Early Cuddles: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

1 May, 2014 Reviews 14 comments

Reasons to read:

1. You will feel all the emotions

The beginning of the book was pleasantly surprising. The plot went in an unexpected direction (at least, I found it unexpected) and set The Kiss of Deception apart from other books of the same ilk (are people still saying ilk?). By the middle of the book, I was seething; furious to the nth degree. I missed a big plot twist and I can’t tell if I was just absurdly oblivious or if Mary Pearson is the cleverest of all the clever writers. I’ll give her the credit, for now. The twist enraged me to the point where I had step outside the world for awhile and remind myself that I wasn’t actually the MC, Lia. Then the last third of the book…basically made me cry. So, like I said, ALL the emotions. I think the last time a book did this to me was Katy McGarry’s Pushing the Limits. And now those reactions seem mild compared to my extremely visceral reactions to Kiss of Deception.

2. Amazing MC is AMAZING

Lia is the coolest MC to grace the high fantasy scene — and this is coming from a lover of high fantasy MCs (renegade princesses, knights, assassins, and thieves are obviously the coolest of the cool). She’s the most down-to-earth, strongest, bravest, likable-est, powerful, awe-inspiring runaway princess to ever exist. She’s an A+ best friend, honest worker, and timid flirt. Her overreactions occasionally led me to believe we’re the same person. Maybe that’s why I love her so much — or maybe everyone will find a trait of hers to relate to. Because (and I think I mentioned this before) she’s amazing.

3. The romance

My stomach did flips. My heart stopped. My chest warmed. These two are perfect for each other. I’ve never wanted anything to happen more than this relationship. Ugh just thinking about it makes me want to read it all over again. And alternating POVs make the romance all the steamier. And lovelier.

4. The setting

Solid, solid world-building. Terravin is exactly as Lia describes it: not your typical idea of paradise, but a certain kind of paradise all its own. The second half of the book explores more of Lia’s world and the descriptions are just amazing. I could feel the hot sun on my face and see the vibrant colors of the nomads. Reading this book is truly an engaging experience. It will captivate your senses and wrap you in such a close embrace.

5. The ending

The ending was complete agonizing torture…but it left me with a glimmer of hope. If Pearson hadn’t offered even that glimmer, I might’ve thrown the book clear across the room. Now all that’s left to do is pray I fall asleep and wake up in next year with the sequel in my hands.

 

Reasons to pass:

1. Love triangle

I know, at this point, most people hate love triangles. If you’re vehemently opposed, I’d skip this book. If you just feel kind of meh about them, then I might give this book a try. It’s hard to tell if the relationships here are actually going to grow into a full blown love triangle. Right now, there’s only sort of a love triangle. As in, one character’s feelings are not reciprocated. I feel like that’s not going to change — but I’m not 100% sure.

2. The L-word

The L-word is dropped, though not in dialogue. Do I think it was too soon? Yes. Does it ruin the book? Not by a long shot. In fact, it’s pretty easy to overlook. But it is, unfortunately, there.

3. The plot twist

It’s not really a bad thing, and some/most people might see it coming, but it did make me very angry. I mean, I eventually got over it…but if you don’t like a book flipping everything you assume to be true halfway through, then this might bother you.

 

In summary:

I would marry this book, if I could. This is the kind of book that I’ll buy two hardcover-copies of. That way, if I lend a copy out to a dear friend (and only a dear friend), then I’ll still have a copy by my side at all times. That’s how strongly I feel. Waiting for the sequel will be the truest test of patience I shall ever undergo. Wish me luck.

14 Responses to “Early Cuddles: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson”

  1. Alicia Batista

    Great review! I plan on reading THE DECEPTION PRINCESS this weekend. And you’ve prepared me for what I might find within it’s pages. But from what you said in your review, I’m sure I’m going to love it!

    I’m glad you loved it, even though the plot twist made you furious. But then again, it shows that the book did something right to stir up all those feelings! 🙂 I can’t wait to see what epic story lies within these pages!

  3. Missie

    I am excited to read this! I am so glad there is awesome world-building! I am really sad about the insta-love and the L word, but at least it didn’t make you hate the book!
    Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings

  5. Jessica Petersen

    After reading this, I went to preorder…and found I had already done so in March! Now I’m really looking forward to it. It sounds awesome.

  7. April Books & Wine

    I am okay with plot twists and L-words and such as long as there are feels and an awesome character! I AM SO GLAD THIS IS ON MY MAY TBR! Is what I am saying here 😀

  8. Pili

    Hmmm, I was intrigued by this one, but the love triangle possibilites made me decide to pass on requesting it, and I think I will stand with that choice, at least for now!

  9. Michelle

    Great review! I’m convinced to get a copy! I can accept insta-love if the plot is written well. 🙂

  10. Sandy

    Thank-you for the review! I love an excellent plot twists and those are pretty hard to find so the plot twist you mention would be a reason for me to pick up this book. Actually I think it’s the main reason I want to pick up this book now even though there is a love triangle, I can overlook that. I can overlook the L word being dropped so soon too, I remember my days of youth when I dropped the L word and H word so easily.

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