Enemies to lovers Romantasy with a FMC who is just learning to use and tame her magic!

Astra and Marlak have decided to snub their noses at what they should do and are determined to hold onto each other. They just have to sort out a revolution along the way. Finding a floating, non-stationary castle will be a doddle! Right?

This is much more than just a Romantasy. Yes the love story is the theme tying everything together but the world politics, fledgling revolution, the corruption of magic - these are all strong themes. Marlak and Astra are also not the only romance going on - some of the secondary characters are enjoying their own romances, some with more success than others.

Whilst told from multiple POV's I never felt lost about who I was "with". I always had a clear idea of the view I was immersed in and they're overriding motivations. With so much going on you might think you'd get bogged down with all the politicking but I have to say I rather enjoyed it and it helped me to forget about the dumpster fire of the real world for a few hours.

Now I have to sit and twiddle my thumbs for book 3 to arrive!

I absolute LOVE this series! The multi povs add so much more depth to the story and you get to know the characters better. I really enjoy how the povs changed with the timeline instead of going back in the timeline. Multiple relationships. Nice amount of spice. A truly unique story that keeps you guessing what’s coming next. Ends in a mind blowing cliffhanger. Perfect for any fan of romantasy.

The Traitor Sister completely took over my life in the best way possible. I liked the first book, but this one? It’s on another level. The romance is more compelling, the characters feel richer, and the world itself is just so immersive.

What really stood out to me was how much stronger the emotional core of the story felt this time around. The tension—both romantic and political—is dialed up, and the stakes feel so much more real. The relationship dynamics (romantic and otherwise) have layers that make every interaction more engaging. And the pacing? The kind that makes you look up and realize you’ve lost hours to this book.

I also really appreciated how much more three-dimensional the characters felt here. The main romance had me fully invested, but even outside of that, the character arcs had a depth that made their choices feel earned. The world-building also took a step up, and I loved getting to see more of the intricacies of this universe.

If I had one critique, it’s that some side plots could have been fleshed out just a bit more, but honestly, that’s a minor issue in an otherwise gripping read. I’d rate this a solid 4 out of 5 stars. If you love fantasy romance with depth, great world-building, and a story that won’t let you go, don’t sleep on this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed book 1, and that ending had me ready to read book 2 asap! This second book did not disappoint. It was a rollercoaterof a story! If you're looking for a multi pov fantasy romance with a more unique magic system, this series is for you.

While Astra and Malek are still central to the story in this second book, we extra POV's in this one, bringing so much more depth to the story. I love that we get to know more of these characters that were more side characters in the first book whilst also expanding on the world that we'd learnt about in book 1. There is so much going on that it just keeps you intrigued and hanging on, especially reading several different storylines simultaneously. I didn't want to put the book down. Some of the reveals had me shocked, others I had a feeling were coming, but all in all, I loved it!

And once again, the ending has me just needing book 3 now!! Thank you to netgalley and Day for the advanced copy for my honest review.

What a great second book in the series. I think if you have slept on this series, you need to go find them. There is fantastical romantasy element which doesn't feel as YA as some books. Please don't dive into this one until you've polished off the first one, A Cursed Son.

We do get new characters and secrets which always makes a book more fun. But we also get a really well developed story that will keep the reader engaged and entertained. s much as I enjoyed the first, I think the writer found her stride in this book and kept the pace high and emotional. Someone else said it's a "rollercoaster ride" but I think I felt like I was sucked into the world even more than before. Sure, there is quite a lot going on, but it works well together and it's too muddled or chaotic.

I am impressed with character development and the new ones we meet within these pages. There has to be another book in the series with the way this one leaves off. I can't wait to see this author claim her spot in the romantasy genre . I think far more people need to get their hands on these books. They are so incredibly good and well worth the read. They go quickly and will suck you in.

