The
Grimoire: Treason
(My review)
I have nothing but praise for S.M.
Boyce’s latest, Treason, the second
installment of her Grimoire series. (Take note that I used the word “series”
and not “trilogy,” as I’m almost certain she’ll be forced to expand it further
than just three books...there’s too much story left to tell! Perhaps I just
know that because I’m a writer, but mark my words...the third book will not be the end.) From start to finish, I
had nothing but fun. However, it’s not the fact that the book is great reading
that impresses me most, it’s that Boyce manages to write YA without adhering to
ridiculous traditions that ruin many of those types of stories for me.
The main thing for me is that I like
strong characters that know who they are. Let me be clear, I recognize the fact
that every protagonist has a growth period, in which they’re figuring things
out. However, my biggest problem with the YA genre is those ridiculous love
triangles that, by now, are nothing short of cliché. I myself have never been
that way. I’m the type of person who knows exactly what he wants, so perhaps
that’s why I relate to characters that aren’t, for lack of a better word,
“wishy-washy.” If a protagonist cannot decide on who he/she loves, and (in all
aspects of life) love is what gives people a reason to fight for what they
believe in, then how am I supposed to take that character seriously saving the
world? It seems that many YA writers haven’t thought about this. Not that I
haven’t liked certain stories containing this element, but it’s been “done to
death.” At this point, I’d rather see the love triangle crap laid to rest.
Thank goodness Boyce seems to instinctively understand the same thing I do,
because if it had ever seemed that our beloved Kara would give herself to
Gavin, I promise you I would’ve stopped reading long ago.
Speaking of Gavin, he’s an even bigger
tool in this installment, arrogant and foolish as ever; spot-on reflections of
what powerful men are like in the real world. Braeden is complex now, as Boyce
simultaneously shows him vulnerable, confused, and yet much more vicious and
honest about his nature. Twin is fleshed out more as well, and I can’t wait to
see her development over the next books (yes, books!), along
with a new character, Braeden’s “pet,” Iyra. Carden is just as hate-worthy as
ever, but Deirdre is now (believe it or not) adorably intriguing. In this book
we’re given the reasons behind her evil deeds, so I couldn’t help but
sympathize with her. I think most people will feel that way. Deirdre is, in
effect, a likeable villain now. It’ll be sad when she dies (I have a feeling
the story is headed that way). And then there’s Kara... I won’t say much about
her, lest I spoil the tale for you all. However, you should know that, by the
end of the story, she reaches a very deserving level of awesomeness!
Smart, fun, and atypical of the YA
genre, S.M. Boyce has delivered yet another fine tale that is such a quick
read, its page count is deceiving. If I were a teacher, scoring her from a
grade book, she’d receive near-perfect marks!
—Wrinklegus PoisonTongue (a.k.a. Marque
Terrynamahr Strickland)
2013
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