the_frenchie_history_nerd 's review for:

The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

3.0

funny lighthearted relaxing tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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The Bethrothed is the kind of novel I pick up out of nostalgia for my pre-teens. It was similar to Cass's previous works and was a perfect "turning my brain off" kind of read. Definitely not my best read of the year or even an excellent YA read, but a not so guilty pleasure I like to indulge in from time to time.

(This book could be a great pick for a kid who shows a lot of interest towards your spicy romance bookshelf, as it follows similar tropes, but with an age appropriate story. However, check trigger warnings and pre-read if needed since more mature themes are central to the story and might hurt sensitive readers.)

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism

Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury

in the last part of the book, a massacre occurs right after a wedding, leaving the main character widowed and orphaned. Hollis does not assist to the scene, but another character does and is left with severe trauma. It is safe to assume the next book will showcase heavy themes of grief, trauma, and potentially vengeance.