rachelmcchicken's review
4.0
Unlike many other people, this is one of my favourite stand-alone novels.
Natalie is indeed a selfish character, but once I started to understand her backround and how she spend her youth, it is kind of understandable, for me at least. Although I do have to say the whole 'daddy' plot line was a bit annoying. I think with better writing and maybe even an altogether longer book, that sub-plot could've worked it's way into the story nicely. However, when reading the book it's almost like Lauren Kate just threw in a text from Natalie's dad or an abstract thought or memory of Natalie's relating to her dad when things got a bit boring. I didn't like it at all.
I loved the ending, and yet hated it at the same time. I don't mind Natalie's death or Mike's disappearance afterwards, but I do think that Lauren Kate should've given us some more concrete info on J.B earlier on in the book instead of letting Nat reveal a memory or two of him every three chapters. I think if this had happened, the memory of Nat and J.B first meeting at the end would've flowed better. Especially considering the epilogue! To me, you can't have almost nothing known about Natalie and J.B's relationship then all of a sudden being shown how they met and that he was in love with her the whole time. I was so confused when I finished the book for the first time I had no clue what was going on.
Aside from the badly-written sub-lot and horribly confusing ending, it was a good book.
Natalie is indeed a selfish character, but once I started to understand her backround and how she spend her youth, it is kind of understandable, for me at least. Although I do have to say the whole 'daddy' plot line was a bit annoying. I think with better writing and maybe even an altogether longer book, that sub-plot could've worked it's way into the story nicely. However, when reading the book it's almost like Lauren Kate just threw in a text from Natalie's dad or an abstract thought or memory of Natalie's relating to her dad when things got a bit boring. I didn't like it at all.
I loved the ending, and yet hated it at the same time. I don't mind Natalie's death or Mike's disappearance afterwards, but I do think that Lauren Kate should've given us some more concrete info on J.B earlier on in the book instead of letting Nat reveal a memory or two of him every three chapters. I think if this had happened, the memory of Nat and J.B first meeting at the end would've flowed better. Especially considering the epilogue! To me, you can't have almost nothing known about Natalie and J.B's relationship then all of a sudden being shown how they met and that he was in love with her the whole time. I was so confused when I finished the book for the first time I had no clue what was going on.
Aside from the badly-written sub-lot and horribly confusing ending, it was a good book.
rebeccajane's review
3.0
I liked this book but not as much as I'd hoped. I don't particularly like Natalie, she's kind of self absorbed. There were a few characters I did like but she just wasn't one of them. The ending was kinda majorly sad :/ I really wasn't expecting the ending at all.
escapeebee's review
4.0
Full review posted here on TotalTeenFiction
I'm still waiting for Fallen to become available from the library, so when I spotted this book in my local charity shop I decided to grab it and get my first Lauren Kate fix. Natalie Hargrove is the queen bee, and with the prestigious Palmetto ball approaching, Natalie wants nothing more than to be crowned princess alongside her boyfriend and hopeful prince Mike.
I'm going to start out by saying that this book was a total guilty pleasure. It felt like the kind of book I really shouldn't have liked as much as I did! Natalie Hargrove is a totally horrible character. She'll do whatever she can to get exactly what she wants, and holds this influence over her fellow students. After her mum's marriage got her a ticket to the nice side of town, she's determined to stay there and forget her past. Basically, she's pretty ruthless.
Despite this, I found myself completely hooked into the drama. The writing style really grabbed me and even though I knew I should hate Natalie, I just couldn't put this book down and I loved finding out what was round the corner for her. It's pretty typical high school drama for the first half of the book. Everyone's talking about the school ball and there's parties, drinking and plenty of steamy make-out sessions between Mike and Natalie. Just when I thought this was looking to turn into some kind of love triangle, the plot took a completely different turn to what I was expecting, and suddenly lives are on the line.
If you want a book where characters learn from their mistakes or go on a journey then this isn't really that book. If you like American high school drama with a massive order of bitchiness and scheming then it is. I would have liked a bit more depth to Natalie's character. It felt there could have been a lot more to her than there was in the end and I was a bit disappointed by the way it ended. What it definitely has done is tickled my tastebuds and made me want to read more by Lauren Kate.
