This second book was even better than the first - great character development, an interesting story, solid world building, and a lot of pathos. At several times, I was reminder of Sapkowski's The Witcher books because both series have jaded and conflicted heroes operating in a very imperfect world and with almost everything being morally grey (and, well, yes, both have a white haired hero). Yet this series has its own look and feel (a more magical Scotland) and it was one of those books I was sad to see end since I was enjoying it so much.

Story: Raine is still an apprentice (despite having killed a powerful demon) but she is fine with that - she can't exactly tell anyone about her ability to see/manipulate the dead. When her small band is sent to negotiate with a powerful prince who is jockeying to rebel against the king, things are set in motion that look to bring war to Redwinter. Her mentor, Ulovar, has unexpectedly sickened, Raine's friends are falling apart, and she is being thrust into the middle of the political environment far too often to be a coincidence. If war comes, a shifting political scenes means that no one can predict the outcome.

One of the big assets of this series is that the side characters are just as nuanced and interesting as our main character. Ulovar (who reminds me greatly of Vesemir from the Witcher) plays less of a part in this book and instead we get the quirky and interesting friends of Raine - from two heirs to Lairdoms to eager recruits. Raine is still grappling with her attractions to two different people and we get to see them take a much more prominent place in the storyline.

Where the first book was a journey, this was about the politics of the world. I enjoyed this aspect greatly and as written the worldbuilding made sense and was nicely detailed. Instead of introducing new characters and making them the plot (aka 'monster of the week'), we have the side characters from the first book doing most of the work of the storyline. It made the book much more grounded and solid as a result.

Although this ended on a solid note with a lot happening, I do hope for more in the series. McDonald is an excellent storyteller and this was one of those books where I slowed down and enjoyed every page. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Daughter of Redwinter. We get a little summary of the last book at the beginning which was useful for helping me remember where we left off, and while it did take me a chapter or two to get back into the rhythm of the story once I did I couldn't put it down.
Raine is struggling with the events of the last book, not so much consciously but what it means for who she really is and what she is capable of doing. She does do a fair bit of wallowing, she likes a couple of different people in that special way, but since she knows that she carries death with her, along with what happened with her past relationship she is scared to do anything about her feelings, and at the same time gets mighty jealous when those people show attention to others.

I loved getting to see Raine not only realize that she can do more than she ever thought possible but watching her implement them was very interesting. There are plenty of twists and turns, a surprising betrayal, and some epic fight scenes that kept me glued to the pages. I loved the ending and can't wait to see whats going to happen next.

An intriguing sequel but one hampered by length and plotting. There are good ideas here but the pacing is a miss, things happen too slowly or all at once, events aren’t given time to mean anything. I finished but it was a close to DNF.

Traitor of Redwinter is the second installment of Ed McDonald's Redwinter Chronicles and the sequel to Daughter of Redwinter. It's quite nice when an epic fantasy gives the readers a recap of the important happenings of the first book as fans of the first will definitely need the refresher.

We follow Raine, an orphan who is an apprentice at Redwinter. She is such a beautifully complex and fully flesh out character with flaws and such a strength of character. She's horrible at personal relationships but her loyalty, courage, and integrity are unparalleled. Her character arc is really what shines through in this book.

Mcdonald has such a strong authoritarial voice and weaves amazing, complex worlds that never fail to impress. There's an in-depth fantasy world, politics, social constructs, tension, addictive prose, and cinematic action scenes. I truly cannot wait to see what else McDonald writes.

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Tor Books, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is a sequel and doesn’t seem to stand alone, so it’s not great for our libraries. Stopped after chapter 1 (5%). I don’t have any experience with this author, so an unable to share more. I’m guessing it will end up at three stars, four for the right readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for the ARC.

Sadly I didn't love this sequel. Where I loved the discussion on power and grief (or lack of grief) I the first this one feels very surface level to me. I felt like I was watching a teenage romcom, every second paragraph discussing who likes who, who has slept with who. And man Raihn gets jealous every time the dude even talks to a girl, but yet won't do anything about it. Although I still think the magical gates and the world building were very interested it was just drowned out by the teenage girl stuff. I think if you were in it more for the characters then the plot you could like this one, but for me it fell flat.

An excellent follow up to the first book. Plenty of action, political intrigue, and character development. The book could have been a little shorter but otherwise a very good sequel. Definitely excited for the next one!

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Tor Publishing for an advance copy of the second book in a a very promising fantasy series dealing with growing up, politics dark magic, love, relationships, and secret enemies who want to tear it all down.

