3 stars

What happens when you mash-up Hunger Games, Divergent, Twilight, and Cinder?

I wanted to like this book. Despite a few days of pondering and trying to come up with a more positive review, for me the negatives by far outweigh the good in this book. The momentum and originality that made the first book interesting is lost in Traitor Born. In addition, the writing felt more rushed and less polished. Overall, I would rate this book as average and derivative.

I rolled my eyes countless times at the derivative plotting and scenes. To name a few: the rose pin, conspicuous consumerism of the upper class, pathetically abused lower class, crowds of adoring fans, and costumes (Hunger Games), the brave jump from a height and various strangely-named factions (Divergent), the man with metal teeth and cyborg-thingies (Cinder), the cluelessly beautiful Mary Sue that everyone lusts after (Twilight).

Drop the pretense at science fiction and Traitor Born devolves into a romance where four men are lusting after our heroine, who seems to be lusting back at three of them. True, she’s smart enough not to be attracted to the sadist wants to torture and rape her, but he’s still in there with the rest of the panting pack. She seems to be attracted to whoever is in the room at the time. Another person even commits suicide for her benefit.

Roselle is an incredible fighter who has to be rescued by her boyfriends, by her mechabot with its all-powerful vacuum arm, well, the book has already faded in my memory and I can’t even tell you how many times she was rescued… When she was strong, the action was often ludicrously impossible to believe, almost as bad as the foot-to-the-back-of-the-head-spin-flip-thingy nonsensical move in Secondborn.

Overall the derivative aspects left me frustrated with Secondborn and Traitor Born; I won’t continue with this series. I don’t know if I'll try any other of Amy Bartol’s books. I might. Hope springs eternal!

Traitor Born is the second installment in author Amy A. Bartol's Secondborn series. The story picks up where Secondborn left off. Protagonist Roselle St. Sismode has found herself in a situation that most likely would make others skittish and run for the hills. She's become a pawn in a political game that has seen Rose become the person of the moment. The Gates of Dawn wants her to break the dreaded Fate system which includes Virtue, Swords, Stars, Atoms, Suns, Diamonds, Moon, Seas, & Stones. The Rose Garden Society wants her to become the Sword ruler replacing her mother who has tried to kill her, as did her own brother who she still supports.

But, nobody has asked Rose what she wants for the her life if she survives all the challenges that are heading straight for her. This is a world that is dominated by Firstborns while Secondborn's are given over to the government to use as they see fit. And, if you are a Thirdborn, you are deemed unnecessary, and are hunted down by a group known as Census. Rose has already faced the Census and Agent Crow. Rose has a strange group of allies including Clarity Bowie, Clifton Salloway, Reykin Winterstorm, and Dune Kodaline. Despite the protection afforded to her by both Rose Garden and Gates of Dawn, danger always seems to find its way to Roselle's doorstep.

Her mother, Othala St. Sismode, is on the warpath and will stop at nothing to remove the threat she sees in Roselle to her machinations. Census Crow wants Roselle badly. She has found a way to escape him time and time again, but how many times can one person escape from bad situations before her good luck runs out? I'll have to admit that I've become a fan of Roselle's, especially after this book. Rose is not unlike me who gets panic attacks. She's a badass fighter, who gets some pretty cool weapons and outfits, and then gets thrown into the frying pan by the author. Roselle has been a puppet her entire life. As her families Secondborn, everyone has their own agenda for her and their own motivations for treating her certain ways. Roselle doesn't hate her brother. She probably should since he has checked out and hasn't exactly stood up to defend her. Her mother is ruthless, cunning, dangerous, and manipulative. Roselle would be better off just cutting the cord and admitting that were it not for others and her own cunning, she would be dead.

I liked her connection with Reykin which slow develops over the course of the story and then leaves room for more if the author choose to do so. I am saddened to say that there's a brutal cliffhanger ending to this book. But, I am happy to say that the author throws a really wicked cool scene where all hell breaks loose. No spoilers. The author is diabolical. Seriously. I literally gasped at what the author puts Roselle and allies through. And, if that weren't enough, she leaves a preview of the third installment that will linger with you until Rebel Born is released in 2019. Traitor Born is an action packed story filled with twists, and surprises, and emotionally charged scenes. If you haven't read the first book yet, what are you waiting for?

