Not as good as the first book, but worth your time anyway. And a well-written sequel. There is drama in it, blood, cruelty and you´ll find friendship, loyalty, romance, and what it means when an entire nation likes you. When I saw that the second book´s cover would be the same as the original edition shows, I was quite relieved. And what a wonderful story it contains. Wanna know more? Then keep reading *smile*
The Heart Of Betrayal*
by Mary E. PearsonThe Remnant Chronicles #2
Publisher Henry Holt and Co on July 7, 2015
Genre Children 14+
Pages 480
Format Hardcover
Source Publisher*
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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 among 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.
Story
Lia is now in Vendan and at the whim and will of the Komizar and his plans. His word is her command – at least that´s his wish. But Lia wouldn´t be Lia if she would oblige to him. She does, in a certain way, yes, but not if it doesn´t fit her own plans. All she wants is to live a free life, to decide what she wants to do when she wants to do it. Her gift is something she learned to live with. She still can´t really control it, but bit by bit she finds out to trust her gift and to read its signs.
Style
Yes, this second book of the Remnant Chronicles wasn´t as much fun as I had with the first book. But life in the Sanctum is not boring at all. Danger, cruelty, blood, and many intrigue men and women who only wait to do whatever it takes to reach their own goal – all that I found in this novel. And an end I am still thinking WTF?! Good, I am more than happy with what happened to the Komizar. I saw it long coming what Lia only started seeing when it was almost too late for her. But who will be the evil one in the next book? And what had happened with Kaden?
The fact, that I knew now during every chapter who the one was telling me the story, was a nice turn for the better. But I kind of missed it guessing who is now talking to me. And to see what Pauline was doing while Lia was fighting to stay alive in Vendan, was a nice addition to the main story.
Characters
The fight between Rafe and Kaden over Lia is as fresh as you can imagine and yet not new. Both lie, both fight for her love (and no, I am not telling who might win or already has her love – go and find that out for yourself) and both have their own plans. Whilst Kaden tries to keep Lia away from the Komizar´s greedy hands, Rafe does everything to make sure that the Komizar believes every word he says. Not easy when the hunger for more power, more fortune, and other things is guiding the mind of a ruthless and cold-blooded man. And Aster, she is almost the best thing that happens to Lia in this book. What a great girl.
Conclusion
In the end, I was shocked, happy, and couldn´t believe what I just had read. That end, oh my! Many questions got answered, many new ones popped up and above all the big one: What about Kaden? I am so curious to find out how this all ends. Read.
Happy reading
*I read the German edition new release by One on May 26, 2017
Mary E. Pearson
Mary E. Pearson is the author of bestselling, award-winning novels for teens. The Miles Between was named a Kirkus Best Book of the Year, and The Adoration of Jenna Fox was listed as a Bank Street Best Children´s Book of the Year, an IRA Young Adult Choice, NYPL Stuff for the Teen Age, and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. She is also the author of A Room on Lorelei Street, David v God, and Scribbler of Dreams. Pearson studied art at Long Beach State University, and worked as an artist before earning her teaching credential at San Diego State University. She writes full-time from her come in Carlsbad, California, where she lives with her husband and two dogs.