The Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles, #1)

by Mary E Pearson

[Kim Deister]

The Kiss of Deception is the first book in a new trilogy by Mary E. Pearson. This is my first read by this author and I am a fan! The story line is exciting and intriguing and the characters are fantastic.

Princess Lia is what royalty should be all about. She is strong-willed and fierce, absolutely ready, willing, and able to buck tradition to avoid being forced into an arranged marriage to a prince she has never met. Her best friend Pauline, and her handmaiden, runs with her, pure loyalty and friendship. The two girls flee to a distant land and start over. It is a life that is unlike that which they left behind, but for Lia, it is the happiest she has ever been.

This is a story about not only sacrifice and freedom, but about love and friendship and loyalty. The first half of the book was very much like reading historical fiction. But the second half became more of an epic fantasy read, quests and danger galore! There is no end to the mystery and the intrigue and there are plot twists galore. There are two mysterious men that appear in Lia's life, men that keep you guessing right until the moment that things become clear. There are so many levels of deception in this book, from the little ones conceived in a moment of the best of intentions to the huge ones that are life-altering!

Things to love...

--The mystery between the prince and the assassin. Who is who? There are things about each that are oh, so misleading and that ramps up the suspense!
--The fiercely strong Lia. She is an amazing female lead, strong and loyal and full of honor.

My Recommendation: Fantastic epic-like fantasy! There is love and mystery and intrigue and danger and I highly recommend this read! I gave this 4.5 mugs!