The Betrothed

April 20, 2020
Lady Hollis Brite, a charming member of the Coroan royal court, is ordered around by her overbearing parents and attended by her best friend, outcast Delia Grace. Having captured the heart of the handsome young Coroan king, Jameson, Hollis suddenly faces the very real prospect of being Coroa’s next queen, despite her family’s inferior social standing and her own lack of political interest. Jameson is smitten with Hollis’s honest stories and optimism, but the Coroan nobility is not. When the Eastoffe family arrives seeking asylum from the neighboring rival nation of Isolte, Hollis is captivated by the oldest son, Silas, and questions both her feelings for Jameson and her desire to be queen. Cass’s trademark love triangle is set against the fictitious 16th-century kingdom of Coroa and its elaborate customs, and the threat posed by the insidious Isolte king adds some needed danger. Though Hollis begins with an unfortunate deference toward Jameson that at first makes her seem timid, she has found both her voice and her spine by the end of this duology opener, becoming a headstrong heroine whom Cass’s loyal following will champion. Ages 13–up. Agent: Elana Roth Parker, Laura Dail Literary.

Fans of Kiera Cass's Selection series will be delighted by this new audiobook featuring courtly romance and intrigue. Lady Hollis learns to listen to her heart rather than judging others based on their social standing. Narrator Jasika Nicole's caring presentation ensures that both blossoming love and difficult choices feel authentic to the characters. However, the flow of the story is sometimes slowed by her pace. Additionally, her narration sometimes makes Lady Hollis sound childish. She does do a nice job contrasting the Brite family's upper-crust characteristics and Silas's working-class demeanor. Seamlessly transitioning between high-society snobbery and lower-class cheer, Nicole delivers likable voices that enhance this story's unpredictable charm. J.O. � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2020

Never as genteel, witty, or demure as her parents feel she should be, the lighthearted Lady Hollis Bright is both surprised and pleased when the young king declares his intention to make her his bride. Though no official arrangements have been agreed upon, Hollis finds herself acting as the official hostess for the visit of royalty from a neighboring country with which her kingdom always seems to be on the brink of war. As she learns more of world events, politics, and geography, Hollis begins to question her role in the future and wonder if she can ever be a formidable queen who can make a difference for her subjects. She finds herself pulled towards a refugee family, particularly the oldest son who ignites in her new, passionate emotions. Though subterfuge certainly abounds, little intrigue or true tension is present in this predictable coming-of-age novel steeped in elaborately described dresses and entertainments. Characters, including Hollis, are wrought without dimension and the plot continues with few questions being posed and a heroine who seems uninterested in finding answers. Jasika Nicole's choice to read Hollis as if she were a na�ve child is contrary to the author's claims that the main character is far brighter and wiser than she herself believes. VERDICT This is a supplemental purchase for libraries whose patrons request more audiobooks by this popular author. Despite its deficiencies, this series starter will catch the attentions of readers who will return for the sequel.--Lisa Youngblood, Harker Heights P.L., TX

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