| Title | : | Magic Redeemed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 284 |
| Publication | : | First published March 20, 2020 |
Spoiler: it’s not.
I want to free my family from my traitorous cousin, but with all the allies he’s got guarding his back, even my new powers won’t be enough to beat him. My best bet is to use my parents’ signet ring to prove my claim of leadership.
There’s just one problem…
I can’t find it!
Things aren’t looking so good for my vampire housemates, either. As Killian Drake’s conflicts with the fae get worse, it's clear that war will break out soon if something doesn’t change.
Plus, Killian has gotten really weird about smelling me and invading my personal space. Every time he comes near my heart almost pops out of my chest, but I’m sure that’s just terror caused by being so close to the most feared vampire in the region.
At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
So, I’m a wizard searching for a ring while trying to survive living with a bunch of vampires and their deadly and suddenly touchy-feely leader. Yeah, life is definitely not easier.
Hall of Blood and Mercy is an urban fantasy trilogy featuring all your favorite vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves. It’s packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town.
Magic Redeemed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #2) Reviews
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Rating: 4 stars
I love this author because her heroines are tough, scrappy and smart. With this said, Hazel is resilient and intelligent and I am enjoying this series so much that I don't want it to end. Killian is *ahem* killer.
This is a trilogy that had a neat, tied up ending that leaves room for the next book without a stupid cliff-hanger which I am so grateful for. -
This is second in a trilogy and it looks like it'll function as a true trilogy so you definitely want to read the other first.
Having read the first, you know more or less what to expect. The challenges continue despite Hazel's ramped up power. The scope is raised, as it should be, so we begin to see the deeper challenges that exist in the magical world. It's a really well-done escalation and I look forward to the culmination in the next book. Some things that bear noting:
* The thing with Killian having PoV in some chapters fits much better in this one. We only get a handful of chapters with his perspective, but they're important for both the plot that heads his way and for the relationship details it conveys. In other words, this is much closer to romance use and makes sense for the narrative.
* The copy editing is still relatively poor. It's never unclear but there are more word use issues and other minor mistakes than should be in a finished work.
* I really like the continued moral center, even though Killian pulls one of my pet peeves. I'm able to shrug it off because Hazel pinpoints why what he did is a problem and what she plans to do about it. And it's good and comes from a place of strength. I really like Hazel.
Anyway, I'm thinking this is an actual five stars so either the stories are improving over time or my expectations had been better set.
A note about Chaste: There's a kissing scene in this one, but it's still very chaste. I kind of love the dynamic where "wizards run hot" because of their magic and Hazel finds Killian's innate coolness refreshing and relaxing. There are some very touching moments of ease and comfort in this book and I relished every one of them. -
3.5
Sorry when I was trying to think about what to write in this review all I could think about was a fat sphynx cat in a sweater.
Aphrodite says “Mmmert” meaning I had fun reading this book but that I'm still waiting for some steamy romance! -
Originally posted at:
I really, really, really like this series so far! The worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters are *chef's kiss* and the chemistry between the Killian and Hazel is amazing! The side characters are also SO memorable and add so much to the story. Though there has been one chink in the whole thing. Totally my fault but I swore when I picked this up that it was a paranormal romance (emphasis on the romance) novel. This author apparently only writes "clean" romance and that leaves a very bad taste in my mouth for a myriad of different reasons (you can read more about that
here).
I love seeing Hazel progress and become the bad*ss she was always meant to be. Seeing how she overcomes hardships makes for an amazing story. I like how she isn't one-dimensional and how she cares and wants to protect her family above all else.
Killian is mine. I call dibs. No one can have him. Move along! On a more serious note, I love Killian and his manipulative ways. I love how he treats Hazel though I wish he would be more open and straightforward with her by this point. I hope they get their happily ever when this series ends.
The ending had me infuriated. I legitimately shed a single tear on Hazel's behalf. Until the last chapter hit. I love the sneak peeks we get into Killian's head. I understand why he thought he had to do what he did and it's breaking my heart. The guy deserves a break with all the crap that's been thrown at him. I'm definitely going into the next book with great expectations!
