The Heart of Betrayal

Held captive in the barbarian kingdom of Venda, Lia and Rafe have little chance of escape. Desperate to save her life, Lia's erstwhile assassin, Kaden, has told the Vendan Komizar that she has the gift, and the Komizar's interest in Lia is greater than anyone could have foreseen.Meanwhile, nothing is straightforward: there's Rafe, who lied to Lia but has sacrificed his freedom to protect her; Kaden, who meant to assassinate her but has now saved her life; and the Vendans, whom Lia always believed to be barbarians.Now that she lives among them, however, she realizes that may be far from the truth. Wrestling with her upbringing, her gift, and her sense of self, Lia must make powerful choices that will affect her country . . . and her own destiny.

** Praise for Mary E. Pearson **

It's rare that the second book in a series is as good - or perhaps better - than the first, but that's the case here ― Booklist, starred review, for The Heart of Betrayal

A deeply satisfying, intricately plotted fantasy where no one - no one - is quite what they seem . . . A thoroughly engrossing read - I couldn't put it down! ― Robin LaFevers, New York Times–bestselling author of Grave Mercy and Dark Triumph

This is the kind of story I love - a heart-pounding tale of magic and murder, betrayal and romance set in a richly imagined fantasy landscape ― Cindy Williams Chima, New York Times bestselling author of the Seven Realms and the Heir Chronicles

Extraordinary . . . masterfully crafted ― Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

The Kiss of Deception has it all - beautiful writing, heart-pounding suspense, a fiery princess, and an epic romance that'll make you swoon. This is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year! ― Alyson Noël, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Immortals

Gripping, urgent, and highly appealing ― School Library Journal