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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this is honestly just a guilty pleasure read. I almost don't want to like this series but Pearson has me hook, line and sinker.
not much of these books really stand out, (love triangle, the settings, "chosen one" plotline, several central characters) with a few exceptions. the holy texts are so interesting, and honestly I'd read a novel about the ancients and the sisters any day. I don't read a whole lot of proper fantasy, so I'm not super accustomed to reading a series with an original religious background. the only example of that I can think of is the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, which is one of my favourites.
also, it's been forever since I read the first one, so I had to reintroduce characters and plotlines to myself. I still don't remember who gwenyth is. the gift was also very vague, so it was sort of sudden when I realized it's just like That's So Raven powers.
not a whole lot to say about this one, but I'm enjoying this against my better judgement! (I want a rafe please)
not much of these books really stand out, (love triangle, the settings, "chosen one" plotline, several central characters) with a few exceptions. the holy texts are so interesting, and honestly I'd read a novel about the ancients and the sisters any day. I don't read a whole lot of proper fantasy, so I'm not super accustomed to reading a series with an original religious background. the only example of that I can think of is the Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, which is one of my favourites.
also, it's been forever since I read the first one, so I had to reintroduce characters and plotlines to myself. I still don't remember who gwenyth is. the gift was also very vague, so it was sort of sudden when I realized it's just like That's So Raven powers.
not a whole lot to say about this one, but I'm enjoying this against my better judgement! (I want a rafe please)
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This story deserves more than 5 stars for the record.
I was so eager to write the review for this book and yet I don’t feel very creative about it anymore. Let’s stick with a wow! I’m still processing what I’ve just read. I will be reading more of Mary E. Pearson’s work for sure. I need the adaptation of her work for yesterday! I feel like this is one of the most underrated stories ever.
I was so eager to write the review for this book and yet I don’t feel very creative about it anymore. Let’s stick with a wow! I’m still processing what I’ve just read. I will be reading more of Mary E. Pearson’s work for sure. I need the adaptation of her work for yesterday! I feel like this is one of the most underrated stories ever.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I cannot rave about this series enough! Lia is such a strong, independent, beautiful character and her attributes and strengths only grow stronger in The Heart of Betrayal. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to The Kiss of Deception but for me it surpassed it! Amazing!! Venda is such an interesting and beautiful but rough place and watching Lia grow and become attached to it and its people was incredible. I loved learning more about the prophecy concerning Lia and Venda and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up! I really want her and Kaden to happen!! So excited to see where the third book takes us but also sad that this amazing world and characters have to end. August why you so far away?!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
WHERE DO I EVEN START? I knew I'd love this sequel to Kiss of Deception, but I had no idea how much that would be true. And, just like the first book, The Heart of Betrayal ends leaving you with all the feelings and anguish of knowing you'll have to wait months to see what happens next.
But, one thing is absolutely sure, and that is how much I love Mary Pearson, who can basically do no wrong for me. At this point, I would read her grocery list. From the first few pages, I was immediately sucked right back into the plot and Lia's story. And LIA. Yes. Always one of my favorite YA heroines. There was no dissuading me of that after reading this.
In this sequel, we also get introduced to some fantastic new characters (or, get to know some minor characters a bit better). I loved this, particularly Rafe's small, motley crew of soldiers/friends. But, the real treat was seeing the Komizar in action. I 100% loved to hate him. And, he gave me a total Petyr Baelish vibe. Sneaky, snarky, powerful, and maniacal.
I don't want to say too much regarding the plot for fear of spoilers. But, there certainly is so much brewing beneath the surface - you can just sense it will all come to a tipping point in the third and final book.
It was fantastic to continue with the multiple POVs, which Pearson does so well. Each character has such a distinct voice. Aside from Lia, I particularly enjoyed Pauline's story line. I just wish there was MORE of it. So much is happening back "home" that we're not seeing, and she's our only key to what's going on back in Morrighan.
And, of course, there is lots of swoon-worthy romance. Team Rafe 100%. I do love Kaden too, and can't help but have sympathy for him. But, this ship has sailed for me. I was worried about the love triangle thing again here (as in Kiss of Deception), but
Basically: Mary Pearson is everything. I love her writing. I love her use of language and how descriptive she is. I feel so much for her characters - empathy for days. And, her plotting is so on point. She is sneaky and I love her for it.
The ending is brutal and crazy and so much happens so quickly (and I feel there might be some more deception lurking in those final pages, too). Let the countdown begin ...
But, one thing is absolutely sure, and that is how much I love Mary Pearson, who can basically do no wrong for me. At this point, I would read her grocery list. From the first few pages, I was immediately sucked right back into the plot and Lia's story. And LIA. Yes. Always one of my favorite YA heroines. There was no dissuading me of that after reading this.
In this sequel, we also get introduced to some fantastic new characters (or, get to know some minor characters a bit better). I loved this, particularly Rafe's small, motley crew of soldiers/friends. But, the real treat was seeing the Komizar in action. I 100% loved to hate him. And, he gave me a total Petyr Baelish vibe. Sneaky, snarky, powerful, and maniacal.
I don't want to say too much regarding the plot for fear of spoilers. But, there certainly is so much brewing beneath the surface - you can just sense it will all come to a tipping point in the third and final book.
It was fantastic to continue with the multiple POVs, which Pearson does so well. Each character has such a distinct voice. Aside from Lia, I particularly enjoyed Pauline's story line. I just wish there was MORE of it. So much is happening back "home" that we're not seeing, and she's our only key to what's going on back in Morrighan.
And, of course, there is lots of swoon-worthy romance. Team Rafe 100%. I do love Kaden too, and can't help but have sympathy for him. But, this ship has sailed for me. I was worried about the love triangle thing again here (as in Kiss of Deception), but
Spoiler
, once again, it never feels like it ever truly gains much traction. I had a few brief moments of concern in this book. But, I was so glad when Lia eventually shut that door for her (and for the reader) in regards to Kaden. Poor guy.Basically: Mary Pearson is everything. I love her writing. I love her use of language and how descriptive she is. I feel so much for her characters - empathy for days. And, her plotting is so on point. She is sneaky and I love her for it.
The ending is brutal and crazy and so much happens so quickly (and I feel there might be some more deception lurking in those final pages, too). Let the countdown begin ...
I love this series but I was bored out of my mind for half of this book.
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes