I’d already heard some reviewers say that Traitor to the Throne suffers from Second Book Syndrome, but I would have to wholeheartedly disagree. So, for the majority of it, Amani is stuck in the Sultan’s harem, trying to smuggle messages out while patiently learning more about her enemies, but I had no problem with the slightly slower place. In fact, I loved it. It reminded me of why I loved something like The Host because you can just chill out for a bit and take note of the setting. And setting is really important for this series.

Don’t get me wrong, Traitor to the Throne has it’s exciting sections too. It opens with a rescue mission that’s totally full-on! But otherwise, this book is more focused on intrigue and political relations. Basically, it made all the stuff I found boring in And I Darken interesting.

You wanna know another thing I loved? World building! In this book, it’s mostly achieved though telling stories about the Djinni and their origins, and I loved how everyone knew these stories and it helped them understand how to fight or get through different situations. The way their told is so beautiful too. It’s lyrical and fairytale-esque.

The only thing I would say is about just how many characters there are! Thank goodness for the characters list in the beginning, because for the first ten percent whenever a name was dropped I’d be checking out their lineage and whose side they were on. Obviously, I remembered Amani, Jin and Ahmed, but as for everyone else I was confused about who was related to who. Then we’re introduced to a ton of new characters too, so wrapping your head around the cast of this series can be a little tricky. Also, Hamilton does an excellent job of wrapping up what happened in the first book in the beginning of the story. Whenever I read a series that’s been out for a while and I binge my way through the whole thing this can get annoying, but because I’m actually on top of a new series release for once, I found this ridiculously helpful too!

I felt so much more emotional connection with the characters in this instalment. Some might say it’s sad to see Amani not being so headstrong and rebellious, but I thought it just showed how clever she really was that she was able to assess her situation and bide her time accordingly. I also liked that she wasn’t constantly thinking about Jin. Romance was the one thing I wasn’t expecting from Rebel of the Sands, and it was what stopped me from giving that book a higher rating, and then just when I’m expecting it in this book, it’s not really there! Huzzah! Again, that’s not to say I don’t like their chemistry, but Amani’s going through enough with her powers and saving the world, she doesn’t have time to be thinking of boys! haha!

Overall, I gave Traitor to the Throne 4 stars. I liked it so much more than Rebel of the Sands, and I’m officially hyped for the next book! I can’t wait to see where this series is going to go since I was so riled up by all the rebellion in this one! The cause is getting so strong, I wonder how it’s going to all resolve!

Oh my gosh I did not expect to love this book so much considering I rated its prequel, Rebel of the sands, a mere 3 stars.

plot
♡ - Amazingly intricate with its interweaving subplots that can’t help but suck you in.

♡ - The romance between Amani and Jin was left to the back burner for this installation of the Rebel of the Sands, but I really cannot complain. I loved how Traitor to the Throne was truly Amani’s story.

♡ - Hamilton’s myths and legends are so lovely and entrancing I would probably buy a whole book of fabricated tales of this world. I love how she fit them into the story and how well they complement the plot.

♡ - I enjoyed watching Amani’s faltering convictions having been by the Sultan’s side, which I found to be very human and realistic.

♡ - The description of the inner workings of the haram, Amani’s plots to worm around the palace, and the politics between the kingdoms were all very fun and well written!

♡ - I really love the meanings and use of the Demdji's truthtelling abilities.

✘ - I would’ve liked to see more of Amani’s Demdji powers since it’s introduction in the prequel, but I can only hope that will be the case for the last book in this trilogy.

✘ - I found it strange how Amani wasn't as suspicious of the Sultan. Realistically, I think the Sultan should have been more harsh and have questioned her more, it's hard to believe Amani would've so readily believed how lucky she was.

characters
♡ - I love Amani as a protagonist. She’s strong, sarcastic, and undeniably headstrong.

♡ - Hamilton did a great job at developing and utilizing past and new characters. I fell thoroughly in love with Shira and Iman especially. I also loved the reintroduction of Tamid and Amani’s aunt.

♡ - The Sultan’s character was very well presented, and I loved hearing his story, motivations, and how he perceives the world.

✘ - I didn’t particularly like Sam or Leya all too much, but still enjoyed their roles in the story. I don’t know if it’s the case for all readers, but I found Leya’s arc to be quite predictable.

✘ - Jin’s character also fell a bit flat for me in this book, but perhaps that’s just because we didn’t get to see much of him. Same with Ahmed, who we also didn’t get to see much of. But then again, I quite liked how little we got to know of what happened outside the palace walls just as Amani could not.

writing
♡ - Hamilton was already a great writer, but her writing seems to have improved even more since this book’s prequel. The novel is filed with vivid but not overdone scenes, and quick and clever action. I never found it too repetitive or boring and managed to actually sit and listen for hours. I really just kept wanting more!

audiobook
♡ - The narrator did a great job. I think her voice and tone were perfect for Amani.

conclusion
This novel was breathtaking and I cannot wait to read more of the rebels’ story!

Yup. Yes.

So good! I love this series. It has now been four weeks since I read the book and I really should have made some notes (I am not good at remembering details!)

I really like Amani and in this book she had a different role to play, there was less shooting and fighting, and more political drama. Living in the Palace she starts to learn what she needs to do to survive, and who she will need to kill. The ending was very full-on and it did bring a tear to my eye, and also made me want the next book right now.
My one complaint, there wasn't enough Jin, or enough Jin & Amani in this story!

Ale ja lubię tę serię

A little long but defo doesnt have middle book syndrome, really exciting and fast paced. Excited to read the next one.