The Liar’s Key (2015) by Mark Lawrence is the second book in the Red Queen’s War trilogy, a darkly comedic and brutally inventive fantasy that follows the morally flexible Jalan Kendeth—a self-proclaimed coward, liar, and womanizer—on another perilous adventure. Armed with the eponymous Liar’s Key, a magical artifact capable of unlocking any door (including those to death itself), Jalan and his brooding companion, the undead warrior Snorri ver Snagason, journey across a war-torn, Norse-inspired world to prevent the return of the Dead King and the apocalypse he heralds.
Lawrence’s signature blend of grimdark grit and razor-sharp wit shines as Jalan’s selfish instincts clash with reluctant heroism. The novel delves deeper into Snorri’s tragic past through haunting flashbacks, while Jalan’s sarcastic narration masks surprising emotional depth. From frozen wastes to necromantic ruins, the quest forces both men to confront their demons—literal and figurative—amid battles, betrayals, and dark magic.
With its twisty plot, morally grey characters, and visceral action, The Liar’s Key balances tragedy and levity, proving Lawrence’s mastery of flawed protagonists and unpredictable storytelling.
