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Secondborn
(Secondborn #1)
by
Firstborns rule society. Secondborns are the property of the government. Thirdborns are not tolerated. Long live the Fates Republic.
On Transition Day, the second child in every family is taken by the government and forced into servitude. Roselle St. Sismode’s eighteenth birthday arrives with harsh realizations: she’s to become a soldier for the Fate of Swords military arm ...more
On Transition Day, the second child in every family is taken by the government and forced into servitude. Roselle St. Sismode’s eighteenth birthday arrives with harsh realizations: she’s to become a soldier for the Fate of Swords military arm ...more
Audible Audio, Unabridged
Published
August 1st 2017
by Brilliance Audio
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Community Reviews
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Start your review of Secondborn (Secondborn #1)
The challenge with writing this review is trying to organize my many many notes into something coherent. I picked up Secondborn because I like to check out the occasional buzz book on Goodreads. This one has been popping up all over my feed and seems to have pretty good reviews (plus I'm auto-approved on netgalley, which didn't hurt!). But the more I read, the worse it seemed to get.
Don't get me wrong, I feel like Bartol has the potential to write a book I'd really enjoy. Parts of the story were ...more
Don't get me wrong, I feel like Bartol has the potential to write a book I'd really enjoy. Parts of the story were ...more
This book was my Kindle First pick for July. I picked a good one this time =)
****SOME SPOILERS****
This is actually the first book I have read from this author. I do know she has some other popular books out there that I plan on reading at some point.
This book is about Roselle. She a second born. Her brother, Gabriel and is the first born. The first born are the popular and special ones. And even though Gabriel would have liked to be in the military so to speak, it's Roselle that has to go and ...more
****SOME SPOILERS****
This is actually the first book I have read from this author. I do know she has some other popular books out there that I plan on reading at some point.
This book is about Roselle. She a second born. Her brother, Gabriel and is the first born. The first born are the popular and special ones. And even though Gabriel would have liked to be in the military so to speak, it's Roselle that has to go and ...more
Review also found at the Dust Off Your MacHalo Blog.
Nine Fates of the Republic rule: The Fate of Virtues, Fate of Swords, Fate of Stars, Fate of Atoms, Fate of Suns, Fate of Diamonds, Fate of Moons, Fate of Seas, and Fate of Stones.
The Virtues rule over all. Swords = military and might. Stars = technology. Atoms = medical. Diamonds = entertainment and journalism. Stones = service-oriented. (I’m not sure that the book goes into what the others specialize in.) This book focuses mainly on the ...more
Nine Fates of the Republic rule: The Fate of Virtues, Fate of Swords, Fate of Stars, Fate of Atoms, Fate of Suns, Fate of Diamonds, Fate of Moons, Fate of Seas, and Fate of Stones.
The Virtues rule over all. Swords = military and might. Stars = technology. Atoms = medical. Diamonds = entertainment and journalism. Stones = service-oriented. (I’m not sure that the book goes into what the others specialize in.) This book focuses mainly on the ...more
2.5/5
0-50% was 1/5
51-80% was 2/5
81-100% was 3.5/5
This review will contain spoilers so if that bothers you do not read on.
If the ratings are not clear to you all I mean is that I struggled to get into the book early on, but there was at least something compelling me to finish. Though none of the characters (especially Roselle) stood out to me there was something about the world that made me want to at least finish this book.
Unfortunately, this book did fall flat in some regards. There was very ...more
0-50% was 1/5
51-80% was 2/5
81-100% was 3.5/5
This review will contain spoilers so if that bothers you do not read on.
If the ratings are not clear to you all I mean is that I struggled to get into the book early on, but there was at least something compelling me to finish. Though none of the characters (especially Roselle) stood out to me there was something about the world that made me want to at least finish this book.
Unfortunately, this book did fall flat in some regards. There was very ...more
So I did an audiobook reread of this before starting Traitor Born because when trying to remember all the important details I couldn't for the life of me and I hate going into a book in a series without the previous one fresh on my mind. What suprised me with this second read was that I STILL had no clue what happened or was going on in the first at least 40% of the book. I remember having the same problem the first time I read this. Its like once you get clear of the jumbled mess that the
...more
Jun 02, 2017
Christa
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
owned,
freebie,
ya,
dystopian,
reread,
kindle-unlimited,
favorites-2017,
2017,
best-of-kindle-unlimited,
2019
I had to reread this before I started book two and it was even better the second time.
