The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

The Betrothed by Kiera Cass
Release Date - May 5, 2020

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 2.5/5
**arc received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

I eagerly added The Betrothed to my reading list. I felt that The Selection series was a fun enough read and I loved the idea of Kiera Cass exploring a more Tudoresque setting. Sadly, I did not end up enjoying it the way I thought I would.

I predict that many readers will be disappointed to discover that this is not the frothy, steamy book that it appears to be. There isn't even really a love triangle in the way that you might be expecting. This book tries to be that and something more but ends up not succeeding at either. I am not judging the book for what it is not and would have been happily surprised if the execution had been stronger.

Kiera Cass' writing is addictive in the way her previous novels have been. It is a straightforward, clean style of writing that makes for an easy, quick read. I did not struggle to make it through this one the way I might have with a different writing style.

A lot of this book feels like it was told to me as a reader instead of shown to me. The characters are barely fleshed out more than caricatures and flat box checking. The world building is fairly light. As a result, I did not connect with anyone of them. There are moments where a reaction is almost felt making that loss all the more palpable. The only character I found interesting was Valentina. Her story is one I would want to read and follow. She is, sadly, not given enough page time.

The romance itself felt like it was on fast forward. Hollis and Silas barely interact before they are proclaiming their love. It is another instance of being told something instead of shown. I didn't believe in the connection between them because I wasn't shown it. I was told they were in love and ws barely given time to register it.

The last bit of the story is where the plot kicks into overdrive with everything happening at once. It highlights the pacing issues with the story. The beginning is slower with not a whole lot of plot progression and the major plot points are crammed together in a way that feels disjointed. The pacing, at times, felt so off to me that certain parts of this story feel like a part of a completely different story. The other pacing issue, previously mentioned in regards to the romance, is made all the more glaring by these other pacing issues. It sometimes felt like the author had specific scenes that they wanted to include but did not take the time to stitch them together properly.

The ending, for me, sets up the more interesting story. It opens the door for a much more interesting sequel and is really what I had hoped the rest if the novel had been. I predict the latter half may end up being the least favourite part for some readers but I think it was the most compelling section of the story.

I will still urge everyone who is interested to check out The Betrothed. The elements that that did not work for me may end up being what others love about the book. It, sadly, never come together for me. It, ultimately, is a read that felt too disconnected and one in which I struggled to find any emotional pull.

Waiting On Wednesday .... The Betrothed

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

This sounds like a fun, romantic read that will definitely offer a distraction from everything going on in the world right now. It seems like Hollis might have two suitors vying for her attention! I enjoy a love triangle if it is done well so I am curious to see how this one might play out.

I love that all of Kiera Cass' books have pretty gowns on them. This one matches the synopsis perfectly.

Expected release date - May 5, 2020

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

The cover of The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow (Goodreads)

I have been dying for a fun, sexy novel set in Las Vegas. I've read a few and they haven't lived up expectations. I think this cover is super fun, and I HOPE that it's finally a Vegas set novel that conjures up The Strip perfectly. 

The cover of Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige (Goodreads)

This novel's synopsis has left me pining for this novel in the WORST way. The cover is fun, not what I expected at all though. This one is HIGH on my wishlist, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

The cover of The One by Kiera Cass (Goodreads)

Eeeep! So immediately I thought 'AMERICA IS IN A WEDDING DRESS'. This may not be true, but the cover certainly wants us to THINK that. I am pretty excited to find out how this story ends, and for the more intriguing aspects of this story to take centre stage.

TV/MOVIE

Once Upon A Time Season 3 Premiere

THIS SUNDAY! Peter Pan! Tinkerbell! Ariel! Neverland! I am beyond excited for this season. It's no secret that I LOVE Peter Pan. It's been a favourite since I was a kid, and I am loving the bits I've seen of THIS version.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

The Elite by Kiera Cass

    

The Elite by Kiera Cass
Release Date – April 23, 2013
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -  336 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

A prince, pretty dresses, and the chance to become royalty. Many would think America Singer has it pretty good as part of The Selection. As The Elite quickly shows palace life is not at all what it appears. The rebel forces are increasing their pressure and things are taking a sinister turn as the competition intensifies.

The love triangle in this novel is heating up. It was the main focus of book one, and romance is heavily featured in book two. I see a connection with both guys, but I also feel that America’s character is not sure what she wants, never mind who she wants. She enjoys the company of each suitor, but I had a harder time feeling that she cared for either of them deeply enough to choose them.