Thank you NetGalley for the ebook copy of this book. I absolutely loved the Cursed Son and this book was just as amazing. She gives over 500 pages of nonstop story and 7 POV, and soulmates. The twisted and turns in the book kept me hooked and I could not put the it down.

Following Astra right after book one when they got captured by the brother and being held in the floating castle where the false king reigns Malek’s brother Renel. This book follows Renel, Markel, Astra, Talia, Lidiane, Azur and the drunken Prince Ziven. Giving their perspective as the story unfolds.

A Traitor Sister picks up with Astra trying to embrace her powers and figure out her origins after breaking free from her manipulative master. Marlak is trapped in a dark magic prison, and Astra has to uncover old secrets to save him. The Crystal Castle is heading toward destruction, and a false king is trying to use Astra’s heritage to stop it. There’s an impostor in her place, enemies closing in, and the pressure’s on.
While the plot has potential, the pacing feels a bit uneven, and the romance didn't quite live up to the hype. It’s still an okay read for fans of the first book, but it didn’t quite deliver the excitement I was hoping for. In the first book there was only one POV with Astra, in this book there were multiple different POV’s. I enjoyed the first book, but this one was very slow at times.


Thank you to NetGalley and Sparkly Wave for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to be published on Feb 12!

“I think people need someone to pull them out of their pits of pain, make them forget their agony, but I cling to it like a lifeline. I don’t think I can love, even if I could be kind to someone in love with me.”

“A Traitor Sister,” by Day Leitao

The first book of this series was one of my favorite books last year, so I was so excited to get to read this book. I loved how I got to know more about the body doubles and the prince’s brother, Renel, it was such a good aspect of the book that I wasn’t expecting but it really enhanced the story. The amount of POVs in this book versus book 1 was a little disorienting at the beginning but I figured it out and ended up really liking more information to the story. There were way more moving parts in this book than I was expecting, and it was a pleasant surprise. I figured that this book would be romance focused like book 1 but it had such a big plot, and I didn’t know I needed it so badly until I had it. I loved every single thing in the book. one of the best reads this year so far for sure. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Fae
-Magic
-Multi POV

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

“Perhaps there’s a chance we can still bond in hatred— if there’s even any chance for us.”

“The thing is that killing him is easy, but surviving the deed is hard. I may not love my life, but I still wouldn’t want to waste it for him.”

“Perhaps that’s what defines each person; how they cope.”

“Sometimes we survive but still bear marks.”

Cliffhangers. Man, I just hate ‘em, but they’re effective. I definitely want the next one now 😂

I read A Cursed Son from Netgalley and enjoyed it, so obviously I went for this one when it was released.

So for those of you who don’t like multi POV and loved the first one because of the single character POV…. I have bad news.

I personally LOVE multi PoV but I also tend to read hundreds of pages in a sitting, and it’s easy to remember who’s doing what. I imagine that makes a difference. This isn’t a stop and go book or you may forget what’s happening. There are 7? POV. You read that right. I am here for it!!

I digress. The plot is definitely a bit more complicated than a lot of beginning fantasy books, but that isn’t an issue for me. Some of these romances that conveniently form did seem a bit forced to me based off the storylines. Some of them are very organic and really fun to watch, and others feel rushed and not fully developed. This is absolutely my main problem with this book, and it isn’t even that big of a deal to me. The characters are still fun to read about and come alive the more we learn about them.

The rest of this is fun, interesting, and a bit of a roller coaster with some twists. The characters each sound different in their POVs, it’s an entertaining writing style. Some phrases came off a little odd for me, but remember I am reading an ARC and edits could definitely still be made and issues remedied.

The spice is spicin’ y’all. There are several spicy scenes, but sprinkled in well. Nothing too wild, like 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️/5.

Definitely a fun read overall.