Being young means having fun, but being maudlin. Being full of emotions, and learning new things. Having doubts, fears, certainties, uncertainties all about yourself, others, and even about far flung locales. Finding mentors, and finding that mentors sometimes aren't everything one expects. Learning lessons about power, and the elite world one sometimes finds one in, and how justice can be dispersed. Falling in love, falling in hate, just falling, and sometimes even being caught in ambushes, or have fires spring up around one. Oh and finding new ways to numb oneself from all the dark things one has done, like throwing an enemy's head into a council meeting. Like learning makeup tricks to hide scars. And finding new enemies planning your destruction, some closer than one thinks. Ed McDonald continues the story of our heroine Raine in the second book of the Redwinter Chronicles, Traitor of Redwinter, which shows Raine growing older, feeling emotions Raine is unused to, and while finding new strengths, Raine is also making more enemies, enemies that are striking at Raine in varied ways.

Raine is a orphan who was brought to Redwinter, the home of great defenders of the realm, trained in their ways of magic and war, and made her name for fighting above her level, and making friends and foes equally. This has come at quite a cost to Raine. The mentor that saved Raine, Ulovar, and brought Raine to Redwinter is weakening, dying slowly in some unknown way. The powerful matriarch and defender of Redwinter has had her power and immortality stripped away. Revolution is taking towns, bodies are starting to build up, and the clans are starting to get uncomfortable. Raine is having problems dealing with all these things, along with the fact that Raine is keeping a secret. Raine can see the dead, and this skill is not looked at as something favorable. Raine has found a book, a cursed book to help her control these powers, but nothing seems to be helping. Emotions are running high, danger seems around every turn and every look, and the power that Raine has to communicate with the dead might be very busy soon.

A really strong second book in a series that keeps getting better. Ed McDonald has he skill to both create a world that is as real for the readers as it is for the characters. A fascinating world where the magic and the explanations make sense, and also that the way these people rule themselves seems real. The Kings power is also fading, as his his life, so there are troubles. And added to these troubles as an almost different system of helping the poor help themselves. Most fantasy books stick to one political system, a regency system. To see a hint of socialism, come up is really interesting. Raine is developing as a character. Though I have to admit I kind of thought she was a bit whiny, many a time. However Raine is young and has seen some stuff, I am old, and male so its not for me. The rest of the story really was. McDonald is very good at keeping the tension going and surprising the reader with new problems, new ideas, and lots of new threats. A very well told story with interesting characters and a plot that makes sense as well as moves.

This is the second book, so I recommend reading the first, one because it is a great book, and will make the enjoyment of the second one better. Except for the violence, this is a pretty much safe read for teens on up. And even the violence is no worse than Marvel movies. I eagerly await the next adventures in this series.

Traitor of Redwinter by Ed McDonald

My recollection of this series wasn’t the whiny nature of Raine. The book was good, a great follow-up to Daughter of Redwinter. However, the whining was so incessant that I put the book down several times when I couldn’t stand the self-pity wallowing that Raine did. The book had plenty of action to go with the whining and an appropriate amount of plot twists to maintain my interest.

The level of treachery and self-abuse was high. It was hard to find a protagonist that wasn’t flawed and that brings a higher level of authenticity to the story. Realistically the whining provided authenticity as well. Having spent some time as a guidance counselor in both a junior high and senior high school, I can attest that whining can approach Olympic levels on some occasions.

I enjoyed the book, I recommend it, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

You really can't go wrong with a book written by Ed McDonald. Complex characters with believable motivations and development, excellent writing, and an original magic system.

Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

I came across this one on Netgalley, downloaded it, realized I have not read the first, bought and downloaded the first, didn't really care for it, then started this one.

And man, I should have quit while I was ahead.

I'm sure, to the right person, that this book would be amazing, and everything they hoped for. But for me? I was bored. I don't know if it was the reading format, or the length of the story, or the story itself...I just struggled to stay engaged. I feel like it took me too long to get through this one, and it isn't even that long of a book.

The idea of the gates is cool. I am a sucker for a good magic system, and this book definitely has that! It is unique in the way that many can access gates in general, but only a select few can enter through two or more of them. And the final gate, death, has ties to the life gate and is virtually seen as a bad thing. There is a lot of give and take, good and bad in this book. I get it.

