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A review by livin_in_lextacy
Betrayed by Kristin Cast, P.C. Cast
1.0
I don't completely understand why I chose to reread this series. I have been progressing through these books steadily via audible and traditional reading. This series is composed of many novels that are pretty quick reads even if they are a bit cringey.
I think the reason I do in some ways enjoy this series is for nostalgic reasons. These were one of the first series I invested myself in after the Twilight books. I remember them being a lot more entertaining back then but now there is quite a lot about them that make me uncomfortable throughout the story.
One of my main issues is the fact that there seems to be undertones are seemingly racist, in a way. I do believe I have seen some other reviewers mention this as well. It was improved from the first book but there were a few lines from the book that just made me stop and think about how inappropriate the way Shaunee was presented or described. From what I understand it gets corrected as the series progresses but, we will see.
Another issue I have with representation of the gay community. Damian seems to have no other personally other than being gay which doesn't sit correctly with me. Once again, from what I have seen this is corrected as the series progresses as well.
I did not however remember all of the slut-shaming and 'mean girl' mentality that the entire 'protagonist' group demonstrated. The main character, Zoey, along with her group of friends constantly belittles one of the 'antagonists' Aphrodite and called her hateful names. While Aphrodite was by no means my favorite, I defiantly don't like how the 'good guys' treated her. It sets a horrible tone for what is acceptable and good to the younger audience reading it. I feel like I remember this specific friendship growing and evolving in a positive way in the next few books (I think I stopped reading on the 4th or 5th book years ago). Regardless, I don't think this attitude is appropriate by any means especially considering how much of a hypocrite Zoey is considering how she acts in both this instalment in the series as well as the first.
I do remember thinking this series had so much potential when I was younger and I still agree with that idea. The overall plot line and story does have a great amount of potential but this book reads like bad fanfiction.
I plan on giving the 3rd installment a chance considering I have copies of these books from my youth but I expect significant improvement if I am to continue with this series.
I think the reason I do in some ways enjoy this series is for nostalgic reasons. These were one of the first series I invested myself in after the Twilight books. I remember them being a lot more entertaining back then but now there is quite a lot about them that make me uncomfortable throughout the story.
One of my main issues is the fact that there seems to be undertones are seemingly racist, in a way. I do believe I have seen some other reviewers mention this as well. It was improved from the first book but there were a few lines from the book that just made me stop and think about how inappropriate the way Shaunee was presented or described. From what I understand it gets corrected as the series progresses but, we will see.
Another issue I have with representation of the gay community. Damian seems to have no other personally other than being gay which doesn't sit correctly with me. Once again, from what I have seen this is corrected as the series progresses as well.
I did not however remember all of the slut-shaming and 'mean girl' mentality that the entire 'protagonist' group demonstrated. The main character, Zoey, along with her group of friends constantly belittles one of the 'antagonists' Aphrodite and called her hateful names. While Aphrodite was by no means my favorite, I defiantly don't like how the 'good guys' treated her. It sets a horrible tone for what is acceptable and good to the younger audience reading it. I feel like I remember this specific friendship growing and evolving in a positive way in the next few books (I think I stopped reading on the 4th or 5th book years ago). Regardless, I don't think this attitude is appropriate by any means especially considering how much of a hypocrite Zoey is considering how she acts in both this instalment in the series as well as the first.
I do remember thinking this series had so much potential when I was younger and I still agree with that idea. The overall plot line and story does have a great amount of potential but this book reads like bad fanfiction.
I plan on giving the 3rd installment a chance considering I have copies of these books from my youth but I expect significant improvement if I am to continue with this series.