Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku.
The Gods Lie.

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The Gods Lie is a beautiful story for a single-volume manga. I won’t go into too much detail—after all, why read a long review for such a short manga?

This story touches on themes of lies, understanding, and love. It has a wonderfully immersive atmosphere that makes you feel warm inside while reading. The characters are likable, the artwork is great, and it flows effortlessly.

The only downside is that it’s too short. I would have gladly read a few more vols with these characters. But perhaps its brevity is what makes it so special. (oh and boobie roobing like WTF was that)

My final rating: a ... high 7/10 (keep in mind that for short stories, a 7 is a very high rating from me).

Review of The Gods Lie by Kaori Ozaki
Kaori Ozaki’s The Gods Lie (Kamisama ga Uso wo Tsuku) is a brief yet profound coming-of-age story that masterfully intertwines themes of love, independence, fear, guilt, courage, and resilience. At its core, it is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence clashing with the harsh realities of life, presented with a delicate balance of melancholy and hope.

The Strengths
1. Complex Characters and Emotional Depth
The heart of The Gods Lie lies in its characters. Natsuru Nanao, an 11-year-old boy, and Rio Suzumura, his reserved yet strong-willed classmate, are not merely children—they are multidimensional individuals navigating a world that has thrust adult ... responsibilities upon them far too early. Their burgeoning friendship and budding feelings of love are portrayed with a natural sincerity that feels authentic. The story’s emotional depth stems from how it juxtaposes their youthful naivety against the grim realities of neglect, poverty, and societal indifference.

2. Themes of Independence and Courage
Rio’s struggle to maintain her and her younger brother Yuuta’s independence while concealing their dire living conditions is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances is a testament to human strength and the courage to endure. Similarly, Natsuru’s journey from a carefree boy focused on soccer to someone who learns to stand by those he cares about showcases a nuanced portrayal of growing up and taking responsibility.

3. A Story of Love and Moving Forward
The title itself—The Gods Lie—hints at the disillusionment that comes with growing up. The narrative suggests that life’s supposed certainties (represented by "gods") often betray us, yet it is precisely in these moments of betrayal and pain that we find purpose and the courage to move forward. Natsuru and Rio’s bond, tender and understated, is a quiet celebration of love as a source of hope amidst despair.

4. Beautiful Artwork
Ozaki’s art complements the story impeccably. The soft, clean lines and expressive character designs convey both the innocence of childhood and the weight of the emotions the characters carry. The use of visual storytelling—such as the stark contrasts between the warmth of the children’s friendship and the desolation of Rio’s home—enhances the narrative’s impact.

The Weaknesses
1. Limited Length
At just a single volume, The Gods Lie is almost too brief for its own good. While its brevity adds to its emotional punch, some elements—particularly the backstory of Rio’s absent parents or Natsuru’s internal transformation—could have benefited from further development. The rushed pacing in the latter half may leave readers yearning for a deeper exploration of the narrative’s darker themes.

2. Lack of Peripheral Development
While the focus on Natsuru and Rio is commendable, secondary characters are largely underdeveloped. For instance, Yuuta, Rio’s younger brother, has potential to be a more compelling character, yet his role feels more symbolic than substantive.

Conclusion
Despite its brevity, The Gods Lie is an exquisite work of storytelling that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page. It captures the fragility and strength of the human spirit, offering a nuanced perspective on how love and resilience can emerge even in the face of life’s cruelties. The manga’s ability to evoke deep empathy and contemplation is a testament to Ozaki’s storytelling prowess.

This is not merely a story about children but a meditation on the human condition. It is about learning to face life’s uncertainties, finding courage in vulnerability, and discovering purpose even when the "gods" betray us. It’s a tale that resonates universally, proving that even the shortest narratives can leave the most profound impact.

The Gods Lie – Spoiler Free – Mixed Feelings

TLDR
Story – 5/10 – 5 x 0.275 = 1,375
Art – 5/10 – 5 x 0.2 = 1
Characters – 4/10 – 4 x 0.225 = 0,9
Enjoyment – 4/10 – 4 x 0.3 = 1,2
Total: 4,475 -> 4

Story – 5/10
The Gods Lie is a mediocre story about how cancer ruins lives. While empathy is a big part of this story, there is none towards the characters whatsoever. The story is just too short for it to have any effect on the reader. It is, in fact, sad – none of it is happy – but that’s it. There ... is also some romance in the middle, but it plays no role of any kind. Verily, the Gods Lie seems to be a manga that is too filled with multiple ideas – be it grief, romance, or mortality – and is too poorly executed to be worth mentioning.
The beginning of the story – the best part of it, mind you – drops an emotional bomb on the reader as we understand what happens to the main character's father. For personal reasons, it almost made me cry, but the manga simply doesn’t elaborate much on anything. Again: it is not that it is bad, but it is just too short for its own good.

Art – 5/10
The art style is absolutely common for a manga. Character design is, at least, functional, and one can tell characters apart. The cadence of the s is also not the best.

Characters – 4/10
The Gods Lie's main flaw comes to the fore regarding the characters: it is too short for anything to be of actual value. We accompany the main character – Natsuru –, but one feels that everything is rushed, where no empathy can be constructed. The overall background is a sad one, and the loss of a loved one to early in life does leave a hole in us; in this sense, the story is able to deliver its message through Natsuru.

Enjoyment – 4/10
The enjoyment is necessarily low, for it is not a great story ed by a great art style or an excellent ending. There is some shock value in the emotional side of the manga, but that’s it. Nevertheless, having to grow too fast while depicting innocence at the same time is a well-delivered message; for that, it deserves some recommendation. However, none of the rest points towards it, hence the mixed feelings.