A Note: No I didn't read the synopsis until the end because this series was highly recommended to me by someone on GR. So I only bothered to skim the first paragraph of the synopsis of Book #1, since it sounded cool I stopped there and added it to my TBR thinking it was a PNR. It wasn't until the synopsis for Book #2 (which I didn't bother to read until writing this review) that it mentions this is supposed to be a slow burn UF. Emphasis on the Slow Burn. -
Loving this series!
Review on book #3
❤️❤️❤️ -
Well. Well well well well.
Well.
I've never had the urge to write a rant review before. But now... 😬😬😬 I'm sorry, I'm on fire. K. M. Shea was my very first indie author and I will loyally read anything she writes, including the conclusion of this trilogy, but this book.
It burned me.
So here goes nothing.
WHAT I LOVED (aka, what will compel me to finish the series-- for their sake and nothing else's)
- the appearances of the Paragon. (And his... interesting pet, Aphrodite.) I didn't mention how much I enjoyed his character in my review of book one, but he didn't appear as much as he did here. Can I just say how much I love it when Kitty writes the important "intimidating" characters that totally dEsTrOy the stereotypes? It's not often we read about a Fae who talks to ice cream flavors, wouldn't you agree?
- Rupert, because he is a sad little vampire (albeit derogatory and arrogant and often very rude, which of course can't be excused, but at least he has a backstory to explain it, uNLIKE A CERTAIN OTHER MALE VAMPIRE IN THE STORY). Also can we talk about his inexplicable loyalty to THAT GUY? He's routinely threatened because of it and yet he's still 100% faithful, despite everything he went through. (We disagree about that matter, but whatever)
- Gavino, because he deserves this extra recognition and 👏👏
- the other vampires in the Drake Family. Yes, the ones that are named but never appear. I wANT tO sEE mORE
- JOSH. If the Paragon is the living contradiction of the intense and dark Fae, Josh is the epitome of everything vampires are not. I LOVE JOSH, and I wish he appeared more often 😭😭😭
And now for the next part.
WHAT I DIDN'T LOVE
- the vampire thing still isn't explained. Vampires are a tricky species; why aren't they explained.
- all the clichés. I could spot them the moment I read the blurb of book one-- heroine with little-to-no powers becomes powerful! heroine is the only person in the world who is on the RIGHT side of the argument or the war! heroine is always right about ethics and beliefs! 😑😑😑
- the fact that Hazel moved up the ranks in the Drake Family super fast, and no one [but Rupert who reminds me of real human beings] thought much of it really annoyed me. They didn't even seem surprised.
- *clears throat* I'll be honest here... Killian Drake is literally the epitome of every DARK BROODING OVERPROTECTIVE ARROGANT HERO who dominates the fantasy universe. He's basically invincible, backed up by a huge crew of powerful followers with unexplained loyalty, has the really creepy habit of watching people sleep and/or showing up in their homes in the middle of the night to threaten them (THIS IS NOT A JOKE), doesn't know the meaning of personal space, disrespects everyone because everyone's terrified of him, and THAT'S ALL OKAY 'CUZ HE'S HAWT.
- that's not okay.
- Killian routinely insults, belittles, threatens, and slanders humankind, all the other supernatural races in this world, and all other vampires outside of his Family. Then he has a slew of reasons for it. That doesn't excuse his behavior and yet Hazel acts like it does, and that ANNOYS ME.
- also, Hazel's reactions to Killian's attentions are *laughs* so unrealistic. Tbh, her character in general is pretty unrealistic, so... But some of their conversations were downright freaky.
Basically, I'm sad because of how disappointing this was 😭 I'm used to expecting Shea's books to break the clichés, not enforce them! I'm still reading book three though, mostly because of Josh and Rupert and the other mysterious background characters. Other than that, I wouldn't mind if Killian died, but that's just me 🙂 -
being in the heroine's head got annoying
what's with all the questions..that narration gets old pretty fast..repetitive and makes me feel like "are you okay Hazel?"
perfect trilogy if you want to some lighthearted fun read without complicated world building and steam!!
3,5⭐ -
This was even better than book one! It was physically impossible for me to put it down. Loved loved loved!