Secondborn is a dystopian where parents give their second born child to the government. Because of this, importance is given to the firstborn child while the second born child is neglected. Our main character Roselle is a second born. Her mother is the Clarity (leader) of her Fate (caste system).
Due to her mother's high ranking, Roselle is a very famous second born. She has been a media darling from an early ...more
Secondborn is a dystopian where parents give their second born child to the government. Because of this, importance is given to the firstborn child while the second born child is neglected. Our main character Roselle is a second born. Her mother is the Clarity (leader) of her Fate (caste system).
Due to her mother's high ranking, Roselle is a very famous second born. She has been a media darling from an early ...more
4.5 stars. Loved it!
Secondborn is set in a dystopian world where there are only two tiers of society – the firstborns who rule and the secondborns who serve the firstborns. Thirdborns are forbidden.
I was entertained and spellbound from the first page and there were enough surprises and twists to keep it unpredictable and intriguing. The romance was sweet, though it did not dominate the story, which was more focused on Roselle trying to survive being a secondborn and seeking a way to improve the ...more
Secondborn is set in a dystopian world where there are only two tiers of society – the firstborns who rule and the secondborns who serve the firstborns. Thirdborns are forbidden.
I was entertained and spellbound from the first page and there were enough surprises and twists to keep it unpredictable and intriguing. The romance was sweet, though it did not dominate the story, which was more focused on Roselle trying to survive being a secondborn and seeking a way to improve the ...more
5 solid stars
I had forgotten how much I love Amy’s books. It’s been a long time since I’ve read one of her stories but now I’m already on the ARC of Traitor Born as I can’t stop anymore!
I have to thank Michelle Chen as she recommended this book when I was busy with the “Bests of 2017” challenge. I looked into it and the blurb plus the gorgeous cover had me immediately buying the book.
What is it about?
It’s not PNR or Fantasy but it’s happening in another time or context where Firstborns have it ...more
I had forgotten how much I love Amy’s books. It’s been a long time since I’ve read one of her stories but now I’m already on the ARC of Traitor Born as I can’t stop anymore!
I have to thank Michelle Chen as she recommended this book when I was busy with the “Bests of 2017” challenge. I looked into it and the blurb plus the gorgeous cover had me immediately buying the book.
What is it about?
It’s not PNR or Fantasy but it’s happening in another time or context where Firstborns have it ...more
I loved this! This was a great start to a new Dystopia series and I had a really hard time putting this down. I listened to the audible version and have nothing but good things to say about the narrator. I am limited to when I can listen and if I had the time, I would have listened straight through to the end.
I'm a fan of this kind of series and I especially love a female warrior. I really liked Roselle's character.
The unfairness to her situation and all Second Born situations makes you root ...more
I'm a fan of this kind of series and I especially love a female warrior. I really liked Roselle's character.
The unfairness to her situation and all Second Born situations makes you root ...more
Jan 15, 2018
Nadhira Satria
added it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
the-valley-of-dissappointment,
dnf
dnf @20%
The main character has a personality of a goldfish.
The main character has a personality of a goldfish.
Familiar story
I read this via Amazon Kindle First Reads.
I found "Secondborn" very like other popular dystopian books about teenage girls--almost to the point of not finishing the book. Select people get all the privileges, and the rest are basically slaves in need of a savior/hero.
Naturally, our protagonist is blessed with incredible fighting skills, she is reluctant to fill the hero position, and she doesn't have any choice.
Neither, apparently, does she have any choice but to fall madly in lust ...more
I read this via Amazon Kindle First Reads.
I found "Secondborn" very like other popular dystopian books about teenage girls--almost to the point of not finishing the book. Select people get all the privileges, and the rest are basically slaves in need of a savior/hero.
Naturally, our protagonist is blessed with incredible fighting skills, she is reluctant to fill the hero position, and she doesn't have any choice.
