Friday, April 7, 2017

Review: Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton


Title: Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands, #2)

Author: Alwyn Hamilton

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Wow, did Alwyn Hamilton up her game with this sequel or what? I liked Rebel of the Sands just fine, but I felt as if it could've benefited from a thorough round of editing--the plot could have been tighter, the secondary relationships could have been more fleshed out, etc. But Traitor to the Throne is seamless, balanced by non-stop action and supported by a large cast of secondary characters who refuse to fade into the background. Amani is our courageous heroine, as always, but I loved seeing her friendships with the other rebels and the relationships she had forged in such a short amount of time. The rebels are the backbone of Hamilton's fictional country, but they are also at the heart of this story--and I felt for their cause, so deeply.

The plot of this novel, too, feels so much more focused with Amani clearly helping the rebel leaders and whisked away to the palace, as the synopsis reveals, through unexpected circumstances. We see Amani forced to confront both her past and her present in this story as she works through her own flaws and past regrets. It's challenging to see Amani lost and alone, at times, but her persistence to keep surviving is admirable and she's become one of my favorite heroines with this novel. I also love that there are so many different forms of feminism in this story. Hamilton shows us the strength of being a lady in the harem, a beloved sister, and a rebel--a woman's role in life does not limit her power or her struggle for freedom. Amani and the women of the harem she meets in the palace have so much more in common than they first imagine and I really appreciated that Hamilton took the time to flesh out these woman-to-woman relationships and build them without their reliance on men or relation to men.

Hamilton's prose is also stunning throughout this story. She litters the novel with anecdotes and legends, building this world more thoroughly for us, as well as introducing a political mix by giving us insight into neighboring territories while Amani resides in the palace. It's a fascinating and complicated world and I am eager to see how the issues brought up in this story are resolved in the finale. The romance, though taking a back-seat, is very much alive and while Jin and Amani are separated for most of this story, it never bothered me the way such plot devices typically do. It felt very appropriate both for the plot threads and for Amani's growth and I am excited to see how all these relationships--from her romance to her friendships to her loyalties to the rebels--play out in the sequel.

This was simply such a fantastic, un-put-down-able story and Hamilton did not disappoint in the least. I loved Traitor to the Throne so if you're on the fence about this series, or even just on the fence about continuing, I promise you this sequel makes it all worth it.

12 comments:

  1. what a beautiful cover! I think I remember book 1 even if I haven't read it and it's great to see it continues to be good! I should try

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  2. I haven't read this series but I'm glad that the sequel was MUCH better for you than the first book. That's always good to hear!

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  3. YAAAAAAY! I'm so glad to see that you loved this book! Wasn't it a great sequel?! Honestly YA sequels scare me so much, probably even more than conclusion novels do. I'm glad this one did not disappoint. Even better that you didn't totally love Rebel but loved this book. I hope book three is the best of the series! Wonderful review, Keertana!

    Have a lovely week. =)

    Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!

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  4. Sweet! I've been wanting to read that first book and now I know I need this second one. Better? Oh yea, it is marked for my wishlist!

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  5. Yay for loving this one too Keertana! I absolutely loved the heck out of this book too. Although it did take me a while to get into, afterwards I was entirely hooked and the plot twists about killed me! The wait for the next book is going to be a killer, but I honestly can't wait! Lovely review! :)

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  6. I haven't read the first book yet so it's good to know that the sequel is much better. I guess I'll have to give this series a try at some point.

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  7. I've heard a ton of great things about this series but for some reason I never truly felt compelled to start it, but you've changed my mind Keertana! This sounds like a great sequel. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3

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  8. Wow I had heard of the series but the cover and your review makes me want to pick it up. I love books that get better with time.

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  9. I really need to start this series, it looks so good!

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  10. I my usual manner I’m waiting when all books in this series will be released so I can binge read it. I just hope the last installment will be as good. Looking forward to witness these woman-to-woman relationships, you’ve mentioned. Great review!

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  11. It's really nice when the sequel surpasses the first book. I hope the last book is just as good for you, Keertana. I'll keep my eye out for your reactions before I consider picking the series up. Wonderful review! :)

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