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Status updates (faulty wifi connection so posted here):
Now, onto the review! This book was full of awesomeness, and loads of stuff went down, ending with . Hazel gets stronger as she trains her powers, and she and Killian reach an interesting new place in their romance, which is great.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, which has lots of humor, action, heart, intrigue, and sweet romance. As the end is rather frustrating, although not a total cliffhanger, I can't wait for book three!
I'm also really glad for Hazel, because So yeah, all in all, this was an excellent way to spend a few hours, and I will be purchasing the series once it is completed next month. Thanks K.M. Shea! 5 stars.
Reread August 30th, 2021
This was a fantastic reread! I have a ton of respect and appreciation for Hazel - she's grown a lot, and is a wonderfully kickass but merciful character who you don't want to cross. I look forward to seeing the aftermath of this book, as I remember it being rather satisfying (as is appropriate considering the idiocy of some people). This was funny, romantic (I LOVED Hazel and Killian's interactions throughout ), and full of action and heart. 5 stars! -
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a solid follow up to the first one.
The plot was engaging from the beginning, and the second half packed such a punch that it was near impossible to put it down.
Hazel grew up a lot from book 1: she’s a bit more jaded, but still retains her core of goodness and idealism that makes her such a complex character.
The chapters from Killian’s POV were so helpful because they gave us a further insight into his personality and a hint of the struggles he’s going through as he falls more and more for Hazel.
Their relationship continues to be sweet and more wholesome than hot and intense (even if there were a couple of moments that were quite intense), and after the ending I’m very curious to see how it will evolve. Mason finally got what he deserved…my only regret is that he deserved to suffer a lot more and his demise was too quick. I do wonder one thing: if some of the series are connected by being in the same universe….is the issue with magic gonna stay open ended? And each series dealing with a different species, will provide a piece of the puzzle towards the solution of the problem?
Another amazing BR with the lovely
Jessica -
Another win by KM Shea! 💙 I’ll be honest, I had a hard time getting into book one. But once I did, I cherished its unique voice. And now with book two, I knew what to expect (voice-wise) and LOOOVED it. Also, I listened via audiobook and loved the narrators!
This is a CLEAN young adult fantasy perfect for any age! -
Wooooooooooo.
Second book:
◙ Carried on the plot fantastically.
◙ Hazel's character arc is just amazing. She's one of those addictive heroines.
◙ The romance between her and Killian is really good and believable.
◙ Stirred up so much emotion in me.
◙ Stirred up fight in me too! I'm ready to get a sword and fight with Hazel!
On to the third book!
→4.5 stars -
It is going to be really hard for me to forgive Killian for what he did. I don't care what his reasons are. I don't care that he was discretely helping. Abandoning her again ... it is devastating.
The only saving grace, honestly, is that she isn't just going to roll over on it. This book would have lost a whole star, and maybe more, if she hadn't been so firm with Rupert at the end. What Killian did was unacceptable in how it destroyed friendships with pretty much everyone she'd come to care about, and made her feel like she was yet again cast out.
There had better be groveling. And I mean fucking groveling.
Re-read March 2022
I still feel the way I did in the original review, but also with a measure of sad. Because Killian just doesn't, at this stage, have the first clue about how to have a functional relationship with someone. It probably didn't even occur to him to explain what happened to her, and why he was doing what he was doing. And there was no way he HAD to sever her relationship with the rest of the Drake family like this. But from the perspective of a re-read after finishing the series, I can see his raw panic here. He fucked up, for sure. But it's because he doesn't know how to care for someone like Hazel, and he also can't bear the thought that she might be harmed by his enemies. He didn't make a reasoned decision here, he made a panicked one. -
Such a great second book in this series! I love Hazel and Killian and Celestina and Josh and the whole gang so much!
The banter really amps up in this book. Sparks begin to fly, in more than one way.
And that ending...the release date for book three seems so far away!!!
If you like urban fantasy or humorous fantasy, this series is for you! -
Collective trilogy review at the last book! ^_^
4 Stars! -
Enter book 2 of the series. This is a tight trilogy so they really need to be read in order.
This was a 3.5 for me, but rounded up for it being fun and keeping me up late.
