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Bloodtruth #2
The Queen's Betrayal
Newly crowned Queen Angeline Robart continues to unravel the extent of her family’s lies in this continuation of the heart-pounding paranormal Bloodtruth series.
With her father’s passing, Angeline's enemies are rising from all sides. She needs allies, but doesn’t know who to trust. There is Connor, the handsome vampire who captured her heart, but as rumors of a vampire attack within the capital city's walls reach her ears, she has to consider the possibility that Connor betrayed her.
Malin, her Chief Advisor and betrothed, is harboring his own secrets. With Malin's ties to the Clan, the ancient puppet masters of Altera's fate, it appears that he is eyeing a much bigger prize than just Angeline's hand in marriage.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, but Angeline must control her own demons first, otherwise she can never hope to keep her throne. The answers she seeks are buried in the past. The threads of Altera’s blood history have to be revealed if she ever hopes to save herself and her kingdom.
The Bloodtruth series:
Heiress of Lies (Bloodtruth #1)
The Queen's Betrayal (Bloodtruth #2)
Trials of Truth (Bloodtruth #3)
With her father’s passing, Angeline's enemies are rising from all sides. She needs allies, but doesn’t know who to trust. There is Connor, the handsome vampire who captured her heart, but as rumors of a vampire attack within the capital city's walls reach her ears, she has to consider the possibility that Connor betrayed her.
Malin, her Chief Advisor and betrothed, is harboring his own secrets. With Malin's ties to the Clan, the ancient puppet masters of Altera's fate, it appears that he is eyeing a much bigger prize than just Angeline's hand in marriage.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, but Angeline must control her own demons first, otherwise she can never hope to keep her throne. The answers she seeks are buried in the past. The threads of Altera’s blood history have to be revealed if she ever hopes to save herself and her kingdom.
The Bloodtruth series:
Heiress of Lies (Bloodtruth #1)
The Queen's Betrayal (Bloodtruth #2)
Trials of Truth (Bloodtruth #3)
- GenresVampires
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2012
10 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Cege Smith
26 books92 followersEveryone loves a good origin tale. Cege's started when she was eight years old. She snuck out of bed late one night and into the living room to watch TV. Flipping through stations with the volume turned down low, she came across a rerun of a movie called The Exorcist. She was terrified yet mesmerized.
Cege wasn't unfamiliar with the idea of the battle between good and evil. She attended Catholic school in a small town in rural Wisconsin, and at the time knew the 'age appropriate' stories from the Bible. Nothing in those stories prepared her for the visual onslaught of watching the battle between the priests and the demon for the soul of the young Linda Blair. Cege was deeply disturbed by the movie, but nonetheless a seed was planted that night. That seed grew into a rampant fascination with all things supernatural.
Sleepovers turned into B-rated horror film marathons. Her library card was used to bring home piles of books about ghosts and vampires. She still isn't quite sure who she loved first, Stephen King or Freddy Krueger. By the time she was twelve, Cege took a turn at penning her own spooky tales. That love of things that go bump in the night and scare you to death has only grown stronger throughout the years.
The paranormal and supernatural take center stage in all of Cege's stories. Over the years, she has crafted her own origin stories about vampires (the Bloodtruth series), zombies (the Twisted Souls series), and ghosts, angels, and demons (the Shadows series). She's also taken on the folklore around the Fountain of Youth (the Immortal End series beginning with Ageless). There is something for every reader of the paranormal in Cege's books.
Cege wasn't unfamiliar with the idea of the battle between good and evil. She attended Catholic school in a small town in rural Wisconsin, and at the time knew the 'age appropriate' stories from the Bible. Nothing in those stories prepared her for the visual onslaught of watching the battle between the priests and the demon for the soul of the young Linda Blair. Cege was deeply disturbed by the movie, but nonetheless a seed was planted that night. That seed grew into a rampant fascination with all things supernatural.
