I really enjoyed this as a opening chapter to the Lies We Fear series and had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed in this type of book. The world building was so well done and enjoyed how the characters worked in that world. Heather Ogden was able to weave a strong storyline and characters that I wanted to read more in. It was everything that I was looking for.

The Betrayal by Hether Odgens immediately drew me in with its moody, gothic atmosphere infused with a modern twist. It lived up to my expectations as the first book in a series, and I believe it has strong potential to grow into something truly captivating.

The story follows Angelette Arabella. As the daughter of Valerius Arabella, a ruthless dictator, she is bound by duty until she uncovers a series of dangerous, long-buried secrets. Forced to choose between truth and survival, Angelette becomes caught in a tense game of shifting loyalties and hidden betrayals.

The premise feels fresh and compelling, with high stakes and plenty of room for character and plot development as the series continues. The writing delivers a strong sense of atmosphere, immersing readers in its dark yet elegant world.

One suggestion I’d make is to include a date or year at the beginning of first chapters, since there are noticeable time jumps that could be made clearer with a simple marker. This would help the pacing feel smoother and avoid confusion.

Overall, this is a promising start to a series I’d definitely recommend to others. It sets the stage for intrigue, power struggles, and revelations that will surely keep readers invested.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC

I was eager to read this debut novel by Heather Ogden. Although YA is not my usual genre, I enjoyed this first installment that sets the stage for a rich and complex series. The story follows Angelette who is the daughter of a dictator, Valerius Arabella. Outwardly, it would seem that she is a prim and doting daughter that enjoys a life of privilege but the reader quickly realizes that there is a compelling conflict and deep struggle between loyalty and truth, silence and safety. Angelette wrestles with whether to expose the lies—or keep them in the whispers and shadows. The book blends dystopian elements with magical realism into a tapestry of reflection on personal integrity versus societal pressures.

Angelette must choose between exposing secrets or preserving the fragile facade of safety under her father's rule. The reader will immerse in the tension of betrayal and moral courage. Ogden is building a world with layers of mystique and poignancy. This is an ambitious plot that will undoubtedly reveal masterfully in subsequent releases and leave the reader guessing, pondering, and yearning for more. I can envision this sparking riveting book club conversations about loyalty, speaking up, and how much of who we are we keep beneath the surface to keep the peace.

Ogden delivers a bold and thematically resonant debut that hits the shelves in October 2025.

The Betrayal is a gripping, dark gothic fantasy full of secrets, suspense, and high-stakes drama. Angelette Arabella is a compelling protagonist facing impossible choices, and the twists kept me hooked from start to finish. A must-read for fans of intrigue, betrayal, and morally complex characters!