The Heart Of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson (Review by Ashley Nikole)

Book 2 in 'The Remnant Chronicles', The Heart Of Betrayal, picks up right where Kiss Of Deception left off. The intricately woven suspense, ample danger and sparks of romance, had me devouring this book in no time flat. 

PLOT: 

As I mentioned above, it began where book 1 left off, and it never lagged for a moment. There were always nuggets of information being shared, little by little, or dangerous suspenseful moments where it was near impossible to put this one down once I began. The plot was masterminded, and while I knew it was complex in book 1, I was able to more fully comprehend and appreciate how intricate it really was. As the dots were connecting, there were so many "aha!" lightbulb moments. I personally love those. 

CHARACTERS: 

In book 2, they become more vibrant and complex than in book 1. These characters really did jump off the page, and didn't feel even for a moment like they were any less real than if they were standing in the room with me. 

I have come by few authors who create such lifelike paper people, and Pearson did so, quite superbly in this series. 

SEXUAL CONTENT:

Plenty of kisses, all fairly descriptive. Rafe & Lia kiss, hold each other, etc. Lia shoves her hands up Rafe's shirt, feeling & caressing his back. Nothing becomes overly steamy, but it is clear their relationship is physical & passionate, even fuelled by the desperation of their situation. 

Lia & Kaden kiss a few times. 

Lia & the Komizar kiss several times. 

There is mentions made to Lia sleeping with Kaden, and the Komizar, but nothing happens in that department. 

LANGUAGE: 

Several uses of da**it, as*, bi**, bast***. If there are more, they've slipped my memory. 

VIOLENCE: 

Definitely more graphic than book 1. 

There are beheadings- more than one. The Komizar beheads a man after becoming enraged he didn't follow his orders expressly, spraying Lia's horse with the blood. Later, the Komizar stabs a child in the chest, killing her, for Lia's disobedience to him. 

We read of plenty of heads impaled on spikes for example of punishment in Venda, rotting and vultures eating at them. 

We happen upon some children with stubbed fingers (the end of a finger is taken as punishment for stealing food). 

Lia stabs a man and kills him. Several people receive sword, arrow & knife wounds. 

Blood & death are fairly common topics within the pages of this book. 

Before every meal, a tray of dried bones is passed around (each person takes one & attaches it to their belt) and a prayer like verse is said, acknowledging the sacrifice others give, to allow those present to eat. 

Regiments of other kingdoms are slaughtered while out on patrol, and the booty is brought back to Vendan's, to take part in as the spoils of war. 

I know I haven't remembered everything that took place in this book that was violent, so please forgive if I cannot give entirely full disclosure- I'm sure you've gotten an idea of the type of violence present. 

SPIRITUALITY: 

Most of the spirituality just did not float my boat, but that aside- most of the spiritual content in this book, apart from mentioning their gods a fair bit, was surrounding the gift Lia possessed and was trying to grow. The gift was of foresight, having glimpses into the future, and also of what was taking place in other kingdoms. Venda (the woman from long ago- dead- that the city was named after) appeared to Lia several times & spoke to her. 

CONCLUSION:

Guys, this book got me good. I was hooked, lost in the world of Venda & Lia's plight in attempting escape. While some of the spirituality didn't float my boat, and some of the violence was a tad gory (I just cringe at medieval type violence & punishment systems, they are barbaric and so gross my skin crawls just reading about them), this book was a total masterpiece. It had everything that makes a book come alive to me- multilayered plot, danger, passionate romance, emotionally intact characters (including the dudes), and a glorious quest to fulfill against all odds. I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself until July, when book 3, 'The Beauty Of Darkness' comes out. Arg! 

Rating: 5 Stars

Age: 17+ (again, this is roughly based- it might be too intense for certain 17 yr-olds, but certain 16 yr-olds might be ready for it. It's different for each person) 

Also, if you read this book and happen to be a big fan of Lisa T. Bergen's work, did this book feel like the River Of Time series, mixed with the her YA Dystopian series, 'Remants'? 

Read the full review for...

Book 1- The Kiss Of Deception
Book 3- The Beauty Of Darkness (Coming Summer 2016!)