Sleepovers turned into B-rated horror film marathons. Her library card was used to bring home piles of books about ghosts and vampires. She still isn't quite sure who she loved first, Stephen King or Freddy Krueger. By the time she was twelve, Cege took a turn at penning her own spooky tales. That love of things that go bump in the night and scare you to death has only grown stronger throughout the years.
The paranormal and supernatural take center stage in all of Cege's stories. Over the years, she has crafted her own origin stories about vampires (the Bloodtruth series), zombies (the Twisted Souls series), and ghosts, angels, and demons (the Shadows series). She's also taken on the folklore around the Fountain of Youth (the Immortal End series beginning with Ageless). There is something for every reader of the paranormal in Cege's books.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 9, 2012
Disclaimer: I was given a copy by the author for reviewing purposes.
WOW. This book has so much going on! The Queen's Betrayal picks up right after the last book, though the author has included enough background information that reader just picking up the series can still read along.
The setting has shifted, and now takes place entirely at the Robart castle and its surrounding city. Amazingly enough, this entire book takes place within 24 hours (give or take a few hours)! All your favorite, or least favorite, characters are at least mentioned, though I felt that the main characters (the ones I wanted to read about, anyway) were all prominently featured in this book. Plus there are some new characters to keep you on your toes. I also enjoyed all the details about how Altera is divided and governed.
This book is filled with more lies and deceptions, and of course, court politick. Like the characters, you're never really sure who or what to believe, and it is almost impossible for the "good" guys to stay ahead of the much older, much more experienced, and much more well-planned vampires. Not to mention that you don't know what the heck is going on with the Clan (does anyone, ever?)!
There is a lot of mystery, a good amount of romance, power struggles, lies and deceptions, and internal struggles among each of the main protagonists. As before, the story is told from 3rd person, and roves with different characters (though this is limited to Angeline and Connor, I believe). Hm, now that I think about it, it would be great to hear from Malin more! But he's just a sexy walking enigma...Anyway! The author portrays all the characters very well, and really makes you think (and wonder) about them. For instance, during one particularly positive report from Rhone, you are told one thing, though because of all the craziness in the book, I am doubtful the mission was as successful as Rhone believes it to be. Oh well, fingers crossed!
So, while you do learn a good deal more about certain characters, there is even more alarming trouble brewing on the horizon. The end of the book is a huge cliff hanger, so prepare yourselves!
For all of the above reasons, and probably a few more that I have forgotten due to excitement about the book, I found this book to be much more thrilling and engaging than the previous novel (which I still think is a good read). I DEFINITELY recommend this book to anyone who will listen/read!
I did find a few errors, though they weren't numerous by any means, and weren't all that distracting:
1% - missing word 'by' in sentence "...learning that he had taken ill when she was kidnapped Connor Radwin."
1% - missing '-ly' ending to word in sentence "...had willing sacrificed his daughter to make it happen."
2% - redundant "It was another rhetorical question. Angeline didn't expect an answer."
19% - missing word 'do' in sentence "Everything in her wanted to nothing more than to close the door..."
36% - spacing is off- "...go about my life as if everything was fine, knowing full well / that something could..."
WOW. This book has so much going on! The Queen's Betrayal picks up right after the last book, though the author has included enough background information that reader just picking up the series can still read along.
The setting has shifted, and now takes place entirely at the Robart castle and its surrounding city. Amazingly enough, this entire book takes place within 24 hours (give or take a few hours)! All your favorite, or least favorite, characters are at least mentioned, though I felt that the main characters (the ones I wanted to read about, anyway) were all prominently featured in this book. Plus there are some new characters to keep you on your toes. I also enjoyed all the details about how Altera is divided and governed.
This book is filled with more lies and deceptions, and of course, court politick. Like the characters, you're never really sure who or what to believe, and it is almost impossible for the "good" guys to stay ahead of the much older, much more experienced, and much more well-planned vampires. Not to mention that you don't know what the heck is going on with the Clan (does anyone, ever?)!
