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Tales of Pern Coen
The Betrayer: Tales of Pern Coen
Niall never imagined he would become king, nor did he ever imagine that he would be granted the abilities of a seer. His unnatural power, however, has proven to be no great gift, for it has already cost him the woman he loves and it threatens to cost him his kingship. His people already don't trust him and if they knew of his power, they would view him as nothing more than a monster.
Niall's future looks grim, but a twist of fate returns Ciara to his life when he least expects it. He latches onto the hope of a different future, only to discover that things have changed while he has hidden away in his castle. When the man Ciara trusted the most disappeared, she turned to his brother, a man she never saw herself falling for.
Bleddyn has shown Ciara that there is more to him than she first thought and she has carved out a life at his side, but things are unsettled on the island of Pern Coen. A dark power is stirring, one that hasn't been seen in decades. One man is at the center of the growing darkness, but is it the man that Ciara, and the people, think? Is Niall innocent or is he hiding more than just his powerful abilities?
Niall's future looks grim, but a twist of fate returns Ciara to his life when he least expects it. He latches onto the hope of a different future, only to discover that things have changed while he has hidden away in his castle. When the man Ciara trusted the most disappeared, she turned to his brother, a man she never saw herself falling for.
Bleddyn has shown Ciara that there is more to him than she first thought and she has carved out a life at his side, but things are unsettled on the island of Pern Coen. A dark power is stirring, one that hasn't been seen in decades. One man is at the center of the growing darkness, but is it the man that Ciara, and the people, think? Is Niall innocent or is he hiding more than just his powerful abilities?
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
About the author
Hannah E. Carey
22 books43 followersHannah E. Carey began telling stories as soon as she was old enough to talk and she hasn’t stopped since. As a Dysautonomia warrior, writing and her love of stories allow her to explore new places & worlds, no matter what her body throws at her. She loves all things romance and writes epic romantic fantasy with fierce heroines that is inspired by her love of mythology, along with women’s fiction that stars loveable four-legged companions and is inspired by her years of being a horse & dog mom, her background in equine rescue, and her years of working as a certified Centered Riding Instructor. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading romance novels and spending time with her husband, horses, and dog on her small hobby farm.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 21, 2021
Wow! What a fantastic book! I liked it so much I read it twice and I normally don’t read a book more than once. Two brothers, each the Ri of separate lands of Pern Coen, which were gifted to them by their father, but Younger brother, Bleddyn, thought the decision unfair, and is fighting to have both pieces of land. The second brother, Niall, visits his brother for a few days to discuss business. He steps into a world of brotherly hate, and finds his childhood friend, Ciara, betrothed to his brother who abuses and dominates her. Ciara and Niall devise a plan to escape and travel with two others back to Niall’s home and safety. Traveling for 3 weeks with injuries that slowed them down, and secrets that couldn’t be shared, they tried to avoid Bleddyn’s mercenaries who meant to capture them and take them back. At the end of their journey, and close to Niall’s castle, a rider from the castle comes to meet them and tell them of the tragic news of Bleddyn taking over Niall’s lands declaring himself as the new Ri, and that’s where the story ends. The only part of the book I didn’t like was the cliffhanger ending, but I know Ms Carey is busily writing the sequel and I can’t wait! I wanted more of the story now and didn’t want it to end. I loved her first two books in the Pern Coen series and certainly wasn’t disappointed with this one. I’m sure readers will love it because it’s a fascinating tale of two men, a woman, and the love they do/do not have for each other. I can’t wait to find out the identity of the betrayer. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes romance with a twinge of fantasy.
This book was an ARC given to me in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2022
The Betrayer has the makings of an epic. The world that Carey is building in this book is very well thought out and has a deep, rich lore. When reading this book it is important to remember that this book seems to be the groundwork of that lore and isn’t as action-packed. In saying this, the characters are beautifully built and you begin to understand the world of Pern Coen. Ciara’s growth throughout this book leaves me excited for where she will be going in the next book and I love the realistic attributes that she is given as someone who is trying to step out on her own.
I will definitely be reading the second book and definitely recommend this to people who are fans of Native American mythology.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will definitely be reading the second book and definitely recommend this to people who are fans of Native American mythology.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2022
So I very much enjoyed this book. I will say it was a little hard on my heart in the first half of the book. The second half really made up for it. Honestly even then I was a little iffy until a super well timed heart to heart between fellow female worriors made it all make sense. That is why I took a half star off.