Find more books like this at TotalTeenFiction
I'm still waiting for Fallen to become available from the library, so when I spotted this book in my local charity shop I decided to grab it and get my first Lauren Kate fix. Natalie Hargrove is the queen bee, and with the prestigious Palmetto ball approaching, Natalie wants nothing more than to be crowned princess alongside her boyfriend and hopeful prince Mike.
I'm going to start out by saying that this book was a total guilty pleasure. It felt like the kind of book I really shouldn't have liked as much as I did! Natalie Hargrove is a totally horrible character. She'll do whatever she can to get exactly what she wants, and holds this influence over her fellow students. After her mum's marriage got her a ticket to the nice side of town, she's determined to stay there and forget her past. Basically, she's pretty ruthless.
Despite this, I found myself completely hooked into the drama. The writing style really grabbed me and even though I knew I should hate Natalie, I just couldn't put this book down and I loved finding out what was round the corner for her. It's pretty typical high school drama for the first half of the book. Everyone's talking about the school ball and there's parties, drinking and plenty of steamy make-out sessions between Mike and Natalie. Just when I thought this was looking to turn into some kind of love triangle, the plot took a completely different turn to what I was expecting, and suddenly lives are on the line.
If you want a book where characters learn from their mistakes or go on a journey then this isn't really that book. If you like American high school drama with a massive order of bitchiness and scheming then it is. I would have liked a bit more depth to Natalie's character. It felt there could have been a lot more to her than there was in the end and I was a bit disappointed by the way it ended. What it definitely has done is tickled my tastebuds and made me want to read more by Lauren Kate.
Find more books like this at TotalTeenFiction
hetlevenvaneenboekenworm's review
5.0
You can find my review at my blog:
http://mybookaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/06/review-betrayal-of-natalie-hargrove-by.html
http://mybookaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/06/review-betrayal-of-natalie-hargrove-by.html
matildai's review
1.0
The story is about Natalie who is the popular girl that everyone wants to be. She comes from from other side of the tracks though, but no one knows her past.
When a tragedy happens, Natalie's' world is spun out of control.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have had this book on my bookshelf for years. I bought it because I loved Lauren Kates Fallen series, so I assumed that I would enjoy this book too.
Alas just because you like an author doesn't mean you will like all their work.
If I could give this book a 1.5 star rating I would. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't good.
I found the story under developed there was very little suspense and it was generally very blah.
When a tragedy happens, Natalie's' world is spun out of control.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have had this book on my bookshelf for years. I bought it because I loved Lauren Kates Fallen series, so I assumed that I would enjoy this book too.
Alas just because you like an author doesn't mean you will like all their work.
If I could give this book a 1.5 star rating I would. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't good.
I found the story under developed there was very little suspense and it was generally very blah.
serenitymoon's review
3.0
It wasn't bad, but it also didn't quite live up to its potential. It was mediocre and perfectly forgettable. Plus you kind of see the ending coming.
loveleareads's review
3.0
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove was interesting to say the least. It was full of twists and turns and very unpredictable at times.
The main problem I had with this book was the main character, Natalie. She was way too selfish and egocentric, not to mention obsessed with winning the crown. Not only was she this way, but the characterization just wasn't good. All the characters were very one-dimensional.
While I didn't like the characters so much, I loved the plot. It was so dark and twisted. For the most part it was fast-paced, and rarely got slow. I loved the ending, too. It was so unexpected and very currupt. All in all, the plot made up for the characters. It was a good read and very captivating.
The main problem I had with this book was the main character, Natalie. She was way too selfish and egocentric, not to mention obsessed with winning the crown. Not only was she this way, but the characterization just wasn't good. All the characters were very one-dimensional.
While I didn't like the characters so much, I loved the plot. It was so dark and twisted. For the most part it was fast-paced, and rarely got slow. I loved the ending, too. It was so unexpected and very currupt. All in all, the plot made up for the characters. It was a good read and very captivating.
aabs_cog90's review
5.0
I picked this book up as I was eager to sample Lauren Kate's writing but didn't want to dive into Fallen. The story centres around Natalie Hargrove and her need to be crowned Palmetto Princess- the whole story takes place in such a relatively short time for so much to happen. Natalie sees it as the defining moment of her transformation from Cawdor trailer park to Palmetto Queen Bee. Her boyfriend Mike King doesn't take it as seriously and it is paramount that they be crowned together as the alternative prince is J.B, Natalie's long time rival. This one desire sparks off an unfortunate chain of events for Natalie. I loved how the first chapter really set up the social hierarchy and importance of the Palmetto Court in the eyes of the students and to a certain extent their families, it made some of the decisions and small things make sense.