There is a lot of mystery, a good amount of romance, power struggles, lies and deceptions, and internal struggles among each of the main protagonists. As before, the story is told from 3rd person, and roves with different characters (though this is limited to Angeline and Connor, I believe). Hm, now that I think about it, it would be great to hear from Malin more! But he's just a sexy walking enigma...Anyway! The author portrays all the characters very well, and really makes you think (and wonder) about them. For instance, during one particularly positive report from Rhone, you are told one thing, though because of all the craziness in the book, I am doubtful the mission was as successful as Rhone believes it to be. Oh well, fingers crossed!
So, while you do learn a good deal more about certain characters, there is even more alarming trouble brewing on the horizon. The end of the book is a huge cliff hanger, so prepare yourselves!
For all of the above reasons, and probably a few more that I have forgotten due to excitement about the book, I found this book to be much more thrilling and engaging than the previous novel (which I still think is a good read). I DEFINITELY recommend this book to anyone who will listen/read!
I did find a few errors, though they weren't numerous by any means, and weren't all that distracting:
1% - missing word 'by' in sentence "...learning that he had taken ill when she was kidnapped Connor Radwin."
1% - missing '-ly' ending to word in sentence "...had willing sacrificed his daughter to make it happen."
2% - redundant "It was another rhetorical question. Angeline didn't expect an answer."
19% - missing word 'do' in sentence "Everything in her wanted to nothing more than to close the door..."
36% - spacing is off- "...go about my life as if everything was fine, knowing full well / that something could..."
October 5, 2012
My Thoughts:
I loved the first book in The Bloodtruth Series, Heiress of Lies, and you can find my review of it here.
I really enjoy period pieces, even if this is more of a fantasy of a different world sort, I would still consider it a historical fantasy fiction. I know that is a handfull but it is what it is.
Let's look at the cover first: I love the drawing of the Queen on the cover with her long black hair. I think it represents Angeline perfectly. This cover is very nice!
The Queen's Betrayal has a lot of different paranormal creatures involved including, vampires, witches, and even a few shifters too. We even get to see a horror aspect to this story especially with the sick and twisted ways of some of the vampires in it. But it isn't very gory; it is more the idea behind it.
I do like our female heroine, Angeline, very much. She is strong, smart, and loyal especially to her kingdom. She is the perfect example of what a queen should be, but she also knows how to ask for help when things get entirely too rough. Sure she has her failings, but if you was carrying the burdens she has, you would have failings too.
I love our fellow gentlemen vampire, Connor. He is one serious heartthrob in this book and I find myself praying for the cure he seems to hold out for. I like the fact he wants to be good but he seems to have this inner struggle to find out what good really is. He wants to protect Angeline but realizes he must make sacrifices to obtain this. He is completely up front about how he is dedicated to Angeline yet there are times he tends to get a little sappy for my tastes.
The other lesser characters are helpful to get the plot twists underway. Malin is still a puzzlement to me. On one hand I want to like him but on the other he continuously ticks me off. I think he crosses the ultimate line in this book and I don't see how he can come back from it this time.
The story and plot lines were creatively crafted to ensure we didn't get bored with the different twists and turns it took.
I did. however, have a problem with some scenes tending to be repeated often. For example, the telepathy scene was replayed from Angeline telling the story and Connor's side too. There were other examples as well.
It also seemed there was a lot of repeating the background information. Which is fine to do that but lets' just do it once and not over and over again. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a recap of the last book in a few pages each chapter.
I also noticed many grammatical errors through out the story. I did get a little confused at some of these mistakes but I was still able to enjoy the novel anyways.
I think if you like the stories with Kings and Queens in them as well as vampires mixed in for added excitement you should give the Bloodtruth series a try. There is a little bit of everything in it to make you happy.
I give it four hearts!
