Having this story told in alternating points of views between Jase and Kazi was brilliant! I don't think this story would have worked any other way. Which really was my favorite aspect of the story, because while it's all pretend politically, neither can deny their true feelings, which makes things really interesting and complicated for the two of them. Their bond felt right, and natural, but it also leads into their pretend relationship. It's during that time they form an deniable bond. After they find themselves in a complicated situation, they're forced to trust to each other enough to work together. Both are on opposite sides of things, but it made things that much more interesting and complex for each other. Individually, both are incredibly resilient, street smart characters who show no fear, and don't back down from a challenge. It wasn't hard for me to quickly fall in love with Jase and Kazi. It's a new story with a rich history (which is the Remnant Chronicles), new characters, some previously introduced characters, a villain you'll love to hate, character chemistry that will you wanting more, and two characters that I absolutely loved falling in love, and whose stories I loved reading. It's richly detailed fantasy world set within a world I already loved.

This book is definitely my new favorite book of hers. I absolutely loved being back not only in the Remnants world, but in a Mary E. Pearson's rich storytelling once again swept me off my feet, and had me falling head over heals in love with her characters, and their story. Romance, danger, conflict, fierce characters, and humor. An addicting new fantasy from one of my favorite YA fantasy authors.

The kiss of deception trilogy