The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: bought
Publication Date: July 8th 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt
Genres & Themes: YA, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Mythology, Friendship.
BLURB:
She flees on her wedding day.
She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor’s secret collection.
She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.
She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.
The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can’t abide. Like having to marry someone she’s never met to secure a political alliance.
Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.
REVIEW:
What a beautiful and captivating story.
I’ve always had a soft spot for princess stories, true, but this one is like no other. Our lovely main character, Lia, wants free will…to fall in love with someone she actually knows and cares about. She is tired of always having her life decided, as princesses’ usually are, and the one thing she wants most, love, is up to her to find not for her father to plan.
For her to feel trapped no more, she escapes from her arranged marriage with someone who didn’t even take the time to see her before the event.
Now I’m not saying what she did isn’t reckless, since it is a kingdom and family she leaves behind, but I can certainly imagine how awful it must have been for her to grow up with an authoritarian parent and feel the need for freedom. Needless to say, I connected with Lia and felt quite invested in her story.
We have four different points of views in this story, but three are most present; Lia’s, The Assassin’s and The Prince’s. I couldn’t say which I preferred for they all fitted very well with the story and every character had something to say or makes us see, realize.
As for the love-triangle, I didn’t find it too heavy. In fact, the romance part of this story was present but not too much, which made me enjoy the story even more than I thought I would, surprisingly. I would love for her to end up with The Prince…but I could also see her spend her life with The Assassin. She could adapt to both ways of living, that’s for sure.
Many different characters are presented in this first book in a new series and they were all interesting. The only thing that I may have changed (or add in the sequels) is for them to be more present and described. Lia encountered some great people that I would hate for her to not meet again.
Another thing that I loved was the setting. It’s not every day that we can read about a princess seeking shelter in a completely unexpected place, where no one would think of looking for her.
The writing was spectacular. It was so impressive and I completely fell in love with it. Every sentence or even description was flawless, in my opinion. What is strange is that, even though this story contains almost 500 pages, it felt much shorter. The pages flew by at a pretty fast speed. I was captivated the whole time and I wish for you to be as well, if you consider giving this book a chance.
Would you consider voting for this review on Goodreads, if it were helpful? ^_^
Glad you liked this one! I was actually going to put up my review later today. Great review by the way 🙂
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Awesome! I can’t wait to read yours! Thanks 🙂
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Oh I so have to get my hands on this book! I’m glad that the romance wasn’t overdone. Sounds like it isn’t concluded though. I rather like it when the couple doesn’t form during the first book. I hope I like both of the guys, it’s always annoying when I don’t like one of them and know he’s going to be the one she picks. (Grisha)
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No, it’s not concluded AT ALL. But good thing since it’s a series. 😛 Yes, same here, I want it to long a little more, hehe. Oh no…..I haven’t read that Grisha series but have the series so, if she ends up picking the guy I loated, I will be so frustrated!! 😦
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This definitely sounds like a novel I could get into, despite its length and the love triangle. Sometimes I think love-triangles despite being present are not always a bad thing, it just depends how well they’re done and the purpose they serve. I am glad you enjoyed this one so much! Fab review.
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I think so too. Some love-triangles can be pretty bad and not pulled of well but others very good and MAKING SENSE, you know? This one definitely does. Thank you! 😀
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I’m glad you liked it. I just bought it because I was curious, so I’m glad to know that more people are saying that it’s a good book. I can’t wait to start it, although it might take me some time to get to it. I have about twelve books to read right now.
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Hahah, yeaah I have so many books to read as well. One that I would like to get to is City of Heavenly Fire but haven’t even read book 5!! xd Thanks!
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*jumping up and down*
I wanna read it!
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Yay! 😀 hahahha
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Oh that sounds good! I haven’t read too many Princess stories yet but I’m up for giving it a go. That cover is amazing–totally drew me in–and you so sold it 😀
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Heheheh, selling books is such a nice occupation LOL
Agree; awesome cover. Though, you must know that it is not a ‘girly’ princess story at all! 🙂
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Voted on Goodreads because it was helpful! 😀
I have been seeing this around everywhere and I have yet to read an actual review of it from someone who has read!
I am so glad you liked this one! There prospect of 3 POVs scared me and I am glad it fits well!
