Thursday, July 10, 2014

Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson



Title: The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1)
Author:
Mary E. Pearson
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. (Macmillan)
Acquired Via: Publisher
Release Date: July 8, 2014

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.

The Kiss of Deception is the first book in Mary E. Pearson's
Remnant Chronicles.

My Review

You can read Amber's review of the book HERE.

The Kiss of Deception is a YA epic fantasy by Mary E. Pearson with a strong heroine and a great journey story. Princess Arabella Celestine Idris Jezelia, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan (and main character of the book) chooses her own life as just "Lia" than the one planned out for her.

The Kiss of Deception reminds me of Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword more than any other book that I have ever read. Lia is like Harry Crewe in that she does not allow her situation to overwhelm her and does what is necessary for herself and her people. I rooted for her throughout the novel, even though I did not agree with some of her choices.

You know how I said this was an epic fantasy? Well, I mean business. The Kiss of Deception's finished copy is 544 pages long. However, the large size should not dissuade any reader because it can easily be read one chapter at a time. (They average about 10-15 pages each.) There are not many cliffhanger chapter endings or events that move too quickly, so reluctant readers who like fantasy television shows (no name-dropping, kids) will enjoy reading The Kiss of Deception at their leisure.

Before you start thinking that The Kiss of Deception won't draw you in, you're wrong. Just because you're not at the edge of your seat does NOT mean that you will lose interest.

The Kiss of Deception does have a bit of romance, but it's a very realistic, slow build. It's also clean. I suppose that I should tell you that, yes, there is a love triangle, but I think it's necessary for the story. (You won't hear me say that very often.) I'm neither "Team Kaden" or "Team Rafe" because both guys have their positive points, and they are well-constructed and sympathetic. I will be happy with whichever guy that Lia ends up with at the end of the series.

The world-building in The Kiss of Deception was epic. (Yes, I already used that word a few times, but it fits, okay?) There are three countries mentioned a great deal in the world of this book - Venda, Dalbreck, and Morrighan - and they're all described in a way that makes them seem very real. Anywho, these three countries exist in a post-apocalyptic world, though it's not really ever said outright whether it's our world or another. There are characters from each of the three, and the characters travel in two of them. I won't tell you which ones or why because Spoilers.

The Kiss of Deception is a fantastic book that is probably my favorite so far this summer. In fact, you should head to your local library or bookstore to pick up a copy. I promise you'll thank me later.

- 5/5 Stars -

Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Fishpond



To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received an advance copy of the book for reviewing purposes from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way affected the outcome. All opinions expressed are rambling, honest, and completely my own.

2 comments:

  1. I've been curious about this book, but I was afraid it was like THE SELECTION, which I didn't like. I'm adding it to my TBR list now, after reading your review. :)

    Amber @ Fall Into Books

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should totally read it! It's such a great book. :-)

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