I actually found Natalie likable. Behind her shallow greed and single-mindedness, I could see a girl thrown off course by one harmless prank who was just desperate to keep the life she fought so hard for. The prank they play on J.B would have been seen as a meaningless joke if not for a tragic secret. I felt for Natalie as she seemed to have few real friends to turn to and Mike turned out to be rather weak willed. I did feel her back story could have afforded at least another chapter to show how she'd got to where she was. For example, Natalie's father makes a comeback in her life but this is never really dealt with which frustrated me.
The supporting cast of characters are very well fleshed out and complex. Mike was a very good boyfriend to begin with his laid back attitude did complement Natalie’s determination however this coupled with his inability to do what he thought was right or follow through really annoyed me. He claimed he wanted to come forward after the prank but it didn't take much for Natalie to persuade him and then he just didn't commit to the cover up like she did. A lot of side characters did seem to be there solely for plot movement or to add pressure etc and flitted in and out of importance. Natalie's potential stepsister seemed quite meek and submissive then suddenly grown a backbone which seemed rather out of character. However, due to the viewpoint of the story, you never got to see their true motives or feelings and this confusion did enhance Natalie’s isolation.
The ending felt a bit abrupt to me. The explanation of Natalie and J.B's rivalry was very subtly hinted at throughout the book and then thrown in at the end. I feel it could have been brought up earlier or been more obvious as it made Natalie's actions towards J.B much less vindictive and bitchy. However, the sudden ending was very effective. It tied up loose ends but left you wondering about small side plots such as how J.B really felt about Natalie, what happened to Baxter and how the investigation went. Which in a way is very clever as it keeps you thinking
With the UK blurb, I missed the fact this is a Macbeth retelling/reimagining, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if I’d known. However once I knew it was hard not to see connections and pick out little links to the Play. I loved the portrayal of the Witches as New Age juniors who were just going through a rebellious hippy phase. I liked the fact that Natalie was clearly the more ambitious one so she saw the apparitions, made the decisions, consulted the 'witches' and was the stronger person rather than Mike (Macbeth). However, I found Natalie to be a much more sympathetic character than either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth. I enjoyed that the 'wrong side of the tracks' where Natalie came from was named Cawdor and that Mike's surname was King, these little links were cleverly slotted in and didn't detach from the plot. Thinking about it now I can think of so many character parallels and connections that I didn't pick up straight up that I almost want to reread both Macbeth and Natalie.
This book engaged me from start to finish with a fast paced plot, well developed and complex characters and a very clever setting. I am so glad I brought it because I will definitely be picking it up again and again!
I actually found Natalie likable. Behind her shallow greed and single-mindedness, I could see a girl thrown off course by one harmless prank who was just desperate to keep the life she fought so hard for. The prank they play on J.B would have been seen as a meaningless joke if not for a tragic secret. I felt for Natalie as she seemed to have few real friends to turn to and Mike turned out to be rather weak willed. I did feel her back story could have afforded at least another chapter to show how she'd got to where she was. For example, Natalie's father makes a comeback in her life but this is never really dealt with which frustrated me.
The supporting cast of characters are very well fleshed out and complex. Mike was a very good boyfriend to begin with his laid back attitude did complement Natalie’s determination however this coupled with his inability to do what he thought was right or follow through really annoyed me. He claimed he wanted to come forward after the prank but it didn't take much for Natalie to persuade him and then he just didn't commit to the cover up like she did. A lot of side characters did seem to be there solely for plot movement or to add pressure etc and flitted in and out of importance. Natalie's potential stepsister seemed quite meek and submissive then suddenly grown a backbone which seemed rather out of character. However, due to the viewpoint of the story, you never got to see their true motives or feelings and this confusion did enhance Natalie’s isolation.
The ending felt a bit abrupt to me. The explanation of Natalie and J.B's rivalry was very subtly hinted at throughout the book and then thrown in at the end. I feel it could have been brought up earlier or been more obvious as it made Natalie's actions towards J.B much less vindictive and bitchy. However, the sudden ending was very effective. It tied up loose ends but left you wondering about small side plots such as how J.B really felt about Natalie, what happened to Baxter and how the investigation went. Which in a way is very clever as it keeps you thinking
With the UK blurb, I missed the fact this is a Macbeth retelling/reimagining, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if I’d known. However once I knew it was hard not to see connections and pick out little links to the Play. I loved the portrayal of the Witches as New Age juniors who were just going through a rebellious hippy phase. I liked the fact that Natalie was clearly the more ambitious one so she saw the apparitions, made the decisions, consulted the 'witches' and was the stronger person rather than Mike (Macbeth). However, I found Natalie to be a much more sympathetic character than either Macbeth or Lady Macbeth. I enjoyed that the 'wrong side of the tracks' where Natalie came from was named Cawdor and that Mike's surname was King, these little links were cleverly slotted in and didn't detach from the plot. Thinking about it now I can think of so many character parallels and connections that I didn't pick up straight up that I almost want to reread both Macbeth and Natalie.
This book engaged me from start to finish with a fast paced plot, well developed and complex characters and a very clever setting. I am so glad I brought it because I will definitely be picking it up again and again!
theawkwardbookw's review
3.0
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCferU-BCL2dlFjWdD0rS75Q/videos
Natalie Hargrove is the most popular girl at her highchool. She has dreamed of becoming Palmetto Princess for years and her long time boyfriend, Mike King is supposed to be crowned Prince beside her. When Justin Balmer threatens her boyfriend's crown, Natalie decides to take matters into her own hands to ensure this doesn't happen.
The book was entertaining at times, but often got on my nerves. Most of the time it was just Natalie trying to get her boyfriend to 'desire her' and then whining when she didn't get her way. A lot of the story was Natalie trying to cover up that she came from the 'wrong side of the tracks' which I'm assuming was supposed to make the reader feel sorry for her and forgive her for her shitty attitude. Just something about her really bothered me. I still really enjoyed how manipulative and conniving she was though and really wanted to see what she would do next to try to cover up what she did. The book is kind of like a terrible life time movie... It's not the best, but it's entertaining so you keep watching because you really want to know what happens next.
Overall, it was entertaining, but nothing overly special.
Natalie Hargrove is the most popular girl at her highchool. She has dreamed of becoming Palmetto Princess for years and her long time boyfriend, Mike King is supposed to be crowned Prince beside her. When Justin Balmer threatens her boyfriend's crown, Natalie decides to take matters into her own hands to ensure this doesn't happen.
The book was entertaining at times, but often got on my nerves. Most of the time it was just Natalie trying to get her boyfriend to 'desire her' and then whining when she didn't get her way. A lot of the story was Natalie trying to cover up that she came from the 'wrong side of the tracks' which I'm assuming was supposed to make the reader feel sorry for her and forgive her for her shitty attitude. Just something about her really bothered me. I still really enjoyed how manipulative and conniving she was though and really wanted to see what she would do next to try to cover up what she did. The book is kind of like a terrible life time movie... It's not the best, but it's entertaining so you keep watching because you really want to know what happens next.
Overall, it was entertaining, but nothing overly special.
fitzsbeloved's review
1.0
We all know how much I love Lauren Kate, right? I have pretty much no respect for her as an author, but I can't help but pick up all of her books. Perhaps I enjoy putting myself through literary torture.
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove is a modern retelling of Macbeth, and what an epic fail it is!
All Natalie wants for her senior year is to be crowned Palmetto Princess (prom queen, for all you normal people out there). He long-term boyfriend, Mike, is a lot less enthusiatic. At this rate, pretty-boy Justin Balmer is going to get crowned Prince. That is, until a prank the night of Rex's Mardi Gras party goes horribly wrong.
How on Earth is she going to get her crown, while at the same time covering up her tracks? And why is it she is still seeing Justin wherever she goes?
The first thing I have to say about this book: unrealistic. I mean, yes, this book does boarder on paranormal, but I mean on more of a high-school-level.
You know, like how you see on television. There is always that one girl who dreams of being crowned homecoming/prom queen. Times that by ten and you get Palmetto High.