Traitor Born is the second novel in the Secondborn trilogy by Amy A. Bartol. I’ve been anxious to get my hands on this novel ever since I ended the first one. Bartol has a way of writing that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and craving to learn what is going to happen next.
This is a dystopian novel; where society demands that every firstborn has two children; the first is obviously the firstborn, they inherit their parent’s titles, jobs, and everything else. The second child is called the secondborn, and they get the short end of the stick, to put it lightly. Depending on what their designation is, they’re either treated as the equivalent of slaves or indentured servants for their whole lives, or they’re sent off to a war they likely won’t survive. Our main character, Roselle St. Sismode is a secondborn sword; meaning she was one of the children designated for war.
I’m so happy that I finally got my hands on this novel. I’ve been wondering what was going to happen next to Roselle. I’ll admit that over the course of a novel she had really grown on me, and now I feel that way even more. Traitor Born easily held up to my expectations for it, even surpassing them in some areas.
Roselle has been a puppet for her whole life; everyone involved with her has had their own agenda for her and their own motivations for treating her certain ways. The problem is she’s aware of it, and she’s never been content to play along. Her mother’s viciousness becomes even more apparent in this novel (anyone else hate her as much as I do?), as does the grief Roselle suffers from.
I love Roselle’s character; she’s so fierce and determined and so very stubborn. I’m not sure everyone could go through what she has and survive, let alone be mentally intact. It’s hard not to be impressed with that, and her fighting skills are also noteworthy (I know she keeps giving credit to her training here, but I think it has more to do with her determination and will to live).
There were times during this read that I was particularly reminded of the Hunger Games. The tournament that was the backdrop for a lot of scenes in this novel sounds almost exactly like the games played (with the major exception being that everyone playing is more or less there voluntarily). I was okay with the reminder however, as it’s a great series. Plus Bartol works really hard to make her series distinct from the other, so I don’t think the similarities were intended to be theft.
I think my only real complaint about this novel was the cliffhanger. As a rule I don’t love them, though I obviously understand their purpose. I don’t mind authors that leave the door open, to ensure that we’ll come back for more. But authors that set their fans up for months of agonizing wait? A little harsh. But I’ll take a great book with a cliffhanger over anything else any day of the week.
On the whole I found this to be a pretty emotional book. I don’t mean that Roselle was moping around or constantly expressing her feelings to us; I mean that this novel made me feel emotional. The breakneck pace at times was terrifying, and at more than one occasion I felt hurt and angry for Roselle. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in a story like this.
I can’t wait for the next novel to release. I just have to see what happens next to Roselle and all of her friends. Plus I’d like to see what changes are made to the world, by the time the series ends. There has to be some sort of reform, right? Here’s hoping!

Bartol's Traitorborn Will Have You Hooked through the FINAL Page
Roselle St. Sismode is my new favorite book heroine
I'll admit it. I know Amy Bartol has really caused mixed reviews on her previous series due to contemptuous endings. I also know many of you are holding out on reading this series for just that reason.

You should maybe rethink that strategy and grab Secondborn so you can get to Traitorborn.



One of the most intriguing things about Bartol books is that each series really has a completely different vibe than anything on the market.  The last two, in particular, have been stellar new universes complete with far-reaching cultures and imaginative story arcs.

She certainly never leaves you bored.

Well, as it happens, Amy has me totally enthralled with her newest trove of loves surrounding Roselle.  Depending on your preferred flavor, there's bound to be someone for all of you. There's definitely one (or two) for me.

At the end of Secondborn, we were left wondering what would become of Roselle and her friends.  Would she end up with Hawthorne, the perceived love of her life?  Would it be one of the many other suitors who fell deeply in love with her watching her grow up in the public eye as the child of the Sword?

Traitorborn takes us through the next phase of Roselle's character arc as she works through life at the Halo palace - a very serious change from her experiences in the ranks in the Tree. As far as main characters go, it's hard not to really connect with Roselle.  She's strong, smart and a survivor. She's also fiercely loyal and lacks the silly wishy-washy thinking often attributed female characters in this age range.



