An Improvement of a Sequel
925057
I think that's my rating?

After reading The Kiss of Deception I almost immediately picked up The Heart of Betrayal, eager to learn what would happen next. The Kiss of Deception (which will be spoiled in this review, fair warning) was a lighter fantasy and an overall enjoyable read, despite its issues. I hoped that its sequel would develop more of a plot and show me why so many people rave about this series. And though I still don't see the love for this series, The Heart of the Betrayal was definitely an improvement and brought more to the table.

(Spoilers for The Kiss of Deception ahead, beware!) The Heart of Betrayal picks up right where The Kiss of Deception left off, with Lia and Rafe being brought by Kaden as prisoners into the barbarian kingdom Venda. It's there that we meet the Komizar, the harsh ruler of Venda, and see what he has in store for Lia--who he supposes has the "gift"--and Rafe--who's masquerading as the prince's emissary. Lia's stuck in a rut, pretending she hates Rafe--who's there to rescue her--pretending she doesn't hate Kaden--and maybe she really doesn't--and making sure she pleases the Komizar so she doesn't lose her head. But Lia learns something while in Venda: not everyone is a barbarian, and some of these people--and this place--may be hers.

What I liked about The Heart of Betrayal was its new setting. The Kiss of Deception wasn't slow, but it was building up to something--what that is, I didn't know. But in Heart stuff is actually happening. Characters are filled with lies in order to save their lives and those of the people they care about. I'm still not sure what exactly the "gift" is that Lia is supposed to have, but that--and all the histories--are a bit more fleshed out here. While The Kiss of Deception lacked a goal, The Heart of Betrayal's is clear from the start: get Lia and Rafe out of Venda. But that goal gets muddied as other people get involved and intentions become unclear. For the story is no longer just about Lia, Rafe, and Kaden--it's about all the kingdoms, good versus evil, and the truth of the Remnant's history.

Lia reminds me of Celaena Sardothien, but Celanea doesn't bother me. Sometimes Lia can be just a bit much. I get that she's headstrong and stubborn and fights to be her own person and take care of herself, and I get that she's pissed and hurt, but I feel like whatever level she's on needs to be taken down a notch. Then there's Rafe and Kaden. I'm still not sold on the romance in this series--I need to feel the connection between the two people, and the build up to it never happened--but I like both her options. The problem is that I'm going to feel bad for whoever Lia doesn't end up with. Here's the deal though: I wouldn't really call this a love triangle. Both guys love Lia, and she cares for both of them--but in different ways. (In The Kiss of Deception, I liked the assassin and Rafe. Which is funny, because they're two different people. Buuut I think I'm leaning toward Kaden.) Both are tough and tender, though Kaden's edges are a bit softer--and Rafe didn't take her as a prisoner. Like I said: they both want Lia and I'll feel bad for whoever doesn't get her. Lastly is the Komizar, a villain of sorts who sits on a throne built on death and blood, and who runs Venda on fear and strength. As a villain, I like him, As a person... not so much.

I'll be honest: I liked this book, but this review is a struggle. So just know that The Heart of Betrayal is a good (improvement of a) sequel filled with heart and betrayal and plot twists. And as far as the events of this series goes, s*** is just getting started. This may not be my favorite series and I may not love the books but when I'm reading these books I just want to read them. The Heart of Betrayal was a great mix of action, deceit, romance, and suspense, and, also, THAT ENDING. People had to wait a YEAR to see what happened after that? I'm sorry. Truly, I am. But now you know: if you're going to read The Heart of Betrayal, make sure you have The Beauty of Darkness ready to go the second you finish. Trust me.
1105802
Great, I still think the first one was better, but number 2 was close. Taken 2 is tied into the plot of the first one very well with very similar plot and action and with the differance of the parents being taken instead of the daughter. Good movie.
2027827
I have read many dismal sequels to classic novels where the characters and scenarios are inconsistent with the original. It suddenly morphs into a very modern action, mystery or erotic novel. Here at last is a worthy sequel. I enjoyed this book.

The author takes two unsympathetic characters from Pride and Prejudice and tells us their story. Charlotte Lucas Collins has the ability to make the best of any situation, kindness and great capacity for friendship. Mr Collins is under the thumb of Lady Catherine and has poor social skills. These personality traits are consistent with those shown in Pride and Prejudice. This sequel nicely shows why they behave as they do and how they interact to change each other for the better. The pace of story development is similar to the original which I found endearing.

Elizabeth and Mr Darcy return and are exactly as I remember them.e,g The scene where they snoop at letters written by Mr Collins father brings back memories of Elizabeth looking around Mr Darcys home in the original or how he finds out about Lydias elopement. Elizabeth is still encouraging Mr Darcy to be less snobbish.
Lady Catherine remains controlling and mean spiritied in this novel. It shows how much power the landowners had over their staff and tenants, e,g Lady Catherine prevents her seamstress Louisa's marraige as she did not want to lose her.

The author has her own style but it complements that of Jane Austins. This book is easier to read however as it is written in a more modern style. The characters conversations use language that is appropriate to the period and place . There are no obvious acronysms such as "oh my god" swear words or "pretty good"
3567565
An improvement on the first, with deeper characters and an increasingly complex world build.

The story structure was more coherent and contained some great twists. Look forward to seeing the action in 'Zero Tango'.
4823786
I thought it was ok, the first one was better.
3094102
Though this book was better than the first in the series. The adventure from the book was brought to an ending. More content and a more enjoyable pace to the presentation. Better development of the characters.
2991814
The story line follows both Jess and James on their different missions. Jess to get repairs and James to find the Apex forces. I am happy to say this book is an improvement over the first. There is more action, more information about the Apex and their weapons being discovered. There are some very disconcerting moments, birds shooting guns with their beaks? I didn't follow. The author also seems to be setting these birds up as unbeatable. They have advanced technology, better guns, controlling saliva, better, more advanced ships. Very little hope remains for the human and Hroom and the escapes these races are starting to pull off are stretching it. Still reading though, so I have to recommend it just as a step to the end.
2719284
This is a worthy sequal, full of the laughs, humor, and emotion of the original.  However it still lacks in other areas, such as a poor, sudden, conclusion; and a slow start.
The storyline of this movie is fairly close to that of the original.  One of the last mainstays of Americana, the corner barbershop, is being threatened by big developers who want to put a chain store across the street.  Barbershop 2, however, is less about the story and more about the characters.  And the characters are truly larger then life.  You will fall in love with each of them and their idiosyncracies.  They all return from the original, and that's the main reason this move gets an above average review.
It started slow but quickly picked up steam.  I was suprised by the sudden ending, however, and would have preferred that it continue for at least another ten minutes.  Overall, though, a good movie well worth seeing.
3685286
Personally, I like this one better than the original.
3331324
Vital Blood differs from the first book greatly in many aspects but also keeps the same feel and tone of its predecessor. The first half of this sequel focuses on Jeff, Scot and two new characters (Lea Gallo, Cassidy) who add a nice variance to the story. Familiar faces turn up here and there, leading to a thrilling cliffhanger.

A little slower than the first, but better writing and buildup that sets the stage for the final installment.

*I was given a free copy of this book*
1334715
Better than the first. A fun film, but no masterpiece.
Much more along the comic book and 1980s television cartoon in terms of story line... which is a good thing.

SPOILER alert:  a lot of Joes die in this film.
And Cobra Commander is played by a new actor; no more J. Gordon Levitt, while Destro is mentioned but never really seen.
1790410
This movie is perhaps not as surprising as the first, which is it's only negative.  Those of us who've seen & enjoyed the first Shrek many times (I have the DVD) haven't been surprised by Shrek for a long time anyway!  This movie has more funny stuff than the first, with many new funny characters and, as far as hollywood goes, a unique plot.  OK, the plot is predictable, but it has a few funny twists at the very end, and it's a lot of fun.

I think that this movie is more appropriate for young children than the first.  The first movie showed quite a bit of mean-spirited conversation coming from Shrek, which bothers me.  The second has some references that some parents might find problematic, but the reality is that young children won't pick up on these things that bother only the narrow-minded.
4941550
Much better than the first book in the series, more cohesive and less crowded story-wise.  The characters are starting to grow on me and I am starting to care about them.  The writing is a little stilted with abrupt stops sometimes, but it is a better read.  On to #3.
1227979
The first one honestly was better in my opinion .  I feel like there are certain things that needed a little bit more explanation .  But for the most part it was a solid story .
338183
Loved the original F.E.A.R, and I liked F.E.A.R 2, but it feels more like an expansion pack than a new game.  It's not quite as creepy as the original, either, relying on sounds and visual effects more than the glimpses of Alma (which, given by now everyone knows the story, makes sense, but it's still not quite the adreniline rush the first one was).  Overall, worth playing.
4789825
this is definite improvement from its predecessor... the graphics were improved dramatically and the physics of the car...

the only gripe i had was interest level.. same with the first, i got bored after a few hours of gameplay.. it got too repetative and predictable...
4407403
The second installment feels more realized with better/fleshed out characters. Some nice ties to past and future story pints and done welcome expansions and minor sidestories.