Rebel of the Sands was a kickass debut with some fantastic characters in an immersive fantasy setting. I was awaiting the release of Traitor to the Throne with baited breath, even during my reading slump from hell in the latter half of 2016. I hadn’t read any reviews for Traitor to the Throne before picking it up so I had no idea what to expect other than sheer awesomeness.
Traitor of the Throne is a lot longer than Rebel of the Sands. Hamilton had the chance to take her time with her world building and storytelling and she took it. I imagine some people say that this book drags, but I didn’t experience that at all. There was less action in the middle of the book, but Hamilton used the extra pages to add character growth and background for various characters, as well as delve into the politics that were brushed over in the first book. I think it balanced out really well, and didn’t feel like it dragged at all.
I found it interesting that Hamilton put the main ship between Amani and Jin on hold. I guess this is probably the fantasy book definition of taking a break. There was very little Amani and Jin, and to be honest, I didn’t mind. I was so caught up in everything going on at the palace that I completely forgot about them. And, let’s be honest, it’s all about Amani/Shazad. No I will not let this go.
The ending of this book was brutal, and it has left me wondering just how bloody the third and final book of the trilogy is going to be. I’m expecting to be left heartbroken. I cannot wait for the third book to come out!