A system and method for implementing a database system is presented. A database system comprises a load balancer and a database partitioned into a first and second shard. Coupled to the load balancer are a first plurality of database servers and a second plurality of database servers. Each of the first plurality of database servers contains a copy of the first shard of the database. Each of the second plurality of database servers contains a copy of the second shard of the database. Each server in the first plurality of database servers arranged in a server set with a server in the second plurality of database servers. Queries sent to a database server in the first plurality of database servers are forwarded to the corresponding server in the server set of the second plurality. Other embodiments also are disclosed.