Title: The Heart of Betrayal (The Remnant Chronicles #2)
Author: Mary E. Pearson
Genre: Young Adult // Fantasy // Romance
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co (BYR)
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Source: Borrowed (Library)
Format: Physical
Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen.
Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: there's Rafe, who lied to Lia, but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be barbarians. Now that she lives amongst them, however, she realizes that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country... and her own destiny (goodreads).
The Heart of Betrayal was a welcomed second installment which I enjoyed more than Kiss of Deception.
Plot: The Heart of Betrayal wastes no time getting back into the action, which is unfortunate if you're like me and have forgotten about two-thirds of what happened in Kiss of Deception.
I prefer The Heart of Betrayal more than Kiss of Deception because romance was not the focus. Instead, manipulation, and details regarding the relationship between Venda and Morrighan, so if you're someone who craves world-building and conflict - The Heart of Betrayal is for you! My minor complaint regarding this book would be the ending. I felt that the conflict that was so evident in The Kiss of Deception fizzled and was not explored in depth towards the end of The Heart of Betrayal.
Characters: In Venda, Mary E Pearson introduces us to a slew of new characters with fascinating backstories and truly help move the plot along. As I said above, the romance plays second fiddle to Lia trying to survive in a world where the wrong word will get her killed. The love triangle between her, Kaden, and Rafe is further explored with some great character development with Kaden.
World Building: The Heart of Betrayal receives nothing but glowing praises from me in terms of the world. Venda is a terrible land, but it is not terrible for the sake of being so. There is a reason for the Komizar's iron hold on the country and the country's past and tradition was compelling. I will continue reading this series just because I want to learn more about Venda.
Short N Sweet: The Heart of Betrayal is a step of The Kiss of Deception which is refreshing for second installments. Mary E Pearson ups the ante and delivers an enthralling tale of deceit and betrayal!
Labels: 3.5 stars, A Heart of Betrayal, book review, henry holt and co, mary e pearson, review
