Wednesday, August 23, 2017

The Traitor’s Kiss by Erin Beaty –NO

Beaty, Erin The Traitor’s Kiss   344 pgs. Imprint (Macmillan), 2017. $18.99 Content: Language: G (3 swears) Mature Content: PG13 (rape talk, pregnancy); Violence: PG

After her single father dies, Sage Fowler lives by the charity of her Uncle. She is reaching the age for an arranged marriage and is not thrilled, but through a twist of fate, is allowed to be the matchmakers apprentice instead. Now part of a group of eligible women traveling to meet potential suitors, her task is to watch them all for suitability. When the soldiers come to escort the entire group, Sage begins to make note on them as well. But they are looking at her just as carefully and when a rebellion/invasion threatens the kingdom, Sage must put all of her skills to work.

This is a romantic adventure, as both the title and cover promise. Sage is a brave and spunky character. But somehow it just didn’t work for me. In my experience the best books are a true transaction between author and reader, allowing just enough room for the reader to image the details of the story in their own way, which creates a story that is incredibly engaging. Give too much detail and the reader has no room for their own interpretation but give not enough detail and the story is just words on paper. This book leans more to the latter, not enough detail or personality. There just wasn’t anything to grab onto so I just couldn’t buy in or even get into the story, it didn’t come to life before my eyes. Also the romance portion was SO cheesy, I was cracking up.

HS –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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