
Member Reviews

I’ve been a fan of Amy Bartol’s writing since I devoured her very first book. But I must say, impossible as it seems, her writing gets better and better with each subsequent novel. Ms. Bartol’s attention to detail, fabulous characters, her way of keeping the reader invested in the plot…all of it is just amazing. This book took me on yet another adventure or should I say rollercoaster ride. Everything here kept me on the edge of my seat, even the romance. I find myself twisted and turned around, trying to figure out what will happen next and, ultimately, finding myself unable to make a good guess.
This book begins where the first left off and, as always, the characters captured my attention. Roselle is a complete badass. She’s strong and an amazing fighter. She can be reckless sometimes but that’s part of her charm. Most of all, she’s a confused girl who wants to do the right thing but isn’t always sure what that is. Her gut never betrays her and her intelligence and curiosity keep her ahead of the evil forces at work here. She would make an incredible best friend…although your parents might not approve of her fierceness and the way she’s more than happy to kill the enemy. Now, the boys. Oh, gosh…the boys. In book one I was a total Team Clifton and I still love him so much. After all, how can you not love an arms dealer with an enormous soft spot for Roselle? But, now I find myself conflicted by how much I’m loving Reykin. This moody, sexy, swoony guy has definitely caught my attention (and Roselle’s too). He acts like he doesn’t care but he definitely wears his heart on his sleeve and would risk everything to keep Roselle safe. So what’s a girl to do?!? I guess I’m Team ReyClif! Yes, I’ve given myself permission to love them both. Of course, Hawthorne is back in the picture and he may be Roselle’s favorite but, as always, Ms. Bartol has left the door open on this romance so anything can happen.
As in the first book, the world-building is fantastic., the weapons and gadgets that these characters use are out of this world, and the secondary characters are vivid and have such depth to them. As I read this book, I could imagine it as an action movie – big, bold, and fast-paced. The next book won’t be released until 2019 and I’m already anxiously awaiting what will happen to these characters next. Ms. Bartol’s imagination and her ability to create characters who stay in my heart long after I’ve finished the book never ceases to amaze me. And, as always, I’ll be on the edge of my seat until I get the next book in my hot little hands!! So, what should you do next? Run, don’t walk…go one-click this book now! You’ll love exploring this world and getting to know these characters.

This book is utterly spellbinding. I didn't think it could get any better than secondborn, but I was wrong, it so did. I was captivated from the beginning to the very last word and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book while simultaneously wishing it away, as it means the end of this journey.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley.*
I became a fan of Amy A Bartol with Inescapable and I've loved every book of hers ever since. So it's safe to say that I squealed when I saw my request for an ARC accepted. Yay!
Traitor Born is the second book to Secondborn. It talks about rebellion, choices and of course, mouth-watering love interests. And that's exactly why the plot is so entertaining: it's fast because Roselle Sword doesn't wait for anyone or anything (even said love interests).
I'm dying to know what happens next!

From the very first sentence I couldn't put it down! I love everything about Roselle. She's cunning and resourceful. Her talent and skills are immeasurable! This entire book was gripping with so much information . From one page to the next there was surprise and heartbreak. That ending though.... I am in tears ! I would rate this book over a trillion stars! I can't wait for Rebel Born. This author's talent is out of this world! Her words carry a perfect flow to an amazing story

Roselle, secondborn of the Fate of Swords. Political machinations strive to put her at the head of the army faction in the republic. Joining with Salloway munitions, she is now the warrior face of the arms dealer. Secondborn are basically reduced to slaves of the firstborn, throwaway people in the civil war. Trained soldiers, Roselle is thrust deeper into the espionage to replace her mother, who despises her, and the hidden rebels that want to do away with the caste system and make all equal. As Roselle rises in popularity with the people, assassins appear at every turn. With Hawthorn out of reach, Salloway and Reynik vie for her attentions and try to keep her alive. When the horrific unthinkable happens, Roselle is confronted by her nemesis and a staggering blow comes with the realization that this evil has been a long time in the making. Her brother Gabriel told her she is the only one strong enough to stop it, and the monsters have the upper hand. An incredible series so far. Politics, war, action, mystery, betrayal.....revelations. If you like Sarah Maas, you will love this series.

I knew once I started this book I wouldn't want to put it down. Plus I had a feeling it would have a killer cliffhanger...I mean come on there is one more book coming so you know Amy is going to do that! I received an ARC from NetGalley and jumped right in!
It was unbelievably amazing. This book was the perfect follow up to Secondborn. The twists shocked me and made me want to read faster and find out what happens next. And poor Roselle is still fighting hard to not only survive, but help right the world she lives in. This world Bartol has created is full of greed, power, but also hope. I can not wait for the next book.

