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Birthright #2
unForgiven
There are two sides to every story, but they can’t both be true, can they? In the second book of the Birthright Series, Bridget E. Baker weaves a tale of bad things done for very good reasons and an unexpected chance at redemption.
To be feared is lonely. . .
As heir to the evian throne, Judica must be perfect every moment of every day. If she slips up, even once, her mother will replace her. Impossible standards, horrifying decisions, terrible truths—none of these stop Judica from doing what needs to be done. She becomes what her mother demands, what her people need, what she never wanted for herself. But it isn’t enough.
But to be weak is death.
Judica’s worst nightmare becomes a reality when her twin sister Chancery steals the throne. Her life is over, all her efforts a waste. Judica should be furious, but strangely, she’s relieved. The freedom from her former responsibilities leaves her time to pursue her mother’s killer. But as she unravels the clues, the truth slips further away. When her investigation leads to a common enemy, Judica must decide whether she's willing to mend the deep and painful fractures between her and Chancery, or whether she’s too far gone. Once a villain, always a villain?
Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 27, 2020
DNF at 54% when I got to the part showing off the evians (and I have to wonder if by extension the author's) incredibly hurtful views of how/why gay people exist in their culture. It's a shame because I was really enjoying getting into Judica's head, but I'm not interested in reading bigotry, even if it wasn't intended "that way" or "it's just fiction" etc.
November 19, 2019
To be feared is lonely. . .
As heir to the evian throne, Judica must be perfect every moment of every day. If she slips up, even once, her mother will replace her. Impossible standards, horrifying decisions, terrible truths—none of these stop Judica from doing what needs to be done. She becomes what her mother demands, what her people need, what she never wanted for herself. But it isn’t enough.
But to be weak is death.
I went into this book thinking there was no way Bridget E. Baker could make me sympathize with Judica. There was just no way I could ever like her after the things she did in Displaced. Wow, was I ever wrong! Reading both sides of the story really does make a difference. I ended up loving Judica.
That perfectly describes this book. I know the author says this is an optional read, but in my opinion, if you are going to read this series, this is a must read. Lots of things were explained and layers were peeled away so that we were able to see who Judica really is. Along with telling Judica's side of the story, there is also some romance added that was nicely done, and a couple of new characters that I really liked as well.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
As heir to the evian throne, Judica must be perfect every moment of every day. If she slips up, even once, her mother will replace her. Impossible standards, horrifying decisions, terrible truths—none of these stop Judica from doing what needs to be done. She becomes what her mother demands, what her people need, what she never wanted for herself. But it isn’t enough.
But to be weak is death.
I went into this book thinking there was no way Bridget E. Baker could make me sympathize with Judica. There was just no way I could ever like her after the things she did in Displaced. Wow, was I ever wrong! Reading both sides of the story really does make a difference. I ended up loving Judica.
"There are two sides to every story, but they can’t both be true, can they? In the second book of the Birthright Series, Bridget E. Baker weaves a tale of bad things done for very good reasons and an unexpected chance at redemption."
That perfectly describes this book. I know the author says this is an optional read, but in my opinion, if you are going to read this series, this is a must read. Lots of things were explained and layers were peeled away so that we were able to see who Judica really is. Along with telling Judica's side of the story, there is also some romance added that was nicely done, and a couple of new characters that I really liked as well.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
August 31, 2024
I love the character development of Judica.
May 29, 2020
I hated Judica in Displaced. She was mean, unyielding, and vindictive. From the very first chapter however you are shown her true self. She has hidden so much of her truth over the years that it’s no wonder she is relieved not to be Empress. It just goes to show that there really are two sides to every story.
Judica was redeemed in this book and I cannot wait to see what the twins can do when they actually work together!
Judica was redeemed in this book and I cannot wait to see what the twins can do when they actually work together!
January 7, 2024
This is a fantastic story. It will have you wanting more. I cant wait to read the next story.
February 13, 2022
OVERPRICED for what you get!
This is a delightful fantasy read about the hierarchy of the species. It seems most of these ebooks are broken down from a full book into several chapters creating a "series" of books when it's really 1 book broken up. $4.99 per series or several chapters of same book is complete robbery! Keep your so called "series"!
This is a delightful fantasy read about the hierarchy of the species. It seems most of these ebooks are broken down from a full book into several chapters creating a "series" of books when it's really 1 book broken up. $4.99 per series or several chapters of same book is complete robbery! Keep your so called "series"!
October 22, 2020
Unforgiven :I am Judica, do you want to know who I really am?
Proposed reader-I trust you are aware this is book 2 in the series and before proceeding with this super read have you read book 1, if not, I urge you to do so before this book 2.
The Evian's are an intense race, quite unlike humans and this means they are very harsh in life with each other and in many instances humans too. One would not think twice about killing another one if the appropriate circumstances arose. Judica's twin Chancery still lives and by their laws and customs she should have been put to death at birth because she was born first, therefore the second born becomes Heir to their mother Enora, Empress of the Alamecha family. But the mother Enora did not follow the strict protocol of their clan by killing Chancery and just leaving Judica. Enora did this because she was the Empress and could do anything she wanted to without any adverse effect. However, in this instance it did because it caused Judica to have doubts about her mother's actions and love for her, creating a very serious rift between her and Chancery, in fact if it came to a head she felt she could quite easily kill her sister to protect her position. Chancery was a very different person to Judica and her feelings and ambition to be friendly with all races, even though if not an evian, caused Judica great concern about her sister, she was not the typical evian she should be, especially being part of the Royal family too.
There are dark forces working within the family and this means inside the Palace where Judica lives. She is very concerned about her mother's untimely death and desperately wants to find out who is behind it so she can deal to them in the extreme as an ordinary evian would, but possibly not as harshly as Judica will when she finds out. She has her suspicions but needs more than them to weed out this person or persons.
There is a small number of personnel she is absolutely certain would not be involved with killing her mother and one of these is Chancery which makes her disliking her sister more difficult knowing she loved her mother and mother loved her too, it even created doubt in Judica's mind whether their mother loved them both equally. This worried her and is one of the reasons Judica finds it difficult to let herself be close to anybody in spite of on occasions she really wants to but has no trust, in herself or the other party. She was heir to the throne but her loving mother near the end of her time changed that and again this caused Judica much anguish. After extensive investigations and some assistance from other parties she casts one of her mother's life long and most trusted friends and household position manager into jail while Judica makes further enquiries. She finally reaches a conclusion and acts on her beliefs but finds out later she may have come to the wrong decision. There is also other sisters involved in various roles both within the palace and in other towns, what is their roles in this conspiracy, Does Judica finally get to the bottom of it and avenge her mother?
When her mother passed Judica was in power for a short time and during this period she made a decision regarding an action she wanted to happen, with the appearance that another country caused this war like event so that she could play politics and hopefully come out as the good race of evians and their kingdom be even more powerful. This action when it did happen in the near future, was a very drastic move and would cost the lives of many thousands of innocent people in another country.
Judica and Chancery have had their fight against each other with surprising results, Judica finds it difficult to ascertain what actually happened to her thought process during this event and given how she felt about being overseen and Chancery being appointed her successor by her mother just before she passed. She was certain given a challenge to a fight by Chancery, she would be able to kill her sister so she could regain the throne and become the all powerful one, but what happened to her thoughts and what did Chancery do to her to make her recant her decision to kill Chancery. In her usual manner Chancery was very forgiving to her aggressive and hateful sister ,but what did she really feel towards her?
Unbeknown to Judica, after the fight, Chancery found out about Judica's plan she had actioned and took immediate action to nullify the results, the results were so devastating but she was still there to act as the Empress, what was this action put in place by Judica and how would she feel when she found out the truth about what happened? Why did Chancery suddenly disappear off the face of the earth so it seemed, with nobody aware of what she was doing or where she went.
Judica found herself in a dire situation caused by a very close friend of her mothers and later on by an older sister. There was a specific reason for this sister and friend to act as they did and the more Judica became familiar with the action, this caused her to seriously delve into her thoughts and feelings for other people. Chancery's personality became clearer to Judica and she started to have doubts above the evil thoughts she had about her and was questioning herself as to how she could make amends and even more important to her was-how did Chancery feel about her as a sister and possible heir to the throne being around the Palace. This problem starts to unwind but not necessarily in the manner one thinks it would.