Neither, apparently, does she have any choice but to fall madly in lust ...more
DNF @50%
I have tried repeatedly with this book, returning to it to read a bit more and unfortunately I cannot cope with the slow pace and lack of connection with the MC. I have been bored to this point. I truly am disappointed considering my love of the kricket series. I have decided that rather than continue to labour, DNF it is with a rather heavy heart.
I have tried repeatedly with this book, returning to it to read a bit more and unfortunately I cannot cope with the slow pace and lack of connection with the MC. I have been bored to this point. I truly am disappointed considering my love of the kricket series. I have decided that rather than continue to labour, DNF it is with a rather heavy heart.
Fast paced. Mysterious. Heart pounding. Romantic. Bartol takes all of these attributes and weaves them together with a delicious sci-fi/dystopian that produces Roselle, a secondborn child whose life no longer belongs to herself in a world where firstborns are revered. Conscripted into the military by her ruling mother, Roselle quickly learns that there is a power struggle afoot within the Fates hierarchy and that she just might be one of the pawns at the center of it. Rather than stand back and
...more
14.05
I'm putting this back on my TBR until I get a physical copy, I think there's a lot going on and I can't keep up properly.
Hopefully I can get around to this sooner rather than later, because what I DID get I'm kind of intrigued!
--------
I'm putting this back on my TBR until I get a physical copy, I think there's a lot going on and I can't keep up properly.
Hopefully I can get around to this sooner rather than later, because what I DID get I'm kind of intrigued!
--------
Kindle First book. I was so proud when I saw Amy's book on there!
This is a unique dystopian. I liked it, but some parts seemed drawn out. Looking back at other Amy Bartol series, she usually starts out a little slow to build up to the juicy part so I bet book 2 and 3 will be awesome. I will definitely continue the series and I can't wait for the next to come out!
This is a unique dystopian. I liked it, but some parts seemed drawn out. Looking back at other Amy Bartol series, she usually starts out a little slow to build up to the juicy part so I bet book 2 and 3 will be awesome. I will definitely continue the series and I can't wait for the next to come out!
2.25
-didn't care for the characters
-interesting concept and world!
-could've been done so much better ...more
-didn't care for the characters
-interesting concept and world!
-could've been done so much better ...more
ETA 4/18/18: Re-read so I could start Traitorborn, now that it's released. And good thing, too, because I forgot soooo much! :P
****
There is just something about a book by Amy A. Bartol. They're just so fun and entertaining and always leave me wanting more. I loved her KRICKET series and I'm still hoping there's another book forthcoming, but I may have enjoyed this book even more. It was so engaging! I loved the world -- despite being a dystopian, which I kinda swore off for the longest -- and ...more
****
There is just something about a book by Amy A. Bartol. They're just so fun and entertaining and always leave me wanting more. I loved her KRICKET series and I'm still hoping there's another book forthcoming, but I may have enjoyed this book even more. It was so engaging! I loved the world -- despite being a dystopian, which I kinda swore off for the longest -- and ...more
That was so good. Holy balls.
I don’t know what to do with myself.
So
Many
Emotions
How do I know what I feel?!
Twist over there, turn over there. Who knows what will happen?!
*internally screams*
4.5 for me, so close to a 5 so close. I’m a sucker for any book this woman writes.
I don’t know what to do with myself.
So
Many
Emotions
How do I know what I feel?!
Twist over there, turn over there. Who knows what will happen?!
*internally screams*
4.5 for me, so close to a 5 so close. I’m a sucker for any book this woman writes.
I really enjoyed this book. It felt a bit like hunger games at times (and I have a feeling the next one really will), but still there was lots of action, good political manipulation, a touch of romance (although seriously everyone is in love with her and we have at least 3 potential love interests - and I see the good & bad of all 3)
Okay but first let me address the big white elephant in the room and talk about the general concept. So in this story families are limited to 2 kids (that’s it) ...more
Okay but first let me address the big white elephant in the room and talk about the general concept. So in this story families are limited to 2 kids (that’s it) ...more
Sep 08, 2017
Sandee
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
series,
science-fiction,
dystopia,
fave-heroine,
first-person,
ebook,
arc-reviewed
MANY THANKS TO 47NORTH FOR PROVIDING ME WITH THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
FINAL RATING: 4.25
Secondborn is a pleasant surprise!