I loved the first book in The Bloodtruth Series, Heiress of Lies, and you can find my review of it here.
I really enjoy period pieces, even if this is more of a fantasy of a different world sort, I would still consider it a historical fantasy fiction. I know that is a handfull but it is what it is.
Let's look at the cover first: I love the drawing of the Queen on the cover with her long black hair. I think it represents Angeline perfectly. This cover is very nice!
The Queen's Betrayal has a lot of different paranormal creatures involved including, vampires, witches, and even a few shifters too. We even get to see a horror aspect to this story especially with the sick and twisted ways of some of the vampires in it. But it isn't very gory; it is more the idea behind it.
I do like our female heroine, Angeline, very much. She is strong, smart, and loyal especially to her kingdom. She is the perfect example of what a queen should be, but she also knows how to ask for help when things get entirely too rough. Sure she has her failings, but if you was carrying the burdens she has, you would have failings too.
I love our fellow gentlemen vampire, Connor. He is one serious heartthrob in this book and I find myself praying for the cure he seems to hold out for. I like the fact he wants to be good but he seems to have this inner struggle to find out what good really is. He wants to protect Angeline but realizes he must make sacrifices to obtain this. He is completely up front about how he is dedicated to Angeline yet there are times he tends to get a little sappy for my tastes.
The other lesser characters are helpful to get the plot twists underway. Malin is still a puzzlement to me. On one hand I want to like him but on the other he continuously ticks me off. I think he crosses the ultimate line in this book and I don't see how he can come back from it this time.
The story and plot lines were creatively crafted to ensure we didn't get bored with the different twists and turns it took.
I did. however, have a problem with some scenes tending to be repeated often. For example, the telepathy scene was replayed from Angeline telling the story and Connor's side too. There were other examples as well.
It also seemed there was a lot of repeating the background information. Which is fine to do that but lets' just do it once and not over and over again. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a recap of the last book in a few pages each chapter.
I also noticed many grammatical errors through out the story. I did get a little confused at some of these mistakes but I was still able to enjoy the novel anyways.
I think if you like the stories with Kings and Queens in them as well as vampires mixed in for added excitement you should give the Bloodtruth series a try. There is a little bit of everything in it to make you happy.
I give it four hearts!
December 27, 2014
I can't bring myself to give it 2 stars, but I just didn't like it as much as the first one.
Let's start from the beginning...Yes, I needed reminders of what had happened in the first book since it has been a while since I read it, but I think there was a bit of overkill here, to the point where I was getting annoyed. There was a lot of info dumps on new information that I had to try not to skim through.
One problem I kept noticing was a lot of telling and not a whole lot of showing. I can deal with some of this, but it has happening a lot. I felt the romance was well done in the first book- interesting and compelling without overtaking the plot or being too much. In this book it was a bit much. Things seemed more natural for me in the first one where Angeline wasn't throwing herself at Connor. There was too much back and forth about Elvry and Malin too, which aided in taking away from the main conflicts.
I like stories with some good political intrigue and castle politics. Everything felt too drawn out in the beginning, but it was much harder to put down in the last several chapters when things really started happening. That part was the best and I enjoyed it, but it's not enough to make up for an extra star.
I have one little complaint left: a lot of time was spent on making Malin more reachable and sympathetic to the reader. That being said, I thought that It seemed like this was thrown in conveniently so that Connor was the only one truly loyal to Angeline and that Malin would no longer be a romantic conflict.
Despite all that I found lacking in this book, I still liked it well enough and enjoy the series, so I plan on reading the next one.
Let's start from the beginning...Yes, I needed reminders of what had happened in the first book since it has been a while since I read it, but I think there was a bit of overkill here, to the point where I was getting annoyed. There was a lot of info dumps on new information that I had to try not to skim through.
