If you're brave enough to dive back into Hollis's world after the shattering conclusion of The Betrothed you won't regret it. Kiera Cass brings us back from the brink with this stunning second novel, and reignites our faith in love.
From the blurb;
'Can you follow your heart when it's already broken?
'After fleeing the court of Coroa and leaving the memory of her beloved, the assassinated Silas Eastoffe, behind, Hollis is unsteadily adjusting to life with his family. The Eastoffes' affection is a balm to Hollis's weary spirit, though Etan, a surly cousin with a deep distaste for Coroans, threatens to upset the uneasy peace that Hollis has found.
'While tensions at home are mounting, disquiet in the kingdom of Isolte is reaching fever pitch. The Eastoffes may have the power to unseat the tyrannical King Quinten, but only with Hollis's help. Can a girl who's lost it all put the fate of her adopted homeland over the secret longings of her heart?'
Taken out of the Royal court and the luxuries that came with it, we get to see Hollis in a new light. In The Betrayed Hollis's power to love and bring light into the world is allowed to flourish. Put against the anguish of her grief, the struggles of getting used to a new country and the customs that come with it, and the hardship of living with Etan, Silas's much loved cousin who hates Coroans, Hollis is given the chance to grow and flourish in impossible circumstances.
As the family move to prove their suspicions of who committed the great wrong done unto them and their's Hollis swiftly moves from being an awkward addition to their dynamics to an essential piece in their plans.
As Hollis becomes more important to the family a budding romance begins to bloom between her and an unlikely romantic partner. While her heart is still in the hands of Silas, Hollis's concentration remains on fixing the wrongs that have ruined her life, and the lives of the people she has grown to love. With baited breath we pray for Hollis to see the love that has bloomed before her.
Cass has an immense talent for love stories, and she brings all of that to the forefront with this spellbinding sequel.
We Give The Betrayed Five Stars
ISBN - 978-0-00-840322-5 Cover Price - £7.99 First published in the United States of America by HarperCollins Publishers 2021