Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong

January 16th, 2017 Kimberly Review 42 Comments

16th Jan
Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong
Betrayals
by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cainsville #4
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

When Olivia's life exploded--after she found out she was not the adopted child of a privileged Chicago family but of a notorious pair of convicted serial killers--she found a refuge in the secluded but oddly welcoming town of Cainsville, Illinois. Working with Gabriel Walsh, a fiendishly successful criminal lawyer with links to the town, she discovered the truth about her parents' crimes in an investigation that also revealed the darker forces at work in the place that had offered her a haven. As if that wasn't enough, she also found out that she, Gabriel and her biker boyfriend Ricky were not caught in an ordinary sort of love triangle, but were hereditary actors in an ancient drama in which the elders of Cainsville and the mysterious Huntsmen who opposed them had a huge stake.

Now someone is killing street kids in the city, and the police have tied Ricky to the crimes. Setting out with Gabriel's help to clear Ricky's name, Olivia once again finds her own life at risk. Soon the three are tangled in a web of betrayals that threatens their uneasy equilibrium and is pushing them toward a hard choice: either they fulfill their destinies by trusting each other and staying true to their real bonds, or they succumb to the extraordinary forces trying to win an eternal war by tearing them apart.

urban MURDERMYSTERY paranormal traingle

Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong is the fourth book in the urban fantasy Cainsville series. Betrayals brought us an intense thriller and character development as Armstrong begins to set the pieces in play for the final book(s).

Flashbacks, Fae, murder and movement within this complicated love triangle kept me flipping the pages. While I know, others have voiced their frustration with the series it is one I have enjoyed since the beginning.

Because this is an urban fantasy series, these stories are best read in order. While I will keep my review spoiler free, this review may contain spoilers for those who have not read the previous books.

The series is steeped in Welsh folklore dealing with  Mallt-y-Nos or Matilda of the Night. The main characters Matilda, Gwynn, and Arawn are at the heart of this lore. The Wild Hunt, FAE,  and let’s not forget the gargoyles, Ravens, and supernatural stories that fill the pages of this tale. These are all elements I enjoy in a cleverly woven tale, and I soaked up every morsel. There is an ongoing rift between the Cŵn Annwn and the Tylwyth Teghounds. At its center is our protagonist Olivia (Matilda). They want her to choose sides. Like the folklore, there are two men in her life Gabriel (Gwynn) and Ricky (Arawn).

In Betrayals, we see growth and healing after the events of  Deception. The Olivia I admired and respected is back! While she still struggles, her actions were more decisive and level-headed.  I have long been a fan of Gabriel, and have likened him to Trent from the Hollows series. He is strong, capable, and socially awkward. It was good to see him make strides and push for Olivia. Ricky transformed in Betrayals warning many not to judge a book by its cover. He is quite insightful and clever. He makes a move in this novel that was both noble and gutsy.

While we see development regarding the overall ARC, Betrayals focuses on the murder of lamiae, a identifying a rebel Huntsman and helping a hound. The case itself was interesting as Armstrong delivered red herrings, a few plot twists and even managed to take me by surprise. Through this case, we get flashbacks and learn more details about the Hunt and FAE. Armstrong is magnificent at weaving a tale that allows the reader to slip in and become a part of the story. Such was the case in Betrayals.

I like the direction that Armstrong took us in Betrayals, and cannot wait to see how everything plays out in Rituals.

I like the direction Kelley Armstrong took us in Betrayals, and cannot wait to read Rituals. Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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42 Responses to “Betrayals by Kelley Armstrong”

  1. Lola

    Same here I’ve enjoyed this series from the beginnings and have found each book very enjoyable. I like both Ricky and Gabriel, although I do hope she ends up with Gabriel in the end. I admired the actions of both in this book and with how the book ends I am very curious about book 5! Glad to hear you also enjoyed this one!

  2. Olivia Roach

    I love whenever I stumble across a book where the main characters share my own name 😀 I don’t know why though xD I am glad this one was so good, and that this book really added a lot of information and depth to the story thus far. It sounds like it contributes to the world building as well!

  3. Dragonfly

    Kelley Armstrong and Roberts. I can’ t believe I still haven’t read their books! What is wrong with me??? I’ll check your reviews to see what is the best Armstrong to start with

  5. Angela

    I’ve enjoyed Armstrong in the past but I haven’t started this series yet. I need to dig into my tbr pile and start the first book.

  6. Christy LoveOfBooks

    This is the sound of me deflating right now. One day I will read this series. One day. Btw, your VA services should include writing my reviews for me 😀

  8. Melissa (Books and Things)

    She is one of my favorite authors and I haven’t read a book by her in way too long. I so need to start this series and I cannot wait until I do! Is it wrong of me to totally feel the need to squish that dog? LOL

  11. Mary Kirkland

    I read this authors first two books a long time a go and haven’t read anything more from her. Maybe I should check her out again at some point.

  13. kindlemom1

    I still need to post my review for this, gah, I’m so behind lately. I just read Lost Souls and loved it. I can’t wait until the last book.

  15. Stormi Johnson

    I am glad that you like this series, I have seen some mixed reviews about it. I got book one and two for Christmas from my secret Santa and can’t wait to try this series. 🙂

  16. Laurie

    Hmmm, so many series, so little free time but this cover is calling to me and your review is tempting me . . ..

  17. Debbie Haupt

    Hello, how was this pretty series not on my radar? It is now! Thanks Kim this looks great and as always your review is fantastic!

  18. Sophia Rose

    I stopped at the point where you mentioned that the series was UF and built on each other, but what you and the blurb said already have me eager to try the series plus, I’ve yet to read a Kelley Armstrong.

  19. Cyn

    I’m not a fan of the love triangle but the rest of the story sounds pretty interesting! And I like the sounds of the Welsh Folklore! Glad you enjoyed this, lovely review Kim!