It's hard to say much without spoilers but I will tell you this book had me from the first page to last. The descriptions of life, the emotional journey of Roselle and the further development of the plot is perfectly-orchestrated. I am giving this book five stars because I cannot wait for Rebel Born. The rebellion is born, and I'm completely hooked.

I don't think I can say anything beyond that to sell it, start reading Secondborn here:

“I’d fight with Roselle....decide who you are, so I know if it’s worth risking my life for you”

Who can she trust? Will she accept her fate, or will Roselle perish under the attack of her enemies? In Traitorborn, loyalties are questioned and tested and betrayals cut deep. Enemies are cunning and cruel, and romance heats up. As we dive back into the dangerous, unstable world of Roselle Sword we are once again drawn into the action of this thrilling rollercoaster Sci-Fi dystopian fantasy. Caught between what could have been and what must be, Roselle finds herself in the middle of a war - not only fighting for survival and the hope of a new world, but fighting her own demons. Roselle has grown and changed given all she has seen and experienced, and in Traitorborn we see her begin to come into her own in so many ways. Amy Bartol takes her time drawing the reader in, setting the stage for this brilliant read and once again builds a world bathed in detail. Her descriptive writing plays in your mind like a movie - one you never want to end. Once the action begins you won’t be able to put this book down and the ending will leave you dying for more. I can’t wait for Rebelborn.

I read Secondborn and I loved it but that ending left me with questions. I had to know more! I feel like that is Amy Bartol's signature when she is writing a series. After every book she leaves readers wanting more because of the cliffhangers that she leaves them with at the end. Traitor Born is no different in that regard. That ending will haunt me until the next installment in the series is released! Amy Bartol is such an amazing writer that she is the only author that I will put up with cliffhangers from.

This book begins with Roselle living in the Fate of Virtues, under the protection of Fabian Bowie. She finds herself in dangerous situations as more attempts on her life are taken. She is surrounded by different rebel factions that would see her put in a position of power each for their own reasons. I honestly don't know if any of them have her best interests at heart. Each of the groups just seem to want a seat at the table so to speak. Some of the hidden agendas are revealed and Agent Crow is back! I despise him! I hope that he meets the end of Roselle's fusionblade!

Then there are the men in Roselle's life....Need I say more?! The author has taken this book a step further as it is not a love triangle. It seems more like a love square which leaves me somewhat bewildered but it somehow still works. I'm not sure who everyone else is rooting for but I am team Reykin all the way! I think that Salloway has his own agenda and is lusting after Roselle more than anything else. Hawthorne is a nice guy but seems naive and is living in the past. I feel that Roselle has outgrown him to a certain extent.

I honestly did not see the ending of the book happening. I mean I was able to guess some of what would happen but Amy totally took it all to a different level. I have to say that I was heartbroken about parts of what happened. I'm still holding out hope that certain characters are going to be okay but I guess I have to wait a year to find out. Argh!

This book starts where the 1 book ended. To be honest not much happens in the first half and just leads to have to wait for the third installment of the series to come out. It’s a middle book to kind of tag you along to an open end. Now I’m not sure if I’ll get the third book (even though I am curious how this Dystopian Novel ends).

I received an ecopy if this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest opinion.

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first. It definitely was the middle book of the trilogy. Just the filler to get to the last book. Traitor Born begins where Secondborn leaves off. The first 60% of the books just drags on and I don’t feel really added anything to the overall story. The last 40% is more interesting but by the time I got to that point in the book, it wan’t enough to keep me engaged and interested in what was happening. The entire love quadrangle of the book had my eyes rolling.

I was so excited to read this book, after having enjoyed Secondborn so much! I loved this book even more then the first book of the series and could not put it down. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and the plot and character development were phenomenal. The author, Amy Bartol is a expert at creating an amazingly developed world with characters that you can’t help but care about. The main character, Roselle is a powerful and complex heroine that you can’t help but become genuinely invested in. I only wish that I did not have to wait until January to read the next book in the series! I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys sci-fi, romance, and action/adventure genres. Unlike many YA novels I have read, this book held my interest- and the romance between the characters was believable and well developed. I highly recommend this series!