Here the fun continues as Hazel now has her magic, but she doesn't really know what to do with it, and her House is still in trouble. What's a girl to do? Well, paperwork...and a lot of training. A whole lot of training. In the middle of all this is the continuation of the romance that was hinted at in book one. Killian has become extra touchy feely and Hazel thinks she may be falling for him, but is still aware that he's a political beast and may be merely manipulating her for his own gains. Something he seems to confirm toward the end of the book.
It's still a fun ride. The secondary characters really shine, and honestly I like some of them even more than the leads. This book focuses on the efforts to get Hazel's house back and on Killian softening toward helping someone because you care and it's the right thing to do over specific gains. By the end there are still a lot of unanswered questions, but we know that Hazel is here to stay and making changes in the magical world.
So why not a five star? There were a few things that weakened this entry for me.
I still dislike the Killian chapters. They're not consistent enough for me to settle into them the way I would a true dual pov book. They show up only when he's off doing something super secret and they feel like the author just couldn't think of any other way to show that Killian is secretly helping Hazel, though I got plenty of that from her POV anyway. The Killian 'voice' isn't as appealing to me, and I found each of those chapters jarring and not overly necessary.
Killian pulls the alpha nonsense of making a terrible choice 'for her good' without talking to her about it or letting her have any say. This happens all the time in UF and it's one of my least favorite tropes. If you really want a partnership of equals you don't go off making a huge decision and not telling them because you think it's better even if you lose them. I am glad that Hazel calls him on it, and internally realizes just how jerky it is and the innate lack of trust that comes with it. It's very alpha, yes, but it's the obnoxious side of alpha and especially so early in the relationship should have long term repercussions.
Finally the world building is starting to get to me. I appreciate very much that the author has managed to avoid huge infodumps - often information comes through Hazel's internal voice, which is sometimes dumpy, or interactions. But I keep feeling like there's information I should have known before it pops up in the plot as a surprise. When an author throws a twist at me I like it when I can go back and see the things that would have led me to the twist and when it's not really there it's less satisfying.
The copyediting errors and tense shifts remain.
So despite my grumbles - over all this is still a decent series, and I'll finish it out. I want to see what happens when Hazel sees Killian again and see if a redemption of the relationship really works. And I'm curious about where the plot goes next as they've accomplished many of the things that were set up in the beginning. -
For some reason, I never wrote a review for this book the first time I read it. Perhaps it was because I was so eager to get to the next one. And if that was the case, I enjoyed this book probably just as much as I did then. Hazel’s poweer continues to develop in this one as well as the friendships, political drama and (very light) romance. With regard to the latter, the story remains clean, which I don’t mind, but the “squawking” about butts sometimes gave it a more juvenile feel rather than two adults taking things slow/just not focusing on sex.
Hazel’s clutch and her subsequent glee was entertaining to read as were the events near the end. Not all of them, of course, but what they lead to. (Not sure if that made sense, just trying to avoid spoilers.) also, has anyone noticed how often Hazel trots? And why are the heroes ALWAYS smirking? At least we get more detail on this one’s eyebrows, I guess it creates a little bit more depth? -
4.5 stars. Wow, this was very good! I really enjoyed it. Yeah, there were some behaviors that were all wrong, but I just rewrote those parts in my head. Like after they kiss the author says Hazel looked over Killian’s shoulder like a prairie dog. Way to ruin the moment. What a ridiculous image. Another example- in the first chapter, Killian catches her by the elbow when she’s about to collapse, and brings her to his chest. He inhales the scent of her hair for a moment. Shouldn’t this be disarming to Hazel? Sexy, even? Hazel should linger, there should be awareness simmering between them...
But nope… we read, “I tried to tug my elbow from Killian’s grasp, but he didn’t let go. ‘Thank you, but could you release me now?’”
:I
Rolling my eyes. Girl, you’re killing me.
