Summary of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston:
First Lie Wins book review by Litcritics.com shows Sam Duboff — Nov 27, 2023, First Lie Wins HERE The Author: Alex Giraldo is a virtual addict. In Lake Forbing, Louisiana, an FBI investigative target, Evie penetrates the life of Ryan Sumner and the world he infiltrated to drive out illegal activities behind his trucking Company. It was these incidents that led her to fill out a fraudulent driver application to cover her identity (Lucca Marino) as part of Smith, which should set the foundation for some intrigue shrouded under layers upon layers of lies and secrets with high tension dilemma on who should live or die.
The deeper Evie goes into Ryan’s ersatz world, she finds unexpected connections including another woman–another’s Evie posed as her. And that leads to shocking revelations about Smith’s motivations and rising dangers. The book covers elements of identity, loyalty, and the search for freedom as Evie treads through a world of deception while searching for what her heart truly wants and whether she is willing to cross the line where gaining it requires losing her morality.
First Lie Wins Book Review Describes Themes:
First Lie Wins explained as commended for its rapidly-paced storyline, complex characters, and unexpected plot points. The highlight is Evie’s increasingly complex moral dilemmas in combination with the ongoing development of her relationship with Ryan, bringing tension to the narrative as things escalate. The relationship between her and Devon plays with the same sort of sibling dynamic and injects some warmth into a narrative that seems mostly shrouded in suspense. Best for fans of the character-driven psychological thriller.
First Lie Wins Character Analysis:
The first Lie Wins book review explains different characters that are mainly described in the story.
Evie Porter (Lucca Marino):
Evie, the novel’s protagonist, is a brilliant con artist but leads an even more complex life, grappling with identity. What Mr. Smith has made her into is a survivor, someone who can lie and play pretend to save her skin. She longs for escape from this forced performance. She is also Smart, Creative, and Unethical. Well, not so much that as we see her sometimes make morally dubious choices, but when she struggles with them it humanizes her. Evie’s journey involves finding her true self and escaping the grip of her employer Mr. Smith and his toxic manipulation. Ryan brings about changes in her relationship with him and also makes her contemplate the choices of her life.
Ryan Sumner:
He is a businessman and one of Evie’s targets, is sweet and mysterious. The fact that he might be engaged in some sort of illegal activity. This makes him a more well-rounded character. Charismatic, charming (sometimes to a near-uncomfortable degree). He appears honest at first only for Evie to be unsure or question what he truly wants. He is a vehicle for Evie to grow up. And he sees the life available to her if she moves beyond what happened.
Mr. Smith:
Smith: The novel’s primary antagonist, Mr. Smith is a manipulative figure who uses fear and power to control his employees. Calculating and secretive, Smith is the embodiment of the oppressive force that Evie needs to break free from. He is the symbol of what happens when we give up our sovereignty to (or against) power gone awry itself.
Devon is Loyal, practical and creative. The reminders of the darker side of the story, like Devon’s friendship with Evie. This also adds light to it as well. Devon is her possible ticket to freedom and her own moral compass.
Lucca Marino (Imposter):
A hired assassin to impersonate Evie, making her mission a little more difficult and the stakes even higher The imposter draws on elements of who Evie is and what may be held in control. Leaving Evie having to reckon with their intimacies of identity (that which they are most drawn to about themselves). Books similar to First Lie Win must be given a thought.
Other Information:
Title | First Lie Wins |
Author | Ashley Elston |
Published On | January 2, 2024 |
Genre | Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Adventure Fiction, Crime Fiction |
Rating | 4/5 stars |
FAQs:
Here, the story moves between present-day assignments and Evie’s former jobs, revealing layers of deception, danger, and shifting allegiances. The suspense keeps building as Evie reveals shocking truths about those who surround her and unravels the identity of the ambiguous employer. It inspired me to write a book review of it.
The novel spans issues of identity, trust, justice, and the morality of deception. It explores the issue of whether justice by any means is justified in an effort to study the price leading that kind of life exacts on human relationships​.
The suspenseful plot and the morally ambiguous characters of this novel hold an attraction for people who love psychological thrillers and spy fiction. This is also particularly appealing to readers who enjoy complex plots with strong female protagonists.
While Ashley Elston is known for her works in YA fiction- such as The Lying Woods- First Lie Wins marks a shift to adult fiction. It retains her hallmark of exploring secrets and revenge but with darker, more intricate storytelling​