Book Review: The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

The Heart of Betrayal
By Mary E. Pearson
The Remnant Chronicles #2
Hardcover: 470 pages
Publication Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Rated: ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯ ✯
5 out of 5 Stars
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Related Reviews:
| Kiss of Deception (#1) | Snow Like Ashes |
Categories: Fantasy, Magic, Young Adult

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.

I cannot believe that Miss Pearson would willingly end the second book the way that she did. Really?! I am stunned and impatient and really excited for the third book.. already. Sigh. Only a year wait..

I gave in and went back to reread the first book before I started this one. I do remember what happens in the first book, but I have had countless textbook pages and lyrical poems shoved into my head since then, I wanted to be able to follow along perfectly. This second book in the series begins right where the first left off. Lia has been kidnapped and taken to the rival country of Venda. Rafe follows to rescue her, but ends up getting sort of imprisoned as well. Kaden, the traitor asshole Vendan assassin only wants her to survive the Komizar's wrath. He helps her as often as he can, but with his whole "Vendan Pride" outlook, it is oft rare in this struggling kingdom. Far from her home and wary of everyone, Lia finds herself falling in love with these poor citizens. Connecting with them, telling them stories and singing songs, causing a fervor among the population that her arrival has been prophesied. Just who exactly is Lia, and what is her connection to this starving land?

I swear Miss Pearson, if Lia falls in love with Kaden, I will be fully upset and will absolutely make my complaints heard. He is a douche canoe. The complete Webster's definition of such, actually. It seemed to me at the finish of this sequel, that was where the author was heading. And I cannot begin to express my displeasure. Sigh.

I found myself more intrigued about the prophecy in this book. It is well thought out, and holds the ability for many more future twists and turns. She is learning to use her gift to her advantage. I do so much love the author for her world building skills. The quaint village of Venda is rather well written, as are the characters in this sequel. I absolutely recommend this series to every dystopian, fantasy, whatever fan out there. :)

"But you’re everything I want. Remember that. I love you, Lia. Not a title. And not because a piece of paper says I should. Because I do.” -Rafe to Lia

"I walked up to Griz and poked him in the chest. "Let me make this perfectly clear to you. Though some might seek to make it appear otherwise, I am not a bride to be bartered away to another kingdom, not a prize of war, not a mouthpiece for your Komizar. I am not a chip in a card game to be mindlessly tossed into the center of the pot, nor one to be kept in the tight fist of a greedy opponent. I am a player seated at the table alongside everyone else, and from this day forward, I will play my own hand as I see fit. Do you understand me? Because the consequences could be ugly if someone thought otherwise.”

"There are no rules in survival."

Related Reviews:
| Kiss of Deception (#1) | Snow Like Ashes |

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