Secondborn

“I reread this trilogy every two years maybe more maybe less. I love all of Amy Bartol’s series but this is probably my favorite. Unique universe where first borns inherit the responsibilities and rank/status of the parents while second borns are given into indentured servitude to the nation within the ranks of their house (military families give their children over to be foot soldiers). Third borns and so on are not permitted (aka illegal punishable by death I’m pretty sure). Second borns can become first borns if the first born dies. The main character is what we would call a reality tv star. Her life has been filmed as propaganda since she was born. She is the second born child of the head of the military branch of their society, swords. The story starts out on her 18th birthday when she must leave her family and serve in the military. Things get interesting!”