The Betrothed by Kiera Cass, To Read or Not to Read

Kiera Cass’ newest book has hit the shelves and the reviews are ranging from those who hate it to those who give it 5 stars.

I give it 4 stars.

In this review I’m going to tell you why there are so many differing opinions about this book.

For teens expecting another Selection this book is disappointing.

That is one of the dangers in writing a wildly successful series. The author can’t always please her established readership.

I’ve read The Selection series and The Siren. Every time I read a Kiera Cass book I ask myself why I like these books. These are not my typical read. I’m more of a Hunger Games girl.

I’ve come to the conclusion that Kiera Cass is an excellent writer and every sentence she puts together draws the reader into the book.

In The Betrothed, Hollis Brite is shocked and thrilled when the young King of Coroa declares his love for her. Hollis is not a powerful, spunky character like America in The Selection. She has a lot of self-doubt but is particularly good at flattering King Jameson.  Jameson is a likeable character, but the reader never gets to know him deeply.

Kiera Cass can deliver on elegance, majesty, and beauty better than any author around. This book is no exception. Through Hollis, the reader dresses in majestic gowns, crowns, and jewels.

 I think the teen fans of The Selection will be pleased with this aspect.

The characters are not as magnetic as the ones in The Selection and we do not have a true love triangle. Nothing like America, Maxon and Aspen. I think this is disappointing for the young readers.

This book is more like the old-fashioned romantic stories of the past. Stolen glances, love at first sight.

This brings me to the mysterious character of Silas. I think the author was trying to present an unusual, enigmatic character but the reader would like to know more about him. It was difficult to understand why Hollis would be so attached to him. He was handsome and appealing, but we needed to know more.

The pacing is a bit slow in the first part and the ending felt rushed.

And, boy, the ending was not what I expected!

There were hints sprinkled throughout the story but I didn’t pick up on them.

I can’t say much more, or I will spoil the book, but I am looking forward to the sequel. I believe the sequel is going to be more like the books I enjoy reading and writing.

I enjoyed The Betrothed. The writing is excellent which I appreciate. Below I have made a comparison between The Selection and The Betrothed.

In conclusion, I recommend this book to anyone willing to take it on its own.

You will be disappointed if you expect to read another story like The Selection. 

I think this book appeals more to an older audience but teens with an open mind will enjoy it too.  

Similar to The Selection

– The plot of a beautiful young woman pursued by a king.

– Fictional country of Coroa

– Majesty, elegance, jewels, and fashion

– Beautiful book cover

Different from The Selection

– No true love triangle

– Relationship with both male characters is more shallow

– Not enough character development

– Slower pacing

Have you read The Betrothed or any of Kiera Cass’s books? What do you think about them?