When the demands of the gods increase, Auraya has to make a choice between those she loves and those she has vowed to serve. The limitation of this 4.5 star book is its focus on the teen characters, some of which are downright petulant and self-centered. They live within a society that contains all ages but their older mentors and family members are more shadowlike, their characters are not very developed. They seem to be props on a stage. Lara saving Aren's life in the desert, and in turn, Aren helping heal her, and deciding to let his anger go

When Trudi was younger, she naively thought that she would have written a book by the time she was twenty-five. That however didn’t happen, and so she took a leap of faith and quit her full time job before starting a freelance illustration and design business. That way she could spend more time writing. Then, there are the characters. In large part, The Traitor Queen is a story about Lara’s redemption. Plagued by guilt and shame for her role in the deaths of countless Ithicanians, she is determined to do everything in her power to right things – to the extent that they can be righted. She is not the same person she was in The Bridge Kingdom, nor is Aren. They have understandably grown apart, and consequently, their love story is less fiery and more heartbreaking than it was in The Bridge Kingdom. They still love one another, but for Aren, that love is buried beneath layers of betrayal and hurt. The outcome of their relationship is not made known until the tail end of the book, which is to the story’s benefit. The book is allowed time to explore the intricacies of their relationship and examine how or if Aren might forgive Lara. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they are convinced that there is not a single lowlife who could ever step up against them—until they discover that their protective shield isn’t as impassable after all. Now an apprentice of Lord Dakon, Tessia is presented with a life of endless opportunities beyond her wildest imagination.

Wikipedia citation

Although resolved to inflict vengeance on their enemies, the Pentadrians seek for alternative means aside from direct conflict. Despite being the biggest advocate for peace, being the protector of the Siyee, Auraya still finds herself in the middle of a simmering conflict.

Cery, an old friend of Sonea, not only has a powerful position among the Thieves but is also well connected in high and low places. A foreign stranger however comes along with a tempting offer that he knows he should decline. But while treating a patient one day at the house of local magician Lord Dakon, Tessia uses magic to protect herself from the advances of a visiting Sachakan mage, something that changes her life completely.Willful Thalamika does learn that good looks aren't everything and can cause one to be misled. The description of the Bull Games is all but riveting. The politics, religious culture, and rising conflict make for a great story and an effortless way to absorb an ancient culture. The book is well-worth seeking out for females ages 12 and up. (Note: The author spent time on Crete as part of her research for the book.) Canavan's artwork in Aurealis and Eidolon– Australian science fiction and fantasy magazines – was nominated for a Ditmar Award for "Best Professional Artwork" in 1996. She knew he was right, but still she said, “I love you.” Aren only walked toward the door. He paused with his hand on the latch, before turning to look at her. “I’m sorry.” Then he disappeared into the night.” The Characters: Beautiful and wayward Thalamika, handmaiden to the Queen of Crete and Priestess to the Goddess...Andrios, the boy who loves her, cousin of King Minos of Crete and instructor to his young son Sarpedon, Prince of Crete...Kretheus, ambassador from warlike Mycenae to the court of Minos, handsome, treacherous, bold... The Traitor Queen is a fantastic sequel to The Bridge Kingdom. It answers our questions from The Bridge Kingdom and sets the stage for the next book. After finishing this book, I am excited to delve into Jensen’s other books while I wait for the next installment in The Bridge Kingdom series.