May I start by saying that, for the record, I don't recommend starting this series from the second book. You most definitely do need to read the first before starting this, to get a better feel for the background of the story and the characters as well.

I was not one of the more aware readers when picking this up, but decided to dive straight in anyway. And despite the fact that I did this, by the end of the book, I had fully decided that I would find a copy of the first book as well and wait in anticipation for the third book's release in 2019.

All confusion about characters and world building were completely on me and my ignorance of the first book, particularly in the beginning. As I continued through the book, I became accustomed to what was going on and the basics of how the relationships between characters in this book and the previous book worked.

Then, I held on for the ride. Because oh my gosh was this book a roller coaster.

Personally, I've only recently figured out that I love a story where there are layers upon layers of agendas from different character – I enjoy feeling suspicious about characters I don't know (which was a fun experience here, considering I didn't know any of the characters as I haven't read the first book).

I also really enjoy when agendas are revealed – the good and the bad, of course.

And the end of this book had me clutching my phone very tightly and I think my heart was about to burst out of my chest because there was just so much happening and the adrenalin was high.

•

I received this book as an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. [Recommended that you read book 1, Secondborn, first. It'll be a lot simpler for everyone if you do.]

309 pages

4 <b>Traitor</b> Stars
<a href="https://ibb.co/gGoN9n"><img src="https://image.ibb.co/kOiB27/215877_I_m_So_Excited_And_I_Just_Can_t_Hide_It.jpg" alt="215877_I_m_So_Excited_And_I_Just_Can_t_Hide_It" border="0"></a>
This book picks up exactly where book 1 ends.
this is not a standalone by any measure and I would recommend a reread of book 1 to recall all of our players.
This book is a great dystopia for the YA genre in my opinion and it has aspects from the Hunger Games/Divergent that people enjoy. This book is not YA in its entirely with the deaths, murders, wrong doings etc that occur but more so the characters and low romance vibe. This book is more developed than the first book and you start to really be #TeamRoselle. This is one of those books you enjoy if you sit down and read it cover to cover but also one of those books that if you set it down you may not pick it back up.
This book starts to build a different love interest while sticking true to Hawthorne from book 1. You start really picking sides in the war and picking sides in Roselle’s love life. I was totally #TeamHawthorne in book 1… but nowwwww… #teamReykin and I think you will all find different love interests and futures for the characters.

The last few chapters of this book will have you flipping tables and screaming NOOOOOOO… and maybe even crying. I could warn you.. but whats the fun in that.

There are no warnings needing and there are no triggers to anyone but do rememeber this book is about war, death and a new regime.. so theres that!

The second volume (and thereby in birth order, without rights or property), _Traitor Born_ is as batshit crazy and as unrelentingly entertaining as its older sibling. Prepare yourself for a wild ride because nothing in this world makes any sense. In this dystopic YA fantasy, older children live the life of Caligula and younger children become slaves on their "transition day".

Only the oldest may breed, in a weird rip-off of China's one-child policy but one younger child is allowed to grow to adulthood so it may serve after it comes of age. The evil "Census" kills any parents and offspring of a mesalliance, and the secondborn are on permanent birth control with a strict "no relationships" policy.

In more literary hands, this could be a dreary morality tale about the randomness of privilege and lifting souls to their true potential. Fear not. This is a rocking Hunger Games-style slash and bash, with plenty of love interests to ship (rated PG-13 , almost but not quite hitting R at one point), conspiracies galore, raving lunatics and Mommy Dearest.

The heroine out-MarySues any MarySue out there. She's a fighting genius, beloved of all who see her, unfairly oppressed, and she gets a kick ass wardrobe along the way. There's a brilliant scene set up towards the very end, where the Secondborn Games promised in the first novel, go completely apeshit sideways. Just when you think Bartol is about to Katniss you, she pulls out <spoiler>zombie boyfriends</spoiler> out of the bag. I was floored and delighted.

Of course, the bad guys are very bad totalitarians or this book wouldn't work, given how gabby everyone is in the most insecure of places. But this is a YA book and it's meant to entertain, not to lecture on the minutia of spycraft, warfare, or how to run a rebellion. There's lots of politics and factions in play, and if you try to keep them straight or figure out who to back, you're entirely missing the point: kickass. pretty girl. shipping. dystopia.