It was a fairly quick read for me and super easy to get lost in the world the author built. Once I got over my own self I came to love the less than perfect but still lovable characters. I can tell there is a lot more growing as people and their gifts. Will there be more gifted by the spirits we will find out, hopefully in a second book and hopefully very very soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was a fairly quick read for me and super easy to get lost in the world the author built. Once I got over my own self I came to love the less than perfect but still lovable characters. I can tell there is a lot more growing as people and their gifts. Will there be more gifted by the spirits we will find out, hopefully in a second book and hopefully very very soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
I admit it took me a while to get into this - probably because I had too much going on in my life to properly devote time to it - but once I did, I couldn't stop reading. As someone who grew up reading fantasy and stopped because nothing measured up to LOTR, this gave me a similar, and easier to read and relate to, vibe. Loved the world building and the connection between Niall and Ciara. Excited to learn that the library has the next book so I can keep reading about them (because, poor horse girl!).
March 2, 2022
[ARC]
This was great!
The Betrayer is a clean, adult, celtic-inspired romantic fantasy. This was not my first Pern Coen story, and I enjoyed seeing hints of the characters and stories of previous books I've read, and yet appreciating that each of these duologies can be read seperately from the rest of the overarching series as well. You do not need to have read any other Pern Coen books before this one.
Estranged-friends-to-lovers, being ostracized for strange magical powers, a darkness looming closer, the escape from a toxic controlling lover and the search for one's true self and deadly political schemes: this one has it all!
Favourites:
- Waking up: having personal experience with extremely manipulative people in my life, I could really appreciate watching the MC's arc from insecure and unhappy, to a controlling toxic relationship, to the realization of the situation she was in and then having to fight to free herself of it.
- Internal conflict: Carey always does this so well. Her characters internal conflicts are so relatable and realistic.
- Romance: I loved the MMC and really appreciated the friendship he shared with the FMC
- Political schemes: yay!
What I missed:
- Evil vs damaged: I was so excited to see a 'villain' with such strong internal motivations, and his toxic but realistic behaviour. I was a little disappointed when this turned into just another 'I'm going evil for the sake of power' thing. That was a bit of a let down, and I would have preferred to see more of his internal conflict, his good battling his bad.
Sexual content: one moment of very, very mild steam (as in a slightly more intense kissing scene). This author also only writes non-graphic fade-to-black so far
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate violence, mild gore
Other: gaslighting in a toxic, controlling relationship
Conclusion
This was great. If you like celtic inspired fantasy romance, friends-to-lovers and an escape from a toxic relationship, go check it out. I couldn't help myself and dove right into book 2!
*I received a free digital copy. This does not affect my review, which I leave voluntarily.
This was great!
The Betrayer is a clean, adult, celtic-inspired romantic fantasy. This was not my first Pern Coen story, and I enjoyed seeing hints of the characters and stories of previous books I've read, and yet appreciating that each of these duologies can be read seperately from the rest of the overarching series as well. You do not need to have read any other Pern Coen books before this one.
Estranged-friends-to-lovers, being ostracized for strange magical powers, a darkness looming closer, the escape from a toxic controlling lover and the search for one's true self and deadly political schemes: this one has it all!
Favourites:
- Waking up: having personal experience with extremely manipulative people in my life, I could really appreciate watching the MC's arc from insecure and unhappy, to a controlling toxic relationship, to the realization of the situation she was in and then having to fight to free herself of it.
- Internal conflict: Carey always does this so well. Her characters internal conflicts are so relatable and realistic.
- Romance: I loved the MMC and really appreciated the friendship he shared with the FMC
- Political schemes: yay!
What I missed:
- Evil vs damaged: I was so excited to see a 'villain' with such strong internal motivations, and his toxic but realistic behaviour. I was a little disappointed when this turned into just another 'I'm going evil for the sake of power' thing. That was a bit of a let down, and I would have preferred to see more of his internal conflict, his good battling his bad.
