Review for "Treason"

"Treason" is the second book in S.M. Boyce's "The Grimoire" saga. And my book #1 of 2013.
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The cover of "Treason" is mostly black. A swirl of sparkling green twists from the lower left hand corner up to the right hand corner. In the center a design that is almost reminiscent of Bridget's Cross is stenciled on top of the magic dust. But the design is more complicated and unique than you notice at first glance. The points of four swords intersect in the center. Their pommels point outward. A crosswork of braided thorns joins the four swords just under the crossguard. I can't help but think the the swords are the Satori's of the Ourea's Bloods and the thorny connection between them symbolizes the treachery between them or perhaps the Hillsidian Blood's tenuous hold on the treaty.
"Treason" picks up where "Lichgates" left off. Kara Magari, the Vagabond, is still in the Vagabond's secret hidden village. It's clear that she's already starting to make peace with Ourea and her place in it. Braeden is still there intent on guarding her and teaching her the skills she will undoubtedly need in her mission to bring peace to their magical war torn world. Kara is learning quickly, growing into her role as the Vagabond. But there is still so much she has to learn if she is going to survive.

What I liked:

• Everything I loved from the first book is back for 'Treason' just as vibrant and well fleshed out as before.
• Every character is in a constant state of flux and growth making them seem ever more real and allowing you to really fall into their world. 
• They filled in the holes! The one flaw from the other book that I could find was filled in and added a new seamless thread to the ever-growing depth of the plot.
• Even though parts of the story were a wee bit predictable again the depth and vibrance of even the expected add layers of enjoyment. For instance after 'Lichgates' I was already pretty positive that Kara's ancestors were from Ourea. I was thinking perhaps from the one kingdom where the Blood was frozen in stone, thereby reintroducing a whole new line, but I was wrong in one aspect and her actually ancestry is even more thrilling! I can't wait to see how Kara and Braeden handle this new challenge. Another instance is Aislynn. You begin to suspect her of treachery by the end of the first book, but wow the lengths to which that woman will go!
• Kara is redeemed! She doesn't have to feel guilty anymore. I loved to see that weight lifting from her shoulders tempering her in the fire of her righteous emergence.

What I disliked:

• Again there really wasn't much to dislike about his book. The one thing I can pick at is Gavin's behavior, I mean you expect it, but really its sad you hope things would be better.
• And again it ended. I could have kept reading for days and days thrilled by each chapter.

As much as I loved 'Lichgates'; I loved 'Treason' even more. I will unhesitatingly recommend this series to anyone looking for something new to read. I will wait on baited breath for the next two and what will have to be an epic conclusion to such a magnificent series. There aren't many books out there that I really wish that I would have written but this is definitely one of them. 

If you haven't read 'Lichgates' don't touch 'Treason'. I'm serious here. You will do yourself a great disservice if you read them out of order. At the time of this review 'Lichgates' is currently free for the Kindle and features a brand new cover more in line with the cover of 'Treason'. 'Treason' is available for $2.99, and as you can guess it's well worth it. Go visit the author's website if you have a few minutes www.thegrimoirebooks.com Her website says that the third book in the saga, 'Heritage', will be out in Fall of 2013. *sigh* such a long time to wait. And it also says we can expect the last book in the series 'Illusion' in Fall of 2014. So I guess that's something we can all look forward to.

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5 out of 5 smilies

Again I love it so much I'm inclined to recommend the book to anyone with eyes to read but there are a few slightly adult themes throughout the book so I think the cutoff should be mature kids all the way up to fantasy loving adults. For instance if your kid likes Tolkien you can bet they're mature enough for this series.

Synopsis: 'Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.

Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.

To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.'