Judica is so determined to avenge the events that have occurred to her in very recent times, however, she received much support and trust from an unexpected quarter that has caused to again question her feelings towards other beings. Much to her surprise she is finding out just how much more life and loving can bring to a person in spite of their ill feelings they have harboured for many a long time, is it time for Judica to seriously look at herself and start to enjoy living like some other beings do. She had for much of her young life been trained to be a warrior and if this meant harm to someone else, to bad. Her attitude developed through her intensive fierce training and lack of caring about other beings, particularly humans so she grew into a young lady that everyone feared including her sister Chancery, who in spite of everything, loved Judica very much. This was an attitude Judica viewed as being weak, however, as time went on she started questioning her own feelings about this and was she misguided?
This is a very intriguing story with many facets to the plots and it does not stop surprising and even at the very end I can't wait for the next episode. I enjoyed this stunning story about Judica and her coming out of the darkness into maybe a new life. We will have to wait to read the next episode to find out.
I really enjoy reading Bridget Bakers stories and think she is a super star writer with her interesting tales and togetherness of characters to bring us much pleasure with reading her work.
I wrote this review completely of my own free will without any pressure or influence from another party or company.
Proposed reader-I trust you are aware this is book 2 in the series and before proceeding with this super read have you read book 1, if not, I urge you to do so before this book 2.
The Evian's are an intense race, quite unlike humans and this means they are very harsh in life with each other and in many instances humans too. One would not think twice about killing another one if the appropriate circumstances arose. Judica's twin Chancery still lives and by their laws and customs she should have been put to death at birth because she was born first, therefore the second born becomes Heir to their mother Enora, Empress of the Alamecha family. But the mother Enora did not follow the strict protocol of their clan by killing Chancery and just leaving Judica. Enora did this because she was the Empress and could do anything she wanted to without any adverse effect. However, in this instance it did because it caused Judica to have doubts about her mother's actions and love for her, creating a very serious rift between her and Chancery, in fact if it came to a head she felt she could quite easily kill her sister to protect her position. Chancery was a very different person to Judica and her feelings and ambition to be friendly with all races, even though if not an evian, caused Judica great concern about her sister, she was not the typical evian she should be, especially being part of the Royal family too.
There are dark forces working within the family and this means inside the Palace where Judica lives. She is very concerned about her mother's untimely death and desperately wants to find out who is behind it so she can deal to them in the extreme as an ordinary evian would, but possibly not as harshly as Judica will when she finds out. She has her suspicions but needs more than them to weed out this person or persons.
There is a small number of personnel she is absolutely certain would not be involved with killing her mother and one of these is Chancery which makes her disliking her sister more difficult knowing she loved her mother and mother loved her too, it even created doubt in Judica's mind whether their mother loved them both equally. This worried her and is one of the reasons Judica finds it difficult to let herself be close to anybody in spite of on occasions she really wants to but has no trust, in herself or the other party. She was heir to the throne but her loving mother near the end of her time changed that and again this caused Judica much anguish. After extensive investigations and some assistance from other parties she casts one of her mother's life long and most trusted friends and household position manager into jail while Judica makes further enquiries. She finally reaches a conclusion and acts on her beliefs but finds out later she may have come to the wrong decision. There is also other sisters involved in various roles both within the palace and in other towns, what is their roles in this conspiracy, Does Judica finally get to the bottom of it and avenge her mother?
When her mother passed Judica was in power for a short time and during this period she made a decision regarding an action she wanted to happen, with the appearance that another country caused this war like event so that she could play politics and hopefully come out as the good race of evians and their kingdom be even more powerful. This action when it did happen in the near future, was a very drastic move and would cost the lives of many thousands of innocent people in another country.
Judica and Chancery have had their fight against each other with surprising results, Judica finds it difficult to ascertain what actually happened to her thought process during this event and given how she felt about being overseen and Chancery being appointed her successor by her mother just before she passed. She was certain given a challenge to a fight by Chancery, she would be able to kill her sister so she could regain the throne and become the all powerful one, but what happened to her thoughts and what did Chancery do to her to make her recant her decision to kill Chancery. In her usual manner Chancery was very forgiving to her aggressive and hateful sister ,but what did she really feel towards her?