There's a lot going on in the second book. We follow a bunch of characters and the story udfoldes in many directions.
I'm a big fan of the fantasy univers Day Leitao has created, and the characters are great, unfortunately "A Traitor Sister" was a bit confusing and I could'nt really keep up what all the happings, names and places.
But you still get all the politics, action and romance you need ;)

3,5 stars, a thanks to NetGalley for the arc (how ever, giving the new type of files, I had to read on my phone - which I did'nt like ;) )

One note before the review: In Chapter 18, Ether is one time referred to as Ethan.

The review:
A Traitor Sister is a worthy follow-up to A Cursed Son, expanding the world, deepening the intrigue, and introducing new perspectives that make the story even more compelling. While Astra and Marlak remain central, this book broadens its scope with additional POVs from Tarlia, Zivan, Lidiane, Azur, and Renel, giving us a more layered and complex narrative.

The plot leans further into political intrigue and the uncovering of magical secrets, revealing that the dangers lurking in this world go far beyond what we first imagined. The expansion of the story’s conflicts and the introduction of even more formidable villains kept me riveted, adding tension and mystery to every chapter.

Despite the heavier focus on court politics and magic’s deeper mysteries, romance is still very much present. New relationships begin to form, while existing ones evolve in intriguing ways, adding an emotional core to the story that balances the high-stakes intrigue.

Day Leitao once again delivers immersive storytelling, weaving together magic, secrets, and shifting alliances in a way that kept me hooked. If you enjoyed A Cursed Son, this sequel is a must-read—I can't wait to see where the series goes next!

Aaaahhhh! What a book, what an ending 😱

After finishing the cursed son I dived straight into the A Traitor Sister, and I’m so glad I did, there’s SO MUCH going on that a break between books would be impossible without a re-read - which is what I’m going to need to do before book 3 is released 🥲

We pick straight up in the action after book 1 left us with Astra and Marlak separated, she’s been taken to the “acting king’s” moving castle - I absolutely loved the underlying story of the castle moving, it gave me Howls Moving Castle vibes, without ripping it off at all! I loved how Astra was connected to the Amethyst Palace (her ancestral home) which was connected to the Crystal Castle (Marlak’s rightful throne).

I loved the dual POVs, I usually give up where there’s multiple POVs as you spend too long with one character and forget the others or you’ll have a characters POV you’re not interested in but that was the not the case here, every single characters POV was written at the right length and was so integral to the story!

I’m left with so many hopes and questions, I’m routing for all the budding relationships but especially Loraine and Azul 🥹
I’m intrigued as to what’s happening with Mirielle and Zorwal - the scheming man who will not stay dead?!
Is Renel as bad as we all think or has he actually made the biggest sacrifice for Marlak? I feel like Renel has been cowardly and I want to see him redeem himself!!

Such a good book with an incredibly unique story, I loved every moment and I’m gutted to wait for the next book but I know it will be so worth the wait, that ending is enough to have me completely invested!!

Fabulous sequel to A Cursed Son. Continues to build the story of Astra. Love the direction that this takes as well. Definitely recommend!

I was so excited to continue reading the banter between these two. I also loved the insight into the other characters. I was nervous at first with how quickly the perspectives changed. But as I continued I really loved getting to hear about what they were doing. Most likely my favorite world I've read so far this year! I am looking forward to getting the audiobook when it's available!

I flew through book 2! I was anxious to start this after finishing the audiobook of A Cursed Son. We pick up where left off knowing that Marlak didn’t betray Astra at the end of book 1. As Astra works to free Marlak, we get to follow other characters POVs like Tarlia and Ziven’s. I greatly enjoyed getting to see Astra become more confident in herself, realizing the scheming of those she’s known her whole life as well as develop and use her magic. I was pleasantly surprised by the end with who she ends up unlikely allies with. I’m very curious to find out more about her heritage from the Witch King.

I desperately wanted to end this book with Marlak and Astra together again so I was a bit disappointed when we realize she’s disappeared. However, I’m very much looking forward to learning more about this in the 3rd book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Day Leito for the opportunity to read this e-arc.

