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Bloodtruth #3
Trials of Truth
Queen Angeline Robart has left her kingdom in the hands of her betrayer to pursue her cure. But each passing hour that the wraith infection remains in her body, the more difficult it is for her to remain in control.The mysterious and elusive Clan seems to have the answers, but Angeline can’t help but wonder the price she will be required to pay for her freedom. Vampire Connor is forced to make a decision between his fate and his love for Angeline now that it seems that their ability to be together isn’t meant to be, at least if the Clan has anything to say about it.Meanwhile, back in the capital city, Malin finds enemies lying in wait who want revenge for Connor’s betrayal. He must find a way to hold them off, and keep the kingdom in one piece, until Angeline’s return.The complete Bloodtruth series is available of Lies (Bloodtruth #1)The Queen's Betrayal (Bloodtruth #2)Trials of Truth (Bloodtruth #3)A Heart's Deceit (Bloodtruth #4)
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 29, 2013
9 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Cege Smith
26 books93 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 16, 2023
Not interested in vampires
July 1, 2015
This one was all right. It was interesting and a quick read, but not as good as the first one, or even the second. One thing that bugged me was all the recapping. It's nice to have a bit of a reminder about events in the last book sneaked in, but I had to read through so many instance like this that I took to skimming them. What makes it even worse it that you got to see all if this recapping done with three different viewpoints. The same information over and over again, only in the 3 character's different perspectives. Ugh.
Another thing that wasn't doing the book many favors was the romance. I loved it in the first book. It felt like a bit much in the second one, but was still good. Angeline and Connor are Unfortunately, it makes for more angst and reflection concerning their feelings for one another rather than action, which might have livened up this book.
Smith tries so hard to make us question Connor and Malin's motives, but it's obvious they will both do anything for her, even though they know she will always put her kingdom first. I do not fault Angeline for this; it is one of the things I like about her. But I'm so tired of male characters falling in love with a "special" female lead and throwing away everything for her. Connor is even willing to give up his dream to be with her and protect her. Malin admits time and time again he will do anything for her and make sacrifices. Part of his character was always his different loyalties and it's been taken away from him.
The world-building and the magic is interesting for the most part. I found the Clan really interesting to learn about. But magic can literally achieve anything and I just feel like things should be going differently given this. This also relates to a lot of unbelievability with Connor. Many of his plans and escape scene are very convenient. One even has to do with a a way of undoing a specific magic that he skimmed over a long time ago, which was kind of a stretch.
I didn't much appreciate the ending and I really think it would have worked better if it just continued into "book 4." I did like the implications about Angeline's state and her power, though and want to see how that turns out in the next one.
I don't know, I keep trying to think of more positive things, but this book was kind of forgettable compared to the others. Something about it just made it less enjoyable for me. I plan on reading the last one though, so hopefully it will be better and bring the series back on par with how it began!
Another thing that wasn't doing the book many favors was the romance. I loved it in the first book. It felt like a bit much in the second one, but was still good. Angeline and Connor are Unfortunately, it makes for more angst and reflection concerning their feelings for one another rather than action, which might have livened up this book.
Smith tries so hard to make us question Connor and Malin's motives, but it's obvious they will both do anything for her, even though they know she will always put her kingdom first. I do not fault Angeline for this; it is one of the things I like about her. But I'm so tired of male characters falling in love with a "special" female lead and throwing away everything for her. Connor is even willing to give up his dream to be with her and protect her. Malin admits time and time again he will do anything for her and make sacrifices. Part of his character was always his different loyalties and it's been taken away from him.
The world-building and the magic is interesting for the most part. I found the Clan really interesting to learn about. But magic can literally achieve anything and I just feel like things should be going differently given this. This also relates to a lot of unbelievability with Connor. Many of his plans and escape scene are very convenient. One even has to do with a a way of undoing a specific magic that he skimmed over a long time ago, which was kind of a stretch.
I didn't much appreciate the ending and I really think it would have worked better if it just continued into "book 4." I did like the implications about Angeline's state and her power, though and want to see how that turns out in the next one.
I don't know, I keep trying to think of more positive things, but this book was kind of forgettable compared to the others. Something about it just made it less enjoyable for me. I plan on reading the last one though, so hopefully it will be better and bring the series back on par with how it began!
April 12, 2013
Full Review at: http://readtomyhearts.blogspot.com/20...
My Thoughts:
I have been a huge fan of this series ever since I found it! Cege Smith is a very creative author that creates worlds that are very similar to ours with emotions that we can all relate to: fear, betrayal, grief, and most importantly love.
Trials of Truth basically picks up pretty much right where The Queen's Betrayal leaves off. Connor and Angeline are finding themselves ensnared in a trap the Clan has been planning for a long time.
The characters in this novel work good together. Connor and Angeline are very smart and do not have the "insta-love" element to them that most young adult protagonists do. They do, however, have the tragic love written all over them. And it is interesting to see how they deal with the problems that arise from their love for each other.
It seems like everyone in the story so far, has to choose how far they are willing to go to save people and in the process, maybe lose themselves too.
I did find that the story seemed to go a little slow, especially where the Queen's Court drama pertained to. And I am not a huge fan of Malin but I do think he will redeem himself in the end. At least I hope he does.