You will definitely see this in a haul soon! :
Thanks for sharing! 😀
Alex @ The Shelf Diaries
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Aww haha, thanks 😀
The POVs fit very very well! We also have one from Pauline (Lia’s friend) but just like 2 or 3 times so it doesn’t quite count.
That’s the spirit, I look forward to that post then. 🙂
Thank you!
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Glad you liked this one as much as you did, it was a fun story!
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A fun story? 😛 Really? LOL
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Great review! 🙂 This book is one of my TBR’s 🙂
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Awesome 🙂 Hope you enjoy it! Thanks!
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FANTASTIC REVIEW, Lola! I’ve been so excited for this book! I actually pre-ordered it, but there’s been problems with getting my copy, so I haven’t got it yet. 😦
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Oh no! That’s such a shame! I hope it wasn’t from Amazon. They’re high in my esteem. 😛 THANK YOU, Ebony!! ^^
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Lovely 5 star review! So glad you enjoyed this one & I’m definitely intrigued. Thanks for sharing!
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You should definitely read it. ^^ It was EXCELLENT.
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Gosh isn’t this book just perfect?? The next book is called “The Heart of Betrayal.” *swoon* I’m really interested in meeting the Komizar? (Was that his name?) The guy that Kaden reports to? And oh gosh that ending… Lovely review but I already told you that 😀
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This series has such awesome titles. *.* I think so. Komizar it is. XD
Yeah, you did. ^^ Thanks! I know, I really want to know what happens!!
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Ooh! I wanna read this book. Kind odd to hear you say you could see her spend the rest of her life with The Assassin who’s supposed to kill her (I assume), at least until I realized he was apart of the love triangle LOL! Lovely review! 🙂
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LOL!! Well he wanted to kill her (not that hard though) but you know? Love happened but she’s kinda kick-ass so yeah I’d see her love with him. ^^
Thanks, Jessica!
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Sigh… I featured this in my Wow a while ago… but haven’t had the chance to pick it up. Your review made it sounds so good, that I know I have to get it! I love assassin books!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
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You have to get it indeed. Now. Hehe. 😉 It was VERY VERY VERY good although not much of the assassination since it didn’t happen lol.
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I really do like fantasy, but I’m always suspicious of love triangles in books because I hate it when romance overshadows a book about something else (e.g. political intrigue/crime/etc). However, I am pleasantly surprised to hear that the romance isn’t too heavy. I may give this book a chance then. 😀 Great review!
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Yes, the romance is quite well done. I don’t like when it overshadows the plot either! But it didn’t so yay. 🙂 Thank you and I hope it’ll captivate you as well. ^^
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I’ve been wanting this one for awhile so it’s good to know that it is worth the read. The romance sounds really nice, a good balance with the rest of the story.
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Yes, a perfect balance. It was great! Hope you enjoy it, Alise! 🙂
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Ahhhh! I am on a dilemma as far as this book is concerned. I’ve read some bad reviews (even DNF ones) and good reviews including this. The premise is definitely interesting and I am like you, I also love princess stories. However, the mention of the love triangle is enough to make me back track my steps. Hahahaha.
Hmmn… I still need a lot of thinking because I still have my ARC pile that need urgent attention. ❤ Awesome review, Lola!
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I think people that DNFed this book are a bit lazy. LOL It’s just that it’s captivating and the world-building really nice.^^ Hmm, I don’t know, the love-triangle was well pulled off xd
Oh, okay! Then finish reading your ARC pile because it’s still near 500 pages long.
Thanks Charlotte! xx
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UGH, isn’t this book LOVELY?!!(: I read this one awhile ago and absolutely fell in love with it! So glad you felt the same! 🙂
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Yes, absolutely! LOVED IT. It is. 😉
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Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed this Lola. I loved this one as well despite having some elements I would not particularly like in a different kind of day. I cannot wait for the next installment and I definitely agree with you that Pearson’s writing is fantastic. Fab review, Lola! 😀
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Thank you, Sarah. 😀 I wonder what those elements are. The writing was exceptionnal. *.*
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I really want to read your review, but I’m not going to right now since I’m planning on reading this very soon and I don’t want to remind myself what it’s about. But yayyyyfor a perfect read *eyes your rating* 🙂
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Oh of course! I don’t read reviews either when I plan on reading a book. Hhahahha yeah I know I don’t give plenty of 5 stars. XD
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Awesome review, Lola! I want to read this now! I love princess stories, too, especially if the princess in question has balls 😀 Adding to my TBR 🙂
Have a great week!