Thankfully, later scenes weren’t so awkward and bungled. And it was easier for me to “fix” little things and add nuances that I needed to feel the chemistry. Like instead of Killian “patting” her back in a tender moment when he’s comforting her, I rewrote it as “stroking” her back. Or having Hazel’s “head thunk on his chest,” I thought “resting her cheek on his chest.” Better, right? I know, I’m weird. I just need a more graceful, refined main character. ***And I need more sexual AWARENESS between them. That was really missing from the writing.*** (To be clear, I’m not asking for anything inappropriate- I’m talking sexual tension/ chemistry. You can still have that in spades in a “clean” book, ya know.)
This book almost nailed it, but now I’m getting picky. The truth is, I really enjoyed it. And it’s not that easy to come by books that are this enjoyable.
Besides some missing nuances in the writing that build chemistry, I really liked some of the scenes between them. And I LOVED THE PLOT TWIST. I feel very satisfied with how it ended! It was the perfect setup to what can and should be a great conclusion in book 3.
Oh one more thing. It bugs me that Killian repeatedly calls her an “idiot” in this book #2 and the last. Even if he’s doing it as a grumbling complaint about how she puts herself in danger. The way he says it is just jarring. It’s just… off. That’s just an issue with the writing again, I think.
But I do like the rest of the writing. I think the author did a good job of making Hazel balanced. She is *realistically* powerful without having been suddenly transformed into an ALL-powerful goddess. That would have been annoying. She is scrappy and has cool powers, but she still has weaknesses. She succeeds in most fights, but it doesn’t come too easily. She works for her improvements- pays the price and earns it. And that’s a very good thing. I also like her personality. Same with Killian. I’m rooting for them both.
Contents:
Language- no swearing or blaspheming. (Thank you, author!)
Sex - no sex scenes, on or off page. No talk of sex, even in references to past relationships. One chaste and swoony kiss.
I read this on KU
I like the cover. -
I can’t stop reading. This is really entertaining. Onto book 3!
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I didn’t think this book would top the first one, but boy does it manage to do so!
I fell in love with these characters even more then I already had and the snarky banter has turned up and I am HERE FOR IT! ESPECIALLY the banter between Hazel and Killian—top tier and made me chortle and snort and snicker at nearly every turn. I also like how we’re seeing more of Killian’s POV as it’s helped me crack into the vampire a bit more and understand him better. And Hazel is so strong and wonderful—I love watching her grow more and more confident and sure of herself and become closer to the Drakes all the time. And Celestina, Josh, and the Paragon are all still amazing, and I liked the brief scene with Leila as well—she seems like a super cool girl.
The plot just kept ramping up and up and while I didn’t love a certain choice made by a certain character near the end (can’t say much because spoilers) I understood why they did what they did even if it was SO HARD to read.
I am pumped for the final book and for everything to turn out well for the characters! (Please let things turn out well…)
‼️Content‼️
Language: pissing; what the; sucks; hell; darn; ass; crap; heck
Violence: in the past a woman murdered her own husband; fighting with weapons, hand to hand, and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a man is stabbed in the chest (not detailed)
Sexual: a guy is called hot; kisses on the cheek and neck; a kiss (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: champagne is drunk at a party
Other: magic; vampires, werewolves, fae, wizards and other magical creatures/beings; grief over dead and lost family; death; humans are hired as blood donors for vampires; vampires (obviously) drink blood (packaged and from human donors the latter of which is never shown); characters break into a bank -
4.5 Stars
Y'all. What. The. Crap. Just. Happened?! Like for reals! What just happened?! I don't even know where to start with my review because I do not want to give anything away!
Hazel is still freaking fantastic! I love a heroine who is not afraid to hold her own. Her sass and snark are in full swing in this one and I loved every minute of it! She's quickly becoming one of my favorite heroines.
As for Killian. *le sigh* You remember me saying that I don't want to give anything away? Well. I can't really tell you what I think of Killian right now. All I can say is... that man.
This is another fast-paced and action-packed book that I had an extremely hard time putting down. I may or may not have missed church while reading this book. Oops!
Ms. Shea did another phenomenal job sucking me in from the very beginning and not letting me go until the very end. Although, she still hasn't let me go because I really don't want to be writing this review right now. I just have to dive right back in to see how the series end!
So before I go... I gotta throw in my casting. I still love these two! What do you think?!