This book leaves off on a huge cliffhanger which had me a little shell shocked. I was like, " What? Oh come on, just give me a little bit more!!" I am not a huge fan of cliff hangers because I hate to wait but this one was pretty good at the abruptness of it. But it served its purpose because now I am so intensely waiting for the next book!
All in all, I am really digging this series as it takes us farther and farther into the lies, deceit, politics, and even the truth of the real histories of the Robart family. I think in this story the truth may be the darkest part of all.
So if you are interested in the High Court drama, with a mixture of the supernatural element such as witches, vampires and an all knowing cult Clan then you should definitely grab these up.
Four hearts.
My Thoughts:
I have been a huge fan of this series ever since I found it! Cege Smith is a very creative author that creates worlds that are very similar to ours with emotions that we can all relate to: fear, betrayal, grief, and most importantly love.
Trials of Truth basically picks up pretty much right where The Queen's Betrayal leaves off. Connor and Angeline are finding themselves ensnared in a trap the Clan has been planning for a long time.
The characters in this novel work good together. Connor and Angeline are very smart and do not have the "insta-love" element to them that most young adult protagonists do. They do, however, have the tragic love written all over them. And it is interesting to see how they deal with the problems that arise from their love for each other.
It seems like everyone in the story so far, has to choose how far they are willing to go to save people and in the process, maybe lose themselves too.
I did find that the story seemed to go a little slow, especially where the Queen's Court drama pertained to. And I am not a huge fan of Malin but I do think he will redeem himself in the end. At least I hope he does.
This book leaves off on a huge cliffhanger which had me a little shell shocked. I was like, " What? Oh come on, just give me a little bit more!!" I am not a huge fan of cliff hangers because I hate to wait but this one was pretty good at the abruptness of it. But it served its purpose because now I am so intensely waiting for the next book!
All in all, I am really digging this series as it takes us farther and farther into the lies, deceit, politics, and even the truth of the real histories of the Robart family. I think in this story the truth may be the darkest part of all.
So if you are interested in the High Court drama, with a mixture of the supernatural element such as witches, vampires and an all knowing cult Clan then you should definitely grab these up.
Four hearts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2013
In this third installment of the Bloodtruth series, Angeline has traveled with her love, Connor, to go to the Clan for a cure while leaving her betrothed, Malin, and his sister to run the kingdom in her short absence.
The author did a wonderful job of weaving the politics between the Clan, the Vampires and the humans into something believable and breathable. This installment also showed a softer, more real side of Malin which was admirable and enjoyable. I definitely liked him more in this book than in the others. The readers will find a more mature Connor as well as a strong Queen in Angeline. There were definitely a few surprises thrown in as well.
The ending got to me again however. Just as things appeared to be heading towards the crest of the conflict, it ends. If it is a technique of Cege Smith to lure readers into reading the next series, it is definitely working on this reader.
The author did a wonderful job of weaving the politics between the Clan, the Vampires and the humans into something believable and breathable. This installment also showed a softer, more real side of Malin which was admirable and enjoyable. I definitely liked him more in this book than in the others. The readers will find a more mature Connor as well as a strong Queen in Angeline. There were definitely a few surprises thrown in as well.
The ending got to me again however. Just as things appeared to be heading towards the crest of the conflict, it ends. If it is a technique of Cege Smith to lure readers into reading the next series, it is definitely working on this reader.
April 14, 2013
Another great installment in the Bloodtruth series! Although I felt this book moved at slower pace overall, there was so much going on, it made up for the speed. The narration alternates between Angeline, who is elsewhere (with Connor) trying to cure herself, and Malin, who is trying to manage the crisis after crisis in the castle.
I'm on the fence about Malin, but I thought this showcased him nicely. Queen Angeline has much more control of the wraith, though I was a bit disappointed at the same old "I'm a Robart" reason for everything. That said, being a Robart is her mantra and has made her who she is - independent, smart, fierce, etc - I just wish there was more depth to her character. I do appreciate her royal-ness though!
There were some nice, very unexpected twists to this story and the huge cliff-hanger at the end (thankfully) didn't surprise me this time around.
I'm on the fence about Malin, but I thought this showcased him nicely. Queen Angeline has much more control of the wraith, though I was a bit disappointed at the same old "I'm a Robart" reason for everything. That said, being a Robart is her mantra and has made her who she is - independent, smart, fierce, etc - I just wish there was more depth to her character. I do appreciate her royal-ness though!
There were some nice, very unexpected twists to this story and the huge cliff-hanger at the end (thankfully) didn't surprise me this time around.
April 2, 2013
Another great addition to the series. Of course Ms. Cege has left us at the edge of our seat again needing the next installment! I eagerly await Book 4. Again the characters are always giving us a surprise, and I can't wait to see Angeline and Connor together again!!
October 29, 2013
Another good book. On the edge of my seat. Cliffhanger ending again. Waiting anxiously for #4!!
February 5, 2014
Doesn't seem to go anywhere. Hate what the characters are turning into.
February 19, 2014
Great
Bloodtruth Is a great Mid evil ,Vampire, Love story Start with Book one and fall in love with the characters
Bloodtruth Is a great Mid evil ,Vampire, Love story Start with Book one and fall in love with the characters
February 20, 2014
Can NOT wait for the 4th book
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews