Joint Review: Night Betrayed by Joss Ware

Where did you get the book: E-arc from netgalley.
What publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: Out Now
Blurb taken from Goodreads
The Change that devastated the earth didn’t destroy Theo Waxnicki. It made him something more than human   eternally young, eternally beautiful … but not immortal.
When he dies on a mission against the Strangers, he is lost ot the darkness…until a miracle lady brings him back.
Born during the apocalyptic storms and earthquakes that left the world in ruins, Selena has dedicated her life to easing the pain of others. But Theo is the first in her care to actually survive. Responding to Selena’s tender touch, Theo starts to live again, to feel and desire again.
But joined in a world of terrors, the secrets they can never share make them targets. And love could be the ultimate betrayal.

MinnChica: I have to say, I started reading the Envy Chronicles just a few short months ago, and Ware has quickly become my FAVORITE post-apocalyptic author. I love the world she’s created!

Has: I read the first book when it first came out earlier last year, because I am always a sucker for a dark/dystopian setting. So when I discovered that the 4th book was up on Netgalley – I soon grabbed the chance to read it and I have to say it was a book that totally blew away my expectations.

MinnChica: I can completely agree with that. For some reason I had never really connected with Theo as a character, so although I was looking forward to the overall plot, I wasn’t super stoked for Theo’s story. Let me just say that he blew me away!

Has: Don’t you love it when something like this happens? I totally agree about Theo, but in this book he totally came onto his own. I also loved Selena who was a fantastic character!

MinnChica: She really was fabulous. I liked that she kept struggling with the idea of falling for someone who was younger than her, only to find out that Theo was actually older. It was a great little twist! My heart broke from Selena a few times throughout the story, especially when we learn what exactly she can do. *tear*

Has: I loved that twist with the older heroine who falls in love with a younger guy but who is really much older than she was. I loved how Theo was all patient and letting the romance grow between them slowly and it really helped with the tension between them.
But I agree – Selena’s past and power must be so hard and emotional but she found a great partner with Theo who totally understood her and her abilities.

MinnChica: I agree, Theo really blossomed for me in this one, and really became the perfect partner for Selena, better than she could ever ask for. He proved that he had so much depth. The way he cared for and wanted to have a relationship with Selena’s son, the way he worried for Leo, the way he helped Selena accept her gift and try to use it in a better way…

Has: And her gift of helping dying people pass on and the glimpses we got with hospice was sad and different from other books which use this trope/idea. I also thought that this book was much more gentler in tone but also darker and in some ways more emotional than the previous installments. It really added a depth of emotional pathos and realism and I liked that because it showed different sides for this series.

MinnChica: The other thing I absolutely LOVE about this series is that the overall plot arc is constantly moving forward. So many times in series the overall story arc seems to drag on for three, four, five books before moving forward. With Ware, she really moves things along at a quick pace, answering questions and posing more and more as she goes. Love it!

Has: Oh definitely! Especially with that ending – it answered several questions but produced more and leaves you wanting for more.

MinnChica: There were a few things that I didn’t necessarily like throughout the book, but understand why they were there. The character Jennifer was a catty little girl, and she annoyed the crap out of me, especially with how harsh the reality of their world was. She seemed a little ridiculous. Also the death of a certain character really tore me up. Now, I’m not one to question an author’s actions, but there was one scene in which one of our female characters was brutalized by the bounty hunter Seattle. I can only hope that Ware has a very specific reason for this, because it was definitely hard to read and get through.

Has: Oh I agree about that death and I was literally shocked by that because I thought they would be okay. But I could see Jennifer who was leading on Sam like that to be realistic especially after being turned down by Theo.
But that death and the other events that happened really showed how harsh and unforgiving this world was and out of all of the books this was the one which I think showed how gritty it was.

MinnChica: Hum, I can just imagine if I was living in Ware’s world, I probably wouldn’t have time for the BS that Jennifer was pulling. But then again, catty girls will probably always be catty girls! You’re definitely right in that this book really shows us just how harsh and unforgiving Ware’s world can be!

Has: There was also reappearances of previous characters even though most of the book was set in a new territory away from Envy. I also loved the new development that happened with a certain character who was the main protagonist in the previous book which gave some humour and lightness in the book which was otherwise very dark.

MinnChica: I love the reappearance of old characters as well. And without giving away any spoilers, there are some great little developments that will delight readers: something about a certain arrow-loving heroine! OH OH, and for those of you who are wondering about how zombies are created, you’re in for a treat!! I do hope that Ware gets around to telling Remy’s story soon. The mystery surrounding her is starting to kill me!! And I have to admit, I’m totally rooting for a Remy and Wyatt romance, even though Ware won’t give any hints. (Trust me, I asked!!)

I really enjoyed this installment in the series. It might not have been my favorite, but it really delivered so much more than I was expecting. I am so happy with the way the plot is moving overall, and I really enjoyed getting the chance to see another side of Theo. This is a series that UF, paranormal, and Sci Fi Romance fans alike can all enjoy!

I give Night Betrayed a B.

Has: Although Night Betrayed may not be as action packed as the previous book and had a quiter toned romance- in many ways was a darker and grittier installment than the previous books. It really showed that even the main characters can pay a heavy price which I admire Joss Ware conveying that and for me made the world a more realistic place. The romance between Selena and Theo was great! And I loved the twist on the older hero/older heroine trope. I think with this book it will show it can take chances and throw established tropes up in the air and tie it up in a different way from other paranormal/UF/Sci Fi romance and for me this stood out of the pack!
I can’t wait for the next book because the gut-wrenching and emotional ending has opened up different plot threads which will have ramifications for the next book.
I also give it a B

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