespite being YA, Lyu doesn't dumb down of soften the books content. 'Trauma has a gravity of its own, and I am forever trapped in its orbit. Instead of creating a portrait of female friendships that aligns with harmful female stereotypes, Lyu shows that the girls choices and actions are the result of a history of violence and trauma, and that despite their flaws, they believe they are doing the right thing for each other. Lyu didn't resort to outdated tropes of bitchy girls, petty arguments, or backstabbing, but made sure that each decision the girls made - whether bad or good - was fleshed out and fully realised. What I loved the most about this book, is that despite the friendship devolving into a toxic relationship, neither of the girls were demonised. She banished the darkness, she lit me up.' What starts out as a friendship between two lost souls who face abuse and turmoil in their home lives, quickly turns into a codependency before finally sinking into obsession. This book follows Elise and Remy, two girls who feel alone in the world and find comfort and solace in each other. If you're looking for a mystery/thriller focused on female friendships and cycles of trauma, then this is the book for you! We were a galaxy unto ourselves, a million stars blazing bright.'

'We were a forest fire, wild and full of rage.

The Best Lies by Sarah Lyu