Maxon, whom I really liked in this first novel, melted me in this novel. There is a pivotal scene towards the end of the novel where we make a discovery about Maxon’s upbringing that devastated me. He has had an insanely rigid upbringing, and being a Prince does not mean a perfect family environment.

Perhaps I missed it, or just don’t recall it being so predominant, but I didn't think Maxon’s father was so…intimidating. He’s much more involved in every aspect of Maxon’s life than I anticipated. I finished this novel with a completely different opinion of him than I originally had. I delighted in the more sinister feel to his character, and took much enjoyment in disliking him.

Marlee, the sweet girl who becomes friends with America in the first novel, is just as important to story in this novel. It is hinted that she has a secret in The Selection, and it all unravels in The Elite. Her secret has a profound affect on America. There is a haunting scene that shows not only the power and strength of love, but how horrible some current laws truly are. Change needs to happen, and you can't help but want America to promote those changes. I flinched for the entire scene and still shudder when I think about it.  

The rebels storyline grows more interesting with each novel in this series. I hope it is the main focus of the third novel. The reveals behind what the rebels could be looking for, and how society got the way we see it currently in America’s story, raise plenty of questions.  It’s this part of the story that has the most potential and had my mind whirling with theories.

The Selection itself is still going on, and there is more than just America vying for Maxon and the crown. The Elite shows that there is true competition for Maxon's heart, and ultimately American's indecisiveness could allow her to miss out on something she really wants. It comes back to the changes in her character. She was forceful, and knew what she wanted in the first book. She is confused, unsure, and scared in this one. The decision could be taken out of her hands, and it reminded me of how important it is to take those risks for what you really want.

I compared the last book to a cupcake because it was big on the romance and pretty dresses, this novel  is darker, and more dangerous. The tone is definitely changing which each twist, and revelation. I could feel the heartbreak catching up with our character, and am fully prepared to be crushed by the finale.

The ending, while not a cliffhanger per say, it does leave you wanting to grab the next book. The stakes are higher, and America’s heart, and to whom it belongs, may be the least of what Kiera Cass has in store for the third book.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

My mailbox has a theme this week. I have both an e-novella and ARC by Kiera Cass this week. I rather enjoyed The Selection, so I am hoping The Elite builds on the promising elements in the first novel. A huge thank you to Shannon at Harper for sending The Elite my way. Super excited to read both of these.

The Elite by Kiera Cass (goodreads)

The Prince by Kiera Cass (goodreads)

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday.....The Elite

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is The Elite by Kiera Cass

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide. 

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

I enjoyed The Selection quite a bit, and was intrigued by some of the political aspects in the novel. It sounds like it might be taking a darker turn, so I am excited to see what is next.

Expected release date April 23, 2013

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover for Elizabeth Richard's Phoenix

HOLY HOTNESS! This is a stunning cover. This is coming out in June 2013 which is a quick turn around from Black City. I can't wait to read both of them as I have heard awesome things. Add this to your Goodreads account and start pining.

Cover of The Elite by Kiera Cass

Again with the HOTNESS! This series has some pretty amazing covers. I love the similarities to the first cover, with enough differences to have it stand out. Also the orange is really eye catching. It'll stand out on the shelves for sure. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads account.

TV

Captain Hook from Once Upon A Time

Admittedly I have yet to see him grace my television screen, but take a look at this photo -

Um....sexy with a little swashbuckling! The actor also happens to be Irish. *dies from hot accent*. It is encouraging that he has been promoted to series regular. Could our tough, and awesome Emma fall for his devilish charms? I think she just might. *swoon*. I still miss August, can we have him back now?

MOVIE

The Perks of Being A Wallflower

This movie was everything I hoped it would be. The performances were great by all the cast but Ezra Miller truly shines as Patrick. He's fantastic, and I predict he'll be winning Oscars eventually. His performance gave me chills and I can't stop thinking about how amazing he was in this role. Logan Lerman's portrayal of Charlie was also very well done.

This is one of those rare movies made from books where the movie kept the heart and soul of the novel. The author wrote the screenplay and directed and it made all the difference.

Side note - I was sad that one of my favourite parts of the trailer wasn't in the actual movie. :(

So what you are obsessed with this week?