I think that Raine had better character development in this book, but she still made a ton of iffy decisions. There is also a semi love triangle that might turn into something polyamorous? I struggle to get my head around that too, but of course I am rooting for her and the boy more than anything.

There are some good elements to this book, but it mostly bored me and I was looking forward to finishing it and moving on. I originally thought this was a duology, which that ending might tell me otherwise, but I will likely not be continuing on with the series. If you enjoyed this one, I am glad! It is just not the story for me.

Ed McDonald continues to cement himself as one of the best fantasy writers out there with every new book that he publishes. TRAITOR OF REDWINTER is yet another shining example of this as the second book in the Redwinter Chronicles expands on this amazing story and elevates it in so many astonishing ways. Seeing Robin Hobb's blurb on the front cover of this book is quite fitting and I can see why she would want to attach her name to this series. It has all of the hallmarks of her style of brilliant storytelling which is in itself very character-based and thoughtful with unforgettable moments of sheer magical brilliance.

As far as sequels go, this one did not disappoint and really had my complete focus from page one. This is very much a book where things are starting to change for so many of the characters and most of the time in not the best of ways. There's a lot of political maneuvering (which I'm always a huge fan of) and jockeying of position to determine who gets to hold the reins of power. I was impressed by how McDonald kept his cards close to his vest so to speak with regard to many of the characters and their real motivations and loyalties. That unpredictability and the fact that you never know who is good and who may be a backstabbing scoundrel is another reason why I just love this series.

Suffice to say the worldbuilding continues to be second to none here and TRAITOR OF REDWINTER dives even deeper into the history and tumultuous past events that have shaped the present. There's also a deeply hidden mystery that cannot be denied and I found myself wanting to know more with each enticing (although infrequent) revelation. Hey, we can't give everything away in the second book am I right? So as it happens that excellent worldbuilding and an interesting history are my two favorite elements in a fantasy book, I'd say yeah this one hit all of the right notes for me.

Ultimately I thought this follow-up to Daughter of Redwinter was superb on so many levels. My only criticism is that Ed McDonald has created such an outstanding and compelling story that I am beyond annoyed I can't read the next book immediately. Okay that's actually a me problem and not an Ed problem so scratch that criticism. Anyway, if you enjoy character-driven fantasy that also contains some of the most creative worldbuilding, imaginative magic, and a richly detailed history shrouded in mystery, then you absolutely must pick up this series and give it a read. Ed McDonald is writing some unbelievably earth-shattering stuff right now and I for one can't get enough.

An exciting second entry in the Redwinter Chronicles that doesn't fall into the dreaded "second book slump" and continues the story with the same energy and skill that made Daughter of Redwinter such a joy to read.

The skilled character work Ed McDonald started in Daughter of Redwinter carries on here successfully as well, with Raine having certainly grown since we last left her, but still struggling with some of the same old problems
that have been dogging her heels. Her Sixth Gate issue isn't going anywhere, she still has the propensity to self-destruct and make bad choices, and once again there is chaos in the realm that she's been tapped to deal with as a warrior of Redwinter.

Series fans and fantasy lovers will be thrilled with this entry in Raine's tale and left eager to see where it goes next.

Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with this e-Arc! I have a planned review of this on my Instagram and will also review on Goodreads once I get to this read. This is one of my most anticipated reads of this year! Until then, I am giving a star rating as a placeholder on Netgalley. Stay tuned for my in depth review on all my social media platforms!

Highly recommend this series. It is unique and so very captivating. I look forward to reading more of this author in the future. This sequel was just excellent and kept me entertained.

LIGHT ABOVE! THIS WAS JUST BRILLIANT! I know I shouldn’t be this shocked that Ed McDonald managed to swept me off my feet a second time, just like he did with Daughter of Redwinter but I am truly taken aback by the sheer brilliance of Traitor of Redwinter, as it managed to exceed all my already sky-high expectations. This is quite a statement considering how much I adored Daughter of Redwinter, which was undoubtedly one of my top picks from 2022. Needless to say, I was yearning for MORE, and Traitor of Redwinter delivered in every possible way. Ed has truly outdone himself with this exceptional sequel that kept me engrossed and eager to devour every single page.

