SEEK THE TRAITOR’S SON by Veronica Roth (audio)

5 stars

In this latest dystopia sci-fi, fantasy, and romance mash-up, Roth thrills as she creates the delightful novel she always craved to write but thought would not be taken seriously. But it’s seriously fun and completely entertaining!

We’re plunged into a dystopian society with two warring factions. One, the dominant Talusars, have taken over most of the planet two societies used to share, and another, the Cedre, is based out of a space station circling the planet. The split came over a plague from which people emerge with either enhanced abilities, usually able to see the past, or they die – about half and half. The Talusar Empire mandates any child coming of age be exposed to the plague and it’s accompanying fever, which they worship as a religion. The Cedre value their children’s lives more than the risk, and refuse to expose their people to the plague.

The novel opens with Elegy Ann, the second daughter of the leader of the Cedre and thus not the heir, and Rava Vidar, a violent and brutal Talusar general, being summoned by the augurs- those rare people who emerge from the plague able to see the future. Elegy Ann and Rava Vidar are separately both told that their society’s success in the war will come down to which of them one man loves. The prophecy does not reveal who that man actually might be.In the quest to figure out who this man is, betrayals, thrills, danger, and romance consume the plot.

Layered on top of all this is a belief by the Cedre that they have been visited by an alien much like them, who invited them to join a galactic consortium of intelligent species but had been turned down by the collective society at the time. Left behind: coordinates for a starship to head to if they ever change their mind. The Cedre has spent a fortune building that spaceship, but are currently at a political loss as to whether it should be launched.

Four narrators of the audio book do an exceptional job drawing you into the lives of both women, and the man they seek, and creating a sense of consuming urgency as all their destinies will determine the fates of the species. Such a great listen!!

Thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for a review audio file to listen to.

Stacy DeBroff

Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.