Unbeknown to Judica, after the fight, Chancery found out about Judica's plan she had actioned and took immediate action to nullify the results, the results were so devastating but she was still there to act as the Empress, what was this action put in place by Judica and how would she feel when she found out the truth about what happened? Why did Chancery suddenly disappear off the face of the earth so it seemed, with nobody aware of what she was doing or where she went.
Judica found herself in a dire situation caused by a very close friend of her mothers and later on by an older sister. There was a specific reason for this sister and friend to act as they did and the more Judica became familiar with the action, this caused her to seriously delve into her thoughts and feelings for other people. Chancery's personality became clearer to Judica and she started to have doubts above the evil thoughts she had about her and was questioning herself as to how she could make amends and even more important to her was-how did Chancery feel about her as a sister and possible heir to the throne being around the Palace. This problem starts to unwind but not necessarily in the manner one thinks it would.
Judica is so determined to avenge the events that have occurred to her in very recent times, however, she received much support and trust from an unexpected quarter that has caused to again question her feelings towards other beings. Much to her surprise she is finding out just how much more life and loving can bring to a person in spite of their ill feelings they have harboured for many a long time, is it time for Judica to seriously look at herself and start to enjoy living like some other beings do. She had for much of her young life been trained to be a warrior and if this meant harm to someone else, to bad. Her attitude developed through her intensive fierce training and lack of caring about other beings, particularly humans so she grew into a young lady that everyone feared including her sister Chancery, who in spite of everything, loved Judica very much. This was an attitude Judica viewed as being weak, however, as time went on she started questioning her own feelings about this and was she misguided?
This is a very intriguing story with many facets to the plots and it does not stop surprising and even at the very end I can't wait for the next episode. I enjoyed this stunning story about Judica and her coming out of the darkness into maybe a new life. We will have to wait to read the next episode to find out.
I really enjoy reading Bridget Bakers stories and think she is a super star writer with her interesting tales and togetherness of characters to bring us much pleasure with reading her work.
I wrote this review completely of my own free will without any pressure or influence from another party or company.
July 8, 2020
Call me crazy, weird, or dumb. But I usually never read the summary of the book before hand. If I like a series, I usually just keep reading through it without stopping to look at what might happen in the next book.
However, It might have been helpful for this series because I was not expecting this for the second book. I was not anticipating it to be all of Judicas story and her point of view— that really had me confused in the beginning of the book.
I have to admit, I am so glad I got to read her point of view, the way she felt, and acted in different situations (and throughout her whole life). It gives me a better perspective and understanding of how she holds herself now and the reasons she is who she is.
In the first book, I despised Judica because of how she treated her sister, her aggressiveness, and how she never seemed to show any empathy. To my surprise, this book has changed my perspective on her COMPLETELY. The author did an amazing job being able to give the reader 1 perspective in the first book and then making the reader change their perception in the second book so drastically (at least for me). Wonderful job!
The only thing I will say is
1. I wish it was one big book with the different perspectives thrown in there, but I’m just being picky.
2. I hope Billy and Amborsia become more part of the story in the future. If not, I feel like they weren’t needed in the story at all and were just a filler, but I hope not! I liked those characters and I hope the author keeps them involved in more books.
3. Judica and Roman😍🥰👏
Onto the next book!!
However, It might have been helpful for this series because I was not expecting this for the second book. I was not anticipating it to be all of Judicas story and her point of view— that really had me confused in the beginning of the book.
I have to admit, I am so glad I got to read her point of view, the way she felt, and acted in different situations (and throughout her whole life). It gives me a better perspective and understanding of how she holds herself now and the reasons she is who she is.
In the first book, I despised Judica because of how she treated her sister, her aggressiveness, and how she never seemed to show any empathy. To my surprise, this book has changed my perspective on her COMPLETELY. The author did an amazing job being able to give the reader 1 perspective in the first book and then making the reader change their perception in the second book so drastically (at least for me). Wonderful job!
