The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson Series: The Remnant Chronicles #1
Publisher: Macmillan on July 8th 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 496
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
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.
At A Glance
I was pleasantly surprised by how much this one turned out amazing.
The Good
I started out reading The Kiss of Deception thinking one thing, and then my world was turned upside-down half way through. I don’t want to give away what the author did, but it was effing brilliant. I never even guessed I was being deceived in that way. I was actually listening to the book on my kindle when it happened and I was like, “What the hell just happened? What did I miss? Was I reading it wrong the whole time?” So I had to go back to make sure, and yup, the author got me good.
We get three POVs: Princess Lia, the assassin, and the prince. This was a perfect example of how to handle multiple POVs. I loved getting to know each character but it was nice to keep a focus on Lia. It’s really her story after all. Lia was so strong and determined to live her life the way she wanted. No arrange marriage BS for her. She took so well to becoming a commoner, doing hard work and never complaining. It was nice to see Lia get her dream, at least for a little while.
It’s hard to talk about the prince and the assassin. There is so much I can’t say without giving too much away. They both have their ups and downs. I always liked one more than the other, but Pearson had me second guessing myself often. They are both great characters overall. Each has his own story, his own burdens, and they handle them in a way they think best. I understood both their positions, which, in hindsight, seems crazy.
Lia goes on quite a journey through the book. Some moments are fucking heartbreaking. I teared up twice. I love how right and wrong got so twisted up in the story. It’s like you want to hate people for their actions, but when you look deeper, there is so much more to consider. The plot was spot on. This story is intense pretty much the whole way through. The ending, OMG, I wanted to die. Cliffhanger! I can’t wait for book #2 to come out!
The Bad
I found some of the beginning boring. I think it was me though. I seem to have no patience right now. But nonetheless, I had to force myself through those pages, but then I couldn’t put the book down once the boys arrived.
The Snuggly
Yeah, yeah, a love triangle. It wasn’t bad though. I liked how Lia had a favorite from the beginning, so it wasn’t that much of a ‘who will she pick’ kind of thing. But then that ending. Dammit, I don’t know what to think now. Surprisingly, there is sex, but it’s completely glossed over. So this book is fine for a YA audience.
Final Thoughts
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book. It was freaking amazing! I am for sure continuing this series. Very recommend.
Quotes
“We all have our different skills. You’re patient to a fault, which sometimes doesn’t work to your advantage. I, on the other hand, have the patience of a wet cat. Only on rare occasions does that come in handy.”
“I see only reminders that nothing lasts forever, not even greatness.”
“Some things last.”
I faced him. “Really? And just what would that be?”
“The things that matter.”
“I trust you all slept well,” I said, deliberately keeping my tone light. I returned Malich’s glare with a tight-lipped grin.
“Yes, we did,” Kaden answered quickly.
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
kindlemom1
This was a good read, I think you liked it more than I did but I can totally see why. Great review!
Jennifer Bielman
At first, I didn’t think I was going to like it, but I think it got progressively better.
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
It would appear that this book is completely worthy of its title! I didn’t expect that there would be sex in it on account of the YA label, so that’s a bonus even though it was minimal. I can tolerate love triangles when the candidates rock. Bring on the boys!
Jennifer Bielman
I was surprised about the sex too. Obviously nothing was actually written about it, but I love that the author wasn’t afraid to say, “hey, this chick wants to get laid, get over it, it’s happening!”
Deborah Jay
Ooh, sounds like my kinda book 🙂
Going to buy it now…
Jennifer Bielman
I think almost anyone can love this one.
Braine
Have you read Throne of Glass? From your review its reminiscent of that
Jennifer Bielman
Yup, it does have that feel, but Throne of Glass is better.
Christy
Oh what the hell … now I HAVE to read this. I love when an author can surprise the reader.
Jennifer Bielman
I would be interested to see what you think, it’s a little different from what you usually read.
Melliane
oh yes this book, I saw it everywhere and I don’t know why I haven’t read it because I keep hearing amazing things about it. Happy reading!
Jennifer Bielman
Yup, I was in the same boat.
Red Iza
This book received mixed reviews, I kept it on my list though… because of the superb cover. Great review !
Jennifer Bielman
I usually heard good things about it but yeah, not everyone is going to love it. It was worth a try for me though.
kimbacaffeinate
Well dang Jennifer. This book has been on and off my wishlist so many times but you have me thinking I need to just do it.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, I was the same way. What can I say, something about it just hit right for me.
Lily
Wasn’t this book amazing Jennifer? I was also pretty tricked by it. I remember messaging people on Twitter to see if they understood THINGS because I felt like I was being either deceived or reading the book wrong. LOL.
Jennifer Bielman
Me too!!!! I totally thought I was the stupid one who didn’t understand what the hell I was reading.
Molly Mortensen
I like a good twisty book. It’s so hard to review though without spoilers. It’s a cool gimmick not to know who’s the assassin and who is the prince. The problem with love triangles, even in the good ones she never picks who I want her to! Thanks for the cliffhanger warning. I might wait for the sequel on this one.
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, yeah, I don’t know how this one will go. I think she is going to pick the guy I like, but the author has tricked me before.
Brandi Breathes Books
Lia being so strong and determined makes it sound like a good read
Jennifer Bielman
She really did make this book!
Jaclyn Canada
I love it when things get turned upside down and what you’re supposed to hate you start questioning. Sounds like a fantastic read! Great review 😀
Jennifer Bielman
You would love this book!!! It’s so you.
Alreem
WOW, I’m so happy this turned to be a great book, I wasn’t so sure if i should read it, I mean I won it but kind of lost interest on reading it 🙂 Lovely Review
Jennifer Bielman
I know, I totally put it off forever too. Then I saw someone review it a week ago and finally I knew I had to pick it up and try.
Rebecca Wash
This is one of my favorites of the year! Great review! I don’t remember any sex though. How have I forgotten this? I’m drawing a blank!
Jennifer Bielman
LOL, Like I said, it was very much glossed over but very much implied.
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
Yes I’ve heard from multiple people that they found the beginning boring. I’m not sure if this is my cup of tea since I cannot deal with love triangles at all. But your review definitely has me curious again.
Nice review, Jennifer! <33
Jennifer Bielman
Yeah, if it’s always a no-go with love triangles you may not like this one.
Olivia
I have actually had this book on my TBR for quite some time! I really want to read it and I am glad you were able to enjoy it. I think the plot twist will be very interesting 😀 I don’t mind love triangles as long as they are done well.
Jennifer Bielman
This one was done pretty good, so the love-triangle was doable.