Author: Mary E. Pearson
“The Kiss of Deception” by Mary E. Pearson, the first book in the “Remnant Chronicles” series, is a young adult fantasy novel published in 2014 that follows the story of Lia, the princess of the Kingdom of Morrighan. She is set to marry a prince from a neighboring country whom she has never met, but insted decides to run away on her wedding day.
The plot thickens as Lia is on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets and finds herself falling in love. The book introduces a diverse cast of characters, including Lia’s best friend Pauline, and two young men named Rafe and Kaden, who have their own secrets and motives.
The fantasy novel establishes the groundwork for an interesting and exciting story with a compelling plot and well-rounded characters.
The novel is written in a distinctive style, with Lia’s perspective telling the first half of the story and Rafe and Kaden’s narrative telling the second.
The story has more depth because of its narrative style, which gives readers a glimpse into the motivations and mindset of each character.
The reader is drawn into Morrighan’s world and kept interested in the plot by Pearson’s vivid and captivating language. The novel moves along at a good clip, with action and tension increasing throughout to provide a satisfying finish. The world-building is also well-crafted, with intricate details and a rich history that adds depth to the story.
However, the novel’s main mystery is solved early on, which takes a significant amount of the narrative’s tension and suspense away. Even while the world-building and character development are excellent, some readers might find it challenging to immerse themselves in the story completely due to its predictable plot.
As the characters work through a convoluted web of lies and covert objectives, “The Kiss of Deception” tackles many topics, including destiny, responsibility, adventure, love, and friendship. It also dives deeply into the theme of deception and secrets.
Readers are reminded of the value of self-discovery and remaining true to oneself despite social pressures and expectations through Lia’s journey.
“The Kiss of Deception” marked a notable contribution to the young adult genre, particularly in the realm of fantasy. The novel offers a unique take on the traditional princess story, with a strong and independent female protagonist who is not defined by her royal status.
People of color are among the book’s varied array of characters, which is still uncommon in mainstream young adult fiction. All things considered, “The Kiss of Deception” is a unique and refreshing addition to the canon of young adult fantasy.