One problem I kept noticing was a lot of telling and not a whole lot of showing. I can deal with some of this, but it has happening a lot. I felt the romance was well done in the first book- interesting and compelling without overtaking the plot or being too much. In this book it was a bit much. Things seemed more natural for me in the first one where Angeline wasn't throwing herself at Connor. There was too much back and forth about Elvry and Malin too, which aided in taking away from the main conflicts.
I like stories with some good political intrigue and castle politics. Everything felt too drawn out in the beginning, but it was much harder to put down in the last several chapters when things really started happening. That part was the best and I enjoyed it, but it's not enough to make up for an extra star.
I have one little complaint left: a lot of time was spent on making Malin more reachable and sympathetic to the reader. That being said, I thought that It seemed like this was thrown in conveniently so that Connor was the only one truly loyal to Angeline and that Malin would no longer be a romantic conflict.
Despite all that I found lacking in this book, I still liked it well enough and enjoy the series, so I plan on reading the next one.
September 8, 2012
The Queen's Betrayal is the second book of the series and picks up where The Heiress's Lies ends. Angeline has returned home and assumed the crown, making her the first Queen in her family's line. The author continues to build on Angeline's internal strength by adding conflicts in which the wraith tries to control her human side. The love triangle between Malin and Connor continue but it does not overshadow the real plot of the story - the vampires are gaining control, despite the agreement and the Clan's control of the situation.
I enjoyed the story as much as the first one. I loved how Angeline continues to grow into a strong intelligent Queen who knows her strengths and weaknesses. She longs for Connor but must keep Malin beside her as her Chief Adviser and betrothed. The romance parts of the book were few and far between which kept me interested until the end.
I was a bit disappointed at the end however. It seems that just when the book is about to bloom into the conflict, it ends on a cliffhanger. I will definitely keep an eye out for the third book to continue the fight between humans, the Clan, and vampires with the Queen wraith in the middle of it.
I enjoyed the story as much as the first one. I loved how Angeline continues to grow into a strong intelligent Queen who knows her strengths and weaknesses. She longs for Connor but must keep Malin beside her as her Chief Adviser and betrothed. The romance parts of the book were few and far between which kept me interested until the end.
I was a bit disappointed at the end however. It seems that just when the book is about to bloom into the conflict, it ends on a cliffhanger. I will definitely keep an eye out for the third book to continue the fight between humans, the Clan, and vampires with the Queen wraith in the middle of it.
September 9, 2012
This is some gooooood stuff!
I can't write a comprehensive review without spoilers so I will give the basics. Angeline is still dealing with lies that don't seem to have an end. She is still dealing with her 'condition'. She remains a strong character that is not TSTL. Malin is starting to find his 'inner' hero. Connor is so much more than I thought. I might actually like him. Monroe is a very dangerous vampire with a brilliant mind. I still don't know what the Master actually seeks to accomplish, not for certain anyway. The kingdom is in serious trouble and it doen't look good for Angeline keeping that crown on her head or even her head. The romance is growing but I don't know if it's such a good idea. I am torn!!!!!!!
Did I say this is really good stuff? I didn't even mind the cliffhanger as my heart rate was up pretty high and I needed to sleep. This novella felt a tad shorter than the first book but it was just as meaty. Ms. Smith, you have a new fan. Keep it coming.
I can't write a comprehensive review without spoilers so I will give the basics. Angeline is still dealing with lies that don't seem to have an end. She is still dealing with her 'condition'. She remains a strong character that is not TSTL. Malin is starting to find his 'inner' hero. Connor is so much more than I thought. I might actually like him. Monroe is a very dangerous vampire with a brilliant mind. I still don't know what the Master actually seeks to accomplish, not for certain anyway. The kingdom is in serious trouble and it doen't look good for Angeline keeping that crown on her head or even her head. The romance is growing but I don't know if it's such a good idea. I am torn!!!!!!!
