3 stars because I do like it, but I like it less than Rebel of the Sands. Rebel was a cross-desert adventure with high-speed chases, monsters, fun flirtations, myths, and world building. And I'd say Traitor has kept at least those last two points solidly. The world building in this series is terrific, and hasn't ceased to impress me. I love the myths Alwyn Hamilton weaves into the story, and the djinni magic never seems overused or cheap. I'm into it. 
 Yet while there are some interesting new relationships established (or surprise relationships reestablished!) in Traitor, I was a bit bugged about one in particular. Hamilton made a time jump choice between books, which in turn moved a pivotal moment for Amani and Jin off-page. To me, the outcome of that choice felt too much like a Book Two Trope. 
 Then, finally, there's the palace setting - which I'm grateful I was prepared for going in. Because I was immediately nervous I wouldn't enjoy a closed-in story, even if it was filled with intrigue and deception. Plus, holy hot sands, are there a lot of characters to keep track of. Despite a character list at the beginning of the book, the palace brought a whole new horde of names. However! I do think Hamilton did a great job keeping it all interesting. It's just not my favorite of the two series entries so far. 
 Overall, I like where we're left at the end of Traitor, and I'm looking forward to the conclusion in Hero at the Fall early next year. 
 PS can I just quickly say how I appreciate the way Imin's gender pronouns are handled? I just love that the transitions between pronouns are so deft and smooth.