The only thing I will say is
1. I wish it was one big book with the different perspectives thrown in there, but I’m just being picky.
2. I hope Billy and Amborsia become more part of the story in the future. If not, I feel like they weren’t needed in the story at all and were just a filler, but I hope not! I liked those characters and I hope the author keeps them involved in more books.
3. Judica and Roman😍🥰👏
Onto the next book!!
September 5, 2021
Twins Judica & Chancery's mother is dead. Judica was originally their mother's heir until recently when their mother had changed her will and named Chancery as heir to the throne. Now, after the two met in single combat, Chancery is the victor. But what is to become of Judica's fate?
This was book two in the series and did cover some of what happened in book one, though from Judica's point of view rather than Chancery's. I found it very interesting to read as it gave a very different perspective on what happened throughout their lives and the potential for a very different future.
It's not often that we get to read a book from a different character's point of view, especially when that character was originally portrayed as the villain. It clearly makes you wonder, was she truly the villain of the first book or was she just a victim of circumstance? Was there actually even an actual villain of the story at all?
Anyone who has read the first book in this series will definitely want to continue on and read this one as well. It gives you a lot to think about & leaves you wondering about what will come next in Chancery & Judica's story. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to getting the opportunity to read book 3 in this series.
This was book two in the series and did cover some of what happened in book one, though from Judica's point of view rather than Chancery's. I found it very interesting to read as it gave a very different perspective on what happened throughout their lives and the potential for a very different future.
It's not often that we get to read a book from a different character's point of view, especially when that character was originally portrayed as the villain. It clearly makes you wonder, was she truly the villain of the first book or was she just a victim of circumstance? Was there actually even an actual villain of the story at all?
Anyone who has read the first book in this series will definitely want to continue on and read this one as well. It gives you a lot to think about & leaves you wondering about what will come next in Chancery & Judica's story. I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to getting the opportunity to read book 3 in this series.
March 10, 2021
I honestly didn’t know how Bridget would be able to redeem Judica in my eyes, but she did it.
This book is told from Judica’s POV and her character is so profoundly misunderstood in comparison to book #1 and I found myself feeling incredibly empathetic towards her in this book.
She is such a strong young woman who has literally and figuratively fallen on the sword for the sake of her sister, family and their way of life.
At every turn, Judica doesn’t know who she can trust after being betrayed by people she loved and trusted. The only one she can turn to time and time again is someone her mothered deemed unworthy of her stature.
After being kidnapped and escaping with the help of some new friends, she turns to her oldest and dearest friend, Roman, to help her return back to Evian.
This book goes between the present and the past, much like book #1, but it works and it draws out the suspense artfully.
Just like the first book, I knew I’d need the next in the series as I’m completely entranced by this world the author has created.
This book is told from Judica’s POV and her character is so profoundly misunderstood in comparison to book #1 and I found myself feeling incredibly empathetic towards her in this book.
She is such a strong young woman who has literally and figuratively fallen on the sword for the sake of her sister, family and their way of life.
At every turn, Judica doesn’t know who she can trust after being betrayed by people she loved and trusted. The only one she can turn to time and time again is someone her mothered deemed unworthy of her stature.
After being kidnapped and escaping with the help of some new friends, she turns to her oldest and dearest friend, Roman, to help her return back to Evian.
This book goes between the present and the past, much like book #1, but it works and it draws out the suspense artfully.
Just like the first book, I knew I’d need the next in the series as I’m completely entranced by this world the author has created.
March 28, 2022
I love a series that changes perspectives! This book was all from Judica's perspective and I liked it a lot more. It picked up where book 1 left off but had flashbacks from times over the years before her mother passed away. Judica is much less one dimensional. Chancery was better as well, but wasn't present for much of the book. I'm interested to see how it proceeds from here with the story line. I like the development of Roman into the story. And the insight Judica gains into human lives and kindness.
TW: One part I did not care for at all was the way Judica spoke to one woman during her investigation who identified as gay. "Have you ever tried being with a guy?" 🙄Puhleeeassse! It came across so much worse than necessary and it would have been sufficient to just allow the woman to say she was interested in another person... We didn't need the discourse on Evian beliefs regarding same sex relationships.
