About the Book
-
Author:
- Alwyn Hamilton
Cover Story: Unnecessary Changes
BFF Charm: Heck Yes
Talky Talk: Long and Winding Road
Bonus Factor: Djinn
Relationship Status: Getting Serious
Danger, Will Robinson! Traitor to the Throne is the second book in the Rebel of the Sands series. If you have not read the first book—Rebel of the Sands—turn away now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you have read the first book, however, feel free to continue below. I will refrain from major spoilers in my review, but there will be hints at plot points and details about the story.
Cover Story: Unnecessary Changes
I’m all for featuring badass babes on YA covers, but I don’t understand why they changed this series’ covers mid-run. Also, who is this supposed to be? Amani’s a gunslinger, not an archer.
(Looks like the UK version’s cover matches the first book’s.)
The Deal:
Amani, Jin, and the other members of Rebel Prince Ahmed’s rebellion have made serious strides toward freeing the country of Miraji from the Sultan’s rule. But fighting on the outskirts of the country and freeing small villages is only the first step, and the rebellion is forced to consider how they can get someone inside the Sultan’s palace, to incite change from within.
When Amani helps to free prisoners from the city of Saramotai—only to be betrayed and taken to the Sultan’s palace—it seems like fate has answered their conundrum. But being magically induced to do the Sultan’s bidding, and learning how to navigate palace politics, particularly those of the royal harem, might be more trouble than Amani and the other rebels had wanted. Even so, Amani must figure out how to turn her unfortunate situation into a useful one.
BFF Charm: Heck Yes
Amani continues to be a strong, valiant woman with a loyal heart and a brilliant mind. Even when all seems lost, and it looks as though the Sultan has the upper hand, she figures out ways to both make herself invaluable and undermine his authority. She’s the kind of person that makes an excellent rebel, but an even better friend.
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
There’s not a whole lot of time in Traitor to the Throne during which Amani and Jin can spend time together, but they certainly make the moments count when they are. (When they’re not being annoyed with each other about something silly, that is. These two. SMH.)
Talky Talk: Long and Winding Road
Alwyn Hamilton excels at world building. Although Traitor to the Throne takes place more inside the Sultan’s palace than at large in the deserts of Miraji, the world is still richly detailed and engrossing. Her characters are varied and unique, too; even with their Demdji powers, they still seem like real people you might meet on the street.
Plot-wise, Traitor to the Throne is a bit of a slow burn, but when things do start to happen, they happen quickly and intensely. Hamilton throws in some pretty great twists at the end, too.
Bonus Factor: Djinn
Although their existence was mentioned in Rebel of the Sands, Djinn play a larger part in Traitor of the Throne. Hamilton has given them a fascinating backstory, and I’m excited to see what comes of their involvement in the third book.
Relationship Status: Getting Serious
After our first date, Book, I was already looking forward to a second (and third and …). My feelings haven’t changed, and our second date was as good as I’d hoped for. I’m not saying we should think about moving in together—yet—but I think I’ll reorganize my drawers to make room for your things. Just in case.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Viking Books, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. Traitor to the Throne is available now.