I got into this without knowing it was 2nd book in the series and it did not hinder me at all in following the story. Jumping into an already established universe can sometimes be tricky. But this was not one of those times. Took me a minute to figure out who's who and what's what but after that it was nothing but smooth sailing.

I will admit I did not read the blurb before going in so I had no idea what to expect out of the book. Totally went in on the cover alone. And boy oh boy was I surprised. In a good way naturally. And the more I read the better it got. The story, the characters it was all absolutely beautiful. I'll definitely be reading the 1st book and I can not wait for the next one because this one absolutely left me wanting more. And that's the best endorsement a book can get

I really loved reading this book and I can not wait for more by this author!! I flew through this book because it was that good. The author did an amazing job keeping the plot interesting without it getting boring or slow. I will be recommending this book to all of the family and friends.

4.5 stars for an exciting, action-packed book 2!!

We pick up right where we left off from book one in a moment of high intensity, and we don’t stop going until that last page with some reveals that made my jaw DROP. This book was filled with twists and turns, an expanded world, an exciting collection of POVs that created more depth for some side characters we loved (and some we hated), and so much of what we loved from book 1!

In addition to Astra and Marlak, this time we got action (and some extra romance) from Marlak’s brother and enemy (but should he be) Renel, Renel’s bound guardian rocking a cool hat Azur, Astra’s decoy sister/friend Tarlia, dressmaker with a secret Lidiane, and lazy prince searching for purpose Ziven. The story really takes its time, letting us see what’s happening with all the characters at each moment, letting us have 3 or even 4 individual storylines happening chronologically at once. This absolutely made it easier to feel like I was in the world with them, fighting ghouls in the shadow lands or going on a rescue mission or hiding in plain sight. Each of the characters got their moments to shine, and often their moments where they didn’t shine. Day has done a magnificent job creating a cast of really complicated characters, some who do bad for good reasons, some who do good for bad reasons, some with their secrets, and some with their motives written on their face.

Not only were the characters so well-developed, the plot was exciting and left me guessing which path it would take. Sometimes I was right, sometimes I was wrong, but all the time I was HERE for it!

There were just a couple of small editing errors that should be checked (specifically about names- a Nara/Nora and an Ethan/Ether confusion- but bigger one about a certain nickname for a certain decoy and who knows what and when), but knowing this was an advance copy means those should be seen :)

Thank you so much to Day Leitao and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review! I’m loving the series and can’t wait to learn more about book three…

4.5 ⭐️ “Loving you is like breathing”

Sequel to A Cursed Son. This book provides us with 6 POVs. We also get some new characters in the mix that were easy to love ( like a fae with cat ears. ) The characters are in multiple locations so the different POVs provide necessary prospective and really add to the story. The world building was great and I felt like I was in the story myself visualizing everything. It is nonstop action and information. I love the unique magic system. Finding a place to stop reading for doing boring things like sleeping etc was difficult but I’m not complaining. So many plot twists-I’m excited to see how the next book will play out. Looking forward to the kickstarter next week because I might need to add these physical copies to my shelf.

📖Book Review: *A Traitor Sister*
✍️ Author: Day Leitao
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This second book in this steamy romantasy series had big shoes to fill from a solid start in book one. The relationship between Astra and Marlak’s whitty banter and chemistry was palpable. The framework of the world was set up fairly well if not limited in scope.

Book two was refreshing in that it gave us an expanded world, multiple POV’s and plenty of spice. Where I think it left me wanting was the pacing and what felt like a compression of the story.

I would have liked to see some of the story lines more flushed out across multiple books as opposed to compressing the multiple new relationships into this book. Further, the fact that the entire novel takes place across a few days almost comes across as unbelievable given the extent of content that it covers.

I love the way the magic system was explained in greater detail, the character development of Renel and Astra’s journey continued. I just feel as though it could have been a narrower scope to give the reader a greater perspective on Astra before we dove into other characters and their journeys.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Sparkly Wave and Day Leitao for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!