Don't overthink Traitor Born. The author didn't and you shouldn't either. It's a delightfully fun ride through an insane dystopia. Throw your neurons over the side and let the story wash over you. I liked it a lot. You probably will too.

<i>Thanks, NetGalley, for providing the advanced book.</i>

*arc provided by Netgalley for an honest review*

What did I just read?!? I’ve been in complete shock for the past 20 minutes after finishing this book. I absolutely loved Secondborn and was so excited to dive back into Roselle’s life. I was not prepared for Traitor Born, not by a long shot. Roselle’s life goes from complicated to “can’t we give this girl a break?” The answer is no, no we can’t. It’s no wonder the girl has frequent panic attacks. All your favorite and least favorite characters make an appearance along with some new interesting players. Plot twists abound and there is no way to see that ending coming. Since this book is a sequel and picks up right where Secondborn ends it’s hard to go into the plot without spoiling it too much. I’ll just say it centers heavily on The Fate of Virtues and gives a lot more insight into the lives of first born’s and the power structure of the society.

The sneak peak at Rebel Born was cruel because it picks up right where Traitor Born ends and holy cliffhanger of cliffhangers. I need that book now.

I was on the phone with my grandma the other day and she asked me why I like to read fantasy/sci fi novels so much. Aren’t other genres more interesting because they are more realistic?

More realistic novels are very interesting. However, sci fi/ fantasy novels allow for something that most other genres cannot. Authors create whole new societies, and then perform social experiments on them. The best novels/ series set up a complete society, classes, laws, a history, and then the author throws a curve ball at their creation to see how they’d handle it.

Ms. Bartol set up an intriguing dystopian society for us to explore in Second Born, and gives us even more drama and details in Traitor Born. Imagine a society where you can only have 2 children and the second child is merely an insurance policy for your family, in the event that your firstborn dies. Imagine that your secondborn child is a slave of the state by a certain age. You must sacrifice them to the state. Thirdborn children or more are forbidden, and will be murdered by the state. Offending parents who have given birth to more than 2 children are also killed for this offense. What issues could possibly spring from such an extreme society?

Ms. Bartol explores this world more deeply in this new novel. It is non-stop entertainment from beginning to end. Roselle reveals that she is not just a secondborn Sword, she’s a woman with a great affection, paralyzing anxiety, and an unusually complicated love life. The dynamics between herself and her family are heartbreaking. Roselle is surrounded on all sides, wanted by every faction in one way or another. There are many surprising twists at the end that set the stage for the next novel, Rebel Born, in 2019.

Traitor Born is a wonderful follow up to Second Born. I read, and then re- read this book immediately. It was awesome. There was not much language, nor any sex. I had no problem with my kids picking this book up. I absolutely cannot wait for Rebel Born.

I offer my thanks to Netgalley, for the opportunity to r

The book picks up after the Secondborn consequences: Roselle is on the middle of a politic takeover and she isn't sure about who to trust or even if she is the best person for the job.
Traitor Born has a futuristic feel to it- at the same time that it has traits like Gods-worshipping and barbaric punishments.
A fun read, and I loved all the Girl Power going-on!
Also, this series are such a treat to buy. Look at this beautiful cover! It suits the story: romantic, elegant, and so pretty! Can't wait for the next one.

NOOOOOO. I hate this book and love it all the same. The ending killed me, but to be expected. I was so ecstatic when I got approved for an ARC of this book. I had just finished the first book a couple months before, and could not wait for the second. I really liked the premise of the story - the hierarchy is categorized by birth order. Firstborns rule, secondborns serve, and thirdborns die. Those with siblings would find this concept intriguing (I would be a firstborn! Haha!) The Secondborn series was one of my top reads of last year. The world building is extensive.

Anyways, I knew I had to read this one, and I am so thankful I did not have to wait for the publication date to get my hands on this. But now I have to wait another dreadful few months for the third book. UGH!

*****Stop reading here because there will be spoilers if you haven't read the first book yet. *****

This book continues after Roselle escapes from the Sword Palace. She gets taken to the Virtue palace and gets appointed as Grisholm's new mentor. The Virtue, as a member of the Rose Society, wants Gabriel dead so Roselle will become the next in line to become the Sword. Assassins attempt to kill Roselle numerous times.