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Release Date –  April 24, 2012

Publisher Website –  Harper Collins

Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader

Pages - 327 pages

My Rating- 4/5

**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The first thing you’ll notice about The Selection is it’s oh so pretty cover. It really is one of the more beautiful covers of 2012 and I am sure it’s going to draw a lot of people in.

The best way to describe this novel is fun. It’s been touted as Cinderella meets The Bachelor and that’s not far off. It’s filled with pretty gowns, catty girl drama, and sweet romance. It’s the perfect fit if you’re looking for this kind of novel. 

I surprised myself with how quickly I become engrossed in this novel. I wasn’t expecting it, and honestly, I can see how it may not be the book for everyone. It has a specific genre and appeal but it’s clearly stated.

The writing style reflects the tone of the novel. Light, airy and it will keep you turning the pages. Kiera Cass packs a lot of start up plot details into the novel that will set up the sequels. There is the hint of them being taken in some (hopefully) intriguing directions. 

This has been called a dystopian. Not sure I agree and I think it may set some expectations on this novel that will cause people to end up not enjoying it. The only dystopian aspect is a caste system based on numbers with the higher number reflecting a higher status. It reads more like a fairytale than anything else. 

The character of America did infuriate me at times. She couldn’t make a decision at all. I did like that she finally decides to make herself happy and realizes that she may need time to figure some things about before she can fully commit to what that is.  There are times she shows herself as being smart and inquisitive and I hope her character continues to change and grow. Her realization that the life she always wanted may not be the life she ends up with rings true to her journey, as does her realization that she may be ok with this. I did like that she treated everyone the same, regardless of their class. 

Maxon is adorable. Patient, kind, a little awkward and seemingly very genuine. He made me enjoy the book so much more. He is under a lot of pressure, not just from the task of choosing a bride, but the rebel attacks that seem to be escalating. He’s got a lot of responsibility and just wants to make his parents and his country proud. It’s hard not to like him. 

Aspen is equally likeable. He cares about America a lot, but understands their situation. I may end up liking him more in book two if we get to know him more, but the connection isn’t there yet.

The romances in the book are very different. Aspen and America come from different caste levels in society and therefore have a forbidden romance of sorts. Their romance is filled with sneaked kissing, passion, longing and a hope for the future. Maxon and America, on the other hand, begin as friends. America has no desire to compete at first but quickly realizes that Maxon isn’t so bad and they start to build something that could be real. I liked the Maxon/American pairing so much more because you can see the trust, and genuine feelings being built. It’s not instant, not even instant attraction. They each break down barriers and misconceptions for each other. Aspen and America’s relationship comes pre-developed and I didn’t feel the spark as much as I did with Maxon. 

There are teases of unrest, rebels, and a larger political agenda storyline that I hope plays a larger part to the sequels in the series. The depth the story needs is added with this storyline. America proves herself quite perceptive  in these situations and as a result she is beginning to ask questions, think logically and has a desire to find out more. The secrets being kept from numerous people will hopefully come to light and could change everything.

This will be one of those titles that people will either really enjoy or dislike. I think a lot of it will come down to expectations the reader has going in. For me The Selection was a fun, romantic, sweet read that I’ll compare to eating a delicious treat. You’ll enjoy it, and immediately look for the another. 

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I got a pretty awesome package in the mail this week.



The Selection by Kiera Cass (goodreads)

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to Kiera for this, and I can not wait to start reading it. I have been drooling over this cover, and the synopsis for awhile now.

Happy reading everyone!

My Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

So this week my obsessions are:

BOOKS

Anna Dressed in Blood

I just finished Anna Dressed in Blood this week. Epic!!!! My review will be posted towards the end of this coming week. However, I loved it. I love Cas. I love that it's set in Thunder Bay, Ontario of all places. I will stop gushing or I won't have anything for my review. If you haven't read it, do so immediately.

The cover for The Selection by Kiera Cass



This cover took my breath away. The synopsis also sounds amazing. I am super excited about this one, and can't wait to read it. Please read the Goodreads synopsis for more details. This is going to be a Waiting On Wednesday Post soon!

OTHER

Pina Colada Cupcakes



This great cupcake place in Ottawa called Isobel's has Pina Colada cupcakes. I've been dying to try some and I am just now able to go today. I have been thinking about them all week. They're always sold out by the time I get there after work, but since I am off today I can hopefully get some.