Ed’s prowess in world building has consistently impressed me, and Traitor of Redwinter only solidifies his talent in this regard. Returning to the world of Redwinter was an absolute delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in its intricacies once again. The character development in Traitor of Redwinter was masterfully crafted, and my goodness, the unexpected plot twists and intricate turns were absolutely enthralling. While the initial half of the book may have unfolded at a more leisurely pace compared to the second half, my past experiences with Ed’s writing assured me that he needed the time to build up momentum and deliver something truly awe-inspiring. And indeed, my intuition was spot-on as Ed completely blew me away. The conversations and interactions amongst characters were beautifully done too. The writing was so stunning, by the time I finished the book, it looked like a coloring book, for I had highlighted so many paragraphs and conversations. lol!

Raine’s character development in this installment was truly remarkable. In contrast to her impulsive and impatient teenage self portrayed in Daughter of Redwinter, she exhibited a newfound maturity in Traitor of Redwinter. Taking the time to reflect and carefully consider the consequences of her actions, she became a more sensible and relatable character. However, her self-sabotaging tendencies, though present, added an additional layer of depth to her persona, making her all the more intriguing. Yes, she was overly cautious when it came to her romantic relationships but given her history of abusive and toxic past relationships, I actually sympathized with her in this regard. Understanding the challenges she had faced in the realm of relationships, it was natural for her to prioritize self-preservation and be hesitant to trust others easily.

Sanvaunt continued to shine as an exceptional supporting character, just as he did in the first book. The same can be said for Esher and Liara, who added depth and richness to the story. While I had reservations about Ovitus in Daughter of Redwinter, my dislike for him deepened exponentially in Traitor of Redwinter, leaving me with an intense loathing for his character. lol! I am itching to into details but alas spoilers…. The development of the relationship between Esher and Raine was both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, filled with tender moments that touched my soul. Similarly, the dynamic between Sanvaunt and Raine evoked bittersweet emotions, tugging at my heartstrings.

And to think I have to wait at least another year for the next book of the series! :'( Five out of five FECKING stars for Traitor of Redwinter and Ed!!!

I am truly grateful to Netgally, Tor Books and Ed McDonald for providing me this advanced reader copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As you can see by the star rating, I obviously enjoyed this book. I re-read the first book in the series, Daughter of Redwinter to put myself back into this world before diving into Traitor of Redwinter. However, McDonald has readers’ backs and gives a nice little summary of the story so far at the beginning, so you can jump right back in if you can’t do a re-read (though I definitely would not jump into the second if you have never read the first).

Ok, now to the actual story. I was hooked and flew through it, much like the first installment. Raine is an interesting, fleshed out character who has that mix of frustrating and redeeming qualities. You want her to succeed so badly that sometimes you get really mad at her when she just makes the worst possible choices. Let’s just say relationships and romance are not her area to shine. Where she does shine is her tenacity and loyalty. Again, she steps in with little hesitation in the battle between Draohin and the Night Below even if she’s out of her depth. There is always the tension of the secret she is hiding and just how easily her new life could fall apart. In Traitor of Redwinter, that tension is very palpable as she works to figure out her growing skills and her newfound friendships, as well as the fraught politics of the high and mighty all while hiding a very large part of herself. All of that, along with war threatening on the horizon, leads to a fast-paced read that keeps you wanting more. There were some points where I felt her character had regressed rather than grown that were frustrating, but overall, it was a great read and I’m looking forward to hanging out with Raine again.

Traitor of Redwinter by Ed McDonald is a thrilling second installment in the Redwinter Chronicles. The book is filled with political intrigue, ancient powers, and a young woman who is struggling to navigate a world in which no one is quite what they seem.

Raine, the protagonist, is trying to control the power of the Sixth Gate that grows stronger within her each day. She needs lessons that no living Draoihn can teach her to master it. Her master Ulovar is struck by a mysterious sickness that leaves her to face her growing darkness alone. Raine discovers a book that can teach her the secrets the Draoihn purged from the world, and its ever-changing pages whisper power that has lain untouched for centuries.

As the king's health fails and the north suffers from famine, rebellious lords hunger for the power of the Crown. Raine's former friend Ovitus brings a powerful new alliance and desperately craves her forgiveness or submission. The grandmaster has her own plans for Raine, and she seeks to craft a weapon to launch right into her enemy's heart.

Amidst old and new threats, Raine must learn the secrets promised by the book, magic promised by a queen with a crown of feathers. However, the queen demands more from Raine than she can afford to give.

The world-building is impressive, and the characters are well-developed with complex motivations. The story is fast-paced and action-packed with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The author's writing style is vivid and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the world and its inhabitants.

Overall, Traitor of Redwinter is an excellent addition to the Redwinter Chronicles, and I would highly recommend it to fans of epic fantasy and political intrigue.