In this second book, you'll see a more in-depth of Roselle's internal conflict with love, family, loyalty, and war. You'll hear more on the different rebellion groups. It gets a bit confusing at first, so imagine Roselle, who is caught up in all of this. The love triangle (or should I say square??) continues in this one, but the author's choice is obvious. I love all three love interests, actually. Tough choice for me, which is why I've been so conflicted while reading this book. Anyways, I'm going to iterate again that I can't for the third (and last?) book! Send me another ARC please!

What a fantastic read! The world building in this series is amazing. It's very creative but also a lot to learn and keep up with. This is part of a trilogy so you do need to read book 1 first. This picks right up where book 2 left off.

What draws me to this series is Roselle. She is a secondborn. This society only values the firstborn children and they are born into wealth and power. There are two reasons secondborn children are allowed to live. They are considered spares incase a firstborn dies, which then elevates the secondborn status to a firstborn status. The secondborns are mostly the working group in the society and treated as slaves. They have barely any rights and have to follow very strict rules that the firstborn do not. Thirdborns are not allowed and are executed.

I can't begin to explain the hierarchy of the standing members of the firstborn. There is a heirarchy within that hierarchy. Roselle is from The Sword. She is our main character and the reason I am loving this series. She has been trained her whole life to fight. She is practically unbeatable and the one that two rebellion groups are pinning all their hopes to change the way of life for secondborn.

Roselle is a multifaceted character. She is very strong but also fragile. She loves when she should hate. She's extremely deadly but wishes for a peaceful world. She really draws you in on the first book and has you rallying behind her 100% of the way. She has multiple men who are drawn to her but you aren't really sure who is using her and who truly wants her.

A lot happened in this book but we still have a lot to look forward too. This ended on a cliffhanger that I'm not too worried about Roselle getting out of her current predicament but I am very curious how she will do it. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Traitor Born picks up where Secondborn left off. Roselle is always true to herself, but because of her position as a secondborn and the family she is a part of, there's a lot of conflict and controversy regarding her existence. She has a pure heart with deep compassion, but she's seen a lot of bloodshed and is an experienced fighter herself, so she's not naive to believe that there will be any type of peaceful reconciliation in the midst of war. And while she has a purpose and goal to achieve, she's discovering that other people from all sides have plans for her that involve betrayal, espionage and rise to power. Trust is a fragile thing and while there are those who will protect her at all costs, there's always an underlying motive and price to pay. It's like a complicated game of chess with players who all have competing interests. And sometimes blood relation isn't the only family, strong bonds can be formed with others as well. There were a lot of ways this story could have gone with all of the different characters and the dystopian atmosphere. So I was impressed and surprised with the events that did come to pass because it could've been predictable, but it wasn't. As for the romance aspect, Roselle has at least 3 guys who are all currently firstborn, (possibly a 4th if you count Crow in his creepy way), vying for her attention and while I know her heart is with one in particular, I am siding with the "heartless" one in this book who has been by her side as a solid friend, ally and protector. He didn't get a lot of page time in the first book but those interactions were important, yet I knew he'd play a significant role and he did not disappoint in this one. I felt so much more in their connection than with anyone else. I love Roselle as a heroine. She is brave, steadfast and poised. She thinks things through carefully and even when everyone is against her, she still has emotions that guide her. She's definitely born to be a leader and has the intelligence and skills to back it up. This book has action, deception, secrets and strong characters. The ending really came to a climax so I can't wait to see what's in store in Rebel Born.

This was an excellent and fun second book in the Secondborn series. A perfect balance of continuing the first story and setting up for the final chapter in the future. I would have appreciated a little review of the main characters before getting thrown back into the story, but I did pick it up as I went - and I'm desperately waiting for the last book.

I received this ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

For some reason, I find myself reading multiple books right now that revolve around the theme of power: mankind's constant struggles for it, what it does to those who hold it, how it affects those who don't. The one I most recently finished—Traitorborn by Amy Bartol—is remarkably like Dark Breaks the Dawn by Sara B. Larson in some respects, more like K.B. Wager's Behind the Throne in others, all built on premises of matriarchal monarchies, magic or magical technology, and infinite political intrigue. Traitorborn is the sequel to Secondborn and is a mind-blowing handful of a read.

