Thursday, August 6, 2015

Review & Giveaway: Deceptions by Kelley Armstrong

Publisher: Dutton
Series: Cainsville #3
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Challenges: Finishing the Series
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | OmniLit*iTunes | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Olivia Taylor Jones's life has exploded. She's discovered she is not only adopted, but her real parents are convicted serial killers. Fleeing the media frenzy, she took refuge in the oddly secluded town of Cainsville. She has since solved the town's mysteries and finds herself not only the target of its secretive elders but also her stalker ex-fiancé.

Visions continue to haunt her: particularly a little blond girl in a green sundress who insists she has an important message for Olivia, one that may help her balance the light and darkness within herself. Death stalks both Olivia and the two men most important to her, as she desperately searches to understand whether ancient scripts are dictating the triangle that connects them. Will darkness prevail, or does Olivia have the power to prevent a tragic fate?

Bea's Thoughts:

I have been anxiously awaiting this installment but also dreading because it brings us that much closer to the end of the series. There are two left after this one and I'm wondering what's going to happen. A lot occurs in this book in a relatively short time.

Two big things happen, specifically: Gabriel undergoes major emotional growth, yes, he has emotions, and we get answers as to the guilt or innocence of Olivia's biological parents. Yes, we get answers, many answers and certain story lines are wrapped up. The story took some unexpected directions and I spent an afternoon and evening reading. I hardly stopped to eat or, worse, feed the cats. :D (They've forgiven me.)

The fae in this series are sneaky and devious, as Olivia is reminded to her dismay. I actually felt a little sorry for them, they're just trying to survive, but then they'd do something rotten again and I'd stop feeling sorry. I like Armstrong's take on the fae, they really are other, foreign. Armstrong makes effective use of old myths, bringing them into the modern world with a hint of fate but free will plays a part too. I was less thrilled with the love triangle but I'm not a fan of them in general. I did like how mature and reasonable Olivia was about it. It's an essential part of the story but I hope it doesn't get dragged out.

"Deceptions" was twisty, fast-paced, and layered. There's mystery, action, romance, mythology, humor, family drama, and family love. Heck, there are even bikers! They're hot now in the book world but Armstrong has managed to tie them into mythology. And what Olivia's parents did for her was amazing, though I don't recommend it. "Deceptions" is another stellar story and now I'm counting down the days until the next story.

The publisher sent me one hardcover copy to give away. I'll mail it to any US resident. No purchase necessary. VOID where prohibited. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. Please read my privacy policy and giveaway policy.

To enter, comment below and leave an email address for me to reach you at. Giveaway ends Saturday August 8th, at 11:59PM EST.

THE GIVEAWAY IS OVER. The winner is comment #7, Katherine P. 

10 comments:

  1. I would love to have Deceptions! I am a huge fan of Kelley Armstrong's work and I have been dying to know how Olivia's story continues in the Cainsville series, so this is a great opportunity for an obsessed fan like me!

    I am new to using this commenting system as means of entering a giveaway. Is it necessary to provide contact information, or is that only needed of a winner once he/she has been chosen? Thank you for the giveaway!

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    1. Whoops! Yes, I need an email address for you. I'll update the post.

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    2. Okay! My email is: deboraboone@charter.net

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  2. I love Kelley Armstrong's books but have not read one in a bit.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  3. Deceptions would be greatly enjoyed. It sounds intriguing and unique. Thanks for this great feature and giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. sounds like a good series. my email addy is scrtsbpal@yahoo.com

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  5. This sounds really good and this is an author who (thanks to you) I've been wanting to read! Email is katherine.e.pitts(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks for hosting a giveaway!

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    1. Congrats! Random.org picked your comment as the winner! I'll send you an email

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  6. I'm a huge Kelley Armstrong fan and own a number of her "Otherworld" series titles. I'd love to add this one to my collection.

    NoraAdrienne (at) gmail (dot) com

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  7. This sounds brilliant and Kelley is always a favorite at our house. Thanks for the chance to win. crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I enjoy hearing from my readers. Let's talk!