Did I say this is really good stuff? I didn't even mind the cliffhanger as my heart rate was up pretty high and I needed to sleep. This novella felt a tad shorter than the first book but it was just as meaty. Ms. Smith, you have a new fan. Keep it coming.
September 27, 2012
Wow what a fantastic read, I have been enjoying this series tremendously, I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book.
I won't go into details but I just love Connor!!! He could be my right hand man anyday! This is a YA series that will keep you on your toes, there is lots going on and the mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat, just when you think you have it all figured out Ms. Cege Smith will throw a wrench in the mix and have you rushing to the next page to see what happens next.
Bravo for a great new series and fun characters to read about. I love the strength in the female lead, and feel for her at the same time with all that is getting thrown her way! I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a mysterious, slightly romantic, vampire story! Definately read the 1st book in the series first, this is not a stand alone book... Warning you will be left on a cliff hanger that has you speaking out loud....Nooooo!!! I wasn't ready for it to end!!!!
I won't go into details but I just love Connor!!! He could be my right hand man anyday! This is a YA series that will keep you on your toes, there is lots going on and the mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat, just when you think you have it all figured out Ms. Cege Smith will throw a wrench in the mix and have you rushing to the next page to see what happens next.
Bravo for a great new series and fun characters to read about. I love the strength in the female lead, and feel for her at the same time with all that is getting thrown her way! I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a mysterious, slightly romantic, vampire story! Definately read the 1st book in the series first, this is not a stand alone book... Warning you will be left on a cliff hanger that has you speaking out loud....Nooooo!!! I wasn't ready for it to end!!!!
October 23, 2012
I was happy to see this book doesn't suffer from something I call 'sequel syndrome' (when the sequel or middle book in a trilogy is absolutely terrible). I think I may have enjoyed this book more than the first.
This book seemed more fast paced than the first; it begins right where 'Heiress of Lies' ends, and takes place over the subsequent 24-36 hours. I like when the plot moves along and things happen one right after the other. I also am still enjoying the alternating POV chapters. I know some people are not fans of that literary device; but I like to have insight into more than one character's thoughts and motivations.
I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
This book seemed more fast paced than the first; it begins right where 'Heiress of Lies' ends, and takes place over the subsequent 24-36 hours. I like when the plot moves along and things happen one right after the other. I also am still enjoying the alternating POV chapters. I know some people are not fans of that literary device; but I like to have insight into more than one character's thoughts and motivations.
I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series!
March 1, 2014
I was not in love with this book as much as the first one. This one seemed to drag on and on and never really got anywhere. One of the things that I enjoyed so much about the first book was how strong Angeline was, and how little romance played in the main story line. This one went in the opposite direction. Angeline was a weak, childish character and the romance was stuffed down your throat. I want it to get back to bad ass Angeline!!
August 17, 2014
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book. I don't know if that is because we saw less of Connor or if it was due to the lack of the internal battle that was a major problem at the end of the last book. I do like that we get to see more of the Princess in her official role and we get to know more about her relationship with her betrothed.
January 13, 2013
I love Angeline's story. The first book is amazing! This book, however, is a prelude to what's coming next. I thought the book was really slow and doesn't add much to the story. I'm really looking forward to the next book, I hope it doesn't take too long to be released.
March 24, 2015
I hate hate hate when my vampires speak like they live during Dark Ages... I mean come on!!!Other than that the book was excellent,the author developed it nicely and I was disappointed. After the second half of the book....It deserves 2.5 stars
October 28, 2013
Cege keeps getting better. Not thrilled with cliffhanger endings but that's my only complaint!
February 5, 2014
all about sex and gore.
February 11, 2014
Absolutely great book - am just about to purchase the 3rd!
Reminds me a lot of Leigh Burdugos Grisha series which I really enjoyed. Anyone who likes those books will definitely like these!
Reminds me a lot of Leigh Burdugos Grisha series which I really enjoyed. Anyone who likes those books will definitely like these!
February 20, 2014
Excellent 2nd book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews