Betrayal

Trinity #1

by Fiona McIntosh

Deep in the folklore of tallinor lies a dark legend of betrayal and destruction. It is the story of a powerful sentient called Orlac who almost destroyed the entire land. Even now, many centuries later, any sentient who is discovered is subjected to the barbaric practice of bridling and branding. But in a village far from the royal city a young scribe, torkyn Gynt, blazes with untold power and healing abilities which go undetected. tor agrees to be apprenticed to the Royal Physic Merkhud and with that decision tor takes the first step towards his destiny. Armed with only his wits and a pouch of mysterious stones given to him by his parents, tor must trust in the falcon Cloot and in Lys, the mysterious dreamspeaker, to guide him on a journey that will test his courage and his heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Epic Fantasy, Adult, High Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy

585 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2001

About the author

Fiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was 14 years old, I went into a bookshop with my stepmum complaining about how I had nothing new to read (the years long gaps between each Harry Potter novel was a strain on my fourteen year old existence). Looking at the 'fantasy and scifi' section, my stepmum came across a book called 'Betrayal' by Fiona McIntosh.
'This sounds interesting,' she said to me. 'Read the back.'
I did and agreed it did have a promising synopsis. My stepmum offering to buy it for me sealed the deal and we went back to the holiday house we were staying at that summer and I began to read.

Long story short, this was one of the most amazing books I had ever read. I devoured books one, two and three within no time and Fiona McIntosh became cemented as one of my favourite authors ever.

I couldn't recommend this book highly enough. For a fourteen year old girl to be plunged in such an amazing, vibrant, cruel and violent world was eye opening. Nothing since Harry Potter three years earlier had ever caught my attention and held it so strongly.

As it stands today, The Trinity Trilogy is still my number one favourite Adult Fantasy Series.

The reason Im writing a review for this - 11 years later - is because yesterday I got to meet Fiona McIntosh for the first time. And it was so freaking awesome. She signed my old (ancient) copy of Betrayal too!



So all you fantasy nuts out there, give this a try. Maybe it wont be your cup of tea. Or maybe you will find yourself being swept away by this magical world just like fourteen year old me was.

Regardless, I think I may be due for a re-read very soon.

[Philippa Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is a bit of a tricky one to rate because although I did end up enjoying it, I did also have quite a few issues with it. I'll start with some positives - I thought this was a good introduction to this trilogy, the characters were a little cliched but they were pretty well written, the plot is engaging and compelling and the writing is quite easy to get into, although clunky at times. You can tell that this was her first book, but I didn't dislike the writing. Now onto some negatives - it contains the extremely overused (at this point) trope of 'The One'/'The Chosen One'. I don't mind this if it is done well but I think in this book I think it didn't quite work. This was mainly due to Tor's development of his powers - one chapter he's discovering that he has magic, and then after a couple of chapters he seems to be in full control of his powers with little to no training... what? How can he suddenly be so adept at magic? I just didn't make sense to me. For me the character development was also lacking. Don't get me wrong we do get development we just don't see it. Five years past at some point in the book so we don't get to see how the characters develop into adults, if that makes sense. I wanted more depth from the characters too - I felt what we got from them was quite surface level. One thing I really didn't like was the girl on girl hate for no obvious reason other than they are female - not a fan of that at all. The plot probably could have been shorter. Other than that, it was a good read, but as you can see it wasn't without flaws.

[Valentin Valentin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked Saxon and Cloot.
The rest gave me brain damage.
I used the rage of recollection to fuel my workouts.
God help you and improve your taste if you read this and find it your cup of tea.
Ill smash your cup if I ever find it.
Good day, good day I say to you sir!

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book, I won't be reading the second one, I certainly don't care enough about the characters or the world to find out what happens next, but that isn't what really bugs me enough about this book to give it only 1 star.

My biggest problem in this book was the actual writing. Now I understand that this was Fiona McIntosh's first book, but she clearly needed a better editor. In the prologue alone, I kept losing track of who was being written about, the constant use of pronouns, but no one's name meant that I had to keep backtracking to figure out what was happening to who, and who was thinking about who. This continued in the story as well. The prologue also was written assuming knowledge of the world and key players, something that the reader does not possess, as they've just picked up the book.

The switching from first person narrative of a key character to first person narrative of a bit part character was jarring, and something that really didn't fit.

I've read and enjoyed bad fiction before, but this was so bad that I almost put it down and didn't continue reading, I kept on in the hope it would get better, I didn't think it did.

[Jeannie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The prologue intrigued me but by the end of the book I wondered if the prologue had been written by another person. The writing is really bad... I'm surprised Orbit published this actually. I had the time to read it quite quickly but I know if I'd started it when I was busier I would have given up. I didn't hate it, but it was just terribly disappointing. I would say this is more "fairytale" fantasy since there are such bizarre and random things that happen I wouldn't have been surprised by the end if a pumpkin was turned into a carriage... It feels like McIntosh probably wrote this book when she was in her teens, with no real life experience. The characters are very bland and the plot is pretty much non-existent.

Expect mysterious dream-figures delivering commands that are never explained. Expect a host of mind-numbing clichés e.g.
> village boy possesses magical ability (in a land where magic is forbidden and hated)
> said boy was adopted at birth by a kindly, infertile village couple
> an all-knowing, wise-man from out of town mysteriously drops in to collect village boy when he is a teenager because he is "The One"
> every character seems a simple idiot devoid of reason and logic
> love-interest is raped by the antagonist
> antagonist is hideously ugly, and obviously evil to everyone, but for some bizarre reason is allowed to keep his rank
> new characters appear when needed and no one ever faces much of a struggle or need to problem-solve
> new abilities are invented as needed
> when characters are required to move around the land for the plot, they are simply instructed to do so by a dream figure that no one understands but everyone obeys without question.
> The land is so tiny that it takes a matter of days to walk from one city to another, and yet, somehow, when a character enters a new place it is as if they've never heard of it, and know absolutely nothing at all about it... Bizarre...

I could go on but I actually don't want to waste more time on the book...

[Annaleise · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a fair few things that bothered me about the writing in this book; it was glaringly obvious that this was the writer's first novel as her writing was clunky in places and there were a few details in the plot that needed smoothing over. However, full points for plot and characters, I raced through the second half and I liked that every chapter pushed the story along so nothing dragged. I was interested from page one and thoroughly enjoyed the plot development. I particularly liked the concept of the paladin and how only 6 have so far been revealed at the end of the first book - I will definitely be getting the second book to find out what happens next!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good, but by no means is it her best work. I found A LOT of similarities between this novel and Odalisque. I believe this was her first novel, and while it's a good book, I wasn't able to fly through it like the others. It feels as though she had some great ideas which she tried but didn't perfect until she re used them for Odalisque. A bit of a disappointment, but still readable. It would have been better if I had not read Odalisque already, but then I wouldn't like Odalisque as much as I did.

[Edwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bijna 2 maanden over gedaan om dit (audio)boek uit te krijgen. Ligt zeker niet aan het verhaal als ik de overige recensies mag geloven, maar aan de verteller van de audioboek uitgave. Het lukte me niet om langer dan 10-20 minuten per keer te luisteren.

Op zich een goed verhaal, met een goede karakters, die allemaal ook goed uitgewerkt waren.

Ik wil dit boek een tweede kans geven als ik ooit de e-book of papieren versie kan vinden.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torkyn Gynt has magical abilities and so does Alyssa Quinn the girl he wants to marry. They are separated through various situations and discover that they are part of something bigger than themselves which will save all.
This story has many layers and lots of interesting characters which are brought together. It has mystery, romance, action, danger and magic. What more could you want. Fiona McIntosh is a great author.

[Shannon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is easily the worst fantasy book I've ever read. Horribly cliched, badly written, weak characters - the works. I didn't bother with the other two in this trilogy, but I did enjoy Odalisque, so I'd say her writing has improved. It's also one of the worst covers I've ever seen, though the second edition is very nice!)

[Daniel Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the reason that I fell in love with Fiona is that I fell in love with Torkyn. This not a chick-lit romance wrapped in fantasy though. Fiona's idea is to do the worst thing imaginable to her characters and watch them struggle with the consequences.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly written book about magic, passion, confusion, and unsurprisingly, betrayal. Had me really holding on to my seat. I will be sure to re-read it in the future. But now, I begin reading book 2.

[Nayth · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think this has been my favorite trilogy thus far. if you want an excellent, gripping tale that will take you on adventure please read any of Fiona McIntosh's books!

[Felicity Borders · Rating 2 out of 5]

You could get away with some rubbish books in this era couldn't you.

[Scarlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my god i have to reread this. it is so rare for me to get hooked on a fantasy novel. love love LOVE

[Effgee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was just awful. Almost every aspect of it was poorly executed. Characters blundered about with little reason to do the things that they did; events which clearly existed for the sole purpose of adding some kind of colour to the world were rushed and vacuous; tension was non-existant; and the plot was moved forward almost exclusively by dialogue from characters that are thoroughly unengaging.

I forced myself to read it cover to cover just so my review wouldn't be unfair. I regret doing so.

[Pamela Ashton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the whole Trinity Trilogy, However, having read her other fantasy trilogies, I made a mistake in reading her first published trilogy last and was confused at the beginning by a story, which had been partially included in one of her other books. Also her writing has improved over time. I would recommend a new reader to read the Trinity trilogy first and the rest in order of publication. Read Myrren's Gift before the Scrivener's Tale. They all stand on their own but some of the character's are more fully rounded if you read them in the correct order.

[umi · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I did not understand the timeline and I didn't like how the characters stories were written, especially the women's.
The MC gets a good life, sleeping with every women because that is what life is all about for men I guess. But the FMC gets raped, her protector get killed in a horrible way as well as his two adoptive sons and her life is just miserable.

I can read bad books, I usually finish them but the way the author choose to portray the fmc story... I hated it. She must hate women there's no other explication.

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pacy, suspenseful and entertaining fantasy. With heroes, villains, romance and magical creatures, Betrayal is a feast for the senses. The imaginary world was realistic enough to be believable and likewise the characters who came alive amongst the drama. The fantasy world was a rich place. Not very original, but different enough and well written enough to make this a really good read. I'll definitely read the sequel.

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot is fine, standard fantasy fodder, so many cliches that you can basically guess what’s coming next.
The writing is unintentionally hilarious (bad) and I laughed my way through the book. Doubt I’ll go back for more of this trilogy.
I’ve read another McKintosh series and her writing has definitely improved since this.

[Gary J Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut.

This was a reread, and whilst it felt more of a raw, first novel from a great writer, on second read, it doesn’t take anything away from Fiona’s great storytelling that is almost Arthurian in its narrative. Great characters, understated magic, vile baddy, lots of shocks - and big ideas. Love it.

[Leslea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Fiona McIntosh's fantasy series. I have read her other 2 trilogies and this one has started off with a bang as well. Cant wait to read the next book. If you love romance, magic and medieval times this is for you.

[Emma Knights · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. After reading The Quickening series when it first came out, I had to read Fiona's back catalogue! Such a detailed fantasy!

[Mandy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Filip Kuchta · Rating 2 out of 5]

No nic, średnie :{

[Joshua Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite series of all time. Beautiful heart breaking story with incredible characters. Have read and reread multiple times

[Eleni Konstantine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This is the first fantasy of Fiona McIntosh I have read and it was an immersive experience, especially the second half of the book. The world is complex, the characters with good and bad traits, and there is much magic, adventure, love and betrayal. The story kept on building to the end leaving way for the next instalment in the series. I'm looking forward to reading it.



Disclaimer: While I know the author personally, this does not affect the star rating.

[Jax · Rating 1 out of 5]

It really upsets me to give low ratings to books in my favourite genre, but sadly – if my higher ratings are to mean anything at all (to me, myself and I) it must be done.
However, I feel I need to explain why my rating and thoughts aren’t the 4 / 5 stars with glowing recommendations.

I was really looking forward to both reading and enjoying Betrayal.
And I guess the title lived up to its name, as my expectations felt somewhat betrayed. (Especially with a blurb from Robin Hobb on the cover.)
Most of my reasons for this, I cannot go into in great detail of, as they contain possible spoilers, but I’ll try to sum them up.

The World:
There is very little world building (at least within this title), and for the most part the Kingdom of Tallinor could well be a large island or a small country made up entirely of small non-descript villages and a single city – which is the capital. So little description is given to the characters or their surroundings that my mind pretty much turned everything into a beige desert scene.

The Characters:
I found very little in the way of character depth or growth, and as the story unfolds very quickly over a span of approximately 5 years….?
They were all very simple and either good or bad, (though I suppose it might be argued that the Royal Physic was a little grey) and seemingly all either in love or filled with anger and hate.
Similarly the characters mentioned by name are either extremely good looking and well built, or hideous, scarred or deformed. And they’re all fickle as hell!
The author seems to have a rather single minded view toward the male species – that being, that they are all bastards of one sort or another who cannot keep it in their pants (unless they are maimed or crippled).
The females aren’t much better, as despite station or circumstance, for most of the book they all seem incapable of independent thought or emotion, and have their strings pulled and tugged by the proverbial puppet master, then suddenly in the last few chapters we have one or two scenes of bold candor and ‘regal’ defiance (which only acts to increase male desire and stupidity).

I had trouble accepting the “bad guys” as they just didn’t make sense.
Unfortunately, I need more than just being told they’re evil and angry to accept their decisions and actions. If I have to read sections from their point of view – then you need to make me understand their twisted point of view. Otherwise, don’t write their POV, and leave it at how the “world” sees them.
It was bad enough trying to keep track of the multitude of perspectives told in third person…
(I feel sorry for the poor bard set to relate this tale in inns across the country – may I recommend he start a choir!!)

The Magic:
In Short – it made no sense what-so-ever.
Because of one powerful angry Sentient (in some unspecified distant past) all sentients – whose powers are possibly varied yet remain entirely unexplored - are now feared, and if caught are brutally branded and maimed by the King’s own sanctioned psychopath, who though has no ability of his own is somehow able to tell who these sentients are by the use of a gem. (I foresee an extreme abuse of power in play here.)
But wait! All throughout the kingdom are sentients - undiscovered and undetected by the Royal Murderer and his band of twisted sycophants – living normal lives in plain sight.
(I would like to take a moment here to mention that EVERYONE in the kingdom hates and despises this moron, but the dear King is blind to the horror he has unleashed upon his kingdom, and only sees the light at the end of the book when he discovers something he desires is damaged.)

Then we have the magical forest in the middle of the kingdom which itself is apparently sentient, and can bend space and time as and only when the author wills it.

The protagonist blazes with great and undefined power.
He seems able to mind link (sort of like telepathy) with anyone with sentient ability (with one or two unexplained exceptions), can, without training, heal and restore not one, but two men beaten almost to death. Then becomes a well-loved Physic, who after years of training, heals and brings people back from the brink of death, but then suddenly, and with no explanation is unable to save a woman dying during child birth?

The inconsistencies abound.

Needless to say, I probably will not continue the series.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

yeah nah

[Stéphanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first volume in the Trinity trilogy (before Revenge and Destiny).

The book opens on a scene of crucifixion and stoning at the Royal Court of Tal. That of Torkyn Gynt, accused by Chief Inquisitor Goth of getting involved an Untouchable, Alyssa, who witnesses the execution.

Then the tale flashes back to 7 years earlier. Our two heroes are 15 years old, and although they haven’t met yet, they’ve been communicating through the Link since their childhood. For reasons unknown, and luckily for them, their magic goes undetected by Inquisitor Goth, the disfigured maniac who roams the country of Tallinor in search of all Sentients, to bridle and brand them under Royal Law.

They finally meet at a village fair, and Tor is about to ask Alyssa to marry her, but he’s interrupted by Merkhud, the Royal Physic, who wants him to come to the capital and become his apprentice. Tor agrees and leaves, and his Link with Alyssa is mysteriously severed.

Alyssa feels spurned, lovesick, so when old Sarrel knocks on her door, she decides to follow her and learn the trade of the wandering herb healer. In the village of Fragglesham, where Cirq Zorros is performing, they come across Goth and his gang. As soon as the pervert sees the lovely blonde, he uncontrollably desires her and tries to rape her.

The book goes on to describe Tor and Alyssa’s stories, the friends they make (one of them a beautiful peregrine falcon) during their flight from Goth and other persecutors, until they meet again.

I enjoyed reading this first volume. It’s full of action, and the characters are very likeable (except for Goth of course), even though they perform magic a little too easily and effortlessly.