Sexual content: one moment of very, very mild steam (as in a slightly more intense kissing scene). This author also only writes non-graphic fade-to-black so far
Coarse language: none
Violence and gore: moderate violence, mild gore
Other: gaslighting in a toxic, controlling relationship
Conclusion
This was great. If you like celtic inspired fantasy romance, friends-to-lovers and an escape from a toxic relationship, go check it out. I couldn't help myself and dove right into book 2!
*I received a free digital copy. This does not affect my review, which I leave voluntarily.
November 12, 2021
"The Betrayer" is a love story at it's core, but it's also about self-acceptance, trust, and power. When Ciara finds out that her dream of joining the war band will never be, she finds herself feeling lost and alone. The one person she's always trusted, Niall, has turned his back on her and the world. So she finds herself turning to his brother, Bleddyn. Although she never imagined herself caring for him, Ciara falls into Bleddyn's world quickly. What Ciara doesn't realize is that both brothers are carrying secrets and dark powers are at work. Ciara has to work out who she can trust before both her heart and the island of Pern Coen fall into the wrong hands.
I've been a fan of Hannah Carey's books for a while now, so I knew I was probably going to like this one. And honestly, it's her best work yet.
While "The Betrayer" takes place in the same world as all of her other books, you don't have to have read all of the previous books to enjoy this one, which I love because a huge series can sometimes feel daunting. Although I will say that I have read all her previous books (in chronological story order - more on this later) and I think it does make the world and the characters feel more rich. Having read all previous books gives you knowledge of the history of the world that we're in, the characters' pasts, and just a better understanding of the details.
That said, "The Betrayer" is a gorgeous love story all on it's own! As you read, your heart aches for the characters and you can't help but root for them. The slow-burn tension between the main characters is palpable. And I absolutely loved our hero in this book! He's a book boyfriend that I'll probably be fawning over for a while. The hair, the tats, the brooding... it's a whole vibe.
I loved that the heroine is strong (inside and out), capable, and recognizes that she doesn't need to rely on a man. In fact, Carey's books are chock full of strong female characters, including female war chiefs! There are some epic battles and more often than not, it's the women saving the day, which is both refreshing and important. Now that's not to say the women are lacking in femininity or the men are weak. Quite the opposite. Carey merges strength with softness in all of her characters. Because on the flip-side of the damsel in distress trope that plagues so many romances, is the toxic masculine hero. And thankfully Carey has surpassed that old trope as well. Instead, we get men who understand that there's more than one way to be strong, that vulnerability can be an asset, and that being in a relationship is a two-way street.
As much as there is to love about the main characters though, there's more to loath about the villain. In fact, I wanted to punch him in the face before the first 100 pages. Beyond the turd of a villain, we've got some seriously evil forces working in "The Betrayer," which give the whole story an eerie, magical feel.
The magic in Carey's books bears mentioning as well because it's not the magic that we're familiar with in most fantasy novels. There are no Fae here (yet)! This feels like an older, more nature-based form of magic, akin to Native American legends with a mix of Celtic influences. And those influences run impressively deep. The whole world of Pern Coen is built off of this particular type of magic and the spirits of the world. Even the language seeps with ancient tones with it's use of Welsh and Irish. If you're paying attention or care to look up place and character names, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the details. For example, you'll meet a white wolf named Rhew, which means frost in Welsh.
Finally the plot... you guys... the plot! This one hit me a bit close to home, if I'm being honest. Very mild trigger warning - there's a bit of what I would call domestic abuse. If that's a touchy subject for you, consider yourself warned. There's nothing graphic. I'd go so far as to say it's PG. But it's there. So the storyline was a bit heavy there for a moment, but with Carey, we all but know there's a happily ever after coming in some shape or form so you can keep reading knowing it's not going downhill. Beyond that, the plot in this one really made it hard to put down. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Carey breaks out a plot twist! You will not see this one coming, and I don't want to give any spoilers, but I cannot wait for "The Ascendant" to come out!
Alright, enough of my fan-girling. If you're into clean romance with some magic, I encourage you to check out any and all of Hannah E. Carey's books. You do not have to read them in this order, but this is what I would personally recommend for the fullest, most impactful reading experience:
"The Duchess"
"The Hunter"
"The Huntress"
"The Successor"
"The Betrayer"
"The Ascendant" (coming soon!)