What Traitorborn (and Secondborn) Are About
In a kingdom called the Fates Republic, Firstborns rule society. Secondborns are the property of the government. Thirdborns are not tolerated. On every secondborn's 18th birthday, they're taken by the government and forced into servitude as soldiers in a bloody war. Roselle St. Sismode is the second-born of one of the most elite families in the Fates Republic, but she's taken away like every other secondborn. And her elite firstborn mother is happy to see her go. Her mother is paranoid that she'll kill her older brother Gabriel to gain his status, so paranoid she doesn't see the love between the two siblings. So paranoid she's willing to try to have her secondborn child killed while in transit to her servitude.

But Roselle had a privileged, if isolated and abusive, upbringing that has earned her the resentment of her secondborn peers. She survives the attempt on her life only to be forced into battles where her life is threatened constantly. Then she's confronted with the opportunity to kill or spare an enemy soldier on the battlefield. Killing him means she's like her mother; sparing him marks her as a traitor to her mother, punishable by death. Though she's able to keep her decision a secret (you'll have to read Secondborn to find out what it is), she finds herself almost always fighting for her life...when she's not being regaled by various secret factions bent on destroying her mother and putting Roselle in her place. She has to constantly defend herself against various foes sent by her paranoid mother, and those who pretend to be her allies while killing her family so that they can put her in a position of power she doesn't want, to maintain a system of government she doesn't agree with.

The Good and Not so Good...Intermingled
Both books are set in a world of airships, electronic monikers that track every single person's actions and movements, skyscrapers built like trees, fusion weapons, and a brutally-maintained caste system. The reason behind this caste system isn't explained until the end of Traitorborn, and while that explanation fits where it's placed, I would have appreciated it much earlier (or at least intimations of it) in the storyline because so much of what Roselle decides to do or not do depends upon her understanding of the caste system, which turns out to be incomplete. The world-building in this series is breath-taking; it incorporates highly-imaginative tech with stunning architecture that directly reflects the values of the people that built it.

Both books (the first of which I bought on Amazon, the second of which I got an ARC of from NetGalley) also incorporate a lot of fighting, killing, political strategizing, romance (with three different love interests, no less), and recognition of the value of filial love. If these books were made into movies, they would both be rated-R for the fighting and killing. It was difficult for me to wade through those parts, and I ended up skipping over some of them, as I'm not a fan of gruesomeness. There is a lot of political strategizing, with Roselle constantly trying to figure out who she can trust, who she can be herself—a supremely-skilled fighter who gets panic attacks from all the death she sees—around, between those who would put her in power so that she can maintain the caste system, those who would put her in power so that she can take it down altogether, and those who just want to make everybody stop fighting. If I were a person in the world of these books, I'd be part of that last group. If there's anything that I'm tired of after reading so many books about what power does to people, and seeing it (I think) play out in real life, I think that no one person should be in charge of any country or kingdom or province, even if there are checks and balances and councils and congresses in place. But that's just me. I'd be interested in what you think of that.

So, with the fighting and strategizing and romance (i.e., heat - no sex scenes), there's a lot of action, and both books are fast-paced and intense. That, along with the world-building, I really liked. I also really liked Roselle as a main character: incredibly tough but also very vulnerable.  My big complaint with both books, though, other than they (like the other power-based books I've read recently) are based on flat antagonists whose hunger for power makes them stereotypical and one-dimensional, is that they both end with huge cliffhangers. I mean, HUGE. On the one hand, I'm absolutely convinced that I won't read the third book in this series when it comes out in 2019 because I don't want to reward the author and publisher for that kind of baiting. On the other hand, the cliffhanger at the end of Traitorborn is so wild and unforeseen and crazy that I might not be able to resist, especially if I can get another free ARC from Netgalley.

So, if you liked Dark Breaks the Dawn, Behind the Throne, The Sin Eater's Daughter or books about power set in worlds other than our own, you'll like both Secondborn and Traitorborn. But don't say I didn't warn you.