Read it in one day!

Synopsis

GOODREADS  AMAZON

Review

5 solid stars

I had forgotten how much I love Amy’s books. It’s been a long time since I’ve read one of her stories but now I’m already on the ARC of Traitor Born as I can’t stop anymore!

I have to thank Michelle Chen as she recommended this book when I was busy with the “Bests of 2017” challenge. I looked into it and the blurb plus the gorgeous cover had me immediately buying the book.

What is it about?

It’s not PNR or Fantasy but it’s happening in another time or context where Firstborns have it all while Secondborns are cannon fodder. Thirdborn are simply unlawful, hunted and exterminated by Census. Believe me Census are really bad guys loving to torture and murder others. You don’t want to meet them at night in the forest. To amp up the thrill we have Agent Kipson Crow a deep sadist pinning after the heroine.

Our heroine is Roselle St. Sismode. Now ladies and gents let’s take a moment to admire that name. Rosell how cool is this for a name right? Why my mom did not think to call me Roselle instead of Sophie is a mystery. I bet you never have two to three Roselle in a classroom!

But I digress, sorry!

Roselle is not only Secondborn but she is THE Secondborn. Daughter of the Fate of Swords ruler her life has been a reality show since childhood. We have the Kardashians well the Fate people has Roselle St. Sismode.

The big difference aside a really REALLY smaller behind, no fake lashes/boobs/… between Roselle and the K. is that she has never wanted to be the freak of a show. Well that and she never takes selfies naked or not… All Roselle has ever wanted was to be loved and cherished but it wasn’t in the book of her very powerful and frigid family. Roselle may have been seen by millions she was utterly lonely.

Roselle loves her big bro Gabriel, Firstborn of the family. Despite her elite combat training she would never ever touch one of his glossy hair! She wants him to be a leader.

“One day, Gabriel, you’ll be a powerful Clarity. When that day comes, follow you heart. Be the leader we need not the ruler we don’t.”

Unfortunately her mother does not believe it and on Transition day she will throw Roselle to the lions. Roselle will go join the army of her Secondborn peers. As she’s had seemingly a privileged upbringing the guys won’t be happy to see the princess! You can imagine all the nasty comments and backstabbing they are already plotting.

But Roselle is badass!!!

That’s one of the long list of things that I love in Amy’s books: her heroines have a backbone and Roselle will crunch your nose on the table blood gushing everywhere while munching her bland ration never stopping to chew!

I want to be Roselle when I grow up! She is an exceptional fighter and she has a ginormous heart. She will follow her heart and morale even against order. Gasp! A Secondborn MUST always follow the orders! Well our Roselle is a rebel!

Of course you have a love story. What would be Amy’s book without a hottie right? Better as it’s sale seasons you have two hotties. One will be her “mentor/arms dealer ”Clifton Salloway. He is a Firstborn. The second is panty dropping Secondborn conscript Hawthorne Trugrave. He is handsome, he is cocky and he is the best in class. Added perk he is alpha and possessive but without overcrowding Roselle.

Hawthorne has admired Roselle as a fighter for years and when they train with their laser swords everyone wants their toys!

The plot has also earned a special mention as it’s filled with twists and turns. Rebels fight for a better world but you have secret societies plotting to change the leadership, some close enemies doing their bests to “accidentally” snuff the light out of Roselle and a Census dead set of “having” Roselle to toy with her. Conspiracies and betrayals are paving Roselle’s path and she’ll need all her intelligence, resilience and years of studying strategy to stay alive and maybe make her own destiny.

To sum it up: excellent fiction story portraying the journey of a badass female character trying to forge her own path, change the world and protect those she loves. The pace is just right and surprises keep coming avoiding a predictable plot.

Female MC = 6 stars

Male MC = 4,5 stars

Villains = 4 stars

Steam = 3,5 stars

Plot = 4 stars

Triggers = none that I could see.

I read it in one stitting and now I’ll dive in Traitorborn!

Have you read it? Or other books by Amy A. Bartol?

Thanks for reading!

Sophie