If a whole series feels daunting, I hear you. You can easily pick up "The Betrayer" and read it without being lost or missing out on anything. If you love it, you can always go back and read the others!
I've been a fan of Hannah Carey's books for a while now, so I knew I was probably going to like this one. And honestly, it's her best work yet.
While "The Betrayer" takes place in the same world as all of her other books, you don't have to have read all of the previous books to enjoy this one, which I love because a huge series can sometimes feel daunting. Although I will say that I have read all her previous books (in chronological story order - more on this later) and I think it does make the world and the characters feel more rich. Having read all previous books gives you knowledge of the history of the world that we're in, the characters' pasts, and just a better understanding of the details.
That said, "The Betrayer" is a gorgeous love story all on it's own! As you read, your heart aches for the characters and you can't help but root for them. The slow-burn tension between the main characters is palpable. And I absolutely loved our hero in this book! He's a book boyfriend that I'll probably be fawning over for a while. The hair, the tats, the brooding... it's a whole vibe.
I loved that the heroine is strong (inside and out), capable, and recognizes that she doesn't need to rely on a man. In fact, Carey's books are chock full of strong female characters, including female war chiefs! There are some epic battles and more often than not, it's the women saving the day, which is both refreshing and important. Now that's not to say the women are lacking in femininity or the men are weak. Quite the opposite. Carey merges strength with softness in all of her characters. Because on the flip-side of the damsel in distress trope that plagues so many romances, is the toxic masculine hero. And thankfully Carey has surpassed that old trope as well. Instead, we get men who understand that there's more than one way to be strong, that vulnerability can be an asset, and that being in a relationship is a two-way street.
As much as there is to love about the main characters though, there's more to loath about the villain. In fact, I wanted to punch him in the face before the first 100 pages. Beyond the turd of a villain, we've got some seriously evil forces working in "The Betrayer," which give the whole story an eerie, magical feel.
The magic in Carey's books bears mentioning as well because it's not the magic that we're familiar with in most fantasy novels. There are no Fae here (yet)! This feels like an older, more nature-based form of magic, akin to Native American legends with a mix of Celtic influences. And those influences run impressively deep. The whole world of Pern Coen is built off of this particular type of magic and the spirits of the world. Even the language seeps with ancient tones with it's use of Welsh and Irish. If you're paying attention or care to look up place and character names, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the details. For example, you'll meet a white wolf named Rhew, which means frost in Welsh.
Finally the plot... you guys... the plot! This one hit me a bit close to home, if I'm being honest. Very mild trigger warning - there's a bit of what I would call domestic abuse. If that's a touchy subject for you, consider yourself warned. There's nothing graphic. I'd go so far as to say it's PG. But it's there. So the storyline was a bit heavy there for a moment, but with Carey, we all but know there's a happily ever after coming in some shape or form so you can keep reading knowing it's not going downhill. Beyond that, the plot in this one really made it hard to put down. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Carey breaks out a plot twist! You will not see this one coming, and I don't want to give any spoilers, but I cannot wait for "The Ascendant" to come out!
Alright, enough of my fan-girling. If you're into clean romance with some magic, I encourage you to check out any and all of Hannah E. Carey's books. You do not have to read them in this order, but this is what I would personally recommend for the fullest, most impactful reading experience:
"The Duchess"
"The Hunter"
"The Huntress"
"The Successor"
"The Betrayer"
"The Ascendant" (coming soon!)
If a whole series feels daunting, I hear you. You can easily pick up "The Betrayer" and read it without being lost or missing out on anything. If you love it, you can always go back and read the others!
Want to Read
January 4, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
His business dealings have collapsed, his wife has left him, but Niall, Ri of Blaidd, has his eye on a new love as he plans the turning of his fortunes in this intriguing romantic fantasy with a distinctly Celtic setting
Glancing ahead from the opening, I see that our perspective shifts from our Ri (clan leader?) to the young woman who has become the object of his affection. This is promising
It makes me think part of the intrigues of this novel will be in the dramatic irony of what we know about the characters before the other characters do.
There’s a lot to get introduced to at the beginning of this novel, but despite all the names, the focus is primarily on character. We are learning about those things within the orbit of interest of our MC, not everything in the world.
Some of this could have been given a stronger, more coherent introduction, but I don’t mind being dropped into the mix and following along with a character.
