The Lies We Conjure

Gr 9 Up–Twins Ruby and Wren are working at the Grand County Renaissance Festival when they are hired by a woman to impersonate her granddaughters at a dinner party at the infamous Hegemony Manor. The twins soon learn that this event involves descendants of the Four Lines of Elemental Witches who have controlled vital magical relics in North America for four centuries. The narrative alternates between Ruby and Auden, the grandson of Ursula Hegemony—the event’s hostess, who is murdered. A curse allows no one to leave, and amid the suspense and danger, a romance blossoms between Ruby and Auden. This relationship adds an emotional layer to the plot, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs more poignant. The adults in the story make questionable decisions that often endanger their young relatives, adding a layer of realism and unpredictability to the plot. Hegemony Manor itself plays a crucial role, with the isolated Gothic mansion functioning like an elaborate and deadly escape room. The constant danger and rising death toll create a gripping atmosphere, making it increasingly difficult for Ruby and Wren to maintain their charade. However, the frequent need to explain the magical elements and family histories to the clueless twins sometimes feels like spoon-feeding, which can pull readers out of the story. The themes of deception, power struggles, family legacy, and survival are reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, which is referenced in the narrative.