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She does have balls. hehehe
Awesome! I’m looking forward to seeing you loving it. Thank you! 🙂
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I’ve heard so many great things about this book-can’t wait to read it!
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Great! Hope you enjoy! 🙂
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I also love a princess story I confess and everyone seems to love this one. I’m quite curious after so many reviews! I should have asked for it… I’m glad you had such a wonderful time with the book. Great review!
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It had like a wonderful atmosphere that you couldn’t get away from. Was fantastic. Thank you and I hope you like it as well. 🙂
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Oooh, I can’t remember the last time I read a princess book, so thank you for bringing this one to my attention! I’ve seen it around the blogosphere quite a bit, but yours is the first 5-star review that I’ve read, and now I’m strongly tempted to add it to my TBR. It’s always a good sign whenever 500 pages fly by, and I think I’ll really hit it off with Pearson’s writing style. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Well I guess princesses and wolves don’t match, do they? 😉 Definitely, Pearson has one wonderful writing. You’re welcome!
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This princess-escaping-an-arrange-marriage scenario kind of reminded of the Disney movie “Brave”. This book indeed sounds really interesting. I hope I can find an ebook of this soon.
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Oh, I’ve seen that movie!! But totally forgot about it. Yeah, true. I hope you do find it and read it and love it and review it.
HA. 😉
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I was completely captivated by Kiss of Deception. From the world’s settings, the fast moving plot and characters, and ooh-that ending! Did you like the little twist on how the Prince and Assassin were written in, keeping us in the dark for a while? I thought I knew who was who, yet- the guessing was fun. I can’t wait to read the next installment. Wonderful review, Lola 🙂
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Well the assassin it was pretty obvious but the prince I had to guess a little. 😛 I can’t wait for it too!!
Thank you, Kim! 🙂
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YEAH LOLA!!!! I really loved this one too:) I know a lot of people were put off by the love triangle, but like you, I didn’t find it too heavy at all and thought she clearly favored one from the beginning so it never really developed into a true triangle for me. I agree with you too on Lia being reckless in the beginning by taking off, but I thought she proved her mettle over the course of the story and was a big fan of her overall. Can’t wait for book two! Fantastic review:)
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Also, Lia was kina PUSHED to escape!! Well encouraged, whatever. 😛 Oh, I am waiting and longing for book 2 The love-triangle definitely wasn’t heavyé
Thanks. Jenny! 🙂
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The characterization and setting is certainly wonderful. This hasn’t been on my radar but should add to it
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Fantastic! May you enjoy it too. 🙂
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AHHHHH I’m so happy you loved this one LOLA and that it just worked for you! This happens to be one of my favourite reads for 2014 so i’m pretty excited it all worked for you 🙂
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OH, that’s fantastic! It may not be my fav read of 2014 (Cracked is) but it’s not very far hehe. ^^ Have you read Cracked by Eliza Crewe? It’s such an amazing book. 🙂
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I don’t remember if I’ve read this. I think I did and DNF-ed it. But okay, maybe I’ll get back into it. I don’t even remember why I Dnf-ed it in the first place! Haha. Lovely review, Lola. I so love your opening .gif! 🙂
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I know! I saw your ”review” on Goodreads. You def DNFed it. XD Thanks! I love Tangled. hehe
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There’s lots of hype for this one, so I’m excited that you loved it. LOVE the gif at the beginning, Lola! 😀
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Thanks Marianne! The funniest thing is that I first put another gif but it had a glitch so had to change it. xd People seem to like this one more though so yay! 😀
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I love princess stories, too, and highly enjoyed this story. In this case, I even liked the triangle of lurve ’cause it worked, yanno?
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Of Inoooo
Loved the book. xx
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*Of course
Such a fail -_-
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Ohmygosh this book is so beautiful *flails* I’ve been considering picking it up since everyone I’ve seen that’s read it seemed to love it! Lovely review!
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You definitely should and I agree! Such a pretty cover! 😀
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