This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Cecelia Hopkins for Readers' Favorite
A Keen Betrayal by Linda Deenen commences by introducing the reader to genetically modified Meandre, who is out patrolling her assigned “zone” for a range of unique creatures, including the apparent enemy “Shadowbeasts”. Meanwhile, Dustin and his patrol partner have instructions to test a new weapon that proves more deadly than expected and triggers an incident in which Meandre is injured. The enraged Shadowbeasts continue to seek revenge, and Dustin is forced to use the weapon again to save a guard. After Meandre is treated in the wellness center, she and Dustin team up to investigate their hypothesis that the Shadowbeasts are capable of demonstrating communal behaviors. Things go wrong and Dustin is captured and taken to the enemy camp. His escape confirms a shocking realization.
A Keen Betrayal by Linda Deenen is a futuristic young adult novel with a social message. I enjoyed the speculative aspect as the author introduced several different classes of genetically modified humanoids. The image of a future society where longevity is enjoyed by privileged individuals while others were bred to be helpers was chilling and thought-provoking. I liked the way the narrative was constructed, requiring the reader to decode the different points of view and infer the true significance of events. Meandre and Dustin’s developing attachment seemed particularly special against the background of a society where romantic capability had largely been lost. The story had action, adventure, and a set of likable main characters. I can confidently recommend A Keen Betrayal by Linda Deenen to fans of post-apocalyptic and post-technological fiction.
