Cels Reviews: Lauren Kate — "The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove"

Natalie Hargrove is a bit of a chameleon, having managed to hide her past as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, rise to the upper ranks of high school popularity and snag herself a trust fund toting boyfriend along the way. On the brink of gaining everything she has wished for the last four years, Nat thinks she is sitting pretty; that is, ‘tll her past tries to catch up with her and a prank goes horribly wrong- Nat may just lose it all.

After reading all the rave reviews regarding Kate’s previous two offerings, “Fallen” and “Torment”, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to get my hands on this. The twists and turns and hidden storyline that slowly evolves will keep you guessing and a little tongue in cheek in making sure the “perfect” people soon lose their shine. The story did start out a little slowly- the plot took a while to reach first gear but thankfully, once it picks up, you become so enthralled all is soon forgiven.

Nat is one of those girls you will either feel sorry for or wish she would get hers, sometimes both at differing parts of the journey. Self-centered and manipulative on the surface, she can grate on the nerves until we get to see the hidden depth and pain behind the facade. A fresh new twist on the high school “it” scene and just what it takes to stay on top.

Lauren Kate is a powerhouse to sink your teeth into. Check out Natalie’s world- it will certainly make you rethink the whole popularity game.

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove- Lauren Kate

4th January, 2011, by Random House

Paperback, 235 pages

ISBN:978-0-552-56372-7