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K.M Shea is a fun author. Her books are geared to younger readers but I enjoy them. I just read this whole series in a couple days. Her books just suck you in. You just have so much fun and care about her characters. The second book is my favorite in the series and that is normally never the case with me. The love story really takes off and the slow build of it was just awesome. She keeps it very tame so I could hand this to my 11 year old and have no problems. The kisses are not too detailed and the way the main character and the hero act is very light. Lots of heavy moments with light banter right after. I almost wished there would have been more of a serious romantic feel because I am older but it wouldn't have fit with her writing style. I enjoyed the whole series.
Some violence but nothing overly described and people heal. 12 and up -
It was a treat to lose myself into this book for a day. I got to take a break from the problems going on in the world which was very much appreciated.
This book is book 2 in a series and is best read in order. It was fast paced, interesting and lots of fun. There was action and intrigue. There was a whiff of romance. There were betrayals. Also, we have a heroine that has been kicked around for so much of her life and she has drawn the line. I loved seeing her stand up for herself, people she cared about and also seeing the need to stand up for the downtrodden. This series has been super satisfying and I can't wait till the final book comes out in a month. -
This is even better than book 1. I love how things are evolving between Hazel and Killian though that ending makes me both mad and frantic to start the next book. Hazel learned a lot with the vampires and I can't wait to see how she'll do now. There's definitely a lot we don't know, some parts were a bit too vague but I don't even care because I'm having a blast with those characters.
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I absolutely love this book. I'm not usually into vampire romances, but Killian is amazing. This whole new world is very well built, described, and it's so much fun to dive into the story. I stayed up super late reading this, and enjoyed every second of it. I can't wait for #3!
-
Oh my gosh, this was absolutely amazing! K. M. Shea strikes again with a great character cast, amazing writing, and a gripping storyline. I could not put this book down until I finished it.
Hazel is probably one of the coolest heroines I have ever had the pleasure to read. She is smart, witty, funny, and the best amount of ruthlessness in her. I enjoyed getting to know her in the first book, but this one really showed her personality. I know another book is slated to be released, but I already know it's not going to be enough. I could read another 12 books with Hazel as the main protagonist.
And let's not forget Killian. Having him open up more in this book made him more enduring and likable. His interactions with Hazel are a joy to experience and I am excited to see how he's going to approach Hazel in the 3rd book.
Seriously, 12 books with all of these characters won't be enough. They are thoroughly developed and enduring in their own way. I really hope Shea will stay with this world and they will pop up in future installments.
Another one for the favorites list. Waiting for the 3rd book to come out will be an agonizing month of waiting I don't want to do. -
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This series just keeps getting better! There was loads more action, suspense and romance. Hazel is resilient, hardworking & focused and I enjoyed seeing her in action. She is so much more powerful now so her fight scenes are🔥🔥 She and Killian had really great relationship growth in this one and it was super cute. I loved how he cared for and comforted her and everything progressed at a natural & believable pace. Also, it was great to see the rest of the gang; Celestina, Josh, Gavino, even Rupert.
I was so upset when Killian did what he did but I loved how Hazel handled it. She was logical in her assessment of the situation and acted accordingly and I respected for her only grew. While I was annoyed at Killian for a bit, at the end, I understood his reasons for doing what he did and I couldn’t stay mad at him anymore. He has proved time and time again that he always has good reason for his actions.
So I’m super pumped to read the final book. And can’t wait to see how everything plays out.
Content: Clean/chaste, Kissing, Mild violence, Mild language. -
This book continues pretty much where the first ends, and is a spectacular continuation. Everything that made the first book so good is still here (Hazel is a great protag, Killian is helping her and falling in love, the hilarious side characters, the narrative voice), but since Hazel has come into her own, she's taking more active steps to win her life and her rights back.
A lot of times, I hate it when a character is wronged by someone, and in the next chapter they forgive. It happens in a lot of books (even Kate Daniels, which I think is probably the best urban fantasy out there), and it's a major turnoff for me.
We do get a betrayal in this book (which I got to at about 1:30 am as I couldn't put this book down) and it stabbed me in all the sad betrayal places. However, our heroine is anything but a pushover, and stands up for herself while staying true to her ideals and goals.
Loved it.