TW: One part I did not care for at all was the way Judica spoke to one woman during her investigation who identified as gay. "Have you ever tried being with a guy?" 🙄Puhleeeassse! It came across so much worse than necessary and it would have been sufficient to just allow the woman to say she was interested in another person... We didn't need the discourse on Evian beliefs regarding same sex relationships.
March 15, 2021
Wow oh wow! This book had so many different levels and layers. Action, adventure, new friends, new perspectives on life and what they believe - says and espionage, danger and even love and redemption! This book had it all!!!
It connected so well with the first book, but brought about a whole new view and perspective of certain events from book 1.
I really felt like I finally understood Judica. I have a whole new level of respect for her. Yes, there were times I hated her, but I also grew to really like her and cheered for her!
We got to see more about one person I will call the "double agent". The thought crossed my mind in book 1 that this person could have been a "double agent", but now, I wonder if it goes further than that.
We also got to see a new side to Roman.
I can't wait to read the next book!
It connected so well with the first book, but brought about a whole new view and perspective of certain events from book 1.
I really felt like I finally understood Judica. I have a whole new level of respect for her. Yes, there were times I hated her, but I also grew to really like her and cheered for her!
We got to see more about one person I will call the "double agent". The thought crossed my mind in book 1 that this person could have been a "double agent", but now, I wonder if it goes further than that.
We also got to see a new side to Roman.
I can't wait to read the next book!
July 14, 2021
Everyone has their own story to tell, you don't want to miss this one! The story of the twin sisters told from Judica’s point of view. Interesting to both continue to plotline and go backwards, but from a different character’s point of view. I really liked this second book of the series, and it really changed my perception of Judica. A good reminder that none of us can truly know what another person is feeling or experiencing. unForgiven really helped round out Judica as a person and explained a lot of things between the sisters, and their mother. The family and life in Alamecha is fleshed out a bit more and new characters introduced. Not just evians are brilliant and gorgeous in this book! I think I have to root for the charming underdog in this romance. Absolutely worth the read!
March 7, 2025
Unforgiven shifts the spotlight to Judica, giving us her redemption arc through flashbacks and present-day struggles. We see the harsh upbringing that shaped her into the ruthless twin from Displaced and while the emotional moments aim to soften her, I’m not completely sold on loving her just yet.
The plot moves quickly, with Judica investigating her mother’s murder, getting kidnapped (by the very person she let go?) and then somehow escaping using… a bowl and cheese? She stumbles upon a pair of helpful siblings who are oddly eager to assist in her revenge quest, but in the end, she chooses a path of restraint and returns home instead.
It’s a short, easy read without major thrills, but I’m intrigued enough to continue with book 3. Will Judica truly win me over? TBD.
#BookReview #Unforgiven #BridgetEBaker #YAReads #Bookstagram #DystopianBooks
The plot moves quickly, with Judica investigating her mother’s murder, getting kidnapped (by the very person she let go?) and then somehow escaping using… a bowl and cheese? She stumbles upon a pair of helpful siblings who are oddly eager to assist in her revenge quest, but in the end, she chooses a path of restraint and returns home instead.
It’s a short, easy read without major thrills, but I’m intrigued enough to continue with book 3. Will Judica truly win me over? TBD.
#BookReview #Unforgiven #BridgetEBaker #YAReads #Bookstagram #DystopianBooks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2020
Poignant and thought provoking. What if you were forced to be the worst version of yourself. What if you couldn’t show that you longed to be loved.
Judica is a daughter who is looking for faith. As the youngest daughter of the direct descendants of Eve, the Evians, she has been raised to believe that being falsely accused of brutality is better than being suspected of weakness.
The women who rule her society rule without mercy, even killing their own children when the child doesn’t fit with their social norms. Judica was born a twin, who was raised enduring brutality to make her strong for leadership, but being treated as unloved and expendable.
When her twin, Chancery, is given Judica’s rightful place, Judica must find her place in the world, while fighting to preserve her life.
Judica is a daughter who is looking for faith. As the youngest daughter of the direct descendants of Eve, the Evians, she has been raised to believe that being falsely accused of brutality is better than being suspected of weakness.
The women who rule her society rule without mercy, even killing their own children when the child doesn’t fit with their social norms. Judica was born a twin, who was raised enduring brutality to make her strong for leadership, but being treated as unloved and expendable.