Not everyone is set on being crowned, but they are all pretty into the whole thing. To the point where they have a day on just showing off their jessamines, rightly named Jessamine Day.
Now, I don't know about your schools, but at mine all the grade levels pretty much get along. I don't know any "Bambies" and none of my Junior friends are hippies. Maybe you do?
The way people talk in this book is just odd. Most people my age wouldn't use the word "polyamorous" (well, except my friend Alex) and little to none know what a "thespian" is (I'm just a freak like that), so using the phrase "polyamorous thespian" just doesn't work.
Then again, Kate is known to use big words in her books.
Another problem: grammar. I can let commas and stuff slide, but "more softly" is just not acceptable. Perhaps this is to prove that Nat is uneducated? But, then again, she used the phrase "polyamorous thespian," so I don't know.
Really, wouldn't it just be easier to say "whore?"
Normally I can tell from the beginning whether or not this book with be enjoyable. The first paragraph was pretty good, and then the style just went juvenile.
Once upon a time, we knew nothing--like ohmigod! I sooo want those shoes
The ending was no better...until the last paragraph. I think we have a pattern!
*SPOILERS*
We all know that in the play, Lady Macbeth kills herself. Well, not in this story! Instead of killing herself, Natalie planned to run away to New York. Her plans went wrong (again) when she got into an argument with Mike in their "secret spot." It resulted in him pushing her off the edge of a cliff to her ultimate death.
This was obviously supposed to take you off-guard, make you sad. I say that she deserved it.
*END SPOILERS*
Natalie was just an unlikeable character: selfish and manipulative. She didn't even really have any character development. I suppose there was a small hint of remose in the end, but not really.
All-in-all, this is a standard Lauren Kate book: a gorgeous cover with terrible content.
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove is a modern retelling of Macbeth, and what an epic fail it is!
All Natalie wants for her senior year is to be crowned Palmetto Princess (prom queen, for all you normal people out there). He long-term boyfriend, Mike, is a lot less enthusiatic. At this rate, pretty-boy Justin Balmer is going to get crowned Prince. That is, until a prank the night of Rex's Mardi Gras party goes horribly wrong.
How on Earth is she going to get her crown, while at the same time covering up her tracks? And why is it she is still seeing Justin wherever she goes?
The first thing I have to say about this book: unrealistic. I mean, yes, this book does boarder on paranormal, but I mean on more of a high-school-level.
You know, like how you see on television. There is always that one girl who dreams of being crowned homecoming/prom queen. Times that by ten and you get Palmetto High.
Not everyone is set on being crowned, but they are all pretty into the whole thing. To the point where they have a day on just showing off their jessamines, rightly named Jessamine Day.
Now, I don't know about your schools, but at mine all the grade levels pretty much get along. I don't know any "Bambies" and none of my Junior friends are hippies. Maybe you do?
The way people talk in this book is just odd. Most people my age wouldn't use the word "polyamorous" (well, except my friend Alex) and little to none know what a "thespian" is (I'm just a freak like that), so using the phrase "polyamorous thespian" just doesn't work.
Then again, Kate is known to use big words in her books.
Another problem: grammar. I can let commas and stuff slide, but "more softly" is just not acceptable. Perhaps this is to prove that Nat is uneducated? But, then again, she used the phrase "polyamorous thespian," so I don't know.
Normally I can tell from the beginning whether or not this book with be enjoyable. The first paragraph was pretty good, and then the style just went juvenile.
Once upon a time, we knew nothing--like ohmigod! I sooo want those shoes
The ending was no better...until the last paragraph. I think we have a pattern!
*SPOILERS*
We all know that in the play, Lady Macbeth kills herself. Well, not in this story! Instead of killing herself, Natalie planned to run away to New York. Her plans went wrong (again) when she got into an argument with Mike in their "secret spot." It resulted in him pushing her off the edge of a cliff to her ultimate death.
This was obviously supposed to take you off-guard, make you sad. I say that she deserved it.
*END SPOILERS*
Natalie was just an unlikeable character: selfish and manipulative. She didn't even really have any character development. I suppose there was a small hint of remose in the end, but not really.
All-in-all, this is a standard Lauren Kate book: a gorgeous cover with terrible content.