21 exciting new YA book releases arriving in the summer of 2021
By Lacy Baugher
The Betrayed – Kiera Cass
The Betrayed is the highly anticipated sequel to popular YA author Keira Cass’s 2020 novel The Betrothed, which followed the story of Lady Hollis Brite, a young noblewoman in the kingdom of Coroa who caught the eye of its handsome young King Jameson. Initially, she’s excited about the prospect of being a queen, both in terms of Jameson’s affections and the chance to do good for her people, But when a refugee family from a neighboring kingdom arrives at court things begin to change – and Hollis’ heart wants a different life.
The Betrayed will seemingly pick up where The Betrothed left off, as Hollis breaks off her engagement and flees to the neighboring kingdom of Isolte with her love Silas’ family. There she’ll have to adjust a new way of life, and find a way to co-exist with people who deeply distrust her origins. And also…possibly help find a way to overthrow Isolte’s tyrannical king?
At least Hollis’ life is never boring, is what I’m saying.
The official synopsis describes the story in more detail.
"Can you follow your heart when it’s already broken? After fleeing Coroa and leaving the memory of her beloved Silas behind, Hollis is unsteadily adjusting to life in Isolte. The Eastoffe family’s affection is a balm on her weary spirit, though Etan, a surly cousin with a deep distaste for Coroans, threatens to upset the uneasy peace she’s found. While tensions at home ratchet up, disquiet in the kingdom of Isolte is reaching a fever pitch. The Eastoffes may have the power to unseat a tyrannical king—but only with Hollis’s help. Can a girl who’s lost it all put the fate of her adopted homeland over the secret longings of her heart?"
The Betrayed is available on June 29.