When her twin, Chancery, is given Judica’s rightful place, Judica must find her place in the world, while fighting to preserve her life.
August 20, 2021
This book brings you to Judith point of view, it starts off right where book one leaves off (which was from Chancery point of view). This was a great way for us to see the inner workings of Judith and it also gives you 2 perspectives.
In this you get to read some of what happened in their shared past, and you get to continue the story-line in the present as well so that there is no waiting.
This book gives you answers that you might have had from the first when their past was spoken about, s small spoiler without giving anything away would be the poisoning that happens when they are 9. You find out why and how it happened.
I really loved how this book drew you into the story and answered questions about the past without having to write a whole book about just past workings.
In this you get to read some of what happened in their shared past, and you get to continue the story-line in the present as well so that there is no waiting.
This book gives you answers that you might have had from the first when their past was spoken about, s small spoiler without giving anything away would be the poisoning that happens when they are 9. You find out why and how it happened.
I really loved how this book drew you into the story and answered questions about the past without having to write a whole book about just past workings.
June 22, 2021
***I was provided a free copy to review. My opinions are all my own.***
If you read the first book and were left thinking. “Judica has to have some redeeming qualities...right? “ then, you’ll be happy to read this book and find out!
Also, man does the overarching plot thicken!
This book was faster paced and action packed. And the characters really begin to come into their own. I loved it!
One caveat-This one has a bit more violence than book 1 as it’s even more action-packed. While I wasn’t bothered by that at all, if you found it was a bit much in the first one, you may be even more bothered in book 2.
If you read the first book and were left thinking. “Judica has to have some redeeming qualities...right? “ then, you’ll be happy to read this book and find out!
Also, man does the overarching plot thicken!
This book was faster paced and action packed. And the characters really begin to come into their own. I loved it!
One caveat-This one has a bit more violence than book 1 as it’s even more action-packed. While I wasn’t bothered by that at all, if you found it was a bit much in the first one, you may be even more bothered in book 2.
August 26, 2024
I had a lot of sympathy for Judica in book one, but in this book you really understand how difficult her upbringing was. How she wanted to please her mother so much, but never could. Her mother showed more love to her twin sister Chancery and it really hurt Judica and her own self worth. After the death of her mother and her life going into a new direction, hopefully she can find healing, love, family and her self worth again. The older sisters of this family are not who or what they seem and I believe the mother caused huge damage to all of them. It will be an interesting ride to where this series is taking us.
August 30, 2020
Words cannot even begin to express how amazing Judica's story is. From her presence in book 1, she is presented as a cold, hard and driven young woman who will not stop at anything to get what she wants... Even if it means someone has to die. But with this book, we learn a bit more about what made her like that, what it was like for her growing up as the Heir, and the pressure she was under. It makes you see Judica in a whole new light in a way that makes you just love her character. Loved it, can't wait to see how the series continues!
November 9, 2020
Some Unique Insights
Very few authors are able to see through the shield of a child that is pressured to perform. Even though the child does an excellent job, it's never quite enough. Mrs. Baker gets it. She also gets what it's like to be 17 and never have had a special relationshop.
When you add that to the adventure she puts into the book, you've got a winning combination.
To be fair, I find books that move forward and backward in time to be awkward to read - maybe it's because I read really fast and the jumps don't flow for me.
I highly recommend this book.
Very few authors are able to see through the shield of a child that is pressured to perform. Even though the child does an excellent job, it's never quite enough. Mrs. Baker gets it. She also gets what it's like to be 17 and never have had a special relationshop.
When you add that to the adventure she puts into the book, you've got a winning combination.
To be fair, I find books that move forward and backward in time to be awkward to read - maybe it's because I read really fast and the jumps don't flow for me.
I highly recommend this book.
September 22, 2022
4.5 um hi, context- I see you’ve written a sequel that doubles as a consecutive alternate POV from book 1 and at first I was thinking I’d hate it but it turns out it was exactly what the story needed.
Written in the perspective of the other twin, I found being inside Judica’s mind throughly fascinating. The throw backs with the context to her dark and twisted choices in the past without being redundant was well managed and valuable to not only the story but understanding her as a character and how she and Chancery will engage moving forward.
