Review: The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

THE HEART OF BETRAYAL
Series: The Remnant Chronicles #2
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: July 7th 2015

Book Length: 470 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt
Source: Physical Copy, Goodreads 
Review: 5/5 *Full Review Below.

Blurb:
Intrigue abounds in this hotly anticipated sequel to The Kiss of Deception!

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. 

“There are no rules in survival.”

From the very beginning I knew this book was going to be something more, something spectacular what I didn’t expect was for it to completely outshine it’s predecessor; if you liked The Kiss of Deception then you’re going to love this.

Kaden couldn’t bring himself to murder Lia so instead chose to bring her back to Venda, what he didn’t expect was Rafe to sacrifice himself to. Lia finally comes face to face with the Komizar of Venda, he’s the ruthless leader who will do anything for more power and to lead his people to the freedom they deserve.

This book is completely captivating as we follow Lia who plays a dangerous game of wits with the Komizar but must be careful not to show her true weaknesses as it’s no longer just her life at stake anymore. There’s always something more to take! The romance takes a back seat to make room for gorgeous world building, vast character development and a killer plot. The world of Venda was fascinating, Lia only knows of their barbaric ways told through harrowing rumors/stories but she soon finds out that not everything she’s been told is true.

I loved the Komizar! He was such a dynamic character; even from how he was introduced you just knew he was powerful and feared by all. He’s extremely perceptive and nothing gets by him easily so Lia must keep her guard up at all times but this dragon wears many faces. He’s a brutal leader but also takes the time to put his people first and get to know them personally, I loved/hated this infuriating man!

Now for the romance, oh the romance, how this played with my heart and head. So y’all now we have Rafe the Prince and Kaden the Assassin. In TKoD I was pretty much Team Rafe all the way, but this book seemed to be much more Kaden’s story as it only right as we are in Venda. We find out so much more about Kaden’s past and as much as I didn’t want to love him, I slowly grew to. His past was heart breaking and his protective side over Lia had me all gooey! Rafe is pretty much still the embodiment of the perfect book boyfriend.

Love triangle? No! Lia made her choice and she’s pretty much stuck to it, you get the sense that her actions are leading to a change in feelings but she’s just manipulating everyone around her, she’s so badass! She’s clear of what she feels and for who and I can’t see this changing in the third and final book. Ultimately this is Lia’s book as she spins a web of lies that becomes much bigger than herself and could possibly deliver her to her death.

I highly recommend this book, it’s chapters are short and to the point and will keep you on the edge of your seat with a fantastic ending that will leave you begging for The Beauty of Darkness.

“Sometimes winning is not only a matter of knowing the rules, but of making your opponent think he knows them better.”