I was over the moon when I got selected to read this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher. I got the 1st in the series through my kindle first amazon reads, read in one sitting. I needed more and that’s exactly what the author did! Leaps and bounds better than the first book!! Book two picks up right where book one leaves us. And it was a page turner for sure.
If you’re a fan of dystopian novels, fantasy and great quick reads .... this is the book for you!!!
Can’t wait to see where book three takes us!!!

Amy Bartol can write a sci-fi book like no other. I loved this second installment of the Second Born series, I was not able to put it down once I started. The world is so detailed you can picture it in your mind! I love Roselle, her strength is compelling, there is just enough romance to make her real. And the end....whoosh!! It completely upended everything I thought was going to happen. I will never make it till the next installment comes out. Need a new author to read? Amy Bartol is certainly one of the best!!

I received a digital copy from NetGalley and publisher/author to read and review. Thank you!
Secondborn Roselle St. Sismode continues to fight to stay alive as her many enemies make attempts on her life. Of course being the superhero that she is they all fail in the most spectacular fashion. Which of course makes her even more of a celebrity with the First Born. She suspects that her mother could be behind the assassination attempts but hopes that this proves false. She is moved to the Virtues estate to train his Firstborn son to fight and discovers that the man she saved Reykin has been assigned to keep an eye on her to ensure her safety.
Census Agent Crow is still after Roselle with his own personal agenda. She also makes a new friend who is the Secondborn daughter of the Virtue who at first seems oblivious to the ways of politics but possibly has her own personal agenda she is trying to pursue.
This book seems to have upped the sexy factor with Traitor Born. Roselle has a serious love "square" between herself with Hawthorne, Clifton, and now Reykin. So many men so little time. Personally I'm Team Reykin. :)
I really loved this book even more than the first. I'm definitely addicted. When I got to the end I kept swiping my Kindle trying to get to the next page. So disappointed that the story was ended and heavily sighed seeing that the next book is not expected till 2019.

ARGH!! Amy Bartol... I hate to LOVE you... ;-)
I began this title with not a small bit of trepidation but with the impending sense that my heart would be altered again by Ms Bartol and the characters she injects in my heart. I wasn't disappointed... If I could give this series more than 5 stars I would. If I could read the books 100 times for the first time again, I would. It honestly took me 9 days to read. I drug my feet, and cursed both wanting to know what happened and wishing I wouldn't have to say goodbye to these people I care about. Perhaps that's what makes all of Amy's books exceptional. You care about her characters and the world they inhabit.
Inhabit they do... Bartol excels at world building. While this title is full of action, it's the characters that are the stars. Roselle continues to be both a symbol of violence and morality. Dune has shown in her that nurture can overcome nature. While she won't hesitate to use her blade, she's equally likely to use her brain. It's her big heart that may get her in trouble here though as her love and loyalty to her friends and her brother never waivers. In this title, it's interesting to see her struggle with what could only be described as PTSD or panic attacks. It makes the title more accessible for those with anxiety disorders and humanizes a girl that has been taught to be a weapon first and foremost. Saying too much about the other characters will give away plot points, so I will only say that I can't wait to have another dose of Reykin, Clifton, and Hawthorne... Let's have that split 90/9/1 for me, okay? I'm not biased or anything... Lol!
A huge highlight of the book is Phoenix, Roselle's "assistant" of the domestic variety. You're going to have to read to discover why Phoenix is in turn disgusting, endearing, and frightening... Perhaps Phoenix is also saying much about humanity. I 'ship Phoenix and was happy to see Roselle's loyalty encompass the bot as well.
I am holding my breath waiting for the final title in the trilogy. This one ended on a heck of a cliffhanger. I'm dying to know what happens to these characters, but I know my heart will ache when I get to the end.

A fantastic second book in Bartol's Secondborn series, Traitor Born kept me riveted from beginning to end. The author is adept at character development and despite the fact that the cast of characters is quite large, you really feel like you have a sense of each person--their wants, their likes and dislikes, their failings.
It was a bit far-fetched having three super-protective romance figures circling around 19 year old Roselle (who, seems to have the maturity of a 30 year old) but I could squash my errant eye-brow raise for the want of a great story, which this was. It's going to be a long wait till 2019 for the third book!

ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love Amy Bartol's writing, I have read everyone of her books and they never disappoint always raising to the top of my favorites list. I loved Secondborn and have been waiting anxiously for the second book in this series, Traitor Born.
I will admit that I was a little concerned at first, the first couple of chapters were a bit slow for me. I will say however that once I passes those the pages flew and I could not put the book down.
We met Roselle, the second born of the Sword family in the first book. She was never suppose to live past her transition, but somehow Roselle not only survives but continue to surprise everyone around her, creating quite a fan club. The only problem is that Roselle knows everyone wants something from her, for her to fill a role they have in mind, and the real question of who she can trust continues to plague her. Not to mention that the men in her life continue to confuse her and bring up emotions she isnt prepared for.
I don't want to give away too much, but I will say to go now and preorder this book, you will not be disappointed. IF you have not read Secondborn now is a great time to go get it and read it immediately.
I loved Hawthorne in the first book and he does have a small part in this book as well. I continue to love his character, especially how he supports Roselle no matter what the costs. However in this installment we get to know Reykin even better and you can't help but to love him as well. I won't say any more because I don't want to give anything away.
They ending of this book is unbelievable and there is a huge cliffhanger so be prepared. I cannot believe I will now have to wait until January 2019 for the third book. Oh the torment.