Even better than the first.
Written in the perspective of the other twin, I found being inside Judica’s mind throughly fascinating. The throw backs with the context to her dark and twisted choices in the past without being redundant was well managed and valuable to not only the story but understanding her as a character and how she and Chancery will engage moving forward.
Even better than the first.
March 26, 2023
I picked this book up pretty much as soon as I finished the first one. I admit that even as I read the first book I saw the character Judica actually was and how she’d been molded into a personality and was lost in herself. This book rocked in showing her story and her side of events spoken of in the first book. I love that she’s given the chance to make actual friends and that she gets firsthand experience with humans. The fact that she shows vulnerability and is still kick ass is pretty cool too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
This book seemed to end far too quickly, although it was jampacked with action - that is how absorbed I was. I am so glad I have the whole series so that I can binge read the next one, as well. The narration was wonderful. I loved seeing Judica grow and develop as a person, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I did find the back-and-forth between the past and the present chapters, to be a little disconcerting. It might’ve been easier if I had read the book, rather than listen to it. Note there is a reference to a lesbian girl and how society doesn’t accept that - but that it should.
April 5, 2023
Fast Paced Really Good Read!
unForgiven, written by Bridget E. Baker, is the second book in The Birthright Series. With a beginning that starts immediately following the ending of book one, this book grab hold of me on the first page and never let go until I turned past the last page. The book was fast paced, with mysteries, intrigue, adventure, betrayal, danger, angst, friendships, family and love. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
unForgiven, written by Bridget E. Baker, is the second book in The Birthright Series. With a beginning that starts immediately following the ending of book one, this book grab hold of me on the first page and never let go until I turned past the last page. The book was fast paced, with mysteries, intrigue, adventure, betrayal, danger, angst, friendships, family and love. I am looking forward to reading the third book in this series.
October 16, 2024
This is the second book of the Birthright Series, the books should be read in order.
A well written interesting series, but a bit overpriced.
It's amazing how the author could change the readers perception of Judica within this book. In the first part she is just mean, cruel, heartless, absolutely evil.
Now with more knowledge about her past, motives and loneliness everything she's done appears in a new light.
Well done.
A well written interesting series, but a bit overpriced.
It's amazing how the author could change the readers perception of Judica within this book. In the first part she is just mean, cruel, heartless, absolutely evil.
Now with more knowledge about her past, motives and loneliness everything she's done appears in a new light.
Well done.
July 4, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible)
Judica is the twin who had trained and endured allsorts of physical hardship to be the heiress to her mother's legacy, only to have it all taken away in her mother's last few moments of life.
This is a dramatic representation of both her current situation and flashbacks to sequences of her past, from her point of view.
Judica is the twin who had trained and endured allsorts of physical hardship to be the heiress to her mother's legacy, only to have it all taken away in her mother's last few moments of life.
This is a dramatic representation of both her current situation and flashbacks to sequences of her past, from her point of view.
March 7, 2022
My favorite of the series so far (I'm currently almost done with book 6). I actually really loved getting to see everything through Judica's eyes. Book 1 did such a good job making her seem irredeemable, but this one really dug deep into the trauma of being raised by the people and was raised by for the position she was raised for, and how it affected her every action from such a young age.
September 23, 2022
4.5+ this series has grabbed me! Book 2 is all about Judica, from her point of view. Looks like we are going to find Enora’s killer sooner rather than later. All reviewers have changed their mind about Judica. The author did redeem this character. Thankfully. Was a good turn. I already started book 3.
January 18, 2024
I read this in 24 hours. The descriptive language in this series is unmatched. Lost a star for me due to the complete turn around. I understand that it was to show us who Judica is, but it seemed like some parts and some of her evilness went undescribed. It never explains why someone tried to kill Chancery etc
May 30, 2024
Honestly, I could have rated this 4 stars but I couldn't do that to Judica. I cried for her in this book. I always felt close to her in the first book which is odd because she was the evil one. But I realized why I was so drawn to her. She was very misunderstood. I am so happy she is getting what she deserves and will be happy with herself from now on.
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