When I requested this book on Netgalley, I thought the synopsis sounded great, ratings on Goodreads were high, so what could go wrong, right?
Despite the intriguing synopsis, I wasn't expecting much from this ...more
FINAL RATING: 4.25
Now I know that it was only a fantasy. I’ll never be one of them. I’ll always be just a secondborn, a shadow, soon to fade from their lives.
Secondborn is a pleasant surprise!
When I requested this book on Netgalley, I thought the synopsis sounded great, ratings on Goodreads were high, so what could go wrong, right?
Despite the intriguing synopsis, I wasn't expecting much from this ...more
I have read everything I can by Amy Bartol. Her Premonition Series is my go to series whenever I have book issues. I love the worlds she creates. I love how she develops tension in her characters’ relationships. I love her strong female characters.
I thought the story was interesting with the caste system and how they used their secondborn children as slaves. I really enjoyed the sci-fi dystopian feel it had going on. There are plenty of twist and turns to keep you interested. Mrs Bartol is ...more
I thought the story was interesting with the caste system and how they used their secondborn children as slaves. I really enjoyed the sci-fi dystopian feel it had going on. There are plenty of twist and turns to keep you interested. Mrs Bartol is ...more
***** 4.5 Stars *****
"Never, ever trust the pack."
Although Roselle is from a powerful family, she has no rights because she isn't the firstborn child. Everything is chosen for her. Her mentor trains her from a young age so that she could fight in the military. Her clothes are selected to obtain a certain reaction from the citizens. Even her speeches are prepared for her.
When Roselle finally leaves her unloving family for the military, she makes new friends and also new enemies. Her life gets ...more
"Never, ever trust the pack."
Although Roselle is from a powerful family, she has no rights because she isn't the firstborn child. Everything is chosen for her. Her mentor trains her from a young age so that she could fight in the military. Her clothes are selected to obtain a certain reaction from the citizens. Even her speeches are prepared for her.
When Roselle finally leaves her unloving family for the military, she makes new friends and also new enemies. Her life gets ...more
Jul 06, 2017
Amy J Romance Author & Reader Events
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
pnr-fantasy
Read early through Amazon prime.
Honestly I was a bit concerned through the first 25% of the story due to the similarities to The Hunger Games and the devotion to world building. I kept on reading and am so happy I did. World building is a part of every PNR/Fantasy/Dystopian story, personally I tend to get impatient with it especially when a great story is looming in the background. Due to the brilliance of Amy Bartol I fell head over hills with her world and the story of Secondborn.
I have so ...more
Honestly I was a bit concerned through the first 25% of the story due to the similarities to The Hunger Games and the devotion to world building. I kept on reading and am so happy I did. World building is a part of every PNR/Fantasy/Dystopian story, personally I tend to get impatient with it especially when a great story is looming in the background. Due to the brilliance of Amy Bartol I fell head over hills with her world and the story of Secondborn.
I have so ...more
4.25 (Reread on 12/21/17 - I still love this!)
Let me start by saying that Amy is the author of one of my favorite series (the Kricket Series) and I find that I really enjoy her writing and storytelling. Naturally, I was really looking forward to picking this book up when it was released.
Needless to say, it did not disappoint. The story is fast-paced and had several crucial plot twists that I did not see coming but really enjoyed. The characters are relatable, realistic, lovable and even a ...more
Let me start by saying that Amy is the author of one of my favorite series (the Kricket Series) and I find that I really enjoy her writing and storytelling. Naturally, I was really looking forward to picking this book up when it was released.
Needless to say, it did not disappoint. The story is fast-paced and had several crucial plot twists that I did not see coming but really enjoyed. The characters are relatable, realistic, lovable and even a ...more
Young Adult Dystopian Science Fiction.
Who'd have thought it.
I tend to like books that stand on their own. I want to be able to read a series out of order without it mattering. I want resolution. I hate open endings and cliffhangers. There are a few reasons this book should annoy me but it's saved by likeable characters.
