Traitor to the Throne (Rebel of the Sands #2) by: Alwyn Hamilton

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Published: March 7, 2017 by: Viking Books
Pages: 513
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Cunning gunslinger Amani al' Hiza now as a new mission: take down the vicious sultan and his regime before it's too late. To do this, Amani finds herself caught up in the sultan's harem, trying to gain access to his trust, all while desperately wondering where Jin, her partner has disappeared to, just when she started expressing feelings for him. Will Amani be able to take down the tyranny, or will she get caught just as she begins to get close?

I was so happy when Netgalley approved me for this book! I really liked Rebel of the Sands, and I definitely think that this book got even better in terms of plot. There were still some minor kinks that I would have liked to be worked out, but overall this was the sequel that I needed!

I really liked how plot-driven this novel was. There were many twists and turns that made me desperately wanting to keep flipping through. I got through this book so quickly because it was really high-action and so interesting! I definitely found the plot of this to be a huge improvement from Rebel of the Sands.

I also really loved Amani in this book. She was so fierce, as per usual, and she really took the reigns of her mission in this novel and put me in for a thrill. She was incredibly courageous, loyal and kind, and a terrific heroine that I always enjoy reading. Hamilton writes this character extremely well.

I enjoyed getting to know a bit more of the secondary characters in this book, although I did have some issues with Jin. I found him to be a bit flat in this book, which is a shame because I found him a lot more interesting in Rebel of the Sands. I feel like he was a lot more serious than charming and witty, and I wanted more from him.

But other than that, I think I enjoyed this book more than the first! It gave me a great continuation, and I am dying to know what happens next in the series! I need more Amani in my life!

Have you read Rebel of the Sands? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

Rebel of the Sands by: Alwyn Hamilton

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy
Published: March 8, 2016 by: Viking Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
Rating: 4/5 stars

Amani, a fierce sharpshooter and resident of the magical desert nation of Miraji, finds herself trapped in between dangerous beasts as she escapes from the men who want her dead. She befriends Jin, a handsome warrior who vows to help her while she's on the run, but can Amani trust him? Now Amani must protect herself from the Sultan's army, slay any monsters along the way, and decide whether to follow her head, or her heart. In this desert, anything can happen.

I had the wondrous opportunity to meet Alwyn Hamilton a few months ago. When she described her book and I talked to other people who had read her book, I fell in love with the premise and thought that it would be a great read. Rebel didn't disappoint, and offered a great platform for an amazing series.

I loved how this book gave a great glimpse into a Persian culture. I have gotten really into Middle Eastern legends and fantasies in YA recently, and it's all because of this book. I enjoyed reading a book where the main character wasn't white, as well as learning about various legends and tales from the culture. It was all very educational.

I also loved the main character, Amani. She was witty and strong, nothing stood in her way. I enjoyed reading about the sort of gender roles and issues that she had to go through, as it just reinforced the idea that sadly in many Middle Eastern countries, women do not have a lot of rights. I felt as if she got through every obstacle with grace.

I guess the only problem I had with this book is that I didn't quite get the romance. Jin and Amani didn't quite click for me, and it felt as if the romance was forced. I didn't find that they had much chemistry at all, and I definitely think that the book could have done without the romance. It just took away from the book in my opinion.

Other than that, this book was entertaining and strong, with a great message and an even stronger lead. I'm really excited to see where Hamilton takes this series next, as I am really curious to read more about Amani's story.

Have you read Rebel of the Sands? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess