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By My Own Betrayal
To live is Christ. To die is much more likely.
Raised as a skilled assassin, the young and ambitious Sadie Black knows nothing else; her only way to live is for someone to die. Doing otherwise would betray her sole support network and leave her at the wrong end of a gun—which is exactly where Sadie has landed herself.
Abandoning the life of a hired killer for a new life in Christ, Sadie must work with a self-reliant FBI agent and his cryptic superior to secure her freedom before a vengeful family can steal her back to the career she’s desperately running from. Or they execute something a bit more...fatal.
Raised as a skilled assassin, the young and ambitious Sadie Black knows nothing else; her only way to live is for someone to die. Doing otherwise would betray her sole support network and leave her at the wrong end of a gun—which is exactly where Sadie has landed herself.
Abandoning the life of a hired killer for a new life in Christ, Sadie must work with a self-reliant FBI agent and his cryptic superior to secure her freedom before a vengeful family can steal her back to the career she’s desperately running from. Or they execute something a bit more...fatal.
248 pages, Paperback
Published May 29, 2021
2 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 6, 2022
I am honestly ashamed it took me this long to actually read this book. I bought it partly to support a fellow indie author but also because a good friend and fellow book wyrm recommended it so highly. (Hi Nathaniel) It's almost been a year since I got it before I finally was in the mood and picked it up and...wow. Just wow.
I absolutely loved this book. The action, the detail, the vibes, the themes of Christianity, loyalty, and forgiveness were so poignant. Plus the plot twists and relationship development were very well done.
I was a bit confused by how Sadie knew it was the Blacks at that one party since I don't recall it being specifically mentioned, just assumed, but maybe I just wasn't being a careful enough reader.
Either way, I enjoyed this book so much and eagerly await the sequel! Well done!
I absolutely loved this book. The action, the detail, the vibes, the themes of Christianity, loyalty, and forgiveness were so poignant. Plus the plot twists and relationship development were very well done.
I was a bit confused by how Sadie knew it was the Blacks at that one party since I don't recall it being specifically mentioned, just assumed, but maybe I just wasn't being a careful enough reader.
Either way, I enjoyed this book so much and eagerly await the sequel! Well done!
February 3, 2023
Action-packed and Gospel-centered, By My Own Betrayal is a heart-pounding story, reminiscent of Frank Peretti’s Veritas Project series, that will enthrall Christian teens and inspire them to follow Jesus and leave everything else behind, no matter the cost.
June 12, 2021
4.5 stars!
Ahh, this was an amazing book. Like... edge of my seat, couldn't stop reading type of book. I really don't know why it's only four stars but it doesn't have that five star feel to it. However, that ending really threw everything off track for me. I was not expecting it at all. Cydnie Trenholm has clearly been working on her writing for a while. She is so good at what she does, each sentence flowing perfectly... the planning for this book is clearly extensive. I am really looking forward to the sequel. Sadie is one of my new favourite main characters.
Ahh, this was an amazing book. Like... edge of my seat, couldn't stop reading type of book. I really don't know why it's only four stars but it doesn't have that five star feel to it. However, that ending really threw everything off track for me. I was not expecting it at all. Cydnie Trenholm has clearly been working on her writing for a while. She is so good at what she does, each sentence flowing perfectly... the planning for this book is clearly extensive. I am really looking forward to the sequel. Sadie is one of my new favourite main characters.
August 1, 2024
This book was action-packed, yet gospel-centered, and the author did it tastefully. Also, the banter between the characters was so fun! I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading how Sadie’s story turns out.
December 22, 2021
By My Own Betrayal just got better and better with every page I turned! Cydnie Trenholm wrote an action-packed story that had several things I wasn’t expecting (namely, that big plot twist😱) and handled the spiritual/faith aspects really, REALLY well. This is one action story you won’t want to miss!!
(Although you might want to wait to read it until book two comes out because THE ENDING😧👏🏼)
Content warnings: the MC is a former assassin, from a family of assassins. We see several deaths (one murder up-close) and there’s a large amount of violence; no excessive or unnecessary gore though. Recommend for 17+.
(Although you might want to wait to read it until book two comes out because THE ENDING😧👏🏼)
Content warnings: the MC is a former assassin, from a family of assassins. We see several deaths (one murder up-close) and there’s a large amount of violence; no excessive or unnecessary gore though. Recommend for 17+.
May 14, 2024
Ahh, I loved this book so much!
• Fun banter
• Plot twists
• Neat backstories
• lots of action!
• Thought-provoking themes
I’m so happy to find another book to hand off to my teenage sisters with no content warnings.😂 (obviously, there’s some content surrounding the former assassin aspect, but it’s done so well, in my opinion.)
• Fun banter
• Plot twists
• Neat backstories
• lots of action!
• Thought-provoking themes
I’m so happy to find another book to hand off to my teenage sisters with no content warnings.😂 (obviously, there’s some content surrounding the former assassin aspect, but it’s done so well, in my opinion.)
June 9, 2025
What if a girl who belongs to a family of assassins comes to Christ?
This has to be one of the most beautiful what-if stories I have ever come across. When I first began the book, I noted a few minor flaws in the writing itself, but the story itself swept me into such an engaging narrative that I suddenly find myself done with both books with no memory of what those writing flaws even were.
Characters:
For whatever reason, I didn't actually expect the characters to be as fleshed out as they are. I expected a girlbossy protagonist who suddenly found herself to be even MORE perfect than she already was, and a handful of side characters who have one or two traits and that's it. (Yes, I have found books that do this to the characters)
Thankfully, each person had SOME sort of quirk to them, some sort of depth that made them seem REAL. Each person was granted their own personality and opinions as well, which just makes me all sorts of happy.
I did not expect to connect to the protagonist, yet I do in two different ways: my admiration of her postitive traits, and my dismay at the fact that her negative ones are so much like mine. That second point comes out more in book 2, so that even though I myself have never been an assassin, I empathize deeply enough to have cried both happy and sad tears with and for her.
Also, I absolutely adore James. He is fantastic. That's all I can say without ruining the experience of discovery for you. (:
Content:
Nothing that would not be found in a PG-13 movie. Violence and death, but no gore, no swear words, no smut, nothing that assaulted my personal conscience.
Plot:
I never thought I would like reading a book where the characters do as much paperwork as they do in this one. And yet, here we are. It was never boring, for sure. Interesting tidbits of information were sprinkled throughout the pages, igniting my curiosity and keeping me guessing.
Status on my shelf:
Ohhhh, this one is a keeper. This one I intend to reread. I have no idea how, but God used this one with me. Any book that can remind me of the boundless love of my Savior gets to stay forever if I can help it.
To the author:
PLEASE WRITE MORE OF THIS!!! This first book lasted me a few days (since I had virtually no time to read), but the second lasted me what felt like seconds, and I REALLY want more.
This has to be one of the most beautiful what-if stories I have ever come across. When I first began the book, I noted a few minor flaws in the writing itself, but the story itself swept me into such an engaging narrative that I suddenly find myself done with both books with no memory of what those writing flaws even were.
Characters:
For whatever reason, I didn't actually expect the characters to be as fleshed out as they are. I expected a girlbossy protagonist who suddenly found herself to be even MORE perfect than she already was, and a handful of side characters who have one or two traits and that's it. (Yes, I have found books that do this to the characters)
Thankfully, each person had SOME sort of quirk to them, some sort of depth that made them seem REAL. Each person was granted their own personality and opinions as well, which just makes me all sorts of happy.
I did not expect to connect to the protagonist, yet I do in two different ways: my admiration of her postitive traits, and my dismay at the fact that her negative ones are so much like mine. That second point comes out more in book 2, so that even though I myself have never been an assassin, I empathize deeply enough to have cried both happy and sad tears with and for her.
Also, I absolutely adore James. He is fantastic. That's all I can say without ruining the experience of discovery for you. (:
Content:
Nothing that would not be found in a PG-13 movie. Violence and death, but no gore, no swear words, no smut, nothing that assaulted my personal conscience.
Plot:
I never thought I would like reading a book where the characters do as much paperwork as they do in this one. And yet, here we are. It was never boring, for sure. Interesting tidbits of information were sprinkled throughout the pages, igniting my curiosity and keeping me guessing.
Status on my shelf:
Ohhhh, this one is a keeper. This one I intend to reread. I have no idea how, but God used this one with me. Any book that can remind me of the boundless love of my Savior gets to stay forever if I can help it.
To the author:
PLEASE WRITE MORE OF THIS!!! This first book lasted me a few days (since I had virtually no time to read), but the second lasted me what felt like seconds, and I REALLY want more.
June 8, 2021
By My Own Betrayal was really my first taste of Cydnie's writing, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. The storyline itself, while gripping, was written for a seemingly more adolescent audience. However, I would (and did) recommend this book for youth who are seeking a clean action story with elements of mystery and intrigue.
Essentially, the story centers around a young girl, Sadie Black, who lives and works with her highly secretive family of assassins. After a mission goes awry, Sadie discovers God and is convicted of her murderous lifestyle and decides to run away and begin a new life. Unfortunately, the past has a way of haunting her, and Sadie is left with some difficult, life-changing decisions as she tries to put her skills to use for good rather than evil.
Essentially, the story centers around a young girl, Sadie Black, who lives and works with her highly secretive family of assassins. After a mission goes awry, Sadie discovers God and is convicted of her murderous lifestyle and decides to run away and begin a new life. Unfortunately, the past has a way of haunting her, and Sadie is left with some difficult, life-changing decisions as she tries to put her skills to use for good rather than evil.
June 1, 2021
By My Own Betrayal was an intelligently written action book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I loved the detailed characters and intense action. Built around a great meaning, this attention-capturing book was packed with suspense and adventure.
July 15, 2021
Sadie’s story is a beautiful one. Her journey inspired me, even though it was fiction. The fact that she went against all that she had known, and turned to a life of joy in Christ is astounding. People can change. Cydnie has created a character whom I love with all of my heart. Sadie’s love for her family is amazing. They hate everything that she loves, and yet she never stops trying to help them.
I am a slow reader. But I also knocked this book out in 48 hours. I highly recommend if you want an easy read with plot twists like no other! Cydnie deserves every star that I gave this review. I am usually hesitant to giving a book 5 stars, so good books usually end up 4 - 4.5 stars, but I immediately gifted 5. This book will be something I can look at and smile.
I hope you enjoy Sadie’s story just as much I do. Can’t wait for the sequel!
I am a slow reader. But I also knocked this book out in 48 hours. I highly recommend if you want an easy read with plot twists like no other! Cydnie deserves every star that I gave this review. I am usually hesitant to giving a book 5 stars, so good books usually end up 4 - 4.5 stars, but I immediately gifted 5. This book will be something I can look at and smile.
I hope you enjoy Sadie’s story just as much I do. Can’t wait for the sequel!
June 5, 2022
If you haven't read this book...read it.
June 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was better than I expected, and it was a lot of fun.
December 31, 2024
I finished this book last night and am absolutely FLOORED at how good it was!!!
I am a creature of fantasy lore right down to the marrow of my bones, so for a non-fantasy/non-scifi book to keep me up until 2:30am reading is quite the feat indeed!
By My Own Betrayal by Cydnie Trenholm is a heart pounding action packed story of a young woman named Sadie who was raised in a family of elite assassins.
But when she stumbles into a Christian church and encounters the biblical Christ, she is left with a decision that is not only difficult, but potentially deadly. Everyone in the Black family KNOWS what happens to traitors, and leaving the family business for Jesus is, by all definitions of the word, an absolute betrayal.
Sadie soon finds herself in the most unexpected of circumstances with an unlikely ally whose snark and banter is matched only by her own. (I actually laughed out loud at their verbal sparring a couple of times!)
The story gives us mind-bending plot twists, beautiful and convicting encouragement on the topic of evangelism, and finishes off with some epic action.
I was absolutely rattled by the cliff hanger ending, but luckily book two comes out soon!!! I CANNOT WAIT to see what Trenholm has up her sleeve next!
I am a creature of fantasy lore right down to the marrow of my bones, so for a non-fantasy/non-scifi book to keep me up until 2:30am reading is quite the feat indeed!
By My Own Betrayal by Cydnie Trenholm is a heart pounding action packed story of a young woman named Sadie who was raised in a family of elite assassins.
But when she stumbles into a Christian church and encounters the biblical Christ, she is left with a decision that is not only difficult, but potentially deadly. Everyone in the Black family KNOWS what happens to traitors, and leaving the family business for Jesus is, by all definitions of the word, an absolute betrayal.
Sadie soon finds herself in the most unexpected of circumstances with an unlikely ally whose snark and banter is matched only by her own. (I actually laughed out loud at their verbal sparring a couple of times!)
The story gives us mind-bending plot twists, beautiful and convicting encouragement on the topic of evangelism, and finishes off with some epic action.
I was absolutely rattled by the cliff hanger ending, but luckily book two comes out soon!!! I CANNOT WAIT to see what Trenholm has up her sleeve next!
February 23, 2024
What do you do when your family doesn't understand your newfound faith... and are also elite assassins who will never let you leave that life?
That. was. amazing.
I have never before seen a book shared about on social media, bought the ebook, read it immediately, and rushed off to write a review this fast.
A true adventure-genre book. Sadie and Way are both incredibly smart characters, which kept the fast-paced story full of twists and turns, with information being revealed slowly and logically... yet in Earth-shattering ways. I loved seeing the world through Sadie's eyes.
I enjoyed it starting in the first chapter, but it was around chapter 3 that I realized that I was not going to be able to wait until morning to finish the book. And who doesn't love a 1 AM book review?
That said, the book passed delightfully fast. Not only did it keep me turning pages quickly, but it was also short enough to avoid the feeling of dragging on... but long enough to not feel rushed.
I eagerly await book 2!
That. was. amazing.
I have never before seen a book shared about on social media, bought the ebook, read it immediately, and rushed off to write a review this fast.
A true adventure-genre book. Sadie and Way are both incredibly smart characters, which kept the fast-paced story full of twists and turns, with information being revealed slowly and logically... yet in Earth-shattering ways. I loved seeing the world through Sadie's eyes.
I enjoyed it starting in the first chapter, but it was around chapter 3 that I realized that I was not going to be able to wait until morning to finish the book. And who doesn't love a 1 AM book review?
That said, the book passed delightfully fast. Not only did it keep me turning pages quickly, but it was also short enough to avoid the feeling of dragging on... but long enough to not feel rushed.
I eagerly await book 2!
August 29, 2025
I appreciate Cydnie's writing style; it's engaging and she uses humor well, considering the book could have had a much darker theme without it. The premise is unique to me, to be sure, since my movie/reading experience is that most people with a vocation like this main character usually work alone. But I don't want to include any spoilers, so I will finish by saying it has good suspense and action all through, and the main character is someone you will want to root for, especially after she has had a change of heart.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews