Review: Traitor's Heart - Enemy's Keeper #2

Traitor's Heart book cover on blue background

I only really started reading more medieval books within the past year, so I'm thrilled that I've been able to enjoy this YA series as I grow in my knowledge and experience of a bygone age.

Traitor's Heart by Kyrie Wang is the second book in the Enemy's Keeper series, offering a clash of worlds between the Vikings, Celts, and Norman knights on land and at sea for ages 13 and up.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Content to be aware of: violence

Book Synopsis

A healer forced to destroy. A warrior forced to betray. In the shadow of rebellion, every choice leaves a scar.

Aliwyn awakens to chaos as tragedy strikes the rebels’ ship. As loyalties fracture and danger closes in, she must make an unthinkable choice: break her healer's oath and betray the knight who holds her heart, or watch innocent lives burn in England’s destruction.

Desperate to reclaim his honor, Matthew forges an uneasy alliance with the Vasfian chief, Reiya. His quest to save Aliwyn becomes a journey of devastating revelations as he uncovers Aelfric's secret double life. Each step toward redemption forces him to choose between duty to the crown and the people he's sworn to protect.

With a rebel-Danish alliance threatening to shatter England, Matthew and Aliwyn must navigate a treacherous web of deception and shifting alliances. Only one thing is certain: their choices will either save the kingdom—or destroy it.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Well, now I am eager to find out what will happen in book three after experiencing all of the adventures that Aliwyn, Toby, Matthew, and Reiya face as they hold opposing allegiances in a war that isn't always as clear-cut as it's made out to be. I appreciate that Kyrie Wang takes on the challenge of telling part of the story from Matthew's perspective, which isn't the easiest feat when he is considered the enemy in the series. However, in entering his mind, it becomes apparent that his responses to somewhat ambiguous situations actually humanizes him further. It's a unique world that the author has built where young adults are faced with ongoing ethical dilemmas that have readers along for the ride.

In addition to warring allegiances, opposing spiritual beliefs are also addressed in this book as a result of Reiya's background. It's quite a delicate dance in how different forms of worship are expressed, allowing us to better understand why people made the sacrifices they did to try to obtain favourable outcomes. Where faith is most beautifully conveyed is in the relationship between Aliwyn and Toby where forgiveness plays a huge role in their personal growth and as they share their feelings for one another. Readers who have enjoyed Healer's Blade will be keen to discover what happens next with Aliwyn as she seeks to serve others no matter who they are, and as things become more tense with Toby and Matthew during an explosive war.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

Unfinished and incoherent prayers still tumbled in Aliwyn’s mind. “I…I have faith that the Almighty One knows what He is doing.” Toby’s brows lifted. How was he going to respond to this? His gaze seemed to look past her and into something unseen, and Aliwyn’s chin trembled. Finally, he turned back to her with a smile she hadn’t seen since that morning. “I hope you’ll understand that fighting is sometimes necessary, but you’re right.” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “The battle has always belonged to Him.”