An good sequel, Friends and Traitors amps up the action and tension a few more notches than what we previously read in the first book Slayers. Ryker is finally present and low and behold there is another character that comes into the mix that I wouldn't have suspected would be a player at all. Oddly enough I actually liked how the triangle ended up playing out between Tori, Dirk and Jesse. This was pretty much the sort of thing I could see happening between actual teenagers. Not those exact details and circumstances mind you - but the typical teenage actions and reactions. 
 Ultimately though, while I thought the book was good it fell short for me in too many areas. My major concern about Friends and Traitors is it felt like one big rinse, repeat of book one. Essentially the same key things happen. I would hate to say them here and be spoilerish but ahhh so much of my middle of the road feelings are based on them. Suffice to say I don't feel like there are any significant steps forward made. This book ends much like the second one does except for the addition of a new characters. The character interactions essentially remained the same, the tensions increased but in a way, remained the same, the climax at the end...essentially the same. You catching my drift here? So I hope I was able to get my point across. If you loved the first book I have no doubt you would love this one. I just simply expecting more forward momentum than what I was given. 
 Cover - 3 stars - Something about those models just doesn't do it for me 
 Story - 3 to a 3.5 stars - Good but not Great