Who'd have thought it.
I tend to like books that stand on their own. I want to be able to read a series out of order without it mattering. I want resolution. I hate open endings and cliffhangers. There are a few reasons this book should annoy me but it's saved by likeable characters.
Sep 24, 2017
Mel (Epic Reading)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
arc-netgalley
This is a frustrating 4 stars for me because it should be 5. Secondborn is a wonderful dystopian teen novel that belongs alongside Divergent, Hunger Games and the Maze Runner; up until it shatters itself for no good reason.
Amy A. Bartol does a really good job of setting up her dystopian society (though a poor job of explaining why society is that way but I can overlook this miss) and helping us to understand the hierarchy of firstborn, secondborn and (god forbid) third or less born. She ...more
Amy A. Bartol does a really good job of setting up her dystopian society (though a poor job of explaining why society is that way but I can overlook this miss) and helping us to understand the hierarchy of firstborn, secondborn and (god forbid) third or less born. She ...more
long live my idea that I will ever have a small tbr list
Secondborn offers many unique takes on the "realms separated by factions" trope, with interesting worldbuilding through the relationships between firstborn and secondborn and the hierarchy that separates them.
The pacing here is terrible. We get detailed fight scenes of Roselle besting foes in various forms of combat, but get two pages of exposition telling us what happened in a year. Exposition about the weirdest things come at the most bizarre times. Is directly after a terrorist attack and ...more
The pacing here is terrible. We get detailed fight scenes of Roselle besting foes in various forms of combat, but get two pages of exposition telling us what happened in a year. Exposition about the weirdest things come at the most bizarre times. Is directly after a terrorist attack and ...more
I L.O.V.E.D this book.
It might not be for everyone, but Amy Bartol’s The Premonition series is one of my favorites because of how she writes and she carried her wonderful writing into this book.
The story building is so great... even reading the glossary at the ending shows you how invested and creative Amy is as a writer.
I got major Hunger Games vibes from this book but it was original enough to not make me care. The main character; Roselle was a strong female lead who finds herself in ...more
It might not be for everyone, but Amy Bartol’s The Premonition series is one of my favorites because of how she writes and she carried her wonderful writing into this book.
The story building is so great... even reading the glossary at the ending shows you how invested and creative Amy is as a writer.
I got major Hunger Games vibes from this book but it was original enough to not make me care. The main character; Roselle was a strong female lead who finds herself in ...more
4.5 stars
There are two things wrong with Amy Bartol's books. 1.) They end. 2.) There is a finite amount of them. She always creates such rich worlds and characters, and they always leave you wanting more, more, more. Just be forewarned that you will experience a book hangover immediately after finishing this one. I can't wait for the next book in this series--so excited to see where Roselle's story will lead next!
There are two things wrong with Amy Bartol's books. 1.) They end. 2.) There is a finite amount of them. She always creates such rich worlds and characters, and they always leave you wanting more, more, more. Just be forewarned that you will experience a book hangover immediately after finishing this one. I can't wait for the next book in this series--so excited to see where Roselle's story will lead next!
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA Fantasy/Dystopian - The female is chosen to be a protector/servant of the elite "supreme race" by competition/training (I think?) and is stronger than her brother. [s] | 5 | 49 | Feb 01, 2018 03:10PM | |
| YA Buddy Readers'...: Secondborn (Secondborn #1) by Amy A. Bartol - Starting September 11th 2017 | 5 | 11 | Sep 13, 2017 10:09AM | |
| SOS: Serious Over...: [September 2017] "Secondborn" Discussion | 1 | 25 | Sep 03, 2017 11:50AM |
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Traitor Born (Book 2)
Rebel Born (Book 3)
Author of the Premonition Series:
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Intuition (Book 2)
Indebted (Book 3)
Incendiary (Book 4)
Iniquity (Book 5)
Author of the Kricket Series:
Under Different Stars (Book 1)
Sea of Stars (Book 2)
Darken the Stars (Book 3)
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Secondborn
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“Whatever it is that’s making you cry, look away from it. It doesn’t have you. I do.”
—
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“It’s no good hating them. They can’t feel it, and it will only turn you bitter.”
—
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