Wow! What a crazy ride. This book started off with a bang and it never stopped. Poor Roselle is being hunted from every corner. I mean, this poor girl can't get a break. At times it felt like there was so much action that I couldn't take a breath, but the story was fantastic and the characters the bomb.
Great second book to an already awesome series.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

5 Roselle Superhero stars
This book is not out yet and I already need Rebel Born who will be released in 2019!!!!
Why, why do I do this to myself? Request books from series not finished yet when I know chances are high that I will love them???
Traitor Born is packed with actions, twists you never see coming, hot warrior males and a superheroine.
If you don't like badass heroines fighting like super heroes as in killing dozens of adversaries and coming out unscathed pass your way. You would hate it.
But if you are fan of James Bond using gadgets to kill his enemies or fan of warrior women undefeated or... you will lap this story like a cat is feasting on a bowl of cream.
I loved Roselle St Sismode in the first installment and I adore her in this sequel. She is an extraordinary fighter, she has a huge heart and incredible courage an endurance. She is torn between what she's been raised to do and between what her heart tells her is right. She wasn't meant to think for herself. To have a mind of her own and challenge the system. Yet she does.
She is a very important pawn in a political game. The Gate of Dawn wants her to break the regime. The Rose Garden society wants her to be the sword ruler to strengthen Firstborns domination.
But what does Roselle want? Has ever anyone thought about giving her free will? And would she know what she'd want?
The analogy with superheroes stories is not far-fetched as you have a persistent villain coming back again and again. Batman has the Joker Roselle has Census Crow.
Amy Bartol once more wrote a fast paced and enthralling story. The kind of story that has you gripping the edge of your seat. You'll fear for Roselle and her reckless acts of valor. You won't know what love interest you'd like to win her heart (I am Reykin fan).
Secrets, treasons, unforeseen dramatic twists compromising this whole world and its inhabitant, acts of valor and desperate last self-sacrificing attempt from some major character is what awaits you in this brilliant and stunning sequel. You’ll be breathless the whole read.
You will also scream with frustration when this will end on a cliffy of Hell! My kindle barely escaped unscathed.
Please Mrs Bartol writes fast!!!

Traitor Born was better than Secondborn believe it not. It had a whole lot more action and our poor girl Roselle and going through the ringer in this sequel. This girl can't catch a break. Amy creates these incredible worlds that I wish I was a part of and then wish I wasn't because of how cruel and unfair things are. It's hard to write a review for such a complex story without spoiling anything.
Amy always has many love interests for the main female characters she writes. I know many readers don't enjoy that aspect of stories but I highly enjoy them. I think that is why I love Amy's writing and books so much. If you can get over that then I think you will enjoy these amazing sci-fi fantasy worlds she creates. The only reason this is a 4 star instead of 5 is because sometimes she uses such complicated words my brain can't keep up.
This book just blew me away and it leaves us with a big cliffhanger at the end and sadly we have to wait until 2019 for the conclusion. Which leaves me crying in a corner until then.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this better than the first. Secondborn was so slow and took me getting through half the book before I was stolen into the story. Traitorborn had me from the beginning to end, very happy with how this story turned out. Thank you to NetGalley for sending this to me to review.

Second in the series, Traitor Born picks up where Second Born left off and while I think it's still a bit hard to follow who's who (between this society's factions, who's on which side, etc.) it's a good storyline with a decent character in Roselle. While she isn't as strong as some female protagonists I've read in other dystopian novels, I like Roselle but can't seem to pin her down in terms of where her affections lie. I will definitely continue to read this series, and other books by Amy Bartol (I really enjoyed her Kricket series as well). Overall, a fun series to follow.

I would like to start out by saying I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Second Born. Roselle escapes the fate of many secondborns in her society and rebels against the injustice. The female protagonist that fights the injustice in society was starting to become stale but I really enjoyed watching Roselle grow.
Traitor Born was a let down for me. The plot felt disjointed and ridiculous. Instead of growing and learning to lead, we have a story in which Roselle is the only one that can save the rebellion. She survives several fantastical attempts on her life. The various suitors for her affections were also distraction to the story. It really became a turn-off. I made myself finish this book despite some of the uneven plot devices and characters. I am not sure if I will continue with the series.
Thank you for the advanced copy.

I didn't like the first book or couldn't get into it... sorry wasn't my cup of tea I shall say! But I tried!