The good news is our MC wants some things, and he’s at this banquet to get them. That gives him definite goals, and good stakes. His wife left him (not that his heart is broken), and he seems genuinely enamored with this girl he grew up with.
The dialogue leads for me in this opening. Once the characters started talking to each other, it was engaging and clear and sounded like distinct people talking.
I’m also enamored by the all the Celtic names. It makes for a unique sense of setting.(I can't say enough about immersive proper nouns in fantasy. They can be a setting unto themselves.)
There’s a calculating, real-life quality to this romantic fantasy. I’m wondering where it will go, and when the fantasy elements will be introduced. It seems intriguing. I’m in.
His business dealings have collapsed, his wife has left him, but Niall, Ri of Blaidd, has his eye on a new love as he plans the turning of his fortunes in this intriguing romantic fantasy with a distinctly Celtic setting
Glancing ahead from the opening, I see that our perspective shifts from our Ri (clan leader?) to the young woman who has become the object of his affection. This is promising
It makes me think part of the intrigues of this novel will be in the dramatic irony of what we know about the characters before the other characters do.
There’s a lot to get introduced to at the beginning of this novel, but despite all the names, the focus is primarily on character. We are learning about those things within the orbit of interest of our MC, not everything in the world.
Some of this could have been given a stronger, more coherent introduction, but I don’t mind being dropped into the mix and following along with a character.
The good news is our MC wants some things, and he’s at this banquet to get them. That gives him definite goals, and good stakes. His wife left him (not that his heart is broken), and he seems genuinely enamored with this girl he grew up with.
The dialogue leads for me in this opening. Once the characters started talking to each other, it was engaging and clear and sounded like distinct people talking.
I’m also enamored by the all the Celtic names. It makes for a unique sense of setting.(I can't say enough about immersive proper nouns in fantasy. They can be a setting unto themselves.)
There’s a calculating, real-life quality to this romantic fantasy. I’m wondering where it will go, and when the fantasy elements will be introduced. It seems intriguing. I’m in.
March 2, 2022
This an amazing fast paced fantasy story. The storytelling and world building are unique, wonderful, fantastic and full of details. With tensions between two brothers, a bride, looming darkness, this story has a bit of everything. Lots of action, twists, turns, secrets and intrigue. The characters are strong, interesting and intriguing. This is a very enjoyable fantasy epic and I will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
March 5, 2022
The first book in the Legacy series. Niall and Ciara's story has drama, danger, suspense, a villain, romance and a cliff-hanger ending. I want to read the next book to see what is going to happen next. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2021
I love all of the books in this series! I received an ARC of The Betrayer and it did not disappoint if you’re a fan of Hannah E. Carey’s! A fantastic read that is hard to put down!
February 20, 2022
This book starts off a little slow and a bit confusing. This is the first in this series but book 3 overall, I believe. You should read the previous books first to help understand the world building.
Writing was well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Writing was well done.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2022
3.5 stars
The world that the author has created is very rich and interesting. The plot was fast-paced and the initial set-up was very intriguing, with characters keeping secrets and all the complicated relationships. However, I would have liked to see more character interactions and even more of their thoughts. Also, I would have loved to learn more history and mythology of the world.
The world that the author has created is very rich and interesting. The plot was fast-paced and the initial set-up was very intriguing, with characters keeping secrets and all the complicated relationships. However, I would have liked to see more character interactions and even more of their thoughts. Also, I would have loved to learn more history and mythology of the world.
March 1, 2023
This was a great start to the Tales of Pern Coen: Legacy series, it had what I wanted from the description. The characters were unique and I was hooked from the first page. Hannah E. Carey has a great style for this and I enjoyed what I read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2022
I love it! The writing style fits the historical romance theme well and the pacing is perfect. I love all the characters especially Odran! The tension and angst are no joke, and there are secrets and lies. There is this certain Ri I want to hit with a frypan hahaha excited to read next book!
April 14, 2023
I always enjoy her books. They are very character driven and have good plotlines. Looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2022
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I will be reading the next book in this wonderful series!
Read
February 19, 2025second book by this author I try reading and end up DNF'ing, so I won't be checking out their other books, they're just not for me, unfortunately.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews