Sebastian (known as Girard at the chateau) was the villain in the previous book. Towards the end of The Captive, Sebastian was humanized, but I was curious if he would become a likable character. While in France, through no fault of his own, he was trapped when war broke out and did what he could do to survive. More is revealed in this book regarding his efforts to save the captured British troops under his care. And the help he had.
Millicent (Milly) was a poor relation thrown into an engagement not of her choosing. With her elderly aunts she comes up with a plan to avoid said engagement. That plan was, to go into service as a companion. She become the companion to Sebastian's aunt Freddy.
This was a wonderful slow burn romance. I could get behind the romance. Sebastian I could understand. I loved how they talked to each other. There was no big misunderstanding. I really liked Aunt Freddy, Micheal Brodie (whose story is next). Brodie's "mission" is revealed in this one.
My only complaint was Henri Anduvoir. The villain got his off the page and I wanted more regarding his punishment. I think he got off too easily.

by Alwyn Hamilton

After reading the first story in this series, I really wanted to continue. The first chapter of this second volume recaps some of what went on in Rebel of the Sands and reminds the reader of the most important characters from that book. Then we're quickly into new adventures.

There is continuity in that the rebellion is still striving to overthrow Ahmed's brother and the beautiful mythology begun in the first book continues and expands, but the action is turned up a notch and some new perspective comes into Amani's adventures. In many ways this story is even better than the first one! It also recaptures the exotic, mock-Arabic atmosphere of the first book and the fascinating variations on Djinni magic are very imaginative.

Amani is put in one situation after another that looks like she may not be able to get out of this time, and some old friends and acquaintances reappear with new significance. The story had me gripped and wanting to just keep reading all the way to the end, apart from one very dramatic scene that was so powerful that I had to put the book down for a few minutes to assimilate the rush of emotion.

The story gave me a real roller coaster of emotions from joy to tragedy. It also had me constantly wondering who could be trusted and who couldn't and was full of surprises!

The end wraps up the current situation, but leaves us in a place where there is definitely more to tell. I often complain about that in first books but I don't mind it so much in a second book because I've committed to the series of my own free will then. The next book is predicted for 2018 and I will have to wait

This series is some of the best Fantasy I've read this century. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Download from here.  Unusual for them -- they mention to check back on May 4 so maybe that's when next freebie will be available.

There's also a booklikes bookclub to read these freebies at TOR Monthly free ebook book club.

Publisher page for more info on the book is here.  It's also the NPR Best Book of the Year.

"Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right-hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip. A group of rebels knows this all too well - and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home. The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected. Simon, one of her kidnappers, will have his hands full as Kestra tries to foil their plot, by force, cunning, or any means necessary. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what - and who - it is they're fighting for." - Inside cover

This book enthralled me. I was so anxious to see what would happen to Kestra and all the people she met along the way that I jumped right into book 2 and then book 3. The whole series was great! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes YA Fantasy.  There will definitely be things you don't see coming.

Zeb Carter book #5

What can I say except this is one exhausting read and a heck of a good one on top. For those looking for thrilling and never ending action, this latest will more than satisfied your craving. In “Traitor” Mr. Patterson does not leave Zeb any time to rest now that he is the target of all the assassins around the word. The best and most respected operator has been framed, labeled a traitor and a kill order has been placed.

The story line is a riveting one and could easily be ripped from headlines. In Libya, Zeb is in pursuit of the world’s deadliest terrorist when the first kill team attacks him. But this is the start of a hunting game…Can he stay alive….well of course he did …as in all good series the protagonist is needed for the sequel (no secret there).

This is by far not a boring story, from the first chapter till the very last we have Zeb jumping many hurdles and killing many to stay alive in order to accomplish what he came to do. Along the way, we are into one crazy scene after the other giving us lots of excitement with many of twists and turns popping out continually. Mr. Patterson also did not forget to give us plenty of violence to make us cringe. This thriller is so vividly describe that you can picture every move in your mind. As for the characters, the usual gang eventually shows up to save the day, they play strong parts as expected. All good by the end…good guys win and bad guys lose…

This is another good suspense written by one of my favourite authors.