Traitor to the Throne: Rebel of the Sands, Book 2
Second fantasy installment ramps up suspense and intrigue.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Traitor to the Throne is the second in a planned Rebel of the Sands trilogy. It helps to have read the first book. Fantasy violence includes fights with both mortals and magical beings, with weapons such as swords and guns and magical abilities with destructive powers. There's lots of suspense and tension. Much of the setting is the Sultan's harem. The women have no personal freedom, and most are objects for men to enjoy; the only way to survive is to produce sons. There are a few descriptions of physical attraction and a few kisses. Strong language is rare and includes "ass," "whore," "bitch," and "damn."
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What's the Story?
In TRAITOR TO THE THRONE, Amani's been captured by the Sultan and stripped of her magical abilities. The Sultan also cast a spell on Amani so that she's physically unable to disobey any of his orders. Trapped in the very walls of power that the rebellion's been struggling against, Amani is in the perfect position to spy on the Sultan -- if she can find someone she trusts to get information to the rebels. As Amani gets to know the Sultan and his plans for the kingdom, the more she starts to wonder if an all-out civil war to get Ahmed on the throne is what her country really needs. Can Amani find people she can trust, and could this be where the rebellion ends?
Is It Any Good?
This second in a fantasy trilogy trades action and adventure for palace intrigue, but there's still plenty of magic and fantasy for fans to enjoy, and plenty of suspense keeps the pages turning. Traitor to the Throne starts out slowly, with the first hundred or so pages devoted to catching the reader up on past events. The large cast of characters can get confusing sometimes as the reader tries to remember who that character was or who did what and when. But when the continuation of the story comes to the forefront, so do the excitement and suspense.
Fantasy fans who enjoy djinni magic will also enjoy the growing backdrop of Arabian Nights-type folklore. The surprise cliffhanger ending will have fans eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Traitor to the Throne. Is there too much, or does it add to the excitement? Does it matter if it's fantasy violence or realistic?
Did you read the first book? Which do you like better? What's your favorite fantasy series, and how does this one compare?
Will you read the third book? What do you think will happen, or what do you want to happen, to Amani and the rebels?
Book Details
- Author: Alwyn Hamilton
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Viking